I spent most of the day birding up in Skagit. There were a few birds at the
game range but nothing too interesting. Highlights include 2 MacGillivray's
Warblers, at least 60 Purple Finches, 2 Hermit Thrush, a Golden-crowned
Sparrow and 2 Sooty Fox Sparrows.

On Maupin road there were 5 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS in the grassy field 1/2
mile south of Rawlins Road. They were still there when I passed by again in
the afternoon. Channel Drive had shorebirds for the first time in awhile
(at least while I've been there), including a Baird's Sandpiper.

Samish Island had another MacGillivray's Warbler and two more Golden-crowned
Sparrows but little else. At Sullivan Road on the Samish Flats there were
two more BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS and a flock of at least 80 American
Pipits. I spent awhile looking at the pipits but couldn't find any of their
foreign friends.

My only Peregrine Falcon of the day flew past the Big Ditch. While looking
unsuccessfully for a Snoho Co BBSA, a Pectoral Sandpiper and 2 Baird's
Sandpipers flew past on 286th St NW. There were also at least 50 pipits
here but fairly far away. The little pond outside the Stanwood STP was
mostly dry but did have a snipe.

Good Birding,
Ryan Merrill
Kirkland, WA