Yesterday (8/13/05) I joined Westport Seabirds for the pelagic trip. Although total bird numbers were not high, we enjoyed good diversity, seeing most of the expected birds including both storm-petrals. Excellent close views of SABINE'S GULLS and a TUFTED PUFFIN that circled the boat at close range. We also had good looks at ARCTIC TERNS. On the retun we observed a Humpback Whale that rolled a few times, then showed its flukes (tail). We also saw Dall Porpoise swimming at the bow and Pacific White-sided Dolphins. If you have not taken one of these trips, why not consider one?

After the trip, Kraig Kemper and I birded a few local spots. There were 2 GREAT EGRETS at Westport. Kraig's keen eye spotted single SNOWY PLOVER at Midway Beach. Tokeland had the usual MARBLED GODWITS, WHIMBRELS and WILLETS (13). Also, at the Tokeland marina, at the end of one of the piers, we watched 2 PURPLE MARTINS bring dragonflies to a nest in a tire fixed to a piling. Yes, a tire.

Today, we birded the Game Range at Ocean Shores. There were numerous LEAST and WESTERN SANDPIPERS at the water's edge and more leasts in the salicornia. There were 6 BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS. Also at (salt)water's edge was a juv STILT SANDPIPER. Plumage was very fresh and bright. We had a long close look at this bird, until it flew off in the direction of the jetty.

Marv Breece
Seattle, WA