Xmas Greetings, Tweets!
Yesterday (12/24) I escaped my family for a day to get
down to look for the Arctic Loon seen on Blind Slough,
in the Brownsmeade area, East of Astoria.

Success! And I even got some decent pics by placing
my hat on the camera during the intermittent rain
squalls! ;) Nicely marked winter plumage individual.

Also seen in the slough were Red-throated and Pacific
Loon for direct comparison. Very Nice, when the rain
stopped and the sun came out.

I wandered around the Astoria area, and then across to
the WA side of the Columbia river afterwards.
Nothing really notable. But I did see a Common Loon,
so it was a 4 Loon day!

The wind damage and flood damage was VERY extensive in
the Astoria area. Downed trees all over the place.
And the Columbia River was full of woody debris. But
the roads are now in good condition and passable. But
I did encounter some snow and sleet on the way down in
the morning!

Good Birding, and Merry Xmas!

Guy

Guy McWethy
Renton, WA
mailto: lguy_mcw at yahoo.com


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