Birding Ft Flagler

Although it seems weeks away, it was just last Saturday that we drove up to Port Townsend and Fort Lagler because it was supposed to be a sunny day, not a day to be wasted here in the Pacific Northwest wintertime. And for a change the weather forecast was actually correct.

After a pleasant breakfast in Port Townsend, we headed to Ft Flagler only to discover that the tide was very high and the Harlequin Ducks I drive up to visit weren’t in their usual place. Instead, I was greeted by this Black-Bellied Plover in non-breeding colors.

Black-Bellied Plover in non-breeding colors

Further out on the spit, we encountered a small flock of Sanderlings also in non-breeding colors,

Sanderlings

and an even smaller flock of Dunlins who I didn’t immediately recognize without the black bellies that make them so striking during breeding season.

Dunlin in non-breeding colors

Considering that I didn’t see them until I was almost on top of them I can attest to the effectiveness of their winter camouflage.

My sighting of shorebirds was capped by a later sighting of two Black Oystercatchers in precisely the same spot as Leslie spotted them the first time I’d ever seen them up close.

Black Oystercatcher

They seemed equally indifferent this time.

I forgot how much I like seeing shorebirds. Seeing shorebirds makes visiting the ocean even more enjoyable than it already was, and it was already one of my favorite places to visit.

2 thoughts on “Birding Ft Flagler”

    1. Thanks. I’m glad readers love the shots nearly as much as I do. It’s a real joy being able to take shots like this.

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