Trip Report: Kiket Island

Photo: Black Oystercatcher by Philip Dickinson

March 26, 2024

The skies cleared as we approached Skagit County, and we enjoyed a beautiful day of birding along the shores of Skagit Bay and Padilla Bay. Along the way, we saw several songbirds on Valentine Rd., including Varied Thrush, Red-breasted Nuthatch and Anna’s Hummingbird. Then, as neared La Conner, we were surprised by the large number of Trumpeter Swans still in the fields. A pair of Pileated Woodpeckers flew over Swinomish Channel at Pioneer Park, where we also saw Belted Kingfishers, Common Mergansers and a Common Goldeneye. Kiket Island did not disappoint. Highlights were Black Oystercatcher, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Loon, Hooded Merganser, Herring Gull, Rufous Hummingbird and Hutton’s Vireo. We failed to find expected Wilson’s Snipe at Similk Beach, but we did add Northern Pintail and Short-billed Gull to our species count. Closeup Black Oystercatchers, distant Brants, Greater Yellowlegs and numerous Great Blue Herons were the features along our March Point drive. Channel Drive and Hayton Reserve did not add significantly to our species, but we enjoyed a Northern Harrier and a photogenic Bald Eagle along with hundreds of American Wigeon and Green-winged Teal.

61 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Mary, Sally Jo, Dianne, Rex, Jeff, Ken, Teri, Rick, Pam T., Maureen Z., Judy Lo., Val, Marcia, Catha, Judy B., Lianne, Wilma, Sue B., Randy, Sarah

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Snow Goose (100), Brant (200), Canada Goose (2), Trumpeter Swan (250), Gadwall (6), American Wigeon (700), Mallard (1000), Northern Pintail (90), Green-winged Teal (2500), Surf Scoter (15), Bufflehead (125), Common Goldeneye (10), Hooded Merganser (7), Common Merganser (2), Red-breasted Merganser (26)

LOON, GREBES: Common Loon (1), Pied-billed Grebe (4), Horned Grebe (4)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Pelagic Cormorant (3), Double-crested Cormorant (4), Great Blue Heron (67)

VULTURE: Turkey Vulture (1)

RAPTORS: Northern Harrier (4), Bald Eagle (12), Red-tailed Hawk (3)

SHOREBIRDS: Killdeer (2), Black Oystercatcher (7), Greater Yellowlegs (8)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (21), Herring Gull (1), Glaucous-winged Gull (250)

ALCIDS: Pigeon Guillemot (3)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (18), Eurasian Collared-Dove (3)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (3), Rufous Hummingbird (3)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (5)

WOODPECKERS: Hairy Woodpecker (2), Northern Flicker (1)

SHRIKES, VIREOS: Hutton’s Vireo (1)

CORVIDS: Steller’s Jay (1), American Crow (12)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Violet-green Swallow (1)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (1)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Red-breasted Nuthatch (1), Brown Creeper (2)

WRENS: Pacific Wren (2)

KINGLETS: Golden-crowned Kinglet (2), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1)

THRUSHES: American Robin (34), Varied Thrush (2)

MIMIDS, STARLING: European Starling (2)

WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped Warbler (2)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (1), Song Sparrow (5), White-crowned Sparrow (3), Dark-eyed Junco (8)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (38), Brewer’s Blackbird (22)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (2), House Sparrow (2)

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Looking for more local places to go birding?

Check out our newly revised, 3rd edition of Birding in Snohomish County & Camano Island, a field guide to the best birding locations in Snohomish County and Camano Island, Washington.

Birding in Snohomish County and Camano Island, 3rd Edition

$20.00

A full-color, updated and expanded 3rd edition of Philip Zalesky’s original book, Birding in Snohomish County and Camano Island, 3rd Edition is a celebration of the variety and bountiful birding locations in the area. With habitats ranging from marine to alpine, the diversity of species that can be found here are a birder’s dream.

This new edition covers more than 80 locations, noting general information about the sites and which birds are common at each. Philip Zalesky’s original site descriptions have been revised and updated, including new observations, recent sightings, and historical and natural history information. Our local birders have added their own interesting anecdotes, including the many ways things have changed since the 2nd edition was published in 2001. Local bird photographers have contributed over 100 full-color photographs showing the splendor of our local birds and the wondrous beauty of the birding habitats found in our area. A checklist includes all 355 species of birds ever sighted in Snohomish County and Camano Island.

We hope this book will guide you to new areas you haven’t explored yet, or give you an idea of where to start if you’re visiting Western Washington.

All proceeds will help fund local conservation efforts in Snohomish County and Camano Island.

Trip Report: Surrey, Canada

Photo: White-throated Sparrow by Philip Dickinson

March 19, 2024

We traveled across the border to Surrey, B.C. on a beautiful first day of Spring. Along the Boundary Bay dike trail, we could not find any owls but did see Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Northern Shrike, Tree Swallow, Marbled Godwit, Black-bellied Plover and thousands of Dunlin. At North 40 Lands Park, everyone had close looks at probably a White-throated Sparrow. This was a life bird for some in our group. The park also provided great views of Varied Thrush, Fox Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow and Bewick’s Wren, plus several more eagles. Our walk around Elgin Heritage Park added American Goldfinch, Bushtit, Belted Kingfisher, Greater Yellowlegs, Common Loon and several duck species, including American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Tea, Hooded Merganser, Common Goldeneye and Wood Duck. Blackie Spit was beautiful as usual with its mountain-framed view of downtown Vancouver. We also saw Surf Scoter, Common and Red-breasted Merganser, Greater Scaup and another Marbled Godwit. One more trip note: so nice to visit places where you must look hard to find trash.

58 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Dianne, Rex, Jeff, Ken, Bruce, Pam T., Karen, Teri, Rick, Reg, Jane, Maureen Z., Judy Lo., Denny, Pat, Marcia, Wilma, Sue B., Judy B.

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Canada Goose (2), Wood Duck (1), Northern Shoveler (4), Gadwall (6), American Wigeon (43), Mallard (88), Northern Pintail (1), Green-winged Teal (81), Greater Scaup (100), Harlequin Duck (1), Surf Scoter (12), Bufflehead (3), Common Goldeneye (5), Hooded Merganser (3), Common Merganser (3), Red-breasted Merganser (35)

LOON, GREBES: Common Loon (1), Red-necked Grebe (1)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (5), Great Blue Heron (11)

RAPTORS: Northern Harrier (2), Bald Eagle (26), Red-tailed Hawk (3)

SHOREBIRDS: Black-bellied Plover (10), Greater Yellowlegs (7), Marbled Godwit (2), Dunlin (25,000)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (12), Glaucous-winged Gull (125)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Eurasian Collared-Dove (3)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (1)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (2)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (5)

SHRIKES, VIREOS: Northern Shrike (1)

CORVIDS: American Crow (51)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Tree Swallow (5)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (9), Bushtit (7)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Red-breasted Nuthatch (1)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (2)

THRUSHES: American Robin (17), Varied Thrush (1)

MIMIDS, STARLING: European Starling (80)

WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped Warbler (1)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (4), Fox Sparrow (4), Song Sparrow (18), White-crowned Sparrow (1), Golden-crowned Sparrow (14), White-throated Sparrow (1), Dark-eyed Junco (1)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (22)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (3), American Goldfinch (6), House Sparrow (1)

---

Looking for more local places to go birding?

Check out our newly revised, 3rd edition of Birding in Snohomish County & Camano Island, a field guide to the best birding locations in Snohomish County and Camano Island, Washington.

Birding in Snohomish County and Camano Island, 3rd Edition

$20.00

A full-color, updated and expanded 3rd edition of Philip Zalesky’s original book, Birding in Snohomish County and Camano Island, 3rd Edition is a celebration of the variety and bountiful birding locations in the area. With habitats ranging from marine to alpine, the diversity of species that can be found here are a birder’s dream.

This new edition covers more than 80 locations, noting general information about the sites and which birds are common at each. Philip Zalesky’s original site descriptions have been revised and updated, including new observations, recent sightings, and historical and natural history information. Our local birders have added their own interesting anecdotes, including the many ways things have changed since the 2nd edition was published in 2001. Local bird photographers have contributed over 100 full-color photographs showing the splendor of our local birds and the wondrous beauty of the birding habitats found in our area. A checklist includes all 355 species of birds ever sighted in Snohomish County and Camano Island.

