Hello, Tweeters,

A first look at the Sequim-Dungeness CBC, held on Monday, 12/18,
shows that we stand right now at 144 species, three short of our all-
time record. Notable species for us included Canvasback, Redhead,
Yellow-billed Loon (a remarkable 8 total, including 7 seen between
Protection Is. and Dungeness Spit by our boat party of Bruce LaBar,
Charlie Wright, and Mike Crim), Rough-legged Hawk, Red Phalarope,
Marbled Godwit, Heermann's Gull, Thick-billed Murre (also seen by our
boat party), Burrowing Owl (seen near Graysmarsh by Scott Atkinson &
Ann Winskie), Barn Swallow (3rd year in a row, also at Graysmarsh),
Pine Grosbeak, and Snow Bunting. Our only misses of occasionally-
seen species included Gr. White-fronted Goose, Bonaparte's Gull,
Orange-crowned Warbler, and Swamp Sparrow. It's too soon for total
numbers, but it looks as if we had record numbers of Mallards, Am.
Wigeon, Anna's Hummers, and Barn Owls. With the Burrowing Owl, we
tallied 8 owl species for the day.

Many, many thanks to our wonderful counters, who numbered well over
100 this year. The weather also cooperated beautifully with overcast
skies and nary a breath of wind, in great contrast to the previous
week. I'll try to post more details after the data's all compiled.

Bob Boekelheide
Dungeness River Audubon Center
Sequim