Worked through "interesting" weather today from Ocean Shores around to
Westport. Damon Point's promise of Snowy Owls was met, with three that were
probably all visible from parking areas with a scope if you knew where to
look. The first appeared unexpectedly when it flushed about 150 yards out
from the RV park and perched about 50 yards further east. Once alerted to
proximity I found two more on log and ground before the vegetated portion
where the pavement heads east into the woods. Although I didn't search all
the way to the SE point, I didn't locate any others and got much wetter
heading back into the rain and wind when returning. Coming back there were
still two snowys and a peregrine on logs even after the para-surfers had
invaded. I didn't even look at the jetty with the wind and rain blowing in.
The sewage ponds had a few Aleutian Cackling Geese



The Hoquiam WTP was loaded with Dunlin, a few dowitchers and one godwit with
the tide approaching 11', and plenty of waterfowl, including 30+
Canvasbacks. As we were leaving another Snowy Owl showed itself toward the
SE side.



Westport marina had a good number of Common Loons and Western Grebes. The
godwit flock was quite active and included a single Ruddy Turnstone and a
few Black Turnstones, but no other godwit species found after several flight
and dock views. Waves were crashing over the rocks as we came by the "cat
and raccoon feeding station" to the NE. Nothing special until we were ready
to leave, when a flock of Surfbirds, Black Turnstones, and Rock Sandpipers
flew over and landed on the dock for scope viewing. Then when almost back
to the car a Snow Bunting came in for a bath in the puddle at the public
restrooms, flew west to the condos roof, then back for the rest of its bath.



Tokeland had nine Willets but no godwits found. Clouds bursting and wind
howling, but some blue skies trying hard to break through as sunset
approached.



Not the best conditions for birding, but at times a few rays of sunshine on
a stormy coastal visit.



Randy Hill

Ridgefield