Month: February 2011

The highlight of Wednesday’s trip had to be the time I spent at Pt. Wilson, a part of Fort Worden. First, there were some really knowledgeable and helpful birders there. Without their help I would never have spotted the birds I did, much less know what I was looking at.

I usually tell people I’m a photographer, not a birder, but for at least one afternoon I was more birder than photographer, even though I spent hours looking through my telephoto lens. Truthfully, I knew the birds were too far out to get good pictures, though the blown-up photos helped me to see them much more clearly than I actually saw them while I was there.

I probably spent the most time trying to get a picture of this Rhinoceros Auklet on the mistaken assumption that I’d never seen one or gotten a picture before:

Well, this is probably the clearest picture I’ve gotten, but I actually got a shot of a lone Auklet at Wesport last year, one in breeding colors. Still, it felt good to get this shot.

There were two other birds I’ve never seen, like these Marbled Murrelet’s in non-breeding plumage, whole rafts of them, though few came this close:

There was also a considerable number of Common Murres in non-breeding colors, another bird I’ve never seen before.

Talking to George Gerdts and Bob Whitney for three hours and having them point out various species was a delightful way to spend a sunny January afternoon. I’m always amazed how friendly birders are, always willing to share their insights with those of us who lack their expertise.

Not to rub it in, but the weather here in the Pacific Northwest was glorious the last few days, though the lowering clouds have returned today. I was too busy with the gym and other things to get out Tuesday, but I headed for Fort Flagler and Pt. Wilson in Port Townsend yesterday. It was a little chilly to begin the day, 31,° but it soon warmed up into the mid 40’s.

Just as I arrived at Ft. Flagler I was greeted by a small flock of Bufflehead headed straight for me.

As I walked down the beach I was greeted by a single Brandt, who despite the lack of support of the usual large flock, seem determined to defend his section of the beach.

The shorebirds were far less aggressive about defending their turf, but they, too, could be found patrolling their stretch of the beach, like this Black-Bellied Plover in non-breeding colors.

The Harlequin Ducks weren’t in their usual spot, but I didn’t have to walk too far to find this small flock:

It was a great start to a beautiful day, and it’s the chance to see these very birds that keeps bringing me back Ft. Flagler time after time.

The rest of the day actually turned out even better, but I’ll save those pictures for a rainy day — and with rain predicted for the next five days of there should be plenty of those.