Tweets, Monday mid-morning I birded around Tenino before heading to the
coast. The adult kite that's been hanging around this summer at the
mini-airstrip on Melville St (off Old Hwy 99 about 3 mi W of Tenino, 5 mi E
of Grand Mound exit 88) was again present, possibly with a second
individual. The weather at the coast continued to improve throughout the
day, with only a steady gentle breeze at Ocean Shores jetty early afternoon
and at Bottle and Midway Beaches in the evening. Highlights:
- 54 Red-necked Phalarope at Hoquiam STP, 60+ at Midway
- 4 Snowy Plover at Midway, running in the tire tracks
- 2 Willets at Bottle Beach (somewhat unexpected location)
- 649 birds counted at Tokeland Marina roost at sunset, including 1
dowitcher and about 8 Whimbrel, the rest Marbled Godwit (no curlews)
An hour seawatch from the tip of Ocean Shores jetty at low tide produced 0
shearwaters, but many distant silhouettes were observed off Midway Beach in
the evening. Lots of peeps around, especially Oyhut Game Range, including
two Semi-palmated Sndprs. About 100 species for the day. Good birding!
--Paul Hicks, Tenino / phicks AT accessgrace.org