Skagit/Samish Flats Field Trip (1/14/06) Highlights

On the approach to Skagit Wildlife Area, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, American Goldfinch, juncos, chickadees, flickers, and kinglets actively fed in the trees along Mann Road.

The Northern Shrike perched conspicuously in the top of a tree at the WMA, providing good looks for all. Greater Yellowlegs fed in a flooded field, and Trumpeter Swans and lines of Snow Geese were heard overhead. 

A distant Snowy Owl was scoped at Hayton Preserve until the owl flew while being harrassed by crows.  Another Snowy Owl provided photo opportunies on the Jensen Access dike. Hundreds of Dunlin flew, even though a Peregrine Falcon seemed uninterested as it perched on driftwood. A Sharp-shinned Hawk flew among the wood debris, presumably searching for a sparrow.

Harlequin Duck and Surf Scoter were the primary waterfowl at Washington Park (Anacortes). River otter, cormorants, Marbled Murrelet, Common Murre, Rhinocerous Auklet, Red-necked and Horned Grebe could be seen from the grassy overlook in the Park. 

Breezy conditions at Rosario Beach challenged the birders as well as the nearly hidden Black Oystercatchers. Several species of waterfowl were found at Pass Lake, including Ruddy Duck and Hooded Merganser.  Lots of Brant were scoped from Samish Island along with Long-tailed Duck and loons. Short-eared Owl briefly drifted among the corn fields at the West 90, along with many of the 22 Northern Harriers counted througout the day.

At the end of the day, two Rough-legged Hawks were found in the Samish area.  As anticipated many raptors were seen throughout the day: 4 Peregrine Falcons, 2 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 42 Red-tailed Hawks, and a minimum of 79 Bald Eagles.

There were 11 birders and 82 species in all.