No one signed up for the big Whatcom County Shoreline field trip so I grabbed my buddy, Darrel, and we did it anyway. Most significant sighting of the day: NO RAIN! (More of a non-sighting, I guess.) It was pretty breezy and chilly for most of the day but the weather only served to increase our appreciation of the fresh and hot clam chowder at Semiahmoo. A little Tabasco and I was in heaven!

The numbers were nowhere near what you might expect in early April but good sightings/looks, nonetheless.
Most of the usual suspects were about, but in low numbers. As much of a highlight as anything, off the main pier in Blaine and practically under our feet were a couple dozen Eared Grebes, sporting almost full breeding plumage. It was the same with most of the loons we saw between Blaine and Birch Bay.

I located the nesting pair of Black Oystercatchers inside the Blaine marina and the Double-crested Cormorants were busy working on their nests on the marina breakwater. There are over 100 nests now and it gets very busy in May and June.

More than 1,000 Brant were spread throughout Birch Bay as the tide was going out. On the mud flats and almost in downtown (a relative term) Birch Bay were numerous Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs.

Hundreds of Tree and Violet-green Swallows were swarming over Lake Terrell and Tennant Lake, where Marsh Wrens were practicing their vocalizations non-stop as we walked the partially-flooded boardwalk.

Any day is a good day to be out and this was no exception. Hope some of you can join me next time!

Cheers,
Joe Meche
Bellingham