I was at Grays Harbor NWR (Bowerman Basin) in Hoquiam today where there are still plenty of shorebirds to look at. Western Sandpiper, Dunlin, and Semipalmated Plover are the top 3 in numbers. There were approximately 50 or so Red Knots present and 3 Greater Yellowlegs. I also had a nice look at a Peregrine Falcon as it flew by the boardwalk. One other notable bird was a single Common Murre that was working its way down the water line towards the east end of the basin. I've never seen one here before. A few other folks out on the boardwalk did say that they did spot a few Dowitchers as well.

On the way back home, I made a quick tour of the Brady Loop where I ran into Bill Shelmerdine. He let me know he had spotted 3 Ruddy Turnstones on the east side of the loop. I had no problem finding them around some remaining water just south of Willis Road. Thanks Bill! That's the first time I have seen both kinds of Turnstone around the Brady Loop. I saw 2 Black Turnstones last week on the other side of the road.

I'll see everyone at the Shorebird Festival this weekend!

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



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