Birders at Elwha River mouth — Photo by Skip Perkins

Salt Creek County Park and Elwha River Mouth Field Trip Report

by Skip Perkins

Twenty-two Olympic Peninsula birders braved the calm winds, bright sunshine, and 60 degree temperatures on October 19th to observe the avian action at the Salt Creek County Park and the Elwha River mouth.

Salt Creek provided great views of Harlequin Ducks, Surf Scoters, Black Oystercatchers, Brown Pelicans, 3 different loons, 3 different cormorants, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, 3 separate grebe species, and many more.

Oystercatchers at Salt Creek by Skip Perkins

Harlequin Duck at Salt Creek by Skip Perkins

The action didn't slow down at the Elwha River mouth. A bald eagle flew by a few times so we could see all the birds in the air. Over 1000 each of the Glaucous-winged Gulls and the California Gulls joined 6 other gull species including Iceland, Short-billed and Heermann's gulls. Twelve duck species were seen including Barrow's Goldeneye, 2 species of scoters, and 3 species of mergansers. Pelicans, auklets, and guillemots also enjoyed this area.

Brown Pelicans at Elwha River mouth by Skip Perkins

Birders at Elwha River mouth by Skip Perkins

Everyone enjoyed the variety of birds and the beautiful settings of the two areas. Several excellent birders shared their knowledge and bird lore. We thank Bob Boekelheide, Linda Archer, and Kathy and Matt McCoy for sharing their counts on eBird.