[Tweeters] Whatcom Co--Whooper Swan, no but Yellow-billed Loon, yes

[PENNY & DAVID KOYAMA via Tweeters]

Tweets,
 
David and I made a couple of trips up to Whatcom County for recent rarities--the Whooper Swan up near the BC border and the Yellow Billed Loon between the Blaine Dock and Semiahmoo.  On Sat 1/18 we Looked around the Sumas Prairie, and although there were many Trumpeter Swans and a couple of Tundras to be found, we didn't see the Whooper.  Checking eBird (where we lurk, but do not post), I don't think it's been seen since 1/17, though I don't know if folks are still looking, since eBird very rarely notes a bird NOT located. 
 
We then headed for Blaine, checking the Marine Park for Whimbrel and/or Long-billed Curlew.  No luck.  But fortunately we ran into Neal and Carlene Gardenhire and companions heading from the Blaine dock.  They had been searching for the YB Loon for an hour without success.  We looked for a while, and couldn't fine the loon either. But in conversation before our failed attempt for the loon, we learned that Neal had seen the two big shorebirds at "a little park just as you're leaving downtown, but before the curve."  Turns out it is the Cherry Street Parklet (what a cute name--have you ever heard of a parklet?) and both birds were there, the Curlew on a rock in the water, and the Whimbrel a couple hundred feet to the northwest on the sand.  We've looked a Whatcom Co. Whimbrel for ages and were pleased, but that Code 5 Curlew was great!  Thanks, Neal!
 
On Wed. 1/22, we headed up to Semiahmoo, since a number of the YB Loon reports had been from there.  A recent eBird sighting by Rachel Rothberg gave a thorough posting from the dock.  It took us about 45 minutes to find it, especially since there were many loons out there, particularly Pacific Loons, but we finally had excellent scope views straight out from the wooden dock.  The bill was yellowish, mostly on the lower part, there were faint stripes on the back, and the bill was tilted up.  Not to mention that it was the size of a tugboat!  It might have been easier to spot if the sun were out, but it was a dull, gray day up there.  We were thrilled. and Neal, give another try from the Semiahmoo dock!
 
Penny Koyama, Bothell
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