You should definitely still see tundra swans in the "normal" locations in and around Fir Island and bit farther north (see Halpern). When you get off of I-5 at Fir Island road (exit 221?), turn right and loop back down the frontage road (you will have already seen the swans from I-5 if they are there). After you look there, return to Fir Island Rd and turn left, over the freeway, and then explore Fir Island Rd and up Best Rd, left on Hwy 20, and then up into the Samish Flats (E and W 90's etc). Someone on the list please confirm the exit number for Fir Island Road. I have also seen them on Skagit City Rd (off Fir Island Rd, just past the river).

I saw a barrows goldeneye (female) in Waverly Beach Park (Kirkland) 2 weeks ago but I think it will be a lucky hit if you find one.

The last Eurasian Widgeon I saw was a few weeks ago but you stand a good chance if you hit places with lots of ducks (perhaps Montlake Fill?).

I have been having excellent luck with Harlequin Ducks. Saltcreek County park near Olympic National Forest is excellent but very far away. I have also seen them on the west side of Whidbey Island and most recently at Washington Park in Anacortes.

I saw some pelagics Sunday March 4 (lists are at home, sorry) on E. March Point Rd (Padilla Bay, off of Hwy 20).

Tweeters, what do you think about a trip up to Skagit/Samish and then over to Washington Park in the later afternoon? It doesn't hurt that the sunset from the top of Washington Park is quite amazing.
----- Original Message -----
From: monte merrick
To: a1marceau at aol.com
Cc: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 8:45 PM
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Visiting Birder to Seattle


hi allyson

its almost the end of seabird season here on the interior waters (reachable by ferry) marbled murrelet is possible, common murre, pigeon guillemot, harlequin ducks are still around here on lummi island in the san juans, as well as long tailed ducks and rednecked grebes. a yellow billed loon this far south is a rarity that any birdy aviar soar to eagle it (to steal from james joyce)

i believe tundra swans are still about on the nooksack lowlands up here in whatcom county so probably in skagit too.
i havent seen a barrows goldeneye around here since december, now all the goldeneyes are commons
i used to sea kittiwakes at the seattle waterfront between piers when i lived down there - you never know
get out of the city onto the islands or the olympic peninsula and almost all the crows you'll see you can call NW crow, though some doubt such a distinction is truly possible anymore. stillplenty of varied thrushes around here, i just heard some today, but boy oh boy are the robins ever dominating the thrush show (and by the way i'm all for renaming the robin red breasted thrush after seeing the what they call robins in europe - nothing at all alike)

dont think flycatchers are here yet and ive never seen a gray jay west of the mountains. i am no expert though - i barely keep a list and mostly i just spend most of time out of doors and i like to pay attention. there are some people on this list however, based on their posts, that are extremely devoted to birding and will probably love to show you around

good luck and make sure to get to all the parks that are open - this place is extra-ordinary - it is awesome in the old time honored meaning of the word.

take care

monte merrick
wildlife rehabilitator/oiled bird care specialist
lummi island washington
montemerrick at speakeasy.net
On Mar 12, 2007, at 7:46 PM, a1marceau at aol.com wrote:


Tweeters:

I'm coming to Seattle for birding beginning this Thursday, and I'd appreciate any assistance tweeters members can give me. I have "A Birder's Guide to Washington," which is very helpful, but it's overwhelming! I would like to know reliable places to find birds on my wish list. Also, can you tell me if this is a good time of year to visit the two National Parks? I wouldn't turn down an opportunity to bird with one of you if you are interested in showing a newbie around either!

Here's my wish list:

Red-throated or yellow-billed loon
Red-necked grebe
Any pelagic birds showing up near land (or on a ferry?)
any swan
Eurasion Widgeon
Harlequin duck
Barrow's Goldeneye
Ruffed Grouse
Red-necked phalarope
Kittiwakes
Snowy owl
any other uncommon owls
Three-toed wodpecker
Gray flycatcher
Gray jay
NW Crow
Varied Thrush
Pine grosbeak

Thanks for your help!

Allyson Marceau
Houston, Texas
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