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)

Trip Report: Sequim

Photo: Marbled Godwit by Philip Dickinson

September 19, 2023

Frank Caruso led a great day of birding with nice weather and good birds to see. One of the first birds seen was a Merlin. One birder mentioned this was one of her favorite birds to see, as she is from the East coast and Merlins there are more of a gray color than the darker brown we see in Washington. We enjoyed comparing the size of one Cackling Goose that was with two Canada Geese. These birds were found on the Old Gardiner Road as were seven California Quail. We all enjoyed the shorebirds at Three Crabs and the Oyster House Road area. A favorite was the Marbled Godwit. We also enjoyed the Black-bellied Plovers, Short-billed Dowitchers and a lone Baird’s Sandpiper.

60 species (Approx. qty.)

Attendees: Wilma, Graham, Dianne, Merilee, Joanie, Frank, Melinda, Rex, Ken, Tari, Judy B. Val, Denny, Bruce, Rick, Marsha, Pat, Karen, Lisa, Kameron, Judy La.

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Cackling Goose (1), Canada Goose (77), American Wigeon (2.500), Mallard (24), Northern Pintail (4), Surf Scoter (14), Black Scoter (1), Hooded Merganser (4), Common Merganser (1)

GALLINACEOUS BIRDS: California Quail (7)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (109), Pelagic Cormorant (16)

VULTURE: Turkey Vulture (4)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (5), American Kestrel (1), Merlin (2)

SHOREBIRDS: Black-bellied Plover (454), Killdeer (5), Marbled Godwit (12), Baird’s Sandpiper (1), Western Sandpipe (3), Short-billed Dowitcher (12)

GULLS, TERNS: Heermann's Gull (26), Short-Billed Gull (19), Ring-billed Gull (63), California Gull (10), Glaucous-winged Gull (589), Caspian Tern (1)

ALCIDS: Common Murre (4), Pigeon Guillemot (12), Rhinoceros Auklet (39)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (112), Eurasian Collared-Dove (5)

NIGHTHAWKS, SWIFTS: Vaux's Swift (2)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna's Hummingbird (1)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (3)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (2)

CORVIDS: Steller's Jay (1), American Crow (57), Common Raven (2)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Violet-green Swallow (15), Barn Swallow (1)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Chestnut-backed Chickadee (4)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Red-breasted Nuthatch (1)

WRENS: Bewick's Wren (1)

KINGLETS: Golden-crowned Kinglet (3)

THRUSHES: American Robin (1)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (275)

WAXWINGS, PIPITS: Cedar Waxwing (23)

WARBLERS, CHAT: Yellow-rumped Warbler (1), Black-throated Gray Warbler (3), Townsend's Warbler (2)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (1), Song Sparrow (2), White-crowned Sparrow (3), Golden-crowned Sparrow (1)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (121), Brewer's Blackbird (5)

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

Trip Report: Marysville/Everett

Photo: Cinnamon Teal by Philip Dickinson

September 12, 2023

Tulalip Bay provided a great start to our day with Great Egret, Ruddy and Black Turnstone, Black-bellied Plover, Short-billed Dowitcher and one very entertaining Merlin. Jennings Park was quiet, except for many Bushtit and a California Scrub Jay calling as we left. Harborview Park proved more interesting, highlighted by numerous Killdeer and a migrant flock that included Warbling Vireo, Orange-crowned and Wilson’s Warbler, Swainson’s Thrush and Cedar Waxwing. Hooded Merganser, Ruddy Duck and Cinnamon Teal were among many ducks at the Marysville Treatment Plant. We ended the day at north Smith Island watching a Peregrine Falcon pair and finding an Eared Grebe in the Everett Sewage Lagoons main pond.

63 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Dianna, Judy Lo., Frank C., Reg, Rick, Pam T., Ken, Karen, Maureen T., Pat, Jeff, Kathy, Lisa, Denny, Wilma, Amy, Sue B, Teresa

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Canada Goose (19), Gadwall (10), Mallard (72), Cinnamon Teal (10), Northern Shoveler (300), Northern Pintail (220), Green-winged Teal (65), Ring-necked Duck (1), Hooded Merganser (1), Ruddy Duck (30)

LOONS, GREBES: Eared Grebe (2), Western Grebe (1)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (8), Great Blue Heron (12), Great Egret (1)

VULTURE: Turkey Vulture (1)

RAPTORS: Osprey (2), Bald Eagle (3), Cooper’s Hawk (2), Merlin (1), Peregrine Falcon (2)

RAILS, CRANES: Virginia Rail (1), American Coot (7)

SHOREBIRDS: Black-bellied Plover (50), Killdeer (34), Greater Yellowlegs (4), Ruddy Turnstone (1), Black Turnstone (6), Short-billed Dowitcher (2)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (9), Ring-billed Gull (65), Glaucous-winged Gull (50), Caspian Tern (3)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (35)

HUMMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (3)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (2)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (3)

