Hello all,


I spent the latter part of the afternoon Tuesday observing birds in the Skagit and Fidalgo I. areas.



I was, at times, just ahead of a storm front coming from the South as I traveled from Mercer Island to the Skagit valley. My friend Gregg was heading South in rain from the border and Bellingham reporting rain. My hope was I would arrive at Skagit, Conway to Laconner and East to Deception pass before the front engulfed the area. Just made it by ten minutes.


I experienced a phenomena that was new to me. I found a large group of Snow geese (800- 1000) next to a side road feeding. Most were not the typical white adults- many color variations were present and feeding. It took me a few minutes to realize that about 85% were juveniles in molt. At least five birds were banded- two with large neck bands and three with large leg bands. Then the storm front hit my car and with window down and I was quickly wet. Thanks to the people that invented car heaters and air conditioners. Many species were activated by the wind, rain and high tide. After a tour bus with photographer stopped, a local blared her horn like some urban Road rage guy and some locals stopped to wonder and photograph the birds (Including one guy who appeared to be about age 90- physically impaired but out of his car and taking photos while his wife waited. He very slowly made his way back-40 feet- and got back into their car. He and I were both wowed and regarded each other with a distant nod.


I drove a short distance to the sea dike and walked South over the dike. The shear force of the storm front blasted me with rain and chill and I dropped the ear muffs of the Filson. As I stood and looked into the storm, I watched 1500-2000 Dunlin flying in slow motion, in groups, perpendicular to the wind. No Peregrines would fly in this wind, but the birds did not land. A group of Black-bellied plovers- in various stages of molt- and Short-billed Dowitchers called, landed and flew North with the storm. Many Greater Yellowlegs called and held near the salt. Several species of ducks swam and held in the salt as if all was calm. Northern Harriers hovered, nearly stationary near the dike. A flock of Western Sandpipers flew in and out of the area.
After 20 minutes I decided that continuing to stay for this wonder would be risky to my health. I again was thankful for the auto heater. Following more views of the geese, including on cackler, I drove on. Found many Golden-crowned sparrows in alternate plumage and one Gambelii White-crowned singing and feeding near Dodson road. Also California quail(seen and calling), m. doves, House finches and a beautiful male Downy Woodpecker.


At March Point, found many American Wigeon and one male hybrid Eurasian. Was also introduced to inhaling exotic hydrocarbons that were present near car level as a result of the storm. I reminded myself that I was here watching some extraordinary things as a result of the gas in my car that may have been produced at this refinery. Probably could have lit dry brickets in my barbecue at home with a single lit match and one large exhale following.


Saw Eagle's nest and many Mew gulls feeding on receding tide. Did not locate the Heron rookery at March point.


Pass lake had at least 300 swallows-appearred to be many Violet Green- feeding on Chironomid near sunset- later then I have seen them feed in the past- I have spent much wonderful time on this lake and know it well- and Varied Thrush calling.


Retracing roads to I-5, I found one speed trap and two Barn owls. Watch the area East of the North fork on the way to or back from Laconner. You may be observed, stopped by trailing Blue mist net light and tagged.


Altogether, a stormy and interesting trip. I wondered what the former delta would have looked like- pre-North and South fork dikes- and also appreciated that I could approach and make close observations from a road between the dikes. I wondered about how many years it would take for the mighty Skagit to deposit silts and timber to recreate a new great delta beyond the sea dike.


Dan Reiff