Subject: [Tweeters] Shorebirds at Warm Beach, Snohomish Co.
Date: Aug 3 21:20:39 2014
From: Marcus Roening - Marcus.D.Roening at gsk.com
Hi Tweets,
A nice movement of shorebirds appeared at Warm Beach this weekend. Heather and I kayaked out to the mouth of Hatt Slough, the SW channel of the Stillaguamish River, an hour before a medium high tide and drifted into the sand islands. It is amazing how patient the shorebirds are if you don't stand up or move a whole lot - even in a big white kayak.
The biggest showing was by the Black-bellied Plovers. We counted 241, with roughly a 60/40 split of juveniles to adults. At least 30 were still in pretty bright breeding plumage.
Mixed in with them were Short-billed Dowitchers, making their tu-tu call notes as they walked between the boats feeding. We saw 5 juveniles with their spiffy new plumage and tiger-striped tertials.
The biggest surprise was an adult RED KNOT still in breeding plumage, albeit a bit worn. Still had a nice orangey-red breast.
Other Shorebirds:
Greater & Lesser Yellowlegs - adult and juv.
Small flock of 30 Western Sandpipers - all juvenile
Least Sandpiper
1 immature Peregrine Falcon watching the shorebirds
5 Bonaparte's Gulls - 2 with black heads still and one in an interesting juvenile plumage
9 Mew Gulls - my first for the year
44 Caspian Terns with only 1 juvenile in the group
This area is just south of Stanwood and only accessible by boat. Nearest boat ramp is on Marine View drive where it crosses Hatt Slough. About a mile from the estuary mouth and easy paddling down stream and a bit more work on the way back.
Good Birding,
Sent from my iPad
Marcus Roening,
Tacoma. WA
C: 253-988-8313
Marcus.d.roening at gsk.com