The king tides of December brought in the shorebirds to the Oysterville meadow. They foraged at the edges closest to the shoreline of Willapa Bay.

Stormy weather and king tides this December were a wonderful experience. The rain, and high winds worked together with the tides on the bay that were in the 11.6’ – 11.9’ range to push the water inland. These tides were higher than our average high tides. Thus, the king tides, as they are called, were able to do their job. The effect of the turbulence is to stir up the nutrients in the fields and wetlands, bringing them to the surface. In turn the waterfowl, shorebirds and great blue herons come in droves to feed on the buffet provided by the stormy weather and king tides. Thus, we are often given close views of green-winged teal, American wigeon, northern pintails and mallards. In addition, photo opportunities may abound. The king tides of December 2023, fueled by stormy weather, provided excellent conditions for these pleasures.

This year’s king tides materialized from Dec. 26 — 28. Each of the three days in our fields and wetlands of the yard were exquisite. Green-winged teal foraged furiously in the wetland, especially on days one and two. Over 100 birds were rushing around in the shallow water taking in all the nutrients they could get their bills on! Green-winged teal are small ducks that feed by dabbling and upending. Their favorite nutrients include seeds, aquatic plants and aquatic life, as well as insects. The green speculum in their wing is a gorgeous emerald green. It shows up well when the birds are in flight. As usual, the male is the best dressed of the pair. The male’s chestnut head with a green swath or ear patch is beautiful. Its small size, short bill and its swift flight in tight flocks are helpful ID markers along with their green speculums.

Shorebirds including many dunlin and a few sanderlings stayed close to the Willapa Bay shoreline. They flew up whenever a raptor flew overhead but swiftly came back down to feed. The closest shorebirds were the greater yellowlegs. The highest count at one time over the three days was 21. They called loudly when taking off in response to a fly over by a bald eagle.

Speaking of bald eagles, five hunted the first day in our wetland. Two adults and three juveniles were together sometimes sitting side by side on tree branches, always on the lookout for their next meal. When not together they communicated with each other calling with their high pitched, shrills. Juvenile raptors are not always successful on the hunt, but lo and behold, a juvenile came out of nowhere and snagged a green-winged teal from the wetland. It flew into a tall nearby spruce to enjoy its lunch. The next day it was an adult’s turn. Bald eagles are primarily fish eaters but will often eat ducks. The king tides brought them in to where large numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds had gathered to feed. Nature’s role for raptors is to hunt and capture wild birds at times or else perish. Predators have a place in nature. They help keep prey species healthy by taking the slow or injured.

Two northern shovellers and three American wigeon joined the green-winged teal in the feeding frenzy. Two great blue herons also took advantage of the king tides and their gifts for the birds. Dark-eyed juncos danced along the edges of the shallow water picking up their snacks for the day, too. The first day was a magnificent one for raptors. Four different species visited our wetland including a pair of northern harriers, the five bald eagles, and a red-tailed hawk.

Flocks of wheeling dunlin were landing to forage in the Oysterville meadow. It was an excellent wetland for them as well as for mallards, and at least one hundred American wigeon. They loafed in the shallow ponds and in the grassy areas as well as foraging for their favorite snacks. Raptors were nowhere to be seen in the snags that grace the meadow or on the fence posts. Maybe the “pickins” were better in our wetlands.

And so, it goes… the king tides, raptors, waterfowl, and shorebirds all in one place. What an opportunity to witness the grace and beauty of them all. I look forward to the king tides of January! Happy birding.