Birding in Neighborhoods - North
By Nancy Luenn
November 12: Our group arrived at Deception Pass State Park on a cold, calm morning. The views of the Salish Sea and the Olympic Mountains were spectacular. The water was completely still, making it easy to spot seabirds. Species identified included Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Horned Grebe, Red-throated Loon, Common Loon, Brandt’s Cormorant and Pelagic Cormorant.
As we walked toward the forest trail, we saw a Great Blue Heron perched on driftwood with the Olympics as a backdrop. It was a memorable sight.
In the forest we heard or saw the usual inhabitants: Black-capped Chickadee, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets, Pacific Wren and Spotted Towhee.
Shorebirds included Black Oystercatchers, Killdeer and Black Turnstone.
The highlight of the day was a female Mountain Bluebird near the shore. She flew past us several times, stopping repeatedly to perch in plain view. We were able to get a positive ID with binoculars and the scope. 27 species
Great Blue Heron at Deception Pass. Photo credit: Cathi Bower
December 10: Yes, it rained, and yes, we saw the Great Egret in Keystone Harbor! The gleaming white bird was active, flying from the far side of the harbor to the near side, then over to the cormorant platform. When it flew back toward the jetty, it settled on a raft of kelp, very near where we were standing!
We also had a close-up view of a male Harlequin Duck. At first it was swimming in the harbor in binocular range. Then it came ashore and stood on the rocks just below us. We had a great view of this handsome bird.
At the mouth of the harbor was a raft of sea lions, lazily raising their flippers and barking.
As we drove toward the observation platform, we saw a row of tall posts. Each post had a Bald Eagle perched at the top. On Crockett Lake, we identified Northern Pintails and Mallards.
Other species seen: Pigeon Guillemot, Bufflehead, Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher and Double-crested Cormorant. 16 species.
By then we were ready for food and hot drinks and headed for Callen’s Restaurant.
Join a future trip!
Birding in Neighborhoods North (BIN North) outings are on the second Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. We meet in the parking area of the month’s destination. To be added to (or removed from) the monthly outing reminders email Nancy Luenn