Before we left the P&R ride there was a RED-TAILED HAWK sitting on the nest that has produced young for the past few years. Before getting on the ferry at Fauntleroy we viewed a number of SURF SCOTERS, PIGEON GUILLEMOTS, BARROW'S GOLDENEYE, BUFFLEHEAD and RED-NECKED and HORNED GREBES. At our stop at Vashon Island dock there were PELAGIC and DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS and a large raft of WESTERN GREBES. First stop after getting off the ferry at Southworth was at Harper found more of the same plus BELTED KINGFISHER, COMMON GOLDENEYE, COMMON MERGANSER, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS. After we stopped on the road by Yukon Harbor a WILSON'S SNIPE flushed out of a wetland on the side of the road. On the expose shoreline flats there were about 40 SANDERLING and 20 BLACK TURNSTONES feeding with a number of MEW GULLS. At the town of Manchester we found the 200+ BRANT geese that we have always found there at this time of year. We also got our only HOUSE SPARROW of the trip. Manchester State Park we saw our only VARIED THRUSH and also added RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, BEWICK'S and WINTER WREN to our list. There was another large flotilla of Western Grebes in the bay. By this time the clouds started breaking up and we got some sunshine as we drove the Beach Road along Sinclair Inlet. This is nice drive with a lot of pullouts to observe the waterfowl. We found the HARLEQUIN DUCKS sitting on the same rocks we have always found them. There were a number of flocks of AMERICAN WIGEON and a beautiful, in the sun, EURASIAN WIGEON was an added bonus.

 

We got to the Theler Wetlands in time for lunch which we ate in the car as it was still cold. Then we walked the 1-3/4 mile trail to the end and back. At a marsh wetland we heard a VIRGINIA RAIL. Just before one of the 90 degree right turns we saw a pair of RED CROSSBILLS near the top of a fir tree and got good looks thru the scope at the birds in the sunlight. Along Union River we saw two GREATER YELLOWLEGS feeding in the shallows. A beautiful Audubon's YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER feeding in the brush. GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS were feeding along the trail. A BALD EAGLE and TURKEY VULTURE  were seen soaring overhead. A few TREE SWALLOWS were cruising over the grasslands, but none over the ponds which was surprising. At the end of the trail we finally saw our only RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD.

 

On the way back we decided to stop at the gravel pit area across from the South Port Orchard Airport to look/listen for Mountain Quail that have been reported there. Unfortunately, there were two young kids riding dirt bikes that were using the area and creating a lot of noise. Of course, if there had been any quail there they would have left for quieter areas. We looked for Osprey on the nest near Purdy, but they apparently are not back yet. It turned out to be a pretty good day as the bad weather did not happen.