Tweets,
A group of us (Georgia Conti, Barry Levine, Mason
Flint, and myself) started out yesterday in search of
Clay-colored Sparrows and Snowy Owls around Whidbey
Island and up to the Sammish and Fir Island. Along
the way we picked up reinforcements at the ferry
(Patricia Lott and Hubby, plus a gent moving here from
Cheasapeake Bay!) and started a parade across Whidbey
Island.

(We saw all 3 species of Scoter right at the Ferry
terminal. And a Rhino Auklet on the ride across)

We dipped on the Clay-colored Sparrow at Freeland Park
but picked up lots of good birds, including Merlin and
Wilson's Snipe, and a River Otter. HUGE flock of
Western Grebe in the bay.
Moving up the Island, we dipped on the Keystone Snowy
Owl as well. But we saw many Yellowlegs (greater and
lesser), and a huge flock of ducks on Crockett Lake.
Highlight was a NORTHERN SHRIKE just south of the
terminal. Patricia headed home at this point, so our
parade was down to 2 cars.

Penn Cove surprised us with Black Oystercatcher and
Black Turnstone. And John (?) left for his afternoon
chores.

Feeling short on daytime, we blasted up to West 90.
Raptors up the Wazoo. MANY N. Harriers, Red-tailed
and Rough-legged Hawks, Sharpie, and an estimated 6-12
Short-eared Owls. And another Merlin.

Fir Island, North Access : Estimated 20,000 Snow Geese
on the Bay and flying around! Another 6-8 SE Owls
flying around and harassing each other.

GEORGEOUS Sunset! Alpen-glow on both Baker and
Rainier! STUNNING end of the day.

A quick stop at Jensen access at dusk, and we FINALLY
found our Snowy Owls! 2 seen on stumps looking east.
And more SE Owls. We also watched about 5,000 Dunlin
settling in for the night, all swirling around between
us and the mountains. And Trumpeter Swans flying low
overhead.

A FANTASTIC day, all-in-all. No great rarities, but
great company, good (if chilly) temps, clear sunny
skys, and a picture-perfect ending!

Good Times!
Guy

Guy McWethy
Renton, WA
mailto: lguy_mcw at yahoo.com

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