Hi Tweets,

I did an early afternoon (3-17-12) survey of the Edmonds Bowl,
starting at Sunset Avenue about 1 p.m. and ending on the south side of
Edmonds Marsh about 3:30 p.m. For the waterfront, I scoped both from
Sunset north of the ferry dock and from the public pier south of the
dock. The species seen in the largest numbers was BRANT (approx.
130). Other waterfowl included HARLEQUIN DUCK (1 drake and 1 hen in
the dive park), SURF SCOTER (numbers thinning out), BLACK SCOTER (7
north of the dive park), BUFFLEHEAD, COMMON GOLDENEYE (north of the
dive park and in the marina), BARROW'S GOLDENEYE (1 young drake at
Olympic Beach), and RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (mostly hens but at least 1
drake). Two PACIFIC LOONS were northwest of the dive park and one
COMMON LOON (in alternate plumage) was in the dive park. HORNED and
RED-NECKED GREBES were scattered about, the Horned Grebes showing
brilliant red eyes. Four WESTERN GREBES were very far out, requiring
a scope to even find them. PELAGIC and DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS were
along the waterfront. The predominant gull was MEW GULL, followed by
GLAUCOUS-WINGED. I got a satisfying, close-up look at the pinkish
orbital ring of a Glaucous-winged Gull in breeding plumage at rest on
the north breakwater of the marina. Alcids included COMMON MURRE (1 in
basic plumage), PIGEON GUILLEMOT (only 1 but in alternate plumage),
and about five RHINOCEROS AUKLETS (1 in alternate plumage and looking
as it is named). There were the usual pelagic Rock Pigeons, Starlings,
and House Sparrows.

I checked out both the north and south sides of Edmonds Marsh,
including the Willow Creek Hatchery. To follow up on the recent Mew-
Glaucous-winged Gull conversation, both species were closely
intermingled and bathing in the high water of the marsh. I didn't
sense any tension between the two species and there was no apparent
attempt by the Mews to avoid the larger gulls. CANADA GEESE (2),
MALLARDS, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and BUFFLEHEADS populated the main marsh
and the south ponds. About five GREAT BLUE HERONS were around. There
was no sign of nest building or even roosting in the former heronry on
the south side. There was one one KILLDEER to be seen in the main
marsh and another on the south side, doing the broken-wing dance.
NORTHERN FLICKERS and a female PILEATED WOODPECKER were on the south
side of the marsh. For the first time at the marsh, I saw a HAIRY
WOODPECKER in a large alder on the north side. I only saw one ANNA'S
HUMMINGBIRD this afternoon. As usual, there were lots of ROBINS and
CROWS but only one STELLER'S JAY. Other smaller birds included BLACK-
CAPPED CHICKADEE, CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE, BUSHTITS, RUBY-CROWNED
KINGLETS, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS in fresh breeding plumage, SPOTTED
TOWHEE, SONG SPARROW, GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW, DARK-EYED JUNCO, RED-
WINGED BLACKBIRD, and HOUSE FINCHES.

Carol Riddell
Edmonds