[Tweeters] Everett-Marysville CBC tomorrow: Hat Island ferry opportunity

[Scott Atkinson]

Hi Tweeters:

Want to thank all that responded to my last RFI filled some gaps.  But now we've had a last-minute cancellation of a trip lead on what could be our most exciting territory:  Hat Island and the ferry ride out there.  It's our least-known territory, we've only had on-foot coverage for a few years.  I posted two full-day surveys for Hat Island on EBird that will provide a sense of how dynamic it is.

Looking for an experienced lead—the ferry leaves tomorrow from north Everett Marina by Anthony's at 9 a.m., and leaves Hat to return at 4 pm.  The Hat Island community is providing the trip to the visiting birders--free of charge!  They've also offered to drive birders on the very limited roads out there if needed.  You'll need to arrive about 8:30 to get yourself parked/situated.

First come, first served.  Natalie Boydstun and Douglas Cooper are other birders attending, but Natalie will be on the ferry only, as we have an additional open-water excursion (toward s. end of Camano and the mainland) planned after the boat docks at Hat I.

The birding is as follows:  bird the ferry route (which includes views of the south end of Jetty Island on the way out) as one segment, and then bird the route on return, keeping separate lists.  We get fewer alcids and divers than most CBCs, so this is our key shot at both.

The main component is the island itself.  It takes pretty much the full day to walk the perimeter; Conwell Park is the hot spot, but the entire south end is interesting.  Conwell has had several of the less-common CBC birds, like Hermit Thrush, Orange-crowned Warbler, Hutton's Vireo and Spotted Sandpiper.  The expanse of drift wood and low ground here could produce rarer birds one day, like a Rock Wren (recalling over-winterers at similar habitat on Protection I., Whidbey I. nearby).

The local community is very excited, and several island people wish to accompany the birders, though I've said time is of the essence for the team lead and there will be need to keep moving.  They will have a warm building available for the lunch hour if people wish to stop in and have also offered to drive.  I have an island map with detail.

If you wish to do this tomorrow, please let me know by 6 pm tonight—last minute I know, but last-minute surprises are not rare for CBCs.

Best and thank you,

Scott Atkinson 425-210-2716 cell


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