When we arrived at Neah Bay we went straight to the transfer station/sewage
ponds where the Hobby had been reported. We found several people already
looking up at the quarry rock walls and more arrived as the day went on.
We remained there for a bit but wandered over to Makah Passage road just to
bird in general.

People continued to stake out the quarry throughout the day, no cigar. We
wanted to see the Orchard Oriole so we headed back into town and while Asta
was photographing that, I saw what looked like a small tern on the beach so
I started off that way.

The beach was great and I should have taken the time to bring my scope out
of the car. With binos I discovered a Common Tern, Black-legged Kittiwake,
the original hobbists: Brad, Charlie and Ryan M, who helped me confirm a
few gulls, Black Oystercatchers, Black Turnstones and 1 Semipalmated
Plover. Seabirds were also good and I was able to see many without the
scope (but please take out your scope for maximum enjoyment).

We were in contact with our friends who were staking out the quarry and
birding Makah Passage. They met us at the beach and we exchanged
sightings. Doug showed me a great pic of a Swamp Sparrow and they raved
about the views they had of this bird I can normally just get to chip at me
for ID. I wanted the Swamp Sparrow! Our entire group took a detour for
Clay-colored Sparrow (dip) and those that didn't bird the beach in town did
that while Asta and I went for the Swamp Sparrow. We hit our first brief
rain of the day while driving and once it subsided I started playing for
Swamp Sparrow. Here's the approximate location:

<goog_405741435>
https://www.google.com/maps/ at 48.3465072,-124.6404693,14z?hl=en

(You are on Makah Passage (road), the Swamp Sparrow was in bushes (about 4'
tall) within tall, thick bladed grasses. The quarry should be at your back
as you look into a field for these bushes/grasses and in the distance a
line of trees (woods). The Hobby hunted in the field between the road and
the woods and would land in deciduous trees (about 30' feet tall draped in
light green mosses).)

For about 30 mins the Swamp Sparrow and I exchange chips but only one of us
got to see the other, you will see no SWSP pics from me. While Asta was
still trying to work on the Swamp Sparrow I happened to look up and I
spotted a small falcon flying. I exclaimed that's our bird, simply based
on hope and size as the bird was very backlit, but it did land at the top
of a tall snag. Once again very backlit, I was able to make out the
features I needed to confirm it was the Hobby! We called our friends, I
yelled to the folks at the quarry, I sent a bounced back post to Tweeters,
and we all enjoyed a hunting show for about an hour. I am sorry I failed
to call Nate whom I had exchanged cell numbers with, but fortunately they
found out and so did the ever persistent Tom Mansfield.

I think weather was key to finding the bird. It is eating primarily
insects, although we saw it chasing a Sanderling which was awesome (for
everyone but the Sanderling). If the rain is keeping the insects down, I
think our bird will be hunkered down as well. Don't just stake an area
out. Enjoy all the birds of Neah Bay but return often, especially if the
weather is nice, to Makah Passage. Scan the trees and fields for the
perched Hobby. Once it flies, it's unmistakable. We only had 1 male
Kestrel in this area and he is easily distinguished from our bird, he only
wishes he had that speed and of course, he hovers. The only Peregrine of
the day was at the beach in town. If it's raining, try Hobuck Beach.
Before I saw the Hobby I did see a Sanderling flying through that field.
That struck me as weird at the time, but then later we see it being chased
by the Hobby. Does the Hobby also hunt at Hobuck Beach? Perhaps in times
of rain when the insects are less plentiful?

Hope this helps your Hobby Hunting

Cara Borre
Gig Harbor
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