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Beaks and Bills
February 2019
What’s in a Name?
With the January hump behind us we can begin anew, having experienced the wild windstorm of Dec. 20. Wind gauges at Mt. Baker measured gusts of 117 mph and the shoreline roads in Birch Bay and on the Semiahmoo Spit … Continue reading
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January 2019
An Idea for Birding in the New Year
In the middle of December the weather often demands that I spend more time indoors. During these slower times, I think back through the year to see if I satisfied myself with all the birds that I hoped to see. … Continue reading
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December 2018
Winter Waterfowl
For most of my life I’ve had a strong affinity for one of the most visible groups of birds — the ducks, geese, and related species that comprise the greater family of waterfowl. Some of my earliest bird-related memories are … Continue reading
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October-November 2018
The Southwest Coast: Cape Disappointment to Ocean Shores
It was with great anticipation that I finally changed my calendar to September to begin the countdown to my getaway for a week to Washington’s southwest coast. My anticipation was heightened by the stream of reports of large numbers of … Continue reading
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September 2018
Return of the Shorebirds
Just like clockwork, and further to my last column, by late July the shorebirds that passed through on their northbound migration had begun heading south. The great thing about it is that birding activity in general will see a noticeable … Continue reading
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August 2018
Seasonal Flux
While it might be difficult to imagine, the period between late July and early August is the time of year when birding seasons overlap to the point of — for lack of a better word — confusion. At one point … Continue reading
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July 2018
Bird Books: A Baker’s Dozen for Summer Reading
Ever since my retrospective about the 175th Beaks and Bills column in the May 2018 issue, I’ve had occasion to look back over the list of columns that I’ve written in the past sixteen years. A few stand out and … Continue reading
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June 2018
An Eastside Retrospective
As winter has finally loosened its grip we are currently making preparations for another departure to signal the beginning of our own camping season. After last month’s look back over the past sixteen years of Beaks and Bills, I’ve been … Continue reading
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May 2018
In Retrospect: From 2002 to 2018
Editor’s Note: Joe’s first article appeared in the April 2002 issue of Whatcom Watch. It was so successful editor Sally Hewitt asked Joe if he was intersted in writing a monthly column. He accepted the offer and the first Beaks … Continue reading
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April 2018
Seasonal Transition
As you’re reading this column, the first day of spring is behind us and the profusion of greenery is everywhere. We’re also seeing and hearing the transitional phases of our migratory birds. The birds that have spent the winter with … Continue reading
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