Between trying to get ready for Christmas and unrelenting rain, all the birding I’ve managed to get in so far in December is a couple quick trips to the nearby trail at Point Ruston because I can get there between showers.

It’s a popular place for Barrow’s Goldeneye,

GldnEyeMat

an occasional Common Goldeneye

15CmnGldneye

and Surf Scoters.

3SrfSctrs

Best of all, it seems to be the new home of the female Belted Kingfisher I haven’t seen for a year or so at the Point Defiance Marina.

RstnKngfshr

It made my day when she landed on the fence a mere 12 feet away from me and posed long enough to get several shots.