It was such a beautiful day yesterday, I decided
to head off to the Coast even without any further
info on the Bar Tailed Godwit previously reported
at Tokeland. I was there at two different times
and had a small group of Godwits (all Marbled) and
a small number of Willets only. I met some other
birders who had the same results and also heard
from another who was there at a different time
without success. It would have been nice, but it
really was a gorgeous day and fun anyhow. Pipits
were plentiful at both the Hoquiam STP and the
Midway ponds. Birds on the beach were scarce
(only saw a single Sanderling) but sadly there
were some Murres and a Western Grebe that were
sitting on the sand that I doubt lasted the
night. A treat was a Lapland Longspur on the
rocks along the shore at the STP at fairly high
tide in the morning. It seemed to associate with
a handful of Pipits.

I have been trying to get a photo of the Slaty
Backed Gull in Tacoma. I saw the bird earlier in
the year on one of the rooftops near Gog Le Hi Te
but certainly not much of a photo op. Encouraged
by reports from Michael Charest and Bruce LaBar I
stopped by the gull bathing spot on the way down
to the Coast - nothing and then again on the way
back - nothing...BUT I ran into Michael afterwards
at Gog Le Hi Te and he encouraged another try
which was finally successful - in failing but just
enough light. I kept trying to make gray mantled
gulls in the dim light into the target thinking
(or trying to convince myself) that one or another
looked "darker". When you finally see the real
thing there is just no mistaking it. Reminds me of
times I have tried to convince myself that a
"light" colored Red Tail in the right light might
be a Ferruginous Hawk. Then you see the real thing
and you just have to laugh at the earlier folly.

Best to all.

--
Blair Bernson
Edmonds