Field Trip Report: Fort Casey State Park and Crockett Lake Area, May 16

By Steve Ellis, trip leader

This Wings Over Whidbey field trip met at wind-blown Fort Casey State Park. We started our efforts atop the high bluff in order to scope for waterbirds. A large flock of Rhinoceros Auklets with interspersed Double-crested and Pelagic Cormorants was found immediately. Also present were several Pacific Loons in their spectacular breeding plumage.

A large flock of Bonaparte's Gulls swooped in, landing near the shore. A smaller flock of these dainty gulls was further out, bringing the total to well over 100 individuals. A few Short-billed Gulls were on the flock margins.

We then walked through the picnic ground woods finding Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Common Raven, Downy Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Spotted Towhees and several other species.

The next stop was outside the park at the Keystone Boat Launch area to check on the Pelagic Cormorants, some of which were bringing material to their nest sites. Also noted here were Pigeon Guillemots, Great-blue Herons and Harlequin Ducks. A Bald Eagle soared high overhead.

The trip ended by visiting Crockett Lake. The air was alive with Purple Martins and Cliff, Barn, Tree and Violet-green Swallows. The lake held Northern Pintails and Green-winged Teal while the mudflats hosted Dunlin and Western and Least Sandpipers. A male Northern Harrier swooped low over the shore.

We found a total of 46 bird species. Also appreciated were northern sea lions, harbor seals, a diminutive Townsend's chipmunk and a variety of wildflowers.