Subject: [Tweeters] mockingbird and sickly scoters on the coast
Date: Sep 11 12:54:22 2009
From: Scott_Gremel at nps.gov - Scott_Gremel at nps.gov




Went to Kalaloch Beach yesterday to investigate a large (100+) number of
surf and white- winged scoters on the beach. Most were alive but appeared
weakened, with protruding keels,and greenish feces. The Park Service
will be testing some carcasses. While on the beach below the campground, I
noticed a long-tailed bird perched prominently on the bluff. Turned out to
be a mockingbird, flycatching termites. The bird was in the main parking
area for beach access, straight towards the beach from the main campground
entrance.

Would be interested to hear if anyone else has seen large numbers of
beached birds on the coast in the last few days. Other reports of beached
scoters have come from Ruby beach, and as far south as Quinault, according
to folks from the Marine Sanctuary.

Scott Gremel
Port Angeles, WA
scott_gremel at nps.gov