SHRIKES, VIREOS: Warbling Vireo (1)

CORVIDS: Steller’s Jay (6), California Scrub-Jay (2), American Crow (36)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Purple Martin (1), Barn Swallow (20)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (16), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (2), Bushtit (42)

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

WRENS: Marsh Wren (3)

THRUSHES: Swainson’s Thrush (1), American Robin (4)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (250)

WAXWINGS, PIPITS: Cedar Waxwing (10)

WARBLERS, CHATS: Orange-crowned Warbler (1), Common Yellowthroat (3), Wilson’s Warbler (1)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (2), Savannah Sparrow (27), Song Sparrow (6), White-crowned Sparrow (5)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (1)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (5), American Goldfinch (6)

Trip Report: South Whidbey

Photo: Greater Yellowlegs by Philip Dickinson

September 5, 2023

This always popular trip never disappoints, even during “off season.” Starting at Maxwelton, the group, including German visitors Angelica and Annika. enjoyed good views of Osprey, Red-necked Grebe and several Common Loon. Sunlight Beach was surprisingly quiet other than some Common Merganser, but then we heard raucous Steller Jay calls from a willow and located a Great Horned Owl. At the Earth Sanctuary pond, we added Wood Duck and Hooded Merganser. A post-lunch walk at Fort Casey led us to Hutton’s Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Golden-crowned Kinglet. At the Keystone Ferry overlook we identified all three local cormorants—Brandt’s, Double-crested and Pelagic. We also saw Pigeon Guillemot and Rhinoceros Auklet. Deer Lagoon offered Greater Yellowlegs, Black-bellied Plover and Whimbrel. Then, just as we lamented a failure to find an American White Pelican, four flew in to complete our day.

70 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Dianna, Judy Lo., Reg, Rick, Jane, Karen, Val, Pat, Marcia, Jeff, John H., Kathy, Ellen, Lisa, Denny, Ray, Angelica, Annika.

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Canada Goose (162), Wood Duck (1), Gadwall (4), American Wigeon (8), Mallard (467), Northern Pintail (204), Green-winged Teal (2), Surf Scoter (15), Hooded Merganser (1), Common Merganser (21)

LOONS, GREBES: Common Loon (12), Red-necked Grebe (2)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Brandt’s Cormorant (4), Pelagic Cormorant (50), Double-crested Cormorant (13), American White Pelican (4), Great Blue Heron (40)

VULTURE: Turkey Vulture (1)

RAPTORS: Osprey (8), Northern Harrier (1), Bald Eagle (2), Cooper’s Hawk (3), Red-tailed Hawk (3)

RAILS, CRANES: Virginia Rail (2)

SHOREBIRDS: Black-bellied Plover (3), Killdeer (6), Greater Yellowlegs (4), Whimbrel (2), Western Sandpiper (25)

GULLS, TERNS: Bonaparte’s Gull (10), Ring-billed Gull (65), California Gull (33), Glaucous-winged Gull (225), Caspian Tern (24)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (35), Mourning Dove (1)

OWLS: Great Horned Owl (1)

HUMMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (3)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (2)

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

SHRIKES, VIREOS: Hutton’s Vireo (1)

CORVIDS: Steller’s Jay (3), American Crow (13)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Barn Swallow (56)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (4), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (3)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Red-breasted Nuthatch (1)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (3), Marsh Wren (1)

KINGLETS: Golden-crowned Kinglet (3)

THRUSHES: Swainson’s Thrush (1), American Robin (3)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (164)

WAXWINGS, PIPITS: Cedar Waxwing (10)

WARBLERS, CHATS: Common Yellowthroat (2), Yellow-rumped Warbler (1)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (3), Savannah Sparrow (2), Song Sparrow (4), White-crowned Sparrow (1), Golden-crowned Sparrow (2), Dark-eyed Junco (1)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (90)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (8), American Goldfinch (2), House Sparrow (2)

Trip Report: Everett/Mukilteo

Photo: Barred Owl by Philip Dickinson

August 29, 2023

Our August birding ended with a surprisingly cool and cloudy day that made for less bird activity overall. However, there were some nice surprises. We began with Bushtit, Cedar Waxwing, Cooper’s Hawk and Merlin at Everett’s Legion Park. At the new Baywood Nature Trail below the park, we counted 14 Osprey. There also were a raft of Common Mergansers and several shorebird species, including Sanderling. Forest Park yielded a late Western Wood-Pewee, Brown Creeper and Red-breasted Nuthatch. Highlights at Howarth Park were a mixed flock that added Downy Woodpecker, Orange-crowned Warbler and Townsend’s Warbler to our count, plus a lunchtime visit from a Pileated Woodpecker. Our day ended with nice views of Golden-crowned Kinglets and Doug Resnick’s Barred Owl at the Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary.

