I went to Alki yesterday to look for shorebirds and to try for a lifer
TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE. The Solitaire was still exactly where it had been
reported on 39th and Warsaw. It sang from the top of an evergreen tree
while I took a few pictures.

I then went to the beach just south of the lighthouse which was very active.
There was a group of 35 BRANT feeding on the edge of the shore, with 3
HARLEQUIN DUCKS feeding nearby. On the rocks near the apartments were 2
BLACK TURNSTONE. Slightly farther north were about 30 SANDERLING. Also in
the vicinity were a few HORNED GREBE, some COMMON GOLDENEYE, RED-BREASTED
MERGANSER, SURF SCOTER, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT and one PELAGIC CORMORANT.
Plus the usual gulls, BUFFLEHEADS, etc.

I was still missing surfbird so I went to the dock at Duwamish Head where 25
SURFBIRDS were hanging out with about 8 more BLACK TURNSONE. This seems to
be a reliable location for them.

This was probably my first trip where every bird was exactly where it was
supposed to be and just waiting for me when I got there. They even all
posed for pictures. I'd definitely recommend Alki as a birding destination.

Randy Bjorklund
Federal Way, WA