This has been the week of the ANCIENT MURRELETS. They have been seen
every day since last Monday from the Edmonds public pier. They are
usually seen coming in to investigate and feed when a mixed feeding
flock (gulls, cormorants, grebes, and other alcids) forms on the
water. I got a chance to see them Thursday morning when I was
unexpectedly able to escape the office. Earlier in the week there was
one CASSIN'S AUKLET seen from the pier as a fly-by. This might be the
only confirmed one so far this year. Then yesterday another immature
NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen on the south side of Edmonds Marsh. This is
either the third or fourth shrike this fall. Also yesterday morning, a
TRUMPETER SWAN was reported. That followed by several days a small
flock of TUNDRA SWANS flying north over the pier. But the best bird of
the year, and new to the Edmonds list, was Greg Thompson's AMERICAN
DIPPER yesterday in Yost Park. From the pier, we watched nine WHITE-
WINGED SCOTERS fly south this morning. There were also a number of
BONAPARTE'S GULLS. About 20 HEERMANN'S GULLS are continuing in the
area. Other than that, it has just been the expected species.

Carol Riddell
Edmonds