Hi,

I saw three flocks of GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE flying north at Neah Bay,
Clallam County, today. About 80 at 1240; 110 at 1357 and about 250 at 1438.
Anyone know whether these would be coastal Alaska breeders?



Not much else, although a MERLIN trying for a LEAST SANDPIPER, and driving
it very high into the sky was riveting. To my surprise, the Merlin gave up
first - although I believe that is known as the 'life - dinner principle'.



Two slightly washed out 'first-winter' gulls eluded ID. On the one hand the
tertials and primaries were similarly colored (= herring). On the other,
they were small and dainty and short legged, delicately marked above and
below, relatively uniform darkish bills for this time of the year, juveniley
backs, and with nice whitish 'v''s on the (long) primary tips (= Thayers).
I'm leaning towards Herring. Sadly, the family camera was at a quilt class,
so I'll have to wait until next time. Anyone see either of these species
this weekend?



For the record also 2 Semipalmated Plovers, 2 California Gulls, 2 kestrels,
2 Marbled Murrelets.



Nigel Ball

Bainbridge Island