46 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Rex, Graham, Dianna, Wilma, Ken, Jane, Bruce, Kathy, Doug, Tari, Lianne

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Canada Goose (4), Mallard (59), Common Merganser (45)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Pelagic Cormorant (3), Double-crested Cormorant (24), Great Blue Heron (25)

RAPTORS: Osprey (14), Bald Eagle (1), Cooper’s Hawk (1), Merlin (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Killdeer (6), Greater Yellowlegs (1), Sanderling (3), Least Sandpiper (12), Western Sandpiper (200)

GULLS, TERNS: Ring-billed Gull (200), California Gull (9), Glaucous-winged Gull (225), Caspian Tern (1)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (49)

OWLS: Barred Owl (1)

HUMMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (2)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (2)

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

FLYCATCHERS: Western Wood-Pewee (1)

CORVIDS: Steller’s Jay (3), American Crow (185)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Purple Martin (1), Barn Swallow (40)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (6), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (5)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Red-breasted Nuthatch (2), Brown Creeper (4)

KINGLETS: Golden-crowned Kinglet (4)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (80)

WAXWINGS, PIPITS: Cedar Waxwing (6)

WARBLERS, CHATS: Orange-crowned Warbler (1), Townsend’s Warbler (1)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Song Sparrow (2)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (11)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (2)

Trip Report: Samish Flats

Photo: Red-necked Phalarope by Philip Dickinson

August 22, 2023

We first stopped at the Fir Island (Hayton) Reserve on our way to the Samish Flats to look for s shorebirds. We found Least and Western Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, and Greater Yellowlegs. A Peregrine Falcon watched them, too. On the flats, highlights were several American Kestrel and Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Harrier, and Cooper’s Hawk. During lunch on Samish Island, we spied Common Loon and Yellow Warbler. Then we checked out the Brown Pelican roosting with 250-plus American White Pelican in Padilla Bay. We finished at the Channel Drive slough with nine Red-necked Phalarope and a Black Phoebe. Paul, a visitor from The Netherlands, really enjoyed seeing some of our birds.

50 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Wilma, Rex, Graham, Diane, Pat, Marcia, Judy Lo., Ken, Reg, Bev, Jane, Maureen T., Melinda, Carol, Lianne, Kathy, Barry, Arian, Paul

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Canada Goose (20), Gadwall (4), Mallard (340), Green-winged Teal (2 ), Surf Scoter (150)

LOONS, GREBES: Common Loon (1)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (8), Pelagic Cormorant (1), American White Pelican (200), Brown Pelican (1), Great Blue Heron (12)

VULTURE: Turkey Vulture (2)

RAPTORS: Osprey (2), Bald Eagle (3), Northern Harrier ( 5), Cooper’s Hawk (2), Red-tailed Hawk (8 ), American Kestrel (4), Peregrine Falcon (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Semipalmated Plover (3), Killdeer (17), Greater Yellowlegs (1), Least Sandpiper (20), Western Sandpiper (500), Red-necked Phalarope (9)

GULLS, TERNS: Ring-billed Gull (300), Glaucous-winged Gull (82), Caspian Tern (3)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Eurasian Collared-Dove (3)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (3)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (1)

FLYCATCHERS: Willow Flycatcher (2), Black Phoebe (1)

CORVIDS: American Crow (3), Common Raven (19)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Tree Swallow (3), Violet-green Swallow (2), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (1), Cliff Swallow (1), Barn Swallow (119)

THRUSHES: American Robin (3)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (213)

WAXWINGS, PIPITS: Cedar Waxwing (1)

WARBLERS, CHATS: Yellow Warbler (1)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Savannah Sparrow (7), Song Sparrow (1 ), White-crowned Sparrow (4)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Brewer’s Blackbird (42)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (7), American Goldfinch (6)

Trip Report: Blaine & Semiahmoo

Photo: Harlequin Duck by Philip Dickinson

August 15, 2023

Our group enjoyed a respite from the heat at home with gorgeous day along the northern Salish Sea. In Blaine, Surf and White-winged Scoter were numerous albeit distant, while Black Oystercatcher, Western Sandpiper and Common Loon were not so hard to see. Several people also had good looks at a Pacific-slope Flycatcher. At Semiahmoo, we enjoyed even closer views of Harlequin Duck, Common Goldeneye and Spotted Sandpiper. Then it was time for a relaxing lunch and a walk on the beach at Wilma Bayes’s cottage on beautiful Birch Bay. On the way home, we stopped at Sandy Point and were pleased to find American Kestrel, Brant, Black Turnstone, Long-billed Dowitcher and Black-bellied Plover, the latter still in breeding plumage.

