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Saturday, January 11th, 2003

Marv Breece led a field trip to the Skagit and Samish Flats

 in Skagit County

Seven birders began the day at the West 90 in Skagit County. Well, not really. On the way to the West 90, Josh Wilson Road offered an AMERICAN KESTRAL. At the Bayview Edison/ Samish Island Rd "T", the PRAIRIE FALCON was at home on a pole. Before we could reach the West 90, a PEREGRINE FALCON showed up on another pole. Upon reaching the West 90 to meet up with Doug and Pipper Watkins, we learned of the SWAMP SPARROW they had found near the parking lot. While trying to find the SWSP again, a NORTHERN SHRIKE flew in and landed very close by. Before we left the West 90 we added WESTERN MEADOWLARK AND AMERICAN PIPIT. We were off to a good start!

Other highlights on the Samish Flats today include: Harlan's Hawk - 2, Dark morph Rough-legged Hawk - 2, Dunlin - far too many to count, Western Sandpiper - 6, Short-eared Owl - 3 or more, Yellow-rumped Warbler - 3 off Allen West Rd near Benson (Benton?) Rd, At Padilla Bay Headquarters 3 swallows flew overhead for all to see. They were too far away for positive ID as to species, but swallows nonetheless. At the boat launch in Bayview, Carol Shultz spotted a MERLIN, our fourth falcon species of the day. A PELAGIC CORMORANT flew overhead. Skagit Wildlife Headquarters was our next stop. A very large immature COOPER'S HAWK with a bulging crop flew by. Also at this location were 2 GREAT HORNED OWLS calling back and forth. We tallied 64 species for the day. We avoided rain and wind.It was a good day.

Marv Breece, Seattle, WA