Took a drive to Ocean Shores Saturday. At the Hoquiam STP, a bunch of Brown
Pelicans were lounging around on the water, and the fence wires around the
ponds were covered with a couple hundred Barn Swallows. Couldn't find any
other species mixed in, nor could I find anything interesting in the nearby
riparian area. The Osprey nest was empty. At Ocean Shores, I couldn't find
Buff-breasted Sandpipers, Ruff, or Boblinks, but I only looked for an hour
behind the STP.

At the Butter Clam access to the beach, things were better. From the end of
the path from the parking area, I saw a bunch of birds to the south. After
about a half mile walk, and with high tide nearly in, there were a lot of
gulls and shore birds resting on the sand. I didn't make accurate counts,
but I found: 60 or 70 plovers, mostly Black-bellied, but with at least 2
Pacific Golden; more than 500 Western Sandipipers, with a couple Baird's, a
few Least, a couple Short-billed Dowitchers, and about 30 Sanderlings. The
sand was carpeted with birds. As I was about to leave, a caravan of five
Jeeps flying American flags caused most of the birds to take flight, with
many of the Westerns coming right at me. As they got to me they parted to
each side and over my head, then swirled to the ground after the Jeeps
passed by. I noticed one bird stumbling on one foot, and out of nowhere, a
Peregrine Falcon snapped it up, flew to a nearby log and started eating.
After about 30 seconds, another, much darker Peregrine appeared and tried to
steal the meal. After a short squabble, the lighter bird took off down the
beach with its prize, leaving the darker bird sitting on the log,
disappointed.

A memorable day on the Ocean Shores beach, despite missing the rarities.

Gary Sogard
University Place