Yesterday (8-24-05) Paul Woodcock and I birded several
sites in Whatcom County north of Bellingham. Focusing
on promising sites for shorebirds and ignoring forest
sites, we had a species total of 64, including 11
shorebirds. Highlights included five PECTORAL
SANDPIPERS at the base of the Lummi Aquiculture Dike
seen at close range (and carefully inspected for
possible Sharp-tailed), and at least one BANK SWALLOW
observed repeatedly at the same site. The golf course
lagoon that has been good recently had little of
interest, but we watched a pair of GREATER YELLOWLEGS
fishing for minnows, which was fun. Blaine Marine
Park was devoid of shorebirds when we were there, but
a flock of peeps at the back of Drayton Harbor
included several SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS and one juvenile
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER. Following California Creek back
from the harbor mouth was unexpectedly rewarding, with
several dozen LESSER YELLOWLEGS (a few Greater as
well), numerous peeps, one SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, and
one STILT SANDPIPER. For me, however, the highlight
of the day was a pair of close-range CASSIN'S AUKLETS
drifting past on the swift current in front of the
Lummi Island ferry terminal. This was a lifebird I
never expected to see away from the outer coast, and I
carefully checked the field marks to eliminate
immature Rhinocereous Auklets. Shape and bill shape
give these birds a remarkably unique profile. Are
these birds seen sometimes in these waters?

-Victor Burgett, Birch Bay, vicjenb at yahoo.com



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