Sadly, the Common Tern is now far less common in our area than it once was. I've been living & birding on Vashon for nearly 7 years and this was my first sighting of this species. Observed foraging over the water and also on an exposed sand bar, resting adjacent to a Caspian Tern, which provided a wonderful comparison opportunity for myself, as well as everyone else attending the community bird walk I happened to be co-leading at the time. I can only hope it will not be another 7 years before I get the chance to see this delightful tern again.
(A very special "thank you" to V for letting me use her cellphone to take these pics through the scope. I was kicking myself for not having brought my camera and I am extremely grateful to have these record shots.)
finally got clear ID of male pileated woodpecker
Along Heritage Rd between Atkins Lake and flooded field
Two dark grey/blue birds with orange-yellow legs, long necks and reddish heads. They were making klak-klak warning calls that match up with green heron vocalizations.
Lots of beautiful garter snakes along this trail
Handsome fellow hanging out on the sidewalk
Tall tan-brown goose with orange bill and dark brown stripe down the back of the neck
Orcas, probably members of J and L pod. Around the San Juans, north of Anacortes. Location isn't exact.
Bobcat playing in backyard.
Growing in a patch of grasses at the center of the parking lot, these little flowers helped identify the grass as "sweet vernal." The leaves were palatable, a bit like spinach.