Greetings All:
Ryan Shaw, Tracey Norris, and I birded from Brady Loop to Ocean Shores
today. The weather started out miserably, with soaking rain and very strong
winds, but contrary to the forecast the clouds broke quite early and we
enjoyed a calm and almost warm afternoon of birding.

The first highlight was a 2W Glaucous Gull at the Hoquiam STP, along with 5
Eared Grebes and many Bonaparte's Gulls.

I had an enjoyable time with a varied goose flock at the Ocean Shores Golf
Course. A juvenile Snow Goose and 10 Greater White-fronted Geese were
distinctive enough. The two Dusky Canadas also posed little challenge. From
there it got a little grayer. Two parvipes (Canada) and a good number of
taverneri were in the mix, and four minima. Five birds I could not decide
between minima and taverneri, despite great comparison views. In addition,
there were two birds that appeared to have all the characteristics of
leucopareia.

At the Ocean Shores STP, two Red Phalaropes flew by as a couple of HY
Peregrines harassed the tens of thousands of Dunlin present. We walked back
behind the communications tower in the game range, and while scoping the
Dunlin we heard a Pacific Golden-Plover. The bird flew over and showed off
about every field mark that would be visible on a flying bird.

As we returned to the car, two Palm Warblers appeared in a bush bordering
the sewage ponds. We later located another Palm Warbler at the traditional
Silver King Hotel scotch broom lot.

Cheers,
Charlie Wright
Bonney Lake, Washington