2024-04-07: Observing up the coast

With an afternoon high tide, I decided to scout the shorebird migration spots although it is likely too early in the season to see many birds. My intention was to finish with an evening walk on the beach at low tide, but I didn't wind up getting to that.

My first stop was Grays Harbor NWR, of course. It was lovely weather, but there was little bird activity at the wildlife refuge, aside from a Northern Harrier and a couple turkey vultures. Documented the bloom since I was there.

Second stop was the roadside birding hotspot that Audubon's Washington State Birding Trail refers to as "Humptulips Estuary." The area open to visitors is merely a roadside turnout, but the wetland owned by the GH Audubon Society was much more active than the NWR was.

While I was there I stopped at the boat launch to admire the river, clean up some trash, and document the plant community.

On to Griffiths-Priday State park, where I was greeted by a picnic area absolutely packed with blooming shepherd's cress. There was so much that it turned the air fragrant! The prolific Vaccinium ovatum was in bloom as well, and the strawberries. And the future promised even more flowers!

Down the trail, I encountered a broad sandy area that appeared to have recently been underwater. Apparently, there's a creek here that flows directly into the sea instead of joining the Copalis River, so the creek bed fills up with seawater at high tide. This created an incredible environment that was a ton of fun to explore.

There were several bumblebees on the Vaccinium ovatum. I also saw a queen - Vosnesenskii or similar - looking for a good spot near the edge of the picnic area.

I never did make it to the beach proper. I have no regrets.

Posted on April 15, 2024 05:37 AM by wildnettle