[Tweeters] more Marbled Murrelets

[Steve Hampton]

MARBLED MURRELETS continued to pour in Puget Sound this morning. I
estimated 300 in an hour flying past Pt Wilson, Port Townsend.  They were
all southbound at a consistent pace of 5/minute. I counted exactly 51 birds
after 10 minutes; 101 birds after 20 minutes. This was my experience last
week as well.

Many were landing southeast of the point or heading toward Marrowstone, the
same vicinity where we estimated over 500 on the water the other day. Of
course, I don't know if these are adding to that number or are the same
birds re-shuffling. It was impossible to see birds on the water today due
to the turbulent conditions, wind, and swell.

A few record shots here:  https://ebird.org/checklist/S101790316

Other highlights included a male BLACK SCOTER (northbound, unlike most
other birds), 700 COMMON MURRES, and some RHINO AUKLETS, many with breeding
plumes.  I did not see any Ancient Murrelets. Their numbers have been quite
low since early-December.

good birding,

-- 
Steve Hampton
Port Townsend, WA  (qatáy)
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