What a lovely morning to be on the water in the Commencement Bay area. And great birds this morning. First-off, were two adult Bald Eagles flying low (30 feet) over SR 509, from Dash Point beach area to Dash Point State Park vicinity. On the water, we encountered a large flock of Bonapartes Gulls, maybe 200, between dash Point and Brown's Point (N47 18.8 X W122 26.3). Just floated along, to not disturb them as they chattered on about the quiet water and good weather. A few Caspian Terns were seen overhead in the same area. A few Pigeon Guillemotts also. Further on, south of Brown's Point (N47 17.9 X W122 26.7), we found at least 8 Marbled Murrelets, maybe 9, on the surface, then diving with that characteristic wing beat to propel them under the surface. I was within about 10 feet of one when it surfaced, so got an excellent observation of it in full breeding (dull brown/black) plumage. And are they ever small birds for spending most of their lives on the water. At !
least 3
Common Loons, one of which called while we floated by, were also observed along the route between Dash Point and the derelict ship breakwater below the Cliffhouse Restaurant.

Mark Freeland
Federal Way
maamfree at comcast.net