While OceanDiver was paddling the calm waters of the Salish Sea, we were experiencing the wilder ocean along the outer WA coast, on the beaches of the Olympic National Park. October 20-22, 2015.
I made a few discoveries by watching the behavior of birds.
Now I know why they are called Surf ScotersThis group was repeatedly submerged by breaking waves over their heads. They just bobbed along with the wild ride. My usual sightings of Surf Scoters in the relatively sedate waters of Discovery Bay and around the ferry docks never hinted that they'd thrive in the surf so much.
The Daily Bucket is a regular feature of the Backyard Science group. It is a place to note any observations you have made of the world around you. Snails, fish, insects, weather, meteorites, climate, birds and/or flowers. All are worthy additions to the bucket. Each note is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the patterns that are quietly unwinding around us. Please let us know what is going on around you in a comment. Include, as close as is comfortable for you, where you are located.Here comes another one! Follow the scoters and me past the frothy waves.