Tweeters:

I ventured over last minute yesterday morn to do a bit of birding and see if
I could catch up with the Olympic Birdfest in progress. Although I did not
arrive till 10, the birding was very good all day and while today was less
eventful, I ended up with 111 species for the weekend, including some real
surprises:

ARCTIC LOON--far offshore, observed from the bluff trail of Graysmarsh
(private property), looking out toward Protection I. I was scanning
offshore waters through the Kowa for alcids when I stumbled upon the
bird--similar in size to Pacific Loon but with a longer, brighter bill.
More important--the flank at the water-line had considerable white, from the
rump area to past the mid-point. The bird never once dove, and I watched it
for a good half-hour; the extensive white was always visible, although the
roll of swells caused me to lose the bird a couple times. Interestingly,
there was a very active group of 15 or so Pacific Loons nearby, mostly
winter-plum and molting birds, that were busy diving in the characteristic
synchronized fashion--one bird dives, then the one next to it, on down the
line, so that the entire group is under water for a spell before they all
surface. Notably, the Arctic Loon never once joined in this frolic, instead
staying in close company with a single Red-n. Grebe. I have extensive
experience with Arctic Loon, chiefly from the Russian Far East in the 90s.
This is a Grays and CLALLAM first I believe.

Ruddy Duck--female on the western of the Kitchen Dick ponds 3/31; local in
Clallam Co, this species apparently nested at these ponds last year

Turkey Vulture--there was 1 low over Hwy 104 between Shine and Discovery Bay
in Jefferson County, two others near the Kitchen Dick Ponds, both 3/31; 4
more were near Buckley this afternoon.

Greater Yellowlegs--3 at Graysmarsh today.

PECTORAL SANDPIPER--heard only at the Graysmarsh public beach access 3/31--I
could not spot the bird amidst the commotion of a number of birds moving
downshore just off the beach over the water, but I heard the low "churk"
note clearly three times. A very early date for a species that is rare in
spring generally here (I had only one other entry for Grays for spring, a
May 9, 1998 group of 4).

GLAUCOUS GULL--'ol Bob B. found a 1st-winter for the Birdfest participants
yesterday at the Three Crabs. I was unable to relocate it.

CaspianTern--looking out from the Oyster House, Bob B. et al found a pair
amongst the gull hordes, first of the season

Anna's Hummingbird--female near Port Washington, follows big winter season
(we had 10 on the CBC in Dec.)

Cliff Swallow--first of season over Jimmy-Come-Lately Creek in Blyn 3/31

N. Rough-winged Swallow--two on wires at Port Washington 3/31, many more at
Graysmarsh 4/1

MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD--following a March 25 sighting at the Graysmarsh beach, I
had two males at the public beach access 3/31

Orange-crowned Warbler--widespread arrivals throughout

PALM WARBLER--a cooperative winter-plum western race was in the willows
along the eastern two of the Kitchen Dick ponds about 11 a.m. Perched in
the open in response to pishing, giving the distinct chip repeatedly. Just
the third or so for Clallam I believe.

Scott Atkinson
Lake Stevens
mail to: scottratkinson at hotmail.com

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