Yesterday I visited a couple of locations in Skagit County to see what shorebirds may be about.


Samish Flats West 90 Ponds

Least Sandpiper - 9
Western Sandpiper - 6
Long-billed Dowitcher - 27
Greater Yellowlegs - 3


Channel Drive

Least Sandpiper - 8
Western Sandpiper - 87
Lesser Yellowlegs - 1
Greater Yellowlegs - 10
Long-billed Dowitcher - 5
Wilson's Phalarope - 1
Spotted Sandpiper - 3




To reach the West 90 Ponds, park in the parking area at the West 90, south of Samish Island. The ponds are located in the fields to the west toward Padilla Bay. A map of the fields and ponds is posted in the parking area. I was there at low tide yesterday. High tide would probably be even better for the ponds.


To reach the Channel Drive location travel north from La Conner on Whitney-La Conner Road. Turn left (west) on Downey before you reach Hwy 20. Soon Downey bends to the right and becomes Channel. Drive a short distance to the dead end. Check the muddy edges east of the road for a variety of shorebirds. All mud is covered at high tide. Best to visit when the tide is out.



It was a good day.

Marv Breece
Seattle, WA
mbreece at earthlink.net