Today, the family and I headed north for Marrowstone Island. Our first stop was on Chimacum Center Rd. about 3 miles south of the 4-way intersection in Chimacum. There were approximately 55 Trumpeter Swans in the valley here. Four of the Trumpeters had red neck collars with white numbers/letters and at least two had radio transmitters on them.

Our next stop was in Hadlock where the target was the Blue Jay. With directions in hand from Matt Bartels, we proceeded to the corner of 3rd St. South and Maple. I walked about for a couple minutes and began to hear the Blue Jay to the south. I walked to the corner of 3rd St. South and Pine where I found the Blue Jay jumping around in a pine tree. What a bird! The wife tried to get a few pictures, but it didn't stay around too long. It flew to the southwest after entertaining us for a few minutes. That was a lifer for me!

Next, we headed to Marrowstone to some property that has a great view of the eastern end Kilisut Harbor. I scoped the waters here and found the usual suspects. Common Loon, Red-breasted Merganser, Bufflehead, and Surf Scoter all were present. The main highlight here was seeing eight Long-tailed Ducks swimming close to Indian Island.

Next stop was at Oak Bay county park, where the search was on for the Yellow-billed Loon. I talked to Diane Mulholand who lives right next to the park and she helped me search for the YBLO. Unfortunately, we were not able to locate it. There were good numbers of Brant here with lots of Northern Pintail too. I sorted through some of the gulls here too and found Mew, California, Thayer's and Glacous-winged.

Finally, the trip ended at Fort Flagler where Harlequin Ducks seemed to be everywhere near the campground. I love seeing these ducks with their striking plumage. Along the shore at the boat launch, there was a small group of shorebirds consisting of Black-bellied Plover, Black Turnstone, Sanderling, and one Dunlin. Double-crested Comorants and Pelagic Comorants were common on the pilings here as well.

All in all it was a good day! Good birding!

Tim O'Brien
Elma, WA
mailto: kertim7179 at yahoo.com


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