We had a wonderful day birding and enjoying the beauty of the weather and natural world on Whidbey Island Friday, 8/10.

At our first stop at South Whidbey St. Park, which we had to ourselves with the campground being closed, we were immediately greeted by a young Hairy Woodpecker on the road. Its parent was on a tree trunk just next to the road. Within the same binocular view was a Brown Creeper doing its thing on the next tree over. Large flocks of Chestnut-backed Chickadees were everywhere throughout the park. Also, both young and adult Dark-eyed Juncos were found.

At Crockett Lake, as previously reported by others, White Pelicans were present. The first group we spotted had about 40 or so in attendance. Other birds included several Least Sandpipers, one Semi-palmated Plover, several Greater Yellowlegs, and one Peregrine Falcon.
Further down by the Purple Martin dwellings (we weren't aware of these houses. I wonder when they were installed?) were adult and young birds flying all around the general area, making frequent visits to their homes. Two more Semipalmated Plovers were seen here, along with several Least Sandpipers and a few Greater Yellowlegs. Also in this area was another large flock of White Pelicans. This one was a bit larger, with approximately 70. Not sure why the two pelican groups were separate. Hope it wasn't a political family feud.
American Pipits were also present. And we had nice surprise visits by two Osprey carrying their recently caught lunches. They didn't seem to mind us gawking at them as they ate.

Across the road at the Fort Casey St. Park lot next to the ferry landing, there were several Double-Crested and Pelagic Cormorants sitting on a pier. One PECO was on a nest guarding two chicks. That was cool to watch.
Several Heermann's Gulls were in the water, mostly making their presence known with their distinctive calls.
One Belted Kingfisher was busy in the area, too.

In the woods of Fort Casey park, we had an Olive-sided Flycatcher calling. This was a bit of an expected and fun audible. There were also Eurasian Collar-Doves, Am. Robins, Bushtits, Black-capped Chickadees, N. Flickers, and European Starlings.

We checked out Swantown, where we found Dowitchers, but failed to determine whether Long-billed or Short-billed. On the other side of the road, we had great close-up views of a flock of 8 female (or juvenile?) Harlequin Ducks, a Common Loon, and several Surf Scoters.

Our next stop was Rosario Beach. That's always a fave, for many reasons. Everything is beautiful there. We had excellent scope views of three Black Oystercatchers, one appearing to be a youngster. One of the adults felt compelled to call frequently throughout our half hour stay.

Just some highlights from a stunning day in W. WA...

good birding to all,
izzy wong
seattle, wa
gobirder at gmail.com