This afternoon I took the family out to the Skokomish River delta to explore the new walkway that has been constructed by the Skokomish Tribe. You must ask for permission from the Skokomish Tribal Police and get a key that unlocks the gate out to the delta.

At the gate on Skok Flats Road, we had several singing Black-throated Gray Warblers and at least one or two Townsend's Warblers. Further down the road, we saw a group of at least 8 Golden-crowned Sparrows.

Out on the flats, we spotted Killdeer and Greater Yellowlegs. The tide was very low so most of the birds were too far out to ID. Several Bald Eagles of various ages kept things interesting. The flats had lots of wet muddy areas that I would suspect may attract shorebirds during high tide. The walkway bisects the flats and leads you out to a point where you can view the Great Bend of Hood Canal.

Last Spring, I had a Blue-winged Teal on the flats further into May. This area will be worth exploring more.

Tim O'Brien
Elma, WA
mailto: kertim7179 at yahoo dot com



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