Thais & I led the Skagit Co. fieldtrip today. We had a great trip with 92 species without leaving Fir Island. The Wiley Slough/Game Range was very birdy including a Great Egret, 9+ calling Virginia Rails, 4 sp of warblers, & 8 sp Sparrows.

Birded Hayton Snow Goose Preserve but did not find the Buff-breasted Sand. that Aslanians found there on Sat. and was seen by Gary. Bletsch yesterday. Quite a few shorebirds there but nothing exceptional.

At Jenson Access we did not find the Buff-breasted Sand. that we found there yesterday, but did find the 4 Whimbrels, 1 of the two American Golden-Plovers that we found yesterday. Best of all were the 2 Bar-tailed godwits( 1st. co. record) spotted by Wayne Weber and 1 Red Knot spotted by Jan Wiggers. Great views of both were had by all as they flew many time and perched and slept.Close views were also had of 20+ Pecs, 4 Bairds, and the more common species. We also had 15-20 Lapland Longspurs fly right over us.

Howard Armstrong Samish Island
godwits at fidalgo.net