46 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Wilma, Rex, John H., Graham, Diane, Pat, Marcia, Judy Lo., Val, Ken, Reg, Jane, Pam T., Rick, Carlos, Doug, Carol, Kathy

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Brant (1), Canada Goose (413), Mallard (100), Harlequin Duck (5), Surf Scoter (540), White-winged Scoter (150), Common Goldeneye (4)

LOONS, GREBES: Common Loon (2), Horned Grebe (3), Red-necked Grebe (1)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Brandt’s Cormorant (1), Double-crested Cormorant (520), Pelagic Cormorant (6), Great Blue Heron (64)

VULTURE: Turkey Vulture (1)

RAPTORS: Cooper’s Hawk (1), American Kestrel (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Black-bellied Plover (2), Killdeer (5), Black Oystercatcher (5), Spotted Sandpiper (3), Greater Yellowlegs (4), Black Turnstone (1), Western Sandpiper (82), Long-billed Dowitcher (2)

GULLS, TERNS: Bonaparte’s Gull (1), Short-billed Gull (8), Ring-billed Gull (152), California Gull (4), Glaucous-winged Gull (135), Caspian Tern (38)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (10), Eurasian Collared-Dove (2)

ALCIDS, JAEGERS: Rhinoceros Auklet (1)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (1)

FLYCATCHERS: Pacific-slope Flycatcher (1)

CORVIDS: American Crow (29)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Purple Martin (5), Barn Swallow (22)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (5)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (97)

WAXWINGS, PIPITS: Cedar Waxwing (1)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (1), White-crowned Sparrow (1)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Brewer’s Blackbird (20)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (3), House Sparrow (3)

Trip Report: Anacortes

Photo: California Quail by Mick Thompson

August 8, 2023

For early August, we enjoyed pleasant weather and found a good variety of species. We began with Brandt’s Cormorant, Surf Scoter and hundreds of American White Pelican in Padilla Bay. At Cap Sante, we were surprised to see 11 California Quail and an Orange-crowned Warbler. A walk along the Ship Harbor trail produced Pigeon Guillemot, Pelagic Cormorant and Short-billed Gull, while lunchtime at Washington Park offered nice views of Rhinoceros Auklet and Marbled Murrelet. We finally found some Black Oystercatcher at Rosario Beach, along with Olive-sided Flycatcher and Red Crossbill. We finished at Fir Island’s Hayton Reserve with Baird’s Sandpiper, two Whimbrel and number of Semipalmated and Black-bellied Plover.

60 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Graham, Rex, Dianna, Val, Denny, Amy, Karen, Judy B., John H., Jane, Reg, Frank, Pam T., Pam P., John E., Sue B., Maureen T., Bruce, Tari

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Canada Goose (18), Mallard (9), Surf Scoter (3)

GALLINACEOUS BIRDS: California Quail (11)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Brandt’s Cormorant (6), Double-crested Cormorant (46), Pelagic Cormorant (62), American White Pelican (250), Great Blue Heron (14)

VULTURE: Turkey Vulture (2)

RAPTORS: Osprey (2), Bald Eagle (11), Red-tailed Hawk (3)

SHOREBIRDS: Black-bellied Plover (8), Semipalmated Plover (11), Killdeer (5), Black Oystercatcher (3), Greater/Lesser Yellowlegs (1), Whimbrel (2), Baird’s Sandpiper (1), Semipalmated Sandpiper (1), Western Sandpiper (20)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (40), Ring-billed Gull (21), California Gull (4), Glaucous-winged Gull (125), Caspian Tern (6)

ALCIDS, JAEGERS: Pigeon Guillemot (22), Rhinoceros Auklet (10), Marbled Murrelet (6)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (3), Eurasian Collared-Dove (1), Mourning Dove (2)

HUMMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (1)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (1)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (1)

FLYCATCHERS: Olive-sided Flycatcher (1), Willow Flycatcher (2)

CORVIDS: American Crow (30), Common Raven (2)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Purple Martin (8), Tree Swallow (6), Barn Swallow (36)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (8)

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

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (2)

THRUSHES: American Robin (2)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (300)

WAXWINGS, PIPITS: Cedar Waxwing (2)

WARBLERS, CHATS: Orange-crowned Warbler (1)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (2), Song Sparrow (21, White-crowned Sparrow (21), Dark-eyed Junco (2)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Brewer’s Blackbird (6), Brown-headed Cowbird (1)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (13), Red Crossbill (1), American Goldfinch (3), House Sparrow (3)

Trip Report: Arlington

Photo: Black-tailed Deer by Philip Dickinson

July 11, 2023

Trafton Trailhead Park on the Whitehorse Trail was a new place for most of the group, and they loved it. Among birds observed were Lazuli Bunting, Vaux Swift, Willow Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker and Red-eyed Vireo. At River Meadows County Park, Bank Swallows fed young at their nesting colony, while a Common Merganser with chicks swam downstream. At Nakashima Barn, Virginia Rail and Sora called from the marsh pond, and we saw Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle and Cedar Waxwing. Lake Armstrong Road yielded Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Hutton’s Vireo and Red-breasted Nuthatch. We ended the day at Eagle Trail/Haller Park with great views of two Brown Creepers. Our mammal list included coyote and black-tailed deer.

55 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Rex, John H., Victor, Graham, Barry, Dianna, Denny, Marcia, Judy B., Ken, Reg, Jane, Pam T., Pam P., John E., Sue B.

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Mallard (2), Common Merganser (9)

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

VULTURE: Turkey Vulture (4)

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

RAILS, CRANES: Virginia Rail (3), Sora (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Killdeer (1)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Mourning Dove (2)

NIGHTHAWKS, SWIFTS: Vaux Swift (2)

HUMMMINGBIRDS: Rufous Hummingbird (1)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (1)

WOODPECKERS: Red-breasted Sapsucker (2), Downy Woodpecker (2), Hairy Woodpecker (2), Northern Flicker (3)

FLYCATCHERS: Western Wood-Pewee (3), Willow Flycatcher (3), Pacific-slope Flycatcher (2)

SHRIKES, VIREOS: Hutton’s Vireo (1), Warbling Vireo (2), Red-eyed Vireo (1)

CORVIDS: Steller’s Jay (2), American Crow (4)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Tree Swallow (2), Violet-green Swallow (3), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (3), Bank Swallow (30), Cliff Swallow (15), Barn Swallow (5)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (12), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (3)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Red-breasted Nuthatch (3), Brown Creeper (2)

WRENS: Marsh Wren (7)

THRUSHES: Swainson’s Thrush (13), American Robin (18)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (15)

WAXWINGS, PIPITS: Cedar Waxwing (5)

WARBLERS, CHATS: Common Yellowthroat (3), Yellow Warbler (1), Yellow-rumped Warbler (1)

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

TANAGERS, GROSBEAKS: Western Tanager (1), Black-headed Grosbeak (4), Lazuli Bunting (2)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (11), Brewer’s Blackbird (3), Brown-headed Cowbird (1), Bullock’s Oriole (2)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: American Goldfinch (6)

Trip Report: North Whidbey

Photo: Black Oystercatcher by Philip Dickinson

June 27, 2023

Morning fog gave to sunny skies by noon, and our large group enjoyed excellent birding. Black Oystercatchers always are a highlight on this trip, and we saw several at Rosario and Bowman Bay. Deception Pass waters also held Pigeon Guillemot, Rhinoceros Auklet and Marbled Murrelet. On land, some highlights were California Quail, juvenile Downy Woodpecker, Purple Martin. Yellow Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler and Orange-crowned Warbler. Dugualla Bay offered Spotted and Least Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, baby Killdeer and an out-of-season Common Goldeneye. We ended with the growing American White Pelican colony at Padilla Bay.

64 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Graham, Rex, Dianna, Val, Denny, Amy, Doug, Karen, Lianne, Pat, Marcia, Judy B., John H., Ken, Jane, Rick, Reg, Judy Lo., Judy La., Kameron, Mike, Linda, Ben

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Canada Goose (75), Mallard (9), Common Goldeneye (1), Hooded Merganser (1)

GALLINACEOUS BIRDS: California Quail (1)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (8), Pelagic Cormorant (5), American White Pelican (175), Great Blue Heron (13)

VULTURE: Turkey Vulture (3)

RAPTORS: Osprey (1), Bald Eagle (9), Red-tailed Hawk (2), American Kestrel (3)

RAILS, CRANES: Virginia Rail (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Killdeer (7), Black Oystercatcher (8), Spotted Sandpiper (5), Greater Yellowlegs (1), Least Sandpiper (5)

GULLS, TERNS: Glaucous-winged Gull (72), Caspian Tern (4)

ALCIDS, JAEGERS: Pigeon Guillemot (20), Rhinoceros Auklet (13), Marbled Murrelet (1)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Eurasian Collared-Dove (3)

HUMMMINGBIRDS: Rufous Hummingbird (3)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (3)

WOODPECKERS: Downy Woodpecker (2), Northern Flicker (3)

FLYCATCHERS: Olive-sided Flycatcher (2), Western Wood-Pewee (3), Willow Flycatcher (2), Pacific-slope Flycatcher (2)

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

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Purple Martin (8), Tree Swallow (6), Violet-green Swallow (2), Cliffs Swallow (9), Barn Swallow (63)

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

WRENS: House Wren (1), Marsh Wren (3)

THRUSHES: Swainson’s Thrush (2), American Robin (16)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (57)

WAXWINGS, PIPITS: Cedar Waxwing (10)

WARBLERS, CHATS: Orange-crowned Warbler (3), Common Yellowthroat (2), Yellow Warbler (2), Yellow-rumped Warbler (1), Wilson’s Warbler (3)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Song Sparrow (9), White-crowned Sparrow (15), Dark-eyed Junco (1)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (24), Brewer’s Blackbird (12), Brown-headed Cowbird (4)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: Purple Finch (1), House Finch (4), American Goldfinch (7), House Sparrow (1)

Trip Report: Camano

Photo: Purple Martins by Philip Dickinson

June 20, 2023

Kudos to our intrepid birders who persisted through ongoing rain showers at Barnum Point, Iverson Point and Elger Bay Preserves. Barnum Point especially was still productive with sightings that included Barred Owl, Brown Creeper, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Orange-crowned Warbler, Hutton’s Vireo, Bald Eagle and Common Loon. At Iverson Point, we added Caspian Tern, Purple Martin and baby Norther Flicker, among others. New species at Elger Bay were Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Pied-billed Grebe and Wilson’s Warbler. Much thanks to Graham Hutchison for leading the trip.