We hope this book will guide you to new areas you haven’t explored yet, or give you an idea of where to start if you’re visiting Western Washington.

All proceeds will help fund local conservation efforts in Snohomish County and Camano Island.

Trip Report: Mid-Whidbey

Photo: Rock Sandpiper and Surfbird by Philip Dickinson

March 12, 2024

Rain in the morning and wind in the afternoon, but it still was a productive day of birding. We picked up our first Northern Harrier and Killdeer of the day at Bingo Hall Lagoon. Rain hit us at Rosario Beach but not before we saw Harlequin Ducks, Black Oystercatchers, Pigeon Guillemots, Brandt’s Cormorants and a Varied Thrush. With the Deception Pass West Beach closed, we moved to Ala Spit. There we added American Wigeon, Belted Kingfisher, Black Turnstone and our only Common Loon. At Dugualla Bay, we had Greater Yellowlegs, Dunlin, Canvasbacks, Tree Swallows, our first Turkey Vulture of 2024 and a pair of Redheads. California Quail and Sanderlings were the highlights at our Rocky Point lunch stop. Wilson’s Snipe, Northern Shrike and Hooded Mergansers were among finds at nearby Bos Lake. Moving to Penn Cove and out of the wind, we located two Rock Sandpipers among the Surfbirds and Black Turnstones at Mueller Beach, where Barrow’s and Common Goldeneyes also were numerous. The Rock Sandpipers were life birds for many of the group. One car went home via March Point, where they observed a Rough-legged Hawk and a small raft of Brant geese.

73 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Dianne, Rex, Jeff, Doug C., Ken, Frank, Bruce, Pam T., Karen, Jane, Judy Lo., Val, Denny, Pat, Marcia, Wilma, Sue B., Pam P.

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Brant (25), Canada Goose (119), Trumpeter Swan (100), Gadwall (6), American Wigeon (62), Mallard (12), Northern Pintail (138), Green-winged Teal (54), Canvasback (36), Redhead (2), Greater Scaup (4), Lesser Scaup (1), Harlequin Duck (4), Surf Scoter (118), White-winged Scoter (2), Bufflehead (62), Common Goldeneye (33), Barrow’s Goldeneye (135), Hooded Merganser (4), Red-breasted Merganser (2), Ruddy Duck (3)

GALLINACEOUS BIRDS: California Quail (9)

LOON, GREBES: Common Loon (1), Pied-billed Grebe (2), Horned Grebe (10), Red-necked Grebe (5)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Brand’s Cormorant (2) Pelagic Cormorant (29), Double-crested Cormorant (3), Great Blue Heron (5)

VULTURE: Turkey Vulture (1)

RAPTORS: Northern Harrier (2), Bald Eagle (10), Red-tailed Hawk (7), Rough-Legged Hawk (1), American Kestrel (3)

RAILS, CRANES: American Coot (10)

SHOREBIRDS: Killdeer (7), Black Oystercatcher (7), Greater Yellowlegs (21), Black Turnstone (118), Surfbird (20), Rock Sandpiper (2), Sanderling (32), Dunlin (26), Wilson’s Snipe (1)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (4), Ring-billed Gull (4), Glaucous-winged Gull (140)

ALCIDS: Pigeon Guillemot (8)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Eurasian Collared-Dove (1)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (1)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (2)

WOODPECKERS: Downy Woodpecker (1), Northern Flicker (3)

SHRIKES, VIREOS: Northern Shrike (1)

CORVIDS: American Crow (12)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Tree Swallow (10)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (2), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (2)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Brown Creeper (3)

THRUSHES: American Robin (18), Varied Thrush (2)

MIMIDS, STARLING: European Starling (10)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Fox Sparrow (1), Song Sparrow (3), Golden-crowned Sparrow (4), Dark-eyed Junco (6)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (15), Brewer’s Blackbird (40)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (2), House Sparrow (7)

---

Looking for more local places to go birding?

Check out our newly revised, 3rd edition of Birding in Snohomish County & Camano Island, a field guide to the best birding locations in Snohomish County and Camano Island, Washington.

Birding in Snohomish County and Camano Island, 3rd Edition

$20.00

A full-color, updated and expanded 3rd edition of Philip Zalesky’s original book, Birding in Snohomish County and Camano Island, 3rd Edition is a celebration of the variety and bountiful birding locations in the area. With habitats ranging from marine to alpine, the diversity of species that can be found here are a birder’s dream.

This new edition covers more than 80 locations, noting general information about the sites and which birds are common at each. Philip Zalesky’s original site descriptions have been revised and updated, including new observations, recent sightings, and historical and natural history information. Our local birders have added their own interesting anecdotes, including the many ways things have changed since the 2nd edition was published in 2001. Local bird photographers have contributed over 100 full-color photographs showing the splendor of our local birds and the wondrous beauty of the birding habitats found in our area. A checklist includes all 355 species of birds ever sighted in Snohomish County and Camano Island.

We hope this book will guide you to new areas you haven’t explored yet, or give you an idea of where to start if you’re visiting Western Washington.

All proceeds will help fund local conservation efforts in Snohomish County and Camano Island.

Trip Report: Blaine and Semiahmoo

Photo: White-winged Scoter by Philip Dickinson

February 27, 2024

Snow at home did not deter us, and the day’s weather proved surprisingly good – cool, but relatively calm and dry. First thing, a Varied Thrush greeted us at Bow Hill rest area. At Blaine Marine Park, we were treated to a murmuration of several hundred Dunlin close to shore, plus several hundred Surf Scoter and a line of Brant offshore. Proceeding to the pier, we enjoyed seeing nice numbers of Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Black Oystercatcher, Common Loon and clam-swallowing White-winged Scoter. Harlequin Duck, Pelagic Cormorant, Horned Grebe and a Belted Kingfisher also were present. We failed to find a reported Whimbrel at Milhollin Boat Launch but did see about two dozen Great Blue Heron. At stops on the Semiahmoo Spit, new species included Black Turnstone, Red-necked Grebe, Red-breasted Merganser, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck and Pine Siskin. We also added more Harlequin. An Eared Grebe, several Red-throated Loon and better views of Long-tailed Duck highlighted our afternoon stop at Birch Bay. Lake Terrell provided views of Common Merganser, American Coot and Ruddy Duck. Nearby we spied a Northern Harrier, two American Kestrel and a Red-tailed Hawk. Our final bird was the resident Ruddy Turnstone at Sandy Point.

56 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Dianne, Rex, Ken, Pam T., Rick, Teri, Reg, Jane, Judy B., Pat, Marcia

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Brant (355), Canada Goose (3), Trumpeter Swan (40), American Wigeon (81), Mallard (185), Northern Pintail (190), Green-winged Teal (57), Greater Scaup (320), Harlequin Duck (22), Surf Scoter (3050), White-winged Scoter (55), Black Scoter (6), Long-tailed Duck (8), Bufflehead (100), Common Goldeneye (70), Hooded Merganser (2), Common Merganser (15), Red-breasted Merganser (7), Ruddy Duck (4)

LOON, GREBES: Red-throated Loon (10), Common Loon (24), Horned Grebe (4), Red-necked Grebe (1), Eared Grebe (1)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Pelagic Cormorant (7), Double-crested Cormorant (120), Great Blue Heron (29)

RAPTORS: Northern Harrier (1), Bald Eagle (11), Red-tailed Hawk (5), American Kestrel (2)

RAILS, CRANES: American Coot (150)

SHOREBIRDS: Killdeer (8), Black Oystercatcher (19), Greater Yellowlegs (6), Ruddy Turnstone (1), Black Turnstone (47), Dunlin (1800)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (465), Glaucous-winged Gull (315)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (13), Eurasian Collared-Dove (2)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (1)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (2)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (1)

CORVIDS: Steller’s Jay (1), American Crow (42)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (1)

THRUSHES: American Robin (5), Varied Thrush (1)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Song Sparrow (3), White-crowned Sparrow (10), Golden-crowned Sparrow (23)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (2), Pine Siskin (8), House Sparrow (2)

---

Looking for more local places to go birding?

Check out our newly revised, 3rd edition of Birding in Snohomish County & Camano Island, a field guide to the best birding locations in Snohomish County and Camano Island, Washington.

Birding in Snohomish County and Camano Island, 3rd Edition

$20.00

A full-color, updated and expanded 3rd edition of Philip Zalesky’s original book, Birding in Snohomish County and Camano Island, 3rd Edition is a celebration of the variety and bountiful birding locations in the area. With habitats ranging from marine to alpine, the diversity of species that can be found here are a birder’s dream.

