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JoLynn Edwards and I covered our usual territory on the Skagit Bay CBC today
-- the north end of Camano Island. Numbers and species diversity were both
on the low side compared to the average of the last 14 years. Weather may
have been a factor (wind and rain) and so may have the tide which was
unusually high right through the day. However, this is always a rich and
rewarding CBC sector. We have recorded 130 species there over the years,
and nearly every year brings something new. Today it was a Harris's Sparrow
that JoLynn discovered in a residential area on the island's northwest
corner.

If you are looking to add this species to your 2003 year list (or to your
Island County list) it may be fairly easy to find. From Stanwood, take
SR-532 west onto Camano Island. At Terry's Corner, where the highway forks
(left branch signed to Camano Island State Park), stay right onto North
Camano Drive. In about four miles turn right onto Brokaw Road at
Huntington's Grocery. In about four tenths of a mile turn left onto Rocky
Point Drive and go south one short block to Granite Lane. The northeast
corner of this intersection is a vacant lot grown to blackberries. Here was
the Harris's Sparrow along with many House Sparrows and a few Golden-crowned
Sparrows and Spotted Towhees. If you do not find it there check bramble
patches and other shrubbery along the neighboring streets. Several nearby
houses have active bird feeders. Don't be surprised if you flush a pheasant
or two.

Good luck and good birding!

Hal Opperman
Medina, Washington
hal at catharus.net