Subject: [Tweeters] Seattle, Discovery Park 11/15/04
Date: Nov 15 13:52:25 2004
From: Matt Bartels - mattxyz at earthlink.net


Hi Tweeters-
I spent the morning out at Discovery Park [in Seattle], mostly
standing in the wind & rain at the end of the point.
I was hoping for alcids, but only ended up seeing a single Rhino
Auklet the entire time.

However, a nice flock of BLACK TURNSTONES did stop by, probably 40-50
in all. Mixed in with them were 2 SURFBIRDS & a DUNLIN. I've heard of
a similar flock being reported at Discovery Park on occasion, but
have never before run into it - which leads to my question: Is there
a more reliable place in the Seattle area to find this flock of
Turnstones? They were present for the highest part of high tide, then
flew off to the north.

Also present was a flock of 50+ SANDERLING.

Just off the point, a couple Mew Gulls amused me by doing a good
imitation of storm-petrel style foot-pattering on the surface as they
hovered in place.

Belatedly, I might as well add that last Friday [11/12] at the same
spot I enjoyed watching 12-14 Orcas passing by at close range. Also
present was a Marbled Murrelet in close, and several Pigeon Guillemot
& Rhino Auklets. Still hoping for a Discovery Park Ancient Murrelet
one of these days....


Matt Bartels
Seattle, WA
--