[obol] Arctic Loon etc., 30 Dec.

[Jay Withgott]

The ARCTIC LOON was extremely cooperative today from at least 
mid-morning through noon, seen easily from Pentilla Road west of the 
bridge at Blind Slough, Brownsmead.  Despite all the previous 
reports, our group was unprepared for just how close and long and 
satisfying the views of this bird would be (despite the pelting cold 
rain and hail).  For anyone who hasn't yet been there, this slough is 
quite narrow, so you can get quite close to the bird.

Together with Dennis Paulson and Netta Smith, Susan and I thoroughly 
enjoyed this bird, and also came upon the following during the rest 
of our day:

Brownsmead area:
2 RED-THROATED LOONS
killer photo ops of 5 tame TRUMPETER SWANS at Ziak Refuge
several CINNAMON TEAL
1 PEREGRINE FALCON
4 GREATER YELLOWLEGS
100 DUNLIN
1 BONAPARTE'S GULL
1 RIVER OTTER

Wireless Road:
3 EURASIAN WIGEON
1 GLAUCOUS GULL
1 LINCOLN'S SPARROW
2 RIVER OTTER

Astoria Dairy Queen:
1 BARROW'S GOLDENEYE

Prescott Ponds w. of former Trojan plant, Rt. 30 in Columbia Co.:
280 TUNDRA SWANS
1 GREAT EGRET
1 WOOD DUCK

Everywhere:
BRIEF HAILSTORMS
INTERMITTENT RAIN
OCCASIONAL SLEET
FREQUENT SHOWERS
MORE HAIL
A LOVELY RAINBOW OR TWO

All in all, a very pleasant and productive day of birding.

Jay Withgott
Portland