November 2019 - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

It's January 11 as I write this so I'm going to compress my November and December posts a bit. This post deals with outings on November 2nd and 3rd.

November 2

It was a quick stop here on this day as I had plans to visit Reifel Bird Sanctuary as well.

Only two photos made the grade. The first is of a Merganser seen frequently here.

Red-breasted Merganser (F) - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

I noticed that a Harlequin Duck had captured some kind of fish or creature. This is the best I could do as it was fairly far from shore.

Harlequin Duck - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

November 3

I returned to the Point the next day to get gas for our second vehicle and try again at Lighthouse Marine Park. I had more success today than the previous day.There were a pair of Harlequin Ducks in breeding plumage close to shore to start things off. The front duck may be the first female I've seen in this plumage.

Harlequin Duck - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

Speaking of females, here's a shot of a female Surf Scoter.

Surf Scoter (F) -  - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

Every once in a while a Sea Lion comes close enough to shore for me to get a photo. They are very large creatures.

Steller Sea Lion - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

The common loon can be seen here year round, especially in Fall and Winter. They're in their Basic (non-breeding) plumage by this time.

Common Loon - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

Less common but occasionally seen here is the Red-necked Grebe. This is a mid-sized grebe with a distinctive large yellow bill. The neck is a rusty colour.

Red-necked Grebe - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

The highlight of the day occurred when a flock of Sanderlings flew past quite close to shore. 

Sanderling - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

Mixed in with the flock were a couple of Dunlin. They are a brownish colour and have a larger down-curved bill.

Sanderling and Dunlin - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

The birds landed on the shoreline quite close to me. There's two Dunlin in this shot, one near the left edge and the other at the right edge.

Sanderling and Dunlin - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

The last shot of the day is probably the best, a  Common Loon preening.

Common Loon - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA