Hello Tweeters,

I noted earlier today that Bill and I and many others apparently
failed to find the Mountain Plover at Ocean Shores. We gave up on that and
headed to the Pt. Brown Jetty arriving about noon. One of the highest tides
of the year (10 foot plus) was in the making for 2:21 pm, and when we
arrived, the water was already higher up the beach than I'd ever seen it.
Some birders just leaving the area pointed out helpfully that the Rock
Sandpipers and other rock birds were within sight from the shore and it
wasn't necessary to climb onto the jetty.

We quickly located a flock of Black Turnstones, Surfbirds, and
Rock Sandpipers standing in rows not too far out on the jetty. We also kept
having to move back up the beach as the waves rolled up the beach and lapped
at our feet. Bill got quite a few pictures, but most birds had their heads
tucked under their wings. Then three people, a mom, dad, and small boy,
decided that this incoming tide was the perfect time to go out onto the
rocks. Despite the waves crashing onto the jetty and sending spray all over
them, they finally approached the flock of birds, sometimes obscuring our
view. The birds began to stir and began flying up to higher perches. Bill
kept snapping pictures. Then the family on the rocks started shouting about
a big wave. I thought maybe they would be washed off the rocks. Then,
before we could react, the water started rushing up the beach at us! I
grabbed the scope and we high-tailed it as best we could, binoculars and
cameras flapping off both our sides.

We were no match for this particular wave and we got wet up to
our skivvies. We waded up the beach with as much dignity as we could
muster, congratulating ourselves that we hadn't lost any more than our
aplomb. I would like to report, though, that Bill got some good pictures of
the three species of rock bird standing side by side. When I say "good,"
I'm not talking about National Geographic quality, but good for diagnostic
purposes, if you want to see these birds side by side. If you're
interested, let me know and I'll send you a couple shots.

Finally, heading home, we did see a large flock of about 50
White-fronted Geese fly in and land on the Ocean Shores golf course, right
near the club house.

By the way, thanks to all of you who did see the Mountain Plover
and gave really good descriptions about where to find it. Maybe we'll get
lucky next time!

Cheers, Charlotte Byers, Seattle