Since moving to Port Angeles I've noticed a slow increase in the numbers of individuals I see flying by my windows. I know of two nests in the neighboring areas that seem to be successful, bit generally I see no more than 4 or 5? around at any given time. But over the past week I've been noticing more flying around. I also noticed an increase in gulls + " feeding frenzy" in the waters out from the?mouth of Morse Creek over the same period. Then on Thursday as I walked the trail, at about low tide time, I counted 38 Bald eagles on the beach in an area of no more than a couple hundred square feet, and as I checked nearby trees I found 8 more. No telling how many were camoflaged in the deeped growth.
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Then today I coounted 8 in the trees near the bridge where the path crosses Morse creek just south of HWy 101. Below them floating unconcernedly were 5 Common mergs. No one bothering anyone else. And in the background a Belted kingfisher rattled its way along the stream. My best guess is that the hatchery by the bridge has been releasing some of the fry that are being raised there for restocking the Elwha? and all "interested" parties had gathered to reap the spoils and fill their respective bellies. What a treat to see!
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Judy Mullally? judyemullatyahoodotcom in