The bald eagle flys in and the ducks fly up!

December king tides arrived on schedule. Some yards on the bay were filled with water as well as the wetlands near the bay or the ocean. The second day was best. It was stormy and windy creating snow-white caps on the waters of Willapa Bay. The strength of the wind pushed the tidal water in even further than I expected. In the process, large quantities of nutrients rose closer to the surface. The water swirled around and around, and the acrid smell of sulfur attested to the increased nutritional value of the wetland as a food source.

The waterbirds and shorebirds loved it, and even a few songbirds such as northern flickers, song sparrows and dark-eyed juncos took advantage of the nutritious spread. I watched as mallards, northern pintail, American wigeon and green-winged teal feasted fast and furiously for hours on end. The offerings of the king tides must have been delicious that day. They ate as though they hadn’t eaten for a week! A barred owl flew unexpectedly from a brushy area and landed on the bare limb of a small alder. It likes to hunt during the daylight hours. I am sure the king tide was instrumental in its choice of perch that day.

A drive by various areas strongly affected by the king of king tides revealed some interesting or unexpected species. An osprey that should have been long gone to warmer climes lingered at Hines marsh. It was perched atop a very tall dead snag. It seemed to be on the lookout for a tasty meal. It twisted its head to get a better view of the water below or back and forth to check out its surroundings when suddenly, a bald eagle swooped in and chased it off its perch. I haven’t seen the osprey since, but you can bet I am still on the lookout!

The Oysterville wetland or field is always a treat to visit, but especially so during a king of king’s high tide. Five Wilson’s snipe were there and sitting close to the road for easy viewing. A greater yellowlegs and a great-blue heron also took advantage of the tasty offerings of the tide that day. A large undulating flight of shorebirds explored the wetlands. Flying first one way and then other before settling down close to the bay’s edge. Two bald eagles and a red-tailed hawk perched on the fence posts staring intently at the goings on in the wetland/field, waiting for just the right moment to strike it rich! The magnificent tree that stands alone in the middle of the wetland field is often the most favored perch by the resident raptors. This day, it was the peregrine falcon that sat in the prized location. This tree always provides the best view of the entire area.

Well, there will still be another chance to witness a king tide. Jan. 1, 2 and 3, 2022 will host the significantly higher tides. Check a tide chart for the height of the king tides in your area. The second day is often the highest tide. December revealed that so far it is the king of the king high tides. I wonder what January will bring. Happy birding!