53 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Graham, Phil, Rex, Dianna, Amy, Doug, Bruce, Karen, Lianne, Pat, Marcia, Sandy, Judy B., John H., Ken, Lynda, Norwyn, Tom, Shannon

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Mallard (2)

LOON, GREBES: Common Loon (2), Pied-billed Grebe (1)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Great Blue Heron (57)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (6), Red-tailed Hawk (1)

GULLS, TERNS: California Gull (20), Glaucous-winged Gull (200), Caspian Tern (60)

ALCIDS, JAEGERS: Pigeon Guillemot (1)

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

OWLS: Barred Owl (1)

HUMMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (1), Rufous Hummingbird (3)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (1)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (3)

FLYCATCHERS: Olive-sided Flycatcher (1), Western Wood-Pewee (4), Willow Flycatcher (2), Pacific-slope Flycatcher (2)

SHRIKES, VIREOS: Hutton’s Vireo (1), Warbling Vireo (1)

CORVIDS: American Crow (1)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Purple Martin (5), Tree Swallow (3), Violet-green Swallow (14), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (1), Barn Swallow (11)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (6)

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

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (2)

THRUSHES: Swainson’s Thrush (5), American Robin (17)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (9)

WAXWINGS, PIPITS: Cedar Waxwing (3)

WARBLERS, CHATS: Orange-crowned Warbler (2), Common Yellowthroat (3), Wilson’s Warbler (2)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (11), Savannah Sparrow (3), Song Sparrow (17), White-crowned Sparrow (5), Dark-eyed Junco (2)

TANAGERS, GROSBEAKS: Black-headed Grosbeak (4)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (13), Brewer’s Blackbird (7), Brown-headed Cowbird (15)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: Purple Finch (3), House Finch (2), American Goldfinch (6), House Sparrow (8)

Trip Report: Ellensburg

Photo: Eastern Kingbird by Philip Dickinson

June 13, 2023

Undeterred by a high-wind forecast, we headed over the mountains to the canyons and dessert steppe around Ellensburg. A Gray Catbird at Snoqualmie Pass kicked off a good day of birding. It was breezy on Thorp Prairie, but we had good looks at Vesper Sparrow and several Western Meadowlark. Taneum Creek and Yakima Canyons offered relative calm conditions. Along Taneum Road, highlights were Veery, Nashville Warbler, Western Tanager, Lazuli Bunting, California Quail, Red-naped Sapsucker and Hairy Woodpecker. Yakima Canyon offered a lunch spot with stunning views, plus Yellow-headed Blackbird, Bullock’s Oriole, Eastern Kingbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Canyon Wren and House Wren. We finished the day on Umptanum Road with Sage Thrasher, Brewer’s Sparrow, Western Bluebird and a dozen Mountain Bluebird.

65 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Diane, Rex, Denny, Doug, Merilee, Val, Judy L., Bruce, Judy B. Maureen T., Bev, Robin, Lynda, Norwyn,

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Mallard (3)

GALLINACIOUSE BIRDS: California Quail (1)

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

VULTURE: Turkey Vulture (14)

RAPTORS: Osprey (1), Northern Harrier (1), Red-tailed Hawk (3), American Kestrel (3), Peregrine Falcon (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Killdeer (1)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Band-tailed Pigeon (1), Mourning Dove (5)

HUMMMINGBIRDS: Rufous Hummingbird (3)

WOODPECKERS: Red-naped Sapsucker (1), Hairy Woodpecker (1), Northern Flicker (2)

FLYCATCHERS: Western Wood- Pewee (10), Willow Flycatcher (1), Pacific-slope Flycatcher (1), Eastern Kingbird (3)

SHRIKES, VIREOS: Warbling Vireo (6)

CORVIDS: Steller’s Jay (2), Black-billed Magpie (2), American Crow (10), Common Raven (16)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Tree Swallow (3), Violet-Green Swallow (14), Cliff Swallow (9), Barn Swallow (12)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (2)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Red-breasted Nuthatch (1)

WRENS: House Wren (3)

THRUSHES: Western Bluebird (1), Mountain Bluebird (12), Veery (2), American Robin (10)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: Gray Catbird (1), Sage Thrasher (2), European Starling (35)

WAXWINGS, PIPITS: Cedar Waxwing (10)

WARBLERS, CHATS: Nashville Warbler (2), MacGillivray’s Warbler (1), Common Yellowthroat (1), Yellow Warbler (5), Wilson’s Warbler (1), Yellow-breasted Chat (5)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (2), Song Sparrow (3), Brewer’s Sparrow (3), Vesper Sparrow (2), Savannah Sparrow (1), White-crowned Sparrow (1), Dark-eyed Junco (2)

