BIRDING GUEMES ISLAND, WA.

Birding Guemes Island, Wa. (5 min. ferry ride from Anacortes). My great hope was to see a Pileated Woodpecker. Second day on Guemes saw 5 adults and one juvenile (most thrilling). In nearly every tree, of the densely wooded island, were Red-breasted Nuthatch. Brown Creeper was abundant. Many vocal wrens, Bewick's and House. Chestnut-backed and Black-capped Chickadee abundant. Nearly every day saw a Bald Eagle, adults and juveniles. Other birds of interest Wild Turkey, Willow Flycatcher, Belted Kingfisher, and Western Screech Owl, numerous Steller's Jay and Dark-eyed Junco. The morning of the day I was leaving saw a phenomenal sight. Soaring above a marshy wetland at the western end of the island was a Swallow-tailed Kite. I could not believe my eyes. Rarely has this bird been seen in the San Juan Islands - a delightful going away gift.


On the return trip to the Central Coast, drove up the Umpgua River (Oregon) to Crater Lake. This unbelievably beautiful lake is 5 miles wide, ringed by cliffs 2,000ft high. Altitude of lake surface 6,173ft. Maximum Lake Depth 1,943ft. Crater Lake is famous for its clarity and deep blue color. Red-breasted Nuthatch were numerous. Saw several Clark's Nutcracker, Hairy Woodpecker, Steller's Jay, and Northern Flicker. Now that I am home have to get back in gear and check out the winter migrants that are arriving daily.