Just returned home from Neah Bay. We took the 5:35 ferry from Edmonds and arrived in town at 9:15 am. We made a quick stop at Washburn's Store for the required $10 recreational permit and then headed to 590 Bay View where we quickly saw the ORCHARD ORIOLE at the hummingbird feeders. After that we went out to the Waatch River to see if there were any signs of the hobby. There were none yet but the weather was dry, the sun was coming out, and there was great hope for a hobby appearance. We watched a PEREGRINE FALCON on the hunt and a flock of about 60 RED CROSSBILLS. Then a PALM WARBLER flew down the road. We went back into Neah Bay where we found the three TROPICAL KINGBIRDS along Bay View and within a block or two of the oriole site. We also saw the BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE perched on a rock just off the beach at the Senior Center. Initially we did not find the Brambling but heard that the hobby was being seen at the quarry behind the STP. Shortly after noon we were able to see the EURASIAN HOBBY perched on the quarry wall and then take flight. We ricocheted back into town where we located the BRAMBLING in the brambles on the west side of the Senior Center. We took photos of an interesting subadult gull at the gull bathing spot near the Senior Center. It may or may not have been the Slaty-backed Gull. My birding partner saw the CATTLE EGRET fly away from us in town. I barely caught a glimpse and could not independently identify it. My loss. Lots of nice birders out there today to enjoy the good weather and great birds. Just before leaving, we drove out to the breakwater to scope the Strait. We were rewarded with good looks of two Sea Otters floating on their backs.

Best wishes for good weather to those who do the chase tomorrow.

Carol Riddell
Edmonds, Wa