Hi Tweets -
This morning at Bottle Beach I observed 2 male Hudsonian Godwits in
breeding plumage. They were present from about 6:30 - 8:00, as high
tide approached. Both stood out well with their rich chestnuty
colored breast & belly. They were noticeably smaller sized than the
Marbled Godwits present, and their bi-colored bills, white eyeline,
and barred undertail coverts ruled out a possible Bar-tailed. Having
only ever seen winter HUGOs, this was quite the treat!

Also present at Bottle Beach [in Grays Harbor Co., near Markham, WA
ABA guide p.65, by the way]:
20-30 Red Knots, most in bright breeding plumage
30-40 SB Dowitchers
maybe 50 Black-bellied Plovers, only a few in breeding plumage
Marbled Godwit 5-6
Whimbrel - 3
Western Sandpipers - 5
Dunlin, maybe 50
Greater Yellowlegs - 3 briefly

A couple other notable sightings from the day:
Western Kingbird - at the entrance road to Westhaven SP in Westport
[Grays Harbor]
Western Kingbird - near the marina in Tokeland [back in that
overgrown field ~2 blocks north]

Best,

Matt Bartels
Seattle, WA

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