[Tweeters] large Caspian Tern colony near Pt Townsend

[Tom Benedict]

It appears that the colony has been around for some years. Here’s link to a photo which appears to be from 2014. No mention of colony size though. I’m interested in visiting it, so started a little research. Doesn’t look like it’s easy to get to. Kayak might be the best bet.

https://images.livingwilderness.com/image/I0000rSzNRrRcHxA

Tom Benedict
Seahurst, WA

From: Steve Hampton <stevechampton at gmail.com <mailto:stevechampton at gmail.com>>
Subject: [Tweeters] large Caspian Tern colony near Pt Townsend
Date: June 30, 2022 at 15:21:03 Pacific Time
To: TWEETERS tweeters <tweeters at u.washington.edu <mailto:tweeters at u.washington.edu>>

Today I counted 510 Caspian Terns and estimated probably 1000 attending a colony on Rat Island off the northern tip of Indian Island. This island is also called the Marrowstone Wildlife Mgmt Area on some maps. I was viewing from the tip of the spit at Ft Flagler campground on Marrowstone Island at a minus tide.

The colony was very active, with many birds making obvious provisioning flights, carrying fish and landing in the thick of the colony, which is largely hidden behind tall grasses along the top of the island. 

Presumably these are terns relocated from the Columbia River and elsewhere. 

Pics, including one of a prey fish, are here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S114112413 <https://ebird.org/checklist/S114112413>

good birding, 

-- 
Steve Hampton

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