5, 6. 9, 10 September

5 September

eBird data:  https://ebird.org/checklist/S118167244

weather:  7:30 am 13C, wind W4,   12:00 m  19C, wind N 12 clearing

tide:  9:30 am 1.5m, rising

6 September

eBird data: https://ebird.org/checklist/S118253687

weather:  7:30 am 11C wind WSW 2,  12:00m 19C wind N 9, clear

tide:  10:30 am 1.3m, rising

9 September

eBird data: https://ebird.org/checklist/S118394099

weather:  7:30 am  10 C, wind W4, 12:00m 19C wind NW 13

tide:  10:00 am 1.1m,

10 September

eBird data: https://ebird.org/checklist/S118456684

weather:  8 am 12C wind WNW 2, 12:00m 22C wind NE 6, sunny, but smoke moving in

tide:  10:30 am 1.5m, falling

Mornings with minimal bird sightings, nice weather.  Other birders I met agreed that it was unseasonably quiet, although this last morning started to be a bit more lively.

The tides have been mostly low in the mornings, with clear skies and scattered clouds.

I spent two days with other birders, looking for shorebirds along the Estuary.  Not very lively.


I finally had an introduction to the newly-acquired property of the Nature Trust out on the distant spit.  I think when it's cleared and restored it will be an amazing spot.


10 September

Finally, a day with a few birds and some photos.  There was a big flock of goldfinches at the Mills Road trailhead, but they didn't warrant photos.  

I've been trying to follow this flock of cedar waxwings in the bitter cherry trees for some days.  Finally one of the waxwings was cooperative, in a Pacific crabapple.  



The morning light through the woods was quite lovely, starting to show signs of autumn foliage.



There has been a pair of merlins hanging about recently, mostly hunting shorebirds.  The male showed himself this morning.  He looks pretty tough.



Later, walking along the river, this handsome flicker has been in evidence.  I managed a quick shot this morning.


All in all, a good morning.  Tomorrow, being Sunday, is my day for domestic duties.  More on Monday, perhaps.





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