TANAGERS, GROSBEAKS: Western Tanager (1), Black-headed Grosbeak (8), Lazuli Bunting (4)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (2), Western Meadowlark (14), Yellow-headed Blackbird (1), Brewer’s Blackbird (16), Brown-headed Cowbird (2), Bullock’s Oriole (2)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: Purple Finch (2), House Finch (8), American Goldfinch (4), House Sparrow (2)

Trip Report: Sedro-Woolley to Newhalem

Photo: Red-winged Blackbird by Philip Dickinson

June 6, 2023

Virginia Clark was in our thoughts on her birthday, while we proceeded along one of her favorite Tuesday itineraries along WA 20 from Sedro-Woolley all the way to North Cascades National Park. At Hansen Creek, we missed American Bittern but saw Virginia Rail and Cooper’s Hawk. Next door at Northern State Recreation Area, highlights were several Lazuli Bunting and Willow Flycatcher, plus a rare Yellow-breasted Chat. Nichols Bar produced nesting Red-breasted Sapsucker, Warbling Vireo and Band-tailed Pigeon. A Black-throated Gray Warbler sang for us all during lunch at Rasar State Park. Then at Martin Road, we found Red-eyed Vireo, Common Merganser, American Dipper and Spotted Sandpiper. Finally, at the Newhalem Agg Ponds, the group was thrilled to see at least two American Redstarts and several more Red-eyed Vireo.

59 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Diane, Victor, Carol, Judy B., Jeff, Merilee, Val, Tari, Pam P., John E., Lynda, Norwyn, Lianne, Sue B., Judy L., Rex, Rick, Robin, Catha, Marcia,

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Common Merganser (3)

HERONS: Great Blue Heron (1)

VULTURE: Turkey Vulture (5)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (1), Cooper’s Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (3)

RAILS, CRANES: Virginia Rail (2)

SHOREBIRDS: Spotted Sandpiper (1)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Band-tailed Pigeon (1), Eurasian Collared-Dove (3)

NIGHTHAWKS, SWIFTS: Vaux Swift (1)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (1)

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

FLYCATCHERS: Olive-sided Woodpecker (1), Western Wood- Pewee (1), Willow Flycatcher (6), Hammond’s Flycatcher (1), Pacific-slope Flycatcher (2)

SHRIKES, VIREOS: Cassin’s Vireo (1), Warbling Vireo (6), Red-eyed Vireo (6)

CORVIDS: Steller’s Jay (2), American Crow (15), Common Raven (3)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Tree Swallow (6), Violet-Green Swallow (13), Barn Swallow (1), Cliff Swallow (20)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (2)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Brown Creeper (1)

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

THRUSHES: Swainson’s Thrush (17), American Robin (40)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (42)

WAXWINGS, PIPITS: Cedar Waxwing (9)

WARBLERS, CHATS: Common Yellowthroat (7), American Redstart (2), Yellow Warbler (1), Yellow-rumped Warbler (1), Black-throated Gray Warbler (3), Yellow-breasted Chat (1)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (2), Song Sparrow (7), White-crowned Sparrow (3)

TANAGERS, GROSBEAKS: Western Tanager (1), Black-headed Grosbeak (12), Lazuli Bunting (4)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (4), Brown-headed Cowbird (3), Bullock’s Oriole (1)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: Purple Finch (2), American Goldfinch (5), House Sparrow (3)

Trip Report: Leavenworth

Photo: White-headed Woodpecker by Philip Dickinson

May 30, 2023

After creeping through dense fog at Stevens Pass, we broke into mild sunny weather east of the mountains. Highlights for everyone were Pygmy Nuthatches and White-headed Woodpeckers feeding young at Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort. The woodpecker was a lifer for several in our group, as were a Gray Flycatcher and a pair of Red-naped Sapsuckers at Camas Meadows. A couple of people spotted a Loggerhead Shrike at the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery. Other notable birds were Harlequin Duck, Red Crossbill, Nashville Warbler, Cedar Waxwing. Spotted Sandpiper and Lazuli Bunting. Heading home, many of us stopped in Sultan to find previously-reported Yellow-breasted Chats. Eastern and Western Kingbirds perched together were a bonus.

