Subject: [Tweeters] Marbled Godwits at Blaine Marine Park
Date: Jun 19 13:58:20 2008
From: Wayne Weber - contopus at telus.net


Birders,

A brief visit yesterday afternoon, June 18, to the Blaine Marine Park
(Whatcom Co.) produced few species, but among them were two MARBLED GODWITS
feeding along the tideline on the Semiahmoo Bay flats. This is definitely an
unusual species in June. However, godwits are now being seen around
Vancouver, BC (mostly around Boundary Bay and Roberts Bank, near the ferry
jetty) almost throughout the year in small numbers (1-5 birds), with
infrequent larger flocks in migration. Four Marbled Godwits spent all of
last winter at Blackie Spit in Surrey-- not far north of Blaine-- with a
Long-billed Curlew.

Also of interest at the same spot was a flock of 200 BONAPARTE'S GULLS
(nearly all immatures), which is somewhat unusual in June, and about 60
CASPIAN TERNS, which is much more normal.

For the record, a BROWN PELICAN was present on June 15 and 16 near the White
Rock pier, within sight of Blaine. The same bird (presumably) has also been
seen within the last week at Point Roberts and in Stanley Park, BC.
Whatcom County birders should keep an eye out for it in case this bird heads
south along the shoreline.

Wayne C. Weber
Delta, BC
contopus at telus.net