Last week I was working on a boat in Elliot Bay marina. While hanging over the side, an immature Rhinoceros Auklet popped up to the surface about five feet from my face with a 3-4 " perch in it's mouth. It then dived with the fish and released it and got another hold on it and surfaced again. The Rhino repeated this three more times - releasing the perch, catching it and resurfacing. The viewing conditions were just right - the shadow of a nearby hull eliminated the surface reflection so I had very clear view of the bird as it 'flew' underwater alcid fashion. On the last try the bird had the fish just right and horked it down. At that point, though I'd been stock still the whole time, I could'nt help but smile - that small movement spooked the bird and it dove and was gone.

Frequently while (supposed to be) working dock-side at various marina's on the sound I am found belly-down on the dock looking at the many interesting sea creatures on the dock floats and pilings. This often results in getting smarty pants comments from passerby's . Even more so when I use my binoculars to get closer views of underwater stuff. The exquisite table manners of the sea cucumber probably exceeds that of the average dockwalker.Close focusing ( 5-6 feet) binocs are very handy for getting closer views of just out of reach water creatures.

My latest big brainy idea is to constuct a 'viewing cone' such as japanese fisherpeople use to cut through the surface glare, and attach my binocs to it , so I can really get good looks at them aquatic creatures. To prepare for the probable dockside commentary I think proper attire is called for - maybe a pink sombrero and a plaid bathrobe.

Happy Trails
Jeff Gibson, Everett Wa.