Hadn't planned to bird whilst driving along Tractyon Blvd this eve after a
hellacious day at work. But, a big bird in the water in the 3700 block just
before that huge house on sort of a point caught my eye. I had to drive a
bit farther to find a place to turn around, then backtrack to find someplace
to pull off and park. Those of you who've birded there know what a problem
that can be. Long story short (well, maybe not short), the big bird in the
water was a COMMON LOON still in alternate plumage! Wow! What a thrill!
Should've had the scope, rats! I stood just off the road and watched it for
about 10 mins. Gosh those birds are beautiful. BELTED KINGFISHERS (BEKI)
whizzed by, rattling as they flew.

After that chance encounter how could I not mosey on to the Tracyton boat
ramp to see what else might be there? It just so happened there were two
(2) RED-NECKED GREBES in alternate plumage! Plus a female MALLARD (quack),
gulls, more BEKI, a few grebes...

Amazing how three birds and three hours' difference (4:30 at work in
Seattle, 7:30 watching birds in Bremerton) can turn a lousy evening into a
good one! Looks like the winter waterfowl are moving in, and right on time,
according to Wahl and Paulson. Yay!

Good birding,
Mary

Mary Klein
Bremerton WA
CelloBird at seanet.com