This new edition covers more than 80 locations, noting general information about the sites and which birds are common at each. Philip Zalesky’s original site descriptions have been revised and updated, including new observations, recent sightings, and historical and natural history information. Our local birders have added their own interesting anecdotes, including the many ways things have changed since the 2nd edition was published in 2001. Local bird photographers have contributed over 100 full-color photographs showing the splendor of our local birds and the wondrous beauty of the birding habitats found in our area. A checklist includes all 355 species of birds ever sighted in Snohomish County and Camano Island.

We hope this book will guide you to new areas you haven’t explored yet, or give you an idea of where to start if you’re visiting Western Washington.

All proceeds will help fund local conservation efforts in Snohomish County and Camano Island.

Trip Report: Port Townsend

Photo: Barrow’s Goldeneyes by Philip Dickinson

February 13, 2024

We could not have asked for better weather for our winter trip to Port Townsend. Even before departing Edmonds, we saw all three local cormorants on the pilings along with several Pigeon Guillemot, Horned Grebe and Red-necked Grebe. Highlight of the ferry trip itself were about 30 Brant. The Port Ludlow Marina was very active, including Barrow’s and Common Goldeneye, Hooded, Common and Red-breasted Merganser, Pacific Loon, Belted Kingfisher and an Anna’s Hummingbird on territory. Nice additions at Oak Bay Park were Gadwall, Greater Scaup, Short-billed Gull, Common Loon and Red-throated Loon. We did not see many songbirds on the trip, but we did find Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Fox Sparrow at Indian Island County Park and Bushtit and Golden-crowned Kinglet at Mystery Bay. At Indian Island we also spotted Harlequin Duck and Black Turnstone. We spent extra time at Fort Flagler because of all the shorebirds: Dunlin, Sanderling, Surfbird, Black-bellied Plover, Greater Yellowlegs and more Black Turnstone, but alas no Rock Sandpiper. Point Wilson was our last stop, where several alcid species streamed by: Common Murre, Ancient and Marbled Murrelet, and Rhinoceros Auklet. Killdeer and Western Meadowlark on the lighthouse grounds also attracted our attention.

62 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Mary, Dianne, Denny, Graham, Wilma, Sue B., Frank, Ken, Pam T., Rick, Reg, Melinda, Jane, Maureen Z., Karen, Judy B. Tari, Judy Lo., Val, Pat, Marcia, John H., Annie, Hans

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Brant (65), Canada Goose (6), Gadwall (5), Northern Shoveler (3), American Wigeon (3), Mallard (25), Green-winged Teal (4), Greater Scaup (14), Harlequin Duck (8), Surf Scoter (67), Bufflehead (30), Common Goldeneye (17), Barrow’s Goldeneye (7), Hooded Merganser (8), Common Merganser (4), Red-breasted Merganser (18)

LOON, GREBES: Red-throated Loon (2), Pacific Loon (3), Common Loon (5), Horned Grebe (31), Red-necked Grebe (6), Western Grebe (1)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Brandt’s Cormorant (1), Double-crested Cormorant (12), Great Blue Heron (2)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (3), Red-tailed Hawk (2), American Kestrel (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Black-bellied Plover (14), Killdeer (2), Greater Yellowlegs (3), Black Turnstone (20), Surfbird (3), Sanderling (6), Dunlin (150)

GULLS, TERNS: Bonaparte’s Gull (1), Short-billed Gull (100), Glaucous-winged Gull (100)

ALCIDS, JAEGERS: Common Murre (20), Pigeon Guillemot (37), Marbled Murrelet (9), Ancient Murrelet (8), Rhinoceros Auklet (2)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (2)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (3)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (3)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (4)

CORVIDS: Steller’s Jay (1), American Crow (33), Common Raven (2)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (1), Bushtit (6)

KINGLETS: Golden-crowned Kinglet (2), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (6)

THRUSHES: American Robin (3)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (1), Song Sparrow (7), Fox Sparrow (7), Dark-eyed Junco (4)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Western Meadowlark (2)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (14), House Sparrow (6)

---

Looking for more local places to go birding?

Check out our newly revised, 3rd edition of Birding in Snohomish County & Camano Island, a field guide to the best birding locations in Snohomish County and Camano Island, Washington.

Birding in Snohomish County and Camano Island, 3rd Edition

$20.00

A full-color, updated and expanded 3rd edition of Philip Zalesky’s original book, Birding in Snohomish County and Camano Island, 3rd Edition is a celebration of the variety and bountiful birding locations in the area. With habitats ranging from marine to alpine, the diversity of species that can be found here are a birder’s dream.

This new edition covers more than 80 locations, noting general information about the sites and which birds are common at each. Philip Zalesky’s original site descriptions have been revised and updated, including new observations, recent sightings, and historical and natural history information. Our local birders have added their own interesting anecdotes, including the many ways things have changed since the 2nd edition was published in 2001. Local bird photographers have contributed over 100 full-color photographs showing the splendor of our local birds and the wondrous beauty of the birding habitats found in our area. A checklist includes all 355 species of birds ever sighted in Snohomish County and Camano Island.

We hope this book will guide you to new areas you haven’t explored yet, or give you an idea of where to start if you’re visiting Western Washington.

All proceeds will help fund local conservation efforts in Snohomish County and Camano Island.

Trip Report: Fir Island

Photo: Snow Geese by Philip Dickinson

February 6, 2024

Early morning fog gave way to sun and an enjoyable day of birding. Starting in the Cedardale area east of I-5, we saw dozens of Trumpeter Swan and Brewer’s Blackbird, and two Northern Harrier. American Kestrel, Bald Eagle, and Red-tailed and Cooper’s Hawks perched along Dike Rd., while many more swans fed in the fields. Songbirds along Mann Rd. included Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Golden-crowned Kinglet and Varied Thrush. We also found Eurasian Wigeon among the many ducks on Wylie Rd. With Wiley Slough still closed, we headed to Hayton Reserve and Jensen Access, where we watched murmurations of thousands of Dunlin and a few early swallows. At North Fork Access, highlights were a Short-eared Owl, Virginia Rail and our first of three Snow Goose flocks. After lunch, interior island roads added a Pine Siskin flock and several Tundra Swan. The Skagit Flats Great Egret was a no-show, but Channel Drive produced several more species, including Northern Shrike, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Downy Woodpecker, Red-breasted Merganser, Hooded Merganser and Common Goldeneye.

63 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Tari, Annie, Marcia, Pat, Dianne, Denny, Ken, Reg, Gary, Rick, Maureen Z., Jeff, Val, Judy Lo. Pam P., John E., Wilma, Amy, John H., Annie, Mike C.

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Snow Goose (12,000), Trumpeter Swan (1100), Tundra Swan (23), Gadwall (10), Eurasian Wigeon (2), American Wigeon (600), Mallard (1750), Northern Pintail (25), Green-winged Teal (41), Ring-necked Duck (1), Greater Scaup (11), Bufflehead (17), Common Goldeneye (2), Hooded Merganser (6), Red-breasted Merganser (2)

LOON, GREBES: Pied-necked Grebe (2)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (3), Great Blue Heron (8)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (43), Northern Harrier (8), Cooper’s Hawk (2), Sharp-shinned Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (3), American Kestrel (3)

RAILS, CRANES: Virginia Rail (3), American Coot (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Dunlin (13,000)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (5), Glaucous-winged Gull (400)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (15), Eurasian Collared-Dove (3), Mourning Dove (4)

OWLS: Short-eared Owl (1)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (3)

WOODPECKERS: Downy Woodpecker (1), Northern Flicker (4)

SHRIKES, VIREOS: Northern Shrike (1)

CORVIDS: Steller’s Jay (1), American Crow (9), Common Raven (2)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Tree Swallow (3), Barn Swallow (7)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (2), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (1)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (2), Marsh Wren (1)

KINGLETS: Golden-crowned Kinglet (5)

THRUSHES: American Robin (55), Varied Thrush (2)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (430)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (1), Song Sparrow (7), White-crowned Sparrow (5), Golden-crowned Sparrow (6), Dark-eyed Junco (65)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (400), Western Meadowlark (14), Brewer’s Blackbird (150)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (8), Pine Siskin (10), House Sparrow (3)

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Looking for more local places to go birding?

Check out our newly revised, 3rd edition of Birding in Snohomish County & Camano Island, a field guide to the best birding locations in Snohomish County and Camano Island, Washington.

