Hi Tweets,

I share this with you on the off chance that many of you might not be
aware of the flocking and feeding phenomenon of Red-throated Loons at
Deception Pass. Their habit of congregating and feeding in tidal
currents is noted in "Birds of Washington," (Wahl, et al.) at page
74. It notes a high of 2000 birds in February 2000. Yesterday was a
great day to be at Deception Pass, with the exceptionally clear
weather and strong currents running with the spring tides that
coincide with a full moon. We went to the Cranberry Lake parking lot
in the state park about an hour into the ebb current. There were
approximately 250 Red-throated Loons with a scattering of other
species. They fly low, towards the Pass, touch down on the water and
then float and dive in the current until they near Deception Island.
They then would fly back into the Pass for another current ride.
Apparently this feeding activity goes on until they leave in the
spring for breeding. There is the possibility of seeing this
activity in April after the loons have molted in to their breeding
plumage. What a sight that would be!

We watched the loons from the bluff at the east end of the parking
lot. Unfortunately, most of them were riding the current closer to
the east side of the pass. Walking out from Bowman Bay would have
put us closer to the birds. However, the weekend before they were
closer to the west side. This could be accounted for by changes in
the path of the ebb current between neap and spring tides. With a
scope the views were more than acceptable. They were downright
thrilling. Deception Pass current tables can be found in most, if
not all, Washington tide guides. On line, you can find Deception
Pass current tables at http://www.dairiki.org/tides/. Click on the
"Other Current Stations" button and then click on Deception Pass.
You can create a table for whatever day you wish. We arrived at the
state park about an hour after slack before ebb and had a pretty good
show for another hour.

If you have never seen so many Red-throated Loons in one place, treat
yourself to a Deception Pass outing.

Good birding,

Carol Riddell
Edmonds