I feel like the only person in the universe that has a new life bird seemingly every month. A life bird, in the birding world, is a rare/uncommon bird from a far away place. Sounds mystical, I know. My first life bird was a snowy owl. They are occasional winter inhabitants of our region but usually call the Arctic Tundra their home, which is why I consider them from a far away land (I mean who has the time, effort or warm clothes to travel to the tundra?) I was lucky enough to spot my life bird in February and all I had to do was drive to the not-so-far-away-land of Ocean Shores. On the very day I spotted my former life bird (which has now been renamed my coolest bird sighting of all time) I chose a new life bird. A Pelican. Ok so that is more like a life species, but I am really not picky. ANY pelican will do (American White, Brown, Pink Backed...) Once again I am in luck as I have the chance to spot a Brown Pelican in none other than Ocean Shores. They migrate to the Washington Coast from California and Southward (which is once again a far away land for me.) Two somewhat easy life birds in a row? Score!
Tomorrow morning I am leaving on a trip to Ocean Shores. From what I hear the pelicans can be seen mingling with the gulls on the main drag or diving for anchovies at the North Jetty. I would be happy seeing one, but seeing a whole bunch would make my day. Reports on that trip to come when I get back!
So if I manage to spot a pelican I will have to pick a new life bird. I already have one in mind and this time it will be a little harder for me to find since they do not migrate to Washington. To find my new life bird I would have to travel to Central and South America. My new life bird will be, drum roll please, the Blue-Footed Booby!! Go ahead and giggle, it is a very ridiculous name. I have no idea what makes me want to see this booby, but I have a feeling it has to do with how strikingly and vibrantly blue their feet are. Its pretty cool.
Here's to hoping the pelicans are out in full force so my life bird list can grow.
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