Birding in Snohomish County and Camano Island, 3rd Edition

$20.00

A full-color, updated and expanded 3rd edition of Philip Zalesky’s original book, Birding in Snohomish County and Camano Island, 3rd Edition is a celebration of the variety and bountiful birding locations in the area. With habitats ranging from marine to alpine, the diversity of species that can be found here are a birder’s dream.

This new edition covers more than 80 locations, noting general information about the sites and which birds are common at each. Philip Zalesky’s original site descriptions have been revised and updated, including new observations, recent sightings, and historical and natural history information. Our local birders have added their own interesting anecdotes, including the many ways things have changed since the 2nd edition was published in 2001. Local bird photographers have contributed over 100 full-color photographs showing the splendor of our local birds and the wondrous beauty of the birding habitats found in our area. A checklist includes all 355 species of birds ever sighted in Snohomish County and Camano Island.

We hope this book will guide you to new areas you haven’t explored yet, or give you an idea of where to start if you’re visiting Western Washington.

All proceeds will help fund local conservation efforts in Snohomish County and Camano Island.

Trip Report: South Whidbey

Photo: Bald Eagle by Philip Dickinson

January 30, 2024

A dry day and excellent species count for January. Led by Wilma Bayes, we began at Crockett Lake with Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Gadwall, Marbled Murrelet, Pacific and Common Loon, and a very photogenic Bald Eagle. At the Keystone Ferry, we found numerous Pigeon Guillemot and Pelagic Cormorant, plus Common Murre, Black Oystercatcher and Harlequin Duck. The woods at Fort Casey were quiet, but we did see Golden-crowned Kinglet, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Black-capped Chickadee and Red-tailed Hawk. The Holmes Harbor waters had plenty of birds, including Western Grebe, Surf Scoter and Barrow’s Goldeneye. Robinson Beach also was productive with more than three dozen Pacific Loon, several Horned Grebe, Western Gull, Red-breasted Sapsucker and Pileated Woodpecker. Highlights at Deer Lagoon were thousands of Dunlin, hundreds of Bufflehead, a few Black-bellied plover, one Long-tailed Duck, Pine Siskin and Red-breasted Nuthatch. Ewing Marsh was our final stop, where we added Wilson’s Snipe, numerous Killdeer, Virginia Rail and an American Kestrel pair.

75 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Wilma, Graham, Phil, Dianne, Pat, Marcia, John H., Ken, Gary, Frank, Rex, Bruce, Reg, Karen, Robin, Denny, Doug C. Ray, Val, Carlos, Judy Lo., Denny, Hans, Mike C.

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Canada Goose (6), Northern Shoveler (4), Gadwall (27), Mallard (49), Northern Pintail (37), Green-winged Teal (9), Ring-necked Duck (2), Greater Scaup (9), Lesser Scaup (9), Harlequin Duck (4), Surf Scoter (20), Long-tailed Duck (1), Bufflehead (400), Common Goldeneye (9), Barrow’s Goldeneye (12), Hooded Merganser (7), Red-breasted Merganser (2), Ruddy Duck (7)

LOON, GREBES: Pacific Loon (45), Common Loon (4), Horned Grebe (15), Red-necked Grebe (2), Western Grebe (33)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Brandt’s Cormorant (2), Pelagic Cormorant (50), Double-crested Cormorant (3), Great Blue Heron (7)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (5), Northern Harrier (2), Red-tailed Hawk (4), American Kestrel (2)

RAILS, CRANES: Virginia Rail (2)

SHOREBIRDS: Black-bellied Plover (4), Killdeer (16), Black Oystercatcher (3), Greater Yellowlegs (1), Dunlin (3000), Wilson’s Snipe (4)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (6), Western Gull (1), Glaucous-winged Gull (72)

ALCIDS, JAEGERS: Common Murre (8), Pigeon Guillemot (47), Marbled Murrelet (2), Rhinoceros Auklet (3)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (9)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (2)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (1)

WOODPECKERS: Red-breasted Sapsucker (1), Northern Flicker (5), Pileated Woodpecker (1)

CORVIDS: American Crow (16)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (3), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (1)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Red-breasted Nuthatch (1)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (2), Pacific Wren (1), Marsh Wren (1)

KINGLETS: Golden-crowned Kinglet (6), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4)

THRUSHES: American Robin (8)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (1)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (1), Fox Sparrow (2), Song Sparrow (3), White-crowned Sparrow (8), Golden-crowned Sparrow (3), Dark-eyed Junco (14)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (30)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (20), Pine Siskin (50), House Sparrow (19)

---

Looking for more local places to go birding?

Check out our newly revised, 3rd edition of Birding in Snohomish County & Camano Island, a field guide to the best birding locations in Snohomish County and Camano Island, Washington.

Birding in Snohomish County and Camano Island, 3rd Edition

$20.00

A full-color, updated and expanded 3rd edition of Philip Zalesky’s original book, Birding in Snohomish County and Camano Island, 3rd Edition is a celebration of the variety and bountiful birding locations in the area. With habitats ranging from marine to alpine, the diversity of species that can be found here are a birder’s dream.

This new edition covers more than 80 locations, noting general information about the sites and which birds are common at each. Philip Zalesky’s original site descriptions have been revised and updated, including new observations, recent sightings, and historical and natural history information. Our local birders have added their own interesting anecdotes, including the many ways things have changed since the 2nd edition was published in 2001. Local bird photographers have contributed over 100 full-color photographs showing the splendor of our local birds and the wondrous beauty of the birding habitats found in our area. A checklist includes all 355 species of birds ever sighted in Snohomish County and Camano Island.

We hope this book will guide you to new areas you haven’t explored yet, or give you an idea of where to start if you’re visiting Western Washington.

All proceeds will help fund local conservation efforts in Snohomish County and Camano Island.

Trip Report: Samish Flats

Photo: Short-eared Owl by Philip Dickinson

January 23, 2024

Once again, the weather defied a rainy forecast, and we got off to a good start at Little Indian Slough with our first Short-eared Owl, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier and Hooded Merganser. At Bay View State Park, a Merlin kept the woods quiet, but a huge raft of Snow Geese floated in Padilla Bay along with Greater Scaup, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser. Highlights along Sullivan Rd. were hundreds of Mallard, American Wigeon and Dunlin, three Eurasian Wigeon and 21 Black-bellied Plover. At the West 90, a Rough-legged Hawk accompanied several Red-tailed Hawk and Western Meadowlark. The waterfowl off Samish Island were far away but included Long-tailed Duck, Brant, Pacific and Red-throated Loon, Common Murre and White-winged Scoter. The raptor show at East 90 met the hype with another Rough-legged Hawk, several Bald Eagle and seven Short-eared Owl. We ended the day with a Great Egret, thousands of Snow Geese and dozens of Tundra Swan along Calhoun Rd.

59 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Dianne, Graham, Wilma, Frank, Ken, Pam T., Rick, Reg, Melinda, Bruce, Jon, Karen, Robin, Tari, Doug C., Judy Lo., Denny, Val, Pat, Marcia, Gary, Lloyd, Lorraine, Hans

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Snow Goose (14,000), Brant (20), Trumpeter Swan (500), Tundra Swan (60), Northern Shoveler (3), Eurasian Wigeon (3), American Wigeon (1500), Mallard (3125), Northern Pintail (155), Green-winged Teal (16), Greater Scaup (100), Surf Scoter (2), White-winged Scoter (3), Long-tailed Duck (4), Bufflehead (26), Common Goldeneye (32), Hooded Merganser (9), Red-breasted Merganser (4)

LOON, GREBES: Red-throated Loon (1), Pacific Loon (1), Common Loon (2), Red-necked Grebe (1)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (8), Great Blue Heron (7)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (39), Northern Harrier (5), Rough-legged Hawk (2), Red-tailed Hawk (11), American Kestrel (2), Merlin (2)

RAILS, CRANES: American Coot (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Black-bellied Plover (21), Dunlin (1200)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (300), Ring-billed Gull (1), Glaucous-winged Gull (6)

ALCIDS, JAEGERS: Common Murre (1), Pigeon Guillemot (1)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Eurasian Collared-Dove (6), Mourning Dove (1)

OWLS: Short-eared Owl (7)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (1)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (1)

CORVIDS: Steller’s Jay (2), American Crow (2), Common Raven (2)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (1)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (1)

THRUSHES: American Robin (1)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (2000)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (4), Song Sparrow (6), Fox Sparrow (4), Golden-crowned Sparrow (27), Dark-eyed Junco (3)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (860), Western Meadowlark (14), Brewer’s Blackbird (25)

---

Looking for more local places to go birding?