68 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Diane, Victor, Graham, Carol, Frank C., Karen, Bruce, Judy B., Maureen T., Ken, Jeff, Merilee, Val, Tari, Pam P., John E., Lynda, Leeanne, Steve, Sandy, Frank M., Etta, Ellen

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Canada Goose (1), Mallard (1), Harlequin Duck (2), Common Merganser (11)

VULTURE: Turkey Vulture (4)

RAPTORS: Osprey (6), Bald Eagle (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Spotted Sandpiper (2)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Eurasian Collared-Dove (1)

NIGHTHAWKS, SWIFTS: Vaux Swift (3)

HUMMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (1), Rufous Hummingbird (1)

WOODPECKERS: Red-naped Sapsucker (2), Downy Woodpecker (1), White-headed Woodpecker (2), Northern Flicker (1)

FLYCATCHERS: Western Wood- Pewee (6), Hammond’s Flycatcher (1), Gray Flycatcher (1), Dusky Flycatcher (1), Pacific-slope Flycatcher (1), Say’s Phoebe (1), Western Kingbird (1), Eastern Kingbird (1)

SHRIKES, VIREOS: Loggerhead Shrike (1), Cassin’s Vireo (1), Warbling Vireo (6)

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

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Tree Swallow (6), Violet-Green Swallow (46), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (4), Barn Swallow (2), Cliff Swallow (2)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (2)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Red-breasted Nuthatch (5), Pygmy Nuthatch (13)

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

THRUSHES: American Robin (6)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (9)

WAXWINGS, PIPITS: Cedar Waxwing (6)

WARBLERS, CHATS: Nashville Warbler (1), MacGillivray’s Warbler (6), Common Yellowthroat (3), Yellow Warbler (1), Yellow-rumped Warbler (2), Black-throated Gray Warbler (1), Townsend’s Warbler (1), Yellow-breasted Chat (2)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (2), Chipping Sparrow (5), Song Sparrow (5), White-crowned Sparrow (3), Dark-eyed Junco (2)

TANAGERS, GROSBEAKS: Western Tanager (2), Black-headed Grosbeak (6), Lazuli Bunting (3)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (1), Brown-headed Cowbird (15), Bullock’s Oriole (1)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (2), Purple Finch (4), Cassin’s Finch (1), Red Crossbill (2), American Goldfinch (2)

Trip Report: Cle Elum

Photo: Mountain Bluebird by Philip Dickinson

May 23, 2023

A cool breeze in the morning kept bird activity down, but it was sunny all day and lots of birds came out as the temperatures rose. At King Horne Slough the group enjoyed seeing Nashville, Yellow and MacGillivray Warbler, Pileated Woodpecker and Veery. Bullock’s Oriole, American Dipper and Red-breasted Sapsucker were highlights at Bullfrog Pond, and at the railroad ponds everyone got great looks at Pygmy Nuthatch and nesting House Wren. In the Teanaway area, we saw California Quail, Western Kingbird, Say’s Phoebe, Chipping Sparrow, Black-billed Magpie and Western Tanager. Then, on Swauk Prairie, we were entertained by many Western Meadowlark, Western Bluebird and trip-ending closeup views of a Mountain Bluebird pair.

67 species (approx. qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Diane, Victor, Denny, Rick, John H., Abbie, Wilma, Graham, Doug, Carol, Judy L., Karen, Bruce, Judy B., John S. Lynda, Norwyn, Marty, Reg

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Canada Goose (44), Mallard (14), Ring-necked Duck (2), Common Merganser (8)

GALLINACIOUSE BIRDS: California Quail (3)

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

VULTURE: Turkey Vulture (6)

RAPTORS: Osprey (3), Bald Eagle (1), Red-tailed Hawk (3)

SHOREBIRDS: Killdeer (1), Spotted Sandpiper (3)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Mourning Dove (8)

NIGHTHAWKS, SWIFTS: Vaux Swift (10)

HUMMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (1), Rufous Hummingbird (2)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (1)

WOODPECKERS: Red-breasted Sapsucker (3), Pileated Woodpecker (1), Northern Flicker (1)

FLYCATCHERS: Western Wood- Pewee (7), Hammond’s Flycatcher (2), Say’s Phoebe (2), Western Kingbird (5)

SHRIKES, VIREOS: Warbling Vireo (3)

CORVIDS: Black-billed Magpie (4), American Crow (15), Common Raven (1)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Tree Swallow (7), Violet-Green Swallow (11), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (2), Bank Swallow (1), Barn Swallow (2)

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

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Red-breasted Nuthatch (4), Pygmy Nuthatch (5)

WRENS: House Wren (5)

DIPPER: American Dipper (4)

THRUSHES: Western Bluebird (5), Mountain Bluebird (2), Veery (1), Swainson’s Thrush (2), American Robin (14)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (12)

WARBLERS, CHATS: Nashville Warbler (1), MacGillivray’s Warbler (3), Common Yellowthroat (2), Yellow Warbler (15), Yellow-rumped Warbler (1)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (4), Chipping Sparrow (3), Savannah Sparrow (2), Song Sparrow (8), White-crowned Sparrow (4), Dark-eyed Junco (1)

TANAGERS, GROSBEAKS: Western Tanager (4), Black-headed Grosbeak (11)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (5), Brewer’s Blackbird (9), Brown-headed Cowbird (6), Bullock’s Oriole (2)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: Purple Finch (2), Cassin’s Finch (4), American Goldfinch (5), House Sparrow (2)