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.
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.