Check out our newly revised, 3rd edition of Birding in Snohomish County & Camano Island, a field guide to the best birding locations in Snohomish County and Camano Island, Washington.

Birding in Snohomish County and Camano Island, 3rd Edition

$20.00

A full-color, updated and expanded 3rd edition of Philip Zalesky’s original book, Birding in Snohomish County and Camano Island, 3rd Edition is a celebration of the variety and bountiful birding locations in the area. With habitats ranging from marine to alpine, the diversity of species that can be found here are a birder’s dream.

This new edition covers more than 80 locations, noting general information about the sites and which birds are common at each. Philip Zalesky’s original site descriptions have been revised and updated, including new observations, recent sightings, and historical and natural history information. Our local birders have added their own interesting anecdotes, including the many ways things have changed since the 2nd edition was published in 2001. Local bird photographers have contributed over 100 full-color photographs showing the splendor of our local birds and the wondrous beauty of the birding habitats found in our area. A checklist includes all 355 species of birds ever sighted in Snohomish County and Camano Island.

We hope this book will guide you to new areas you haven’t explored yet, or give you an idea of where to start if you’re visiting Western Washington.

All proceeds will help fund local conservation efforts in Snohomish County and Camano Island.

Trip Report: Camano Island

Photo: Barred Owl by Graham Hutchison

January 16, 2024

In sub-freezing temperatures, Graham Hutchison led hearty birders around several sites on northern Camano Island. At Smith Lake, sightings included Gadwall, Ring-necked Duck, Red-breasted Sapsucker and Golden-crowned Kinglet. A highlight at popular Barnum Point Preserve was a Barred Owl, but the group also saw both Common and Barrow’s Goldeneye, Surf Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser and Horned Grebe on the water and Brown Creeper, Varied Thrush and Fox Sparrow in the woods. A Northern Harrier and five dozen Trumpeter Swan also showed nearby along Sunrise Boulevard. Fox Trot Way was productive with waterfowl including American and Eurasian Wigeon, Greater Yellowlegs, hundreds of Northern Pintail and thousands of Dunlin. Finally, Iverson Point featured 10 Long-tailed Duck, Red-throated Loon, Virginia Rail and Wilson’s Snipe.

52 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Graham, Phil, Dianne, John H., Pam T., Rick, Teri, Reg, Tari, Doug C. Ray, Carlos, Judy Lo., Denny

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Trumpeter Swan (62), Northern Shoveler (1), Gadwall (2), Eurasian Wigeon (1), American Wigeon (500), Mallard (15), Northern Pintail (1000), Green-winged Teal (3), Ring-necked Duck (25), Greater Scaup (50), Surf Scoter (115), Long-tailed Duck (10), Bufflehead (15), Common Goldeneye (5), Barrow’s Goldeneye (3), Hooded Merganser (1), Red-breasted Merganser (8)

LOON, GREBES: Red-throated Loon (3), Horned Grebe (9)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (8), Great Blue Heron (2)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (4), Northern Harrier (2)

RAILS, CRANES: Virginia Rail (1), American Coot (5)

SHOREBIRDS: Greater Yellowlegs (2), Dunlin (3000), Wilson’s Snipe (1)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (20), Ring-billed Gull (77), Glaucous-winged Gull (17)

OWLS: Barred Owl (1)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (1)

WOODPECKERS: Red-breasted Sapsucker (2), Downy Woodpecker (1), Northern Flicker (4)

CORVIDS: American Crow (1)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (1), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (1)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Brown Creeper (1)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (1), Pacific Wren (1)

KINGLETS: Golden-crowned Kinglet (4), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2)

THRUSHES: American Robin (45), Varied Thrush (8)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (2)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (12), Song Sparrow (11), Fox Sparrow (8), Dark-eyed Junco (6)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (3)

Trip Report: Monroe to Carnation

Photo: Northern Shoveler by Philip Dickinson

January 9, 2024

The forecast was for a very wet, very windy day, but we had only a ten-minute shower and moderate breeze with only a couple of brief gusts. Virginia Clark must still be talking with Mother Nature. At Lake Tye and Lord’s Lake in Monroe, our sightings included Trumpeter Swan, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, Greater and Lesser Scaup, Pied-billed Grebe, Common Goldeneye, Snow Goose and American Wigeon. The breeze did minimize songbird activity in the Crescent Lake area, but we found large flocks of Dark-eyed Junco, Brewer’s Blackbird and Cackling Goose, along with Cooper’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Belted Kingfisher, Great Blue Heron and Hooded Merganser. The Snoqualmie River Trail at Stillwater produced Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Ring-necked Duck, Gadwall and Northern Shoveler, among others. We finished the day at Sikes Lake padding our count of several species and adding Common Merganser.

48 Species (Approx. Qty)

Attendees: Phil, Rex, Dianne, Denny, Graham, Wilma, Rick, Pam T., Maureen Z., Ken, Teri, Jane, Gary, Karen, Judy B., Robin

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Snow Goose (27), Cackling Goose (1150), Canada Goose (195), Trumpeter Swan (320), Northern Shoveler (10), Gadwall (3), American Wigeon (1000), Mallard (315), Northern Pintail (135), Green-winged Teal (22), Ring-necked Duck (4), Greater Scaup (2), Lesser Scaup (6), Bufflehead (2), Common Goldeneye (1), Hooded Merganser (7), Common Merganser (3)

LOONS, GREBES: Pied-billed Grebe (6)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (8), Great Blue Heron (5)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (11), Northern Harrier (2), Cooper’s Hawk (2), Red-tailed Hawk (7)

RAILS, CRANES: American Coot (240)

GULLS: Short-billed Gull (150), Ring-billed Gull (3), Glaucous-winged Gull (230)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (6), Eurasian Collared-Dove (6), Mourning Dove (4)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (3)

WOODPECKERS: Downy Woodpecker (1), Northern Flicker (5)

CORVIDS: Steller's Jay (3), American Crow (210), Common Raven (5)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (1)

THRUSHES: American Robin (3)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (570)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (3), Fox Sparrow (1), Song Sparrow (6), White-crowned Sparrow (3), Dark-eyed Junco (24)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (56), Brewer's Blackbird (500)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Sparrow (24)

Trip Report: Lummi Flats

Photo: Semipalmated Plover by Philip Dickinson

December 12, 2023

We could not have had a better day as weather was sunny, cool and calm. Led by Rex Guichard, our first stop along the S. Red River Road had Rough-legged Hawks, multiple Northern Harriers, American Kestrels and lots of ducks. We saw one of our two Northern Shrikes on N. Red River Road. We spent much time at Sandy Point, where a seasonally rare Semi-Palmated Plover was among the 18 Killdeer. We also enjoyed watching the Dunlin flying and Black Turnstones. There was a huge number of Brant off the southeast shore. Our last stop was at Portage Point. Lots of Scoters were there - both Surf and White-winged – and our first Barrow’s Goldeneye, but we did not find a Black Scoter. One car stopped by the East 90 on the way home and saw ten Short-eared Owls.

