Hi Tweets,

It plunked and plinked raindrops on the Edmonds public pier this
morning but did not start to rain steadily until I went to the
marsh. I cut it short and then returned this afternoon when the tide
was lower and the skies a bit more fair. Geese included BRANT (35
yesterday and 2 this morning) and CANADA (8 in the marsh yesterday
and about 30 flying over today). Ducks on the Sound were SURF
SCOTER, BUFFLEHEAD, and RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. There was a PACIFIC
LOON floating west of the underwater park this morning and a RED-
THROATED LOON swimming among the Mew Gulls south of the pier this
afternoon. From the pier there were four grebe species: PIED-BILLED
(one in the marina), HORNED, RED-NECKED (some of those necks are
starting to turn red), and WESTERN. There were 8 SANDERLING flying
about the breakwater this morning. Both DOUBLE-CRESTED and PELAGIC
CORMORANTS were around. It was a three alcid day with COMMON MURRE
(1 yesterday and 10 flying to the north this morning), PIGEON
GUILLEMOT (the transition to alternate plumage is at various stages
right now), and RHINOCEROS AUKLET (2 south of the marina breakwater
entrance this afternoon). Gulls were limited to GLAUCOUS-WINGED and
MEW.

Several YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS are continuing at the marsh, along
with KILLDEER, GREAT BLUE HERONS, ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, SPOTTED
TOWHEES, SONG SPARROWS, and OREGON JUNCOS. We're noticing oil in the
water at the eastern-most viewing platform. Time to get in touch with
the Department of Ecology, I suppose.

Good birding,

Carol Riddell
Edmonds