Hello All
Yesterday I went birding in Grays Harbor County, beginning with a quick stop
at Wenzel Slough Road. I scanned through a near flock of swans and
immediately saw the Bewick's. This bird is truly dwarfed by the Trumpeters,
and is smaller and shorter-necked than the average Tundra Swan.
Next I birded Brady Loop, which was pretty slow save for an amazing gull
flock on the eastern end. Among hundreds of Glaucous-winged, fair numbers of
Herring, and lesser numbers of Thayer's and Western Gulls were 8 (eight!)
Glaucous Gulls-- 6 first winter, 2 second winter, and an adult. There were
also 2 birds that were quite apparently Glaucous-winged x Glaucous Gulls,
and one 1W Glaucous x Herring Gull. And a whole conglomeration of birds I
have no clue on.
Next I visited the Ocean Shores Jetty, but as soon as I got there a low fog
came in and ruined my seawatch. So I hiked out Damon Point, where a gorgeous
male Snowy Owl (only very limited black marks on the wings) gave me
incredible views. There was also a huge and very white Glaucous Gull in the
little bay near the marina.
Last stop of the day was Hoquiam STP, which had large numbers of Tree and
Violet-green Swallows, and the 10th Glaucous Gull (1W) of the day.

Cheers,
Charlie Wright
Bonney Lake, Washington

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