63 Species (Approx. Qty.)

Attendees: Jeff, Wilma, Rex, Robin, Judy, Kameron, Ken, Dianna, Denny, Marcia, Pam, Pat, Rick, John, Lisa, Bruce, Daren, Maureen, Doug C., Ray, Gary, Leanne

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Brant (250), Canada Goose (50), Trumpeter Swan (47), Eurasian Wigeon (1), American Wigeon (235), Mallard (92), Northern Shoveler (8), Northern Pintail (278), Greater Scaup (1), Lesser Scaup (2), Surf Scoter (230), White-winged Scoter (35), Long-tailed Duck (7), Bufflehead (23), Common Goldeneye (37), Barrow's Goldeneye (2), Common Merganser (4), Red-breasted Merganser (3), Ruddy Duck (2)

LOONS, GREBES: Red-throated Loon (6), Pacific Loon (1), Common Loon (5), Horned Grebe (19), Red-necked Grebe (1), Western Grebe (1)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Brant’s Cormorant (2), Double-crested Cormorant (11), Pelagic Cormorant (5), Great Blue Heron (5)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (12), Northern Harrier (20), Red-tailed Hawk (7), Rough-legged Hawk (5), American Kestrel (2), Merlin (1)

RAILS, CRANES: American Coot (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Semipalmated Plover (1), Killdeer (19), Black Turnstone (30), Dunlin (175)

GULLS: Glaucous-winged (10), Western-glaucous hybrid (30)

ALCIDS: Pigeon Guillemot (2), Marbled Murrelet (3)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (45), Eurasian Collared-Dove (2)

OWLS: Short-eared Owl (10)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (1)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (1)

SHRIKES, VIREOS: Northern Shrike (2)

CORVIDS: American Crow (28)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (3)

THRUSHES American Robin (1), Varied Thrush (2)

STARLING: European Starling (50)

SPARROW, TANAGERS: Spotted Towhee (2), Song Sparrow (4), Dark-eyed Junco (4)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (37), Western Meadowlark (4), Brewer's Blackbird (8)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (20), Pine Siskin (30), House Sparrow (6)

Trip Report: Snohomish

Photo: Lesser Scaup by Philip Dickinson

November 28, 2023

Our day began with a Northern Hawk Owl in the parking lot, beautifully carved by Rex Guichard. We proceeded to survey Blackmans Lake and Ferguson Park, with some notable birds including Ruddy Duck, Common Merganser, Greater Scaup, Bufflehead on the water and Varied Thrush, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Fox Sparrow and Steller’s Jay landside. At Riverview Wildlife Refuge and the Snohomish treatment plant, we added Eurasian Wigeon, Wood Duck, Lesser Scaup, Gadwall, Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle and American Goldfinch. Bob Heirman Wildlife Preserve provided Trumpeter Swan and Tundra Swan, Snow Goose, Common Goldeneye, Pied-billed Grebe, Common Raven, Hooded Merganser and Green-winged Teal. Penny Creek Natural Area was a new place to most of the group and did not disappoint with Cinnamon Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Green Heron and a leucistic Spotted Towhee.

51 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Dianna, Judy Lo., Mary, Doug C., Doug E., Carlos, Sherry, Ken, Reg, Rick, Pam T., Karen, Bruce, Wilma, Graham, Sue B., Pam P., John E., Pat, Marcia, John H., Tari, Lisa, Denny, Ellen, Etta, Bev W.

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Snow Goose (1), Canada Goose (24), Trumpeter Swan (50), Tundra Swan (1), Wood Duck (7), Cinnamon Teal (2), Northern Shoveler (36), Gadwall (50), Eurasian Wigeon (1), American Wigeon (19), Mallard (350), Green-winged Teal (412), Ring-necked Duck (56 ), Greater Scaup (1), Lesser Scaup (175), Bufflehead (50), Common Goldeneye (1), Hooded Merganser (19), Common Merganser (15), Ruddy Duck (21)

LOONS, GREBES: Pied-billed Grebe (9)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (32), Great Blue Heron (6), Green Heron (1)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (2), Red-tailed Hawk (3)

RAILS, CRANES: American Coot (57)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (3), Ring-billed Gull (1), Glaucous-winged Gull (20)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (3)

WOODPECKERS: Downy Woodpecker (1), Northern Flicker (4)

CORVIDS: Steller’s Jay (7), American Crow (80), Common Raven (1)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (12), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (1)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Red-breasted Nuthatch (2)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (2)

KINGLETS: Ruby-crowned Kinglet (5)

THRUSHES: American Robin (6), Varied Thrush (3)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (23)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (3), Fox Sparrow (3), Song Sparrow (7), Golden-crowned Sparrow (1), Dark-eyed Junco (4)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (2), American Goldfinch (2)

Trip Report: Montlake/Magnuson

Photo: American Bittern by Philip Dickinson

November 14, 2023

It was chilly but calm and sunny for the start of our day at Union Bay Natural Area aka Montlake Fill. Yessler Swamp was quiet, but we did find Pied-billed Grebe, Gadwall, Hooded Merganser, Brown Creeper and Fox Sparrow. As the morning progressed, we saw Bald Eagle, American Coot (hundreds), Northern Shoveler, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Anna’s Hummingbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Great Blue Heron. Then a young cyclist alerted us that an American Bittern was at the southwest pond. At Magnuson Park, at least 70 Western Grebe paraded along Lake Washington. On Promontory Point, fall trees provided food for Cedar Waxwing, Downy Woodpecker, Bewick’s Wren, Varied Thrush and many American Robin. However, the park highlight was a rare Swamp Sparrow we found in the marsh thanks to the ears of Frank Caruso. We finished our day at Kenmore’s Tracy Owen Park with Common Merganser (dozens), American Wigeon (hundreds), more American Coot (thousands), and Lesser Scaup.

52 Species (Approx. Qty)

Attendees: Phil, Rex, Diane, Denny, John H., Lisa, Doug C., Doug E., Lianne, Bruce, Frank, Jane, Karen, Teri, Melinda, Rick, Reg, Gary

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Canada Goose (37), Northern Shoveler (29), Gadwall (39), American Wigeon (650), Mallard (3), Northern Pintail (20), Green-winged Teal (2), Greater Scaup (12), Lesser Scaup (1), Bufflehead (17), Hooded Merganser (7), Common Merganser (76), Ruddy Duck (2)

LOONS, GREBES: Pied-billed Grebe (14), Western Grebe (70)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (11), American Bittern (1) Great Blue Heron (3)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (2)

RAILS, CRANES: Virginia Rail (1), American Coot (3300)

SHOREBIRDS: Killdeer (1)

GULLS: Ring-billed Gull (60), Glaucous-winged Gull (7)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna's Hummingbird (2)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (1)

WOODPECKERS: Downy Woodpecker (3), Northern Flicker (1)

CORVIDS: Steller's Jay (2), American Crow (43)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (6)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Brown Creeper (1)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (2), Pacific Wren (2), Marsh Wren (1)

THRUSHES: American Robin (31), Varied Thrush (1)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (34)

WAXWINGS, PIPITS: Cedar Waxwing (3)

WARBLERS, CHATS: Yellow-rumped Warbler (10)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (5), Fox Sparrow (5), Song Sparrow (16), Swamp Sparrow (1), Golden-crowned Sparrow (3), Dark-eyed Junco (6)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (2)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (4), American Goldfinch (1)

Trip Report: North Whidbey

Photo: Harlequin Duck by Philip Dickinson

November 7, 2023

Our day began at March Point with sightings of Surf Scoter, Lesser Scaup, Red-necked Grebe, Dunlin, Horned Grebe and Common Loon. At Lake Erie and Campbell Lake, new species included Pine Siskin, Ruby- and Golden-crowned Kinglet, Common Merganser, Ring-necked Duck, Ruddy Duck, Downy Woodpecker, Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Fox Sparrow and Virginia Rail. Bufflehead and Dark-eyed Juncos were numerous. At Rosario Beach, strong winds created spectacular surf but challenged our birding skills. Nevertheless, highlights were three cormorant species, Common Murre, Western Grebe, Black Oystercatcher, Hermit Thrush and ten Harlequin Duck. Bowman Bay offered great looks at Pacific Wren and many Short-billed Gull. At Deception Pass after lunch, the sea swells occasionally revealed White-winged Scoter, Red-throated, Pacific and Common Loon, Pigeon Guillemot, Ancient Murrelet and Red-breasted Merganser. At Cornet Bay, we added Bonaparte’s Gull, Bewick’s Wren, Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Hooded Merganser and American Wigeon. On the way home, we passed a flock of several thousand Snow Geese along Highway 20.

