Temp in the 50s, partly sunny, almost calm at dawn, growing to South wind 20-25 mph by sunset

Too nice…

I have been out to the Loran Station with winds from every direction and have never had much luck (at least compared to the stories I hear from other birders about all of the close pelagics streaming by!).

So I decided I would try on a day with no wind.

Same result. Although I did pick up a Black-footed Albatross.

But everything was way out — no closer than the birds I see at the Seawall.

Oh well…

When I got back to the lagoon, Aaron told me they had a Brambling out on the peninsula. So I hoofed it out there and, of course, no Brambling! Unlike the rare birds I find (which stay put so the other birders can come and see them) the birds Aaron’s group find don’t stick around for my arrival!

In addition to the albatross, the highlights of my day were a Pine Siskin at the National Forest and three Sanderlings on the lagoon.

The Sanderlings are important because in the past, flocks of Sanderlings (is three a flock?) usually attracted other shorebird passers-by.

We will see over the next few days.

It is often the case this time of year that Pectoral Sandpipers are common on the island and can pop up almost anywhere.

This one was on the side of the road at the Seawall.

Another abundant bird this time of year is immature Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches. Very different-looking than the colorful adults.

This one was at the Seawall.

The trip list is 41.

My daily eBird list can be seen at https://ebird.org/checklist/S119121708

Heavy rain and wind expected tonight. Maybe it will knock something out of the sky for us…