Three weeks ago, when at Rockport, I saw a Turkey Vulture hanging out on the shore. I lost him, only to float by him on a raft trip downriver about two hours later! I was really glad to come across him again, as I didn't have my camera with me on the first sighting.

Last weekend (1/13), the eagles on the Skagit were pretty active. We took the Kingston ferry to Edmonds, and then I-5 north to 530, and following 530 to HWY20 - to about midway between Marblemount and Newhalen.

Along the way, out past Darrington, we pulled off time and again on to rural roads to poke around for good photo ops. What really shocked me was the Pileated activity, it was truly amazing! At this time, it was around 0800-0845. We saw six Pileateds on one road, four on another. Their calls were very loud and proud in the early morning mist. Varied Thrush seemed to be at every turn, as were flickers and flocks of siskins numbering 20-30. We spotted the siskin flock two or three times - quite possibly the same flock as we were in the same general area.

Juvenile Eagle (2nd year?) on the Skagit Bank just north of Swift Creek http://www.pbase.com/neens_wa/image/91696310
Some nice golden eyes (These guys are so pretty!) http://www.pbase.com/neens_wa/image/91696311 and http://www.pbase.com/neens_wa/image/91060297
Adult Bald Eagles:
http://www.pbase.com/neens_wa/image/91060288
http://www.pbase.com/neens_wa/image/91060289
http://www.pbase.com/neens_wa/image/91060291
http://www.pbase.com/neens_wa/image/91060292
http://www.pbase.com/neens_wa/image/91060293
Cute little song sparrow: http://www.pbase.com/neens_wa/image/91060295
Turkey Vulture (sitting about 18" above the bank) http://www.pbase.com/neens_wa/image/91060296

I have become addicted to trips to the Skagit Valley. In two weeks, I'll be heading to Fir Island area, in hopes of having the joy of seeing the geese!!! :O) Right now the non-birding half of my household says "Keep an eye on the gass+ferry bill..." :OP

nina
Bremerton, WA

neens at wavecable dot com

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