71 Species (Approx. Qty)

Attendees: Phil, Val, Merilee, Judy Lo., Dianne, Tari, Pat, Marcia, Lisa, Barry, Doug C., Bruce, Karen, Frank, Teri, Reg, Maureen T., Pam P., John E., Wilma

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Snow Goose (7000), Canada Goose (80), Trumpeter Swan (25), Northern Shoveler (2), American Wigeon (6), Mallard (1), Ring-necked Duck (17), Lesser Scaup (86), Harlequin Duck (10), Surf Scoter (100), White-winged Scoter (1), Bufflehead (89), Hooded Merganser (12), Common Merganser (3), Ruddy Duck (2)

LOONS, GREBES: Red-throated Loon (1), Pacific Loon (1), Common Loon (5), Horned Grebe (3), Red-necked Grebe (1), Western Grebe (1)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Brandt’s Cormorant (1), Pelagic Cormorant (30), Double-crested Cormorant (55), Great Blue Heron (15)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (9), Northern Harrier (2), Red-tailed Hawk (3)

RAILS, CRANES: Virginia Rail (2), American Coot (6)

SHOREBIRDS: Black Oystercatcher (1), Dunlin (500)

GULLS: Bonaparte’s Gull (1), Ring-billed Gull (1), Glaucous-winged Gull (40)

ALCIDS, JAEGERS: Common Murre (1), Pigeon Guillemot (3), Ancient Murrelet (2)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Eurasian Collared-Dove (8), Mourning Dove (6)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna's Hummingbird (1)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (5)

WOODPECKERS: Downy Woodpecker (2), Northern Flicker (5)

CORVIDS: American Crow (22), Common Raven (1)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (6), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (8)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Red-breasted Nuthatch (1), Brown Creeper (7)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (2), Pacific Wren (4), Marsh Wren (1)

KINGLETS: Golden-crowned Kinglet (10), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (10)

THRUSHES: Hermit Thrush (2), American Robin (4)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (42)

WARBLERS, CHAT: Orange-crowned Warbler (1)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (6), Fox Sparrow (2), Song Sparrow (5), White-crowned Sparrow (1), Golden-crowned Sparrow (1), Dark-eyed Junco (25)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Brewer’s Blackbird (560)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (4), Pine Siskin (100), House Sparrow (2)

Trip Report: Reifel Bird Sanctuary

Photo: American Wigeon by Philip Dickinson

October 31, 2023

Beautiful weather made for a day at one of our most popular destinations even better. One of the local Black-crowned Night Herons greeted us near the entrance, even before Black-capped Chickadees and Red-winged Blackbirds began snacking on handheld seeds. Pine Siskins fed near the trail until a Peregrine Falcon scattered them, while resident Sandhill Cranes strolled the marsh. As usual there were thousands of ducks – Mallard, American Wigeon, Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Hooded Merganser and others. We also saw several Fox and Golden-crowned Sparrows. Four American Avocets were a highlight for some of us, but others missed them. Northern Shrike, Merlin, Northern Harrier, Long-billed Dowitcher, Purple Finch and hundreds of Cackling Geese were among other sightings. A brief stop at the Boundary Bay dike offered views of hundreds of Dunlin and another Merlin before we headed home.

66 Species (Approx. Qty)

Attendees: Phil, Rick, Jane, Rex, Judy Lo., Dianne, Denny, Pat, Marcia, John H. Lisa, Graham, Shirley, Barry, Doug C., Bruce, Karen, Robin, Lianne, Merilee, Pam P., John E., Sue B., Judy B., Chendur

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Snow Goose (1600), Cackling Goose (500), Canada Goose (50), Trumpeter Swan (12), Northern Shoveler (400), Gadwall (25), American Wigeon (200), Mallard (2000), Wood Duck (1), Northern Pintail (100), Green-winged Teal (8), Ring-necked Duck (4), Greater Scaup (2), Hooded Merganser (25)

GALLINACEOUS BIRDS: Ring-necked Pheasant (2)

LOONS, GREBES: Red-throated Loon (6), Common Loon (4), Pied-billed Grebe (1)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (75), Great Blue Heron (25), Black-crowned Night Heron (1)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (12), Northern Harrier (7), Red-tailed Hawk (2), Merlin (2), Peregrine Falcon (1)

RAILS, CRANES: Virginia Rail (3), American Coot (21), Sandhill Crane (4)

SHOREBIRDS: American Avocet (4), Black-bellied Plover (4), Greater Yellowlegs (2), Dunlin (2000), Long-billed Dowitcher (3)

GULLS: Ring-billed Gull (3), Glaucous-winged Gull (9)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (7), Eurasian Collared-Dove (1)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna's Hummingbird (2)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (3)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (4)

SHRIKES, VIREOS: Northern Shrike (1)

CORVIDS: American Crow (14), Common Raven (1)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (150)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Brown Creeper (1)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (2), Marsh Wren (4)

KINGLETS: Golden-crowned Kinglet (1)

THRUSHES: American Robin (28)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (150)

WAXWINGS, PIPITS: Cedar Waxwing (5)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (8), Savannah Sparrow (1), Song Sparrow (18), White-crowned Sparrow (2), Golden-crowned Sparrow (13), Dark-eyed Junco (15)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (125)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: Purple Finch (2), House Finch (1), Pine Siskin (40), House Sparrow (25)

Trip Report: Clear Lake

Photo: Short-eared Owl by Philip Dickinson

October 24, 2023

We began our day at the Hansen Creek and Northern State Recreation Area in Sedro-Woolley. The visiting Red-shouldered Hawk was a no-show, but we saw Short-eared Owl, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk and Cooper’s Hawk. There also were Marsh Wren, Virginia Rail, Dark-eyed Junco and Brown Creeper. Johnson-DeBay Slough yielded American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Hooded Merganser and Pine Siskin. Clear Lake had numerous Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead and Pied-billed Grebe, plus Western Grebe and Hairy Woodpecker. We had great looks at Belted Kingfisher and Downy Woodpecker at Mud Lake. Nearby, we added Anna’s Hummingbird and two flyover Wilson’s Snipe. Just before rain began, we watched an American Kestrel diving on a Red-tailed Hawk at Beaver Lake. At a Clear Lake shelter during lunch, we noticed a Trumpeter Swan. Heading home, we passed a large blackbird flock along Thilberg Rd.

48 Species (Approx. Qty)

Attendees:  Phil, Rex, Judy Lo., Diane, Denny, Pat, Marcia, John H. Lisa, Mary, Graham, Wilma, Doug II, Tari, Bruce, Maureen T., Pam T.

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Canada Goose (5), Trumpeter Swan (1), American Wigeon (45), Mallard (56), Green-winged Teal (16), Ring-necked Duck (72), Bufflehead (19), Hooded Merganser (2)

LOONS, GREBES: Pied-billed Grebe (11), Western Grebe (1)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (9), Great Blue Heron (1)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (4), Northern Harrier (2), Cooper’s Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (7), American Kestrel (2)

RAILS, CRANES: Virginia Rail (1), American Coot (2)

SHOREBIRDS: Wilson’s Snipe (2)

GULLS: Glaucous-winged Gull (1)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (200), Mourning Dove (4)

OWLS: Short-eared Owl (1)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna's Hummingbird (3)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (3)

WOODPECKERS: Downy Woodpecker (1), Hairy Woodpecker (1), Northern Flicker (5)

CORVIDS: Steller's Jay (9), American Crow (29), Common Raven (5)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (5), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (1)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Brown Creeper (2)

WRENS: Pacific Wren (1), Marsh Wren (5)

THRUSHES: American Robin (2)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (400)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (2), Song Sparrow (6), Golden-crowned Sparrow (2), Dark-eyed Junco (16)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (164), Brewer's Blackbird (400), Brown-headed Cowbird (2)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: Pine Siskin (35)

Trip Report: Point No Point

Photo: Heermann’s Gull by Philip Dickinson

October 17, 2023

The north shores of Kitsap County always offer great birding. At the Point No Point boat launch and lighthouse, water birds included Ancient and Marbled Murrelet, Rhinoceros Auklet, Common Murre, Common and Pacific Loon, Red-necked and Horned Grebe, Bonaparte’s and Heermann’s Gull, Harlequin Duck, and Parasitic Jaeger. On land, we saw California Scrub Jay, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Brown Creeper, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and a friendly Hutton’s Vireo. Over at the Foulweather Bluff Conservancy, our scopes trained on Surf, White-winged and Black Scoter, plus Western Grebe. Meanwhile marsh ducks included American and Eurasian Wigeon. The day’s raptors were Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, and Red-tailed Hawk.

68 Species (Approx. Qty)

Attendees: Phil, Dianne, Lisa, Jane, Val, Judy Lo, Merilee, Graham, Karen, John H., Judy La., Ken, Frank, Bruce, Robin, Teri, Tari, Terry, Rex, Pat, Ray, Jeff, Marty, Clyde

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Snow Goose (80), Cackling Goose (1), Eurasian Wigeon (1), American Wigeon (220), Mallard (3), Pintail (30), Green-winged Teal (1), Harlequin Duck (3), Surf Scoter (190), White-winged Scoter (4), Black Scoter (2)

LOONS, GREBES: Pacific Loon (7), Common Loon (4), Horned Grebe (15), Red-necked Grebe (13), Western Grebe (4)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (90), Pelagic Cormorant (32), Great Blue Heron (4)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (4), Northern Harrier (1), Sharp-shinned Hawk (1), Cooper’s Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Killdeer (10), Greater Yellowlegs (1), Least Sandpiper (7)

GULLS: Bonaparte’s Gull (20), Heermann’s Gull (10), Short-billed Gull (25), California Gull (7), Glaucous-winged Gull (45)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (3), Eurasian Collared-Dove (1), Mourning Dove (1)

OWLS: Barred Owl (1)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna's Hummingbird (4)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (4)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (2), Pileated Woodpecker (1)

SHRIKES, VIREOS: Hutton’s Vireo (1)

CORVIDS: Steller's Jay (2), California Scrub-Jay (7), American Crow (15), Common Raven (2)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (1)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Brown Creeper (3)

WRENS: Bewick's Wren (1), Pacific Wren (2), Marsh Wren (5)

THRUSHES: American Robin (22), Varied Thrush (1)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (90)

WARBLERS, CHAT: Yellow-rumped Warbler (6)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (5), Fox Sparrow (1), Song Sparrow (4), White-crowned Sparrow (4), Golden-crowned Sparrow (6), Dark-eyed Junco (7)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (22)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (1), Red-crossbill (1), Pine Siskin (1)

Trip Report: Camano Island

Photo: Golden-crowned Sparrow by Philip Dickinson

October 10, 2023

Graham Hutchison led us on a tour of hotspots around northeast Camano Island. Smith Lake had American Coot, Red-breasted Nuthatch and Gadwall. Along Barnum Point trails, we saw Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Golden- and Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, Fox Sparrow, Bushtit, Purple Finch, and others. On the water, we spied 11 Western Grebe and many Surf Scoter. At English Boom, we added Common Loon, Belted Kingfisher, Bald Eagle, numerous Great Blue Heron, hundreds of Snow Goose and many ducks. Iverson Point produced three Virginia Rail, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk and a Golden-crowned Sparrow flock. We finished at Eide Road with Long-billed Dowitcher, Least Sandpiper, Horned Grebe and Caspian Tern. And, we saw none of the forecast rain except a few drops at the start.

52 Species (Approx. Qty)

Attendees: Graham, Amy, Phil, Lisa, Kathy, Tari, Judy B., Dianne, Denny, Ken, Teri, Rick, Pam T., Jane

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Snow Goose (1500), Gadwall (7), American Wigeon (1200), Mallard (105), Northern Pintail (1000), Green-winged Teal (700), Surf Scoter (200)

LOONS, GREBES: Common Loon (2), Horned Grebe (1), Western Grebe (13)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (18), Great Blue Heron (62)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (4), Northern Harrier (1), Red-tailed Hawk (4)

RAILS, CRANES: Virginia Rail (3), American Coot (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Least Sandpiper (60), Long-billed Dowitcher (30)

GULLS: Ring-billed Gull (450), California Gull (2), Glaucous-winged Gull (8), Caspian Tern (3)

ALCIDS, JAEGERS: Pigeon Guillemot (1)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Eurasian Collared-Dove(9), Mourning Dove (12)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (2)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (5)

CORVIDS: Steller's Jay (3), American Crow (18), Common Raven (1)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (4), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (1), Bushtit (7)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Red-breasted Nuthatch (3)

WRENS: Bewick's Wren (2), Pacific Wren (1)

KINGLETS: Golden-crowned Kinglet (1), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2)

THRUSHES: American Robin (11)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (340)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (11), Savannah Sparrow (2), Fox Sparrow (3), Song Sparrow (13), White-crowned Sparrow (2), Golden-crowned Sparrow (28), Dark-eyed Junco (4)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (4)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: Purple Finch (3), House Finch (2), House Sparrow (16)

Trip Report: Nisqually

Photo: Nazca Booby by Philip Dickinson

October 3, 2023

What’s that bird in the photo? Make sure to read to the end. We began an overcast day with good activity in the orchard and along the maintenance road: multiple Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Cedar Waxwing, and three cavorting Bald Eagle, among others. The east boardwalk and the Twin Barns overlook were quiet, but better along the dike. Duck species included numerous American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal and Northern Pintail. We also spied Greater Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitcher and Western Sandpiper. At that point, we cut short our walk and headed over to Luhr Beach across McAllister Creek because a Nazca Booby discovered the day before had been resighted. What a thrill to see this rarity from the Galapagos, even at a distance! Surf and White-winged Scoter, and Horned, Red-necked and Western Grebe were nice additions to end the day.

52 Species (Approx. Qty)

Attendees: Phil, Dianne, Lisa, Tari, Rex, Jeff, Denny, Frank, Ken, Teri, Reg, Bruce, Maureen T., Pam T., Karen, Kay, John H., Pat, Marcia, Joanie, Terry

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Cackling Goose (45), American Wigeon (20), Mallard (6), Northern Shoveler (20), Northern Pintail (200), Green-winged Teal (20), Greater Scaup (30), Surf Scoter (50), White-winged Scoter (5)

LOONS, GREBES: Common Loon (2), Horned Grebe (10), Red-necked Grebe (5), Western Grebe (2)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (3), Great Blue Heron (2)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (5), Northern Harrier (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Greater Yellowlegs (15), Western Sandpiper (40), Long-billed Dowitcher (1)

GULLS: Ring-billed Gull (100), Short-billed Gull (2), California Gull (2), Glaucous-winged Gull (7)

FRIGATEBIRDS, BOOBIES, GANNETS: Nazca Booby (1)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (25)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna's Hummingbird (2)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (2)

CORVIDS: American Crow (6), Common Raven (1)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Barn Swallow (5)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (12), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (5)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Brown Creeper (4)

WRENS: Bewick's Wren (1)

KINGLETS: Golden-crowned Kinglet (1), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2)

THRUSHES: American Robin (4)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (10)

WAXWINGS, PIPITS: Cedar Waxwing (30)

WARBLERS, CHAT: Common Yellowthroat (1)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (5), Fox Sparrow (3), Song Sparrow (12), Golden-crowned Sparrow (6)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (8)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (1), American Goldfinch (6), House Sparrow (1)

Trip Report: Silvana Roads

Photo: Turkey Vulture by Philip Dickinson

September 26, 2023

On the first stop on 7th Ave. NE, we found American Pipits in the field of newly planted blueberries. On Hevly Rd., American Goldfinches and House Finches were munching on sunflower seeds. We had Turkey Vultures, Bald Eagles and Common Ravens flying over the corn fields, with ten vultures in trees at the end of the road. A Barred Owl was spotted on 4th Ave NW by one car. At Sunday Lake, we heard a Virginia Rail. Ducks, Canada Geese, Cackling Geese and a Pied-billed Grebe were on the lake. After lunch in Stanwood, we headed to Eide Rd, rather than return toward Silvana. We got out the scopes in the rain, but the wind was blowing so hard we could not use them. We had a good look at a Northern Harrier but were not able to identify other birds due to the weather, so trip leader Wilma Bayes agreed to call it a day.

38 Species (Approx. Qty)

Attendees: Graham, Wilma, Richard, Doug, Judy, Dianne, Sue, Ken, Reg, Lisa, Bruce, Karen and Rex

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Cackling Goose (15), Canada Goose (76), American Wigeon (6), Mallard (7), Northern Shoveler (2)

LOONS, GREBES: Pied-billed Grebe (1)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Great Blue Heron (1)

VULTURE: Turkey Vulture (10)

RAPTORS: Osprey (1), Bald Eagle (2), Northern Harrier (1), American Kestrel (1)

RAILS, CRANES: Virginia Rail (1), American Coot (3)

GULLS: Glaucous-winged Gull (1)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (5), Eurasian Collared-Dove (1), Mourning Dove (2)

OWLS: Barred Owl (1)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna's Hummingbird (7)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (1)

WOODPECKERS: Downy Woodpecker (1), Northern Flicker (3)

CORVIDS: Steller's Jay (3), American Crow (5), Common Raven (2)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Violet-green Swallow (70)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (7), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (1)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Red-breasted Nuthatch (1)

WRENS: Bewick's Wren (1)

THRUSHES: American Robin (43)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (1,065)

WAXWINGS, PIPITS: American Pipit (35)

WARBLERS, CHAT: Common Yellowthroat (2)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (4), Song Sparrow (6), Golden-crowned Sparrow (2)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Brewer's Blackbird (3)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (5), American Goldfinch (12)