Beaks and Bills

  Oct/Nov 2023

A Sense of Place

Whatcom Watch

by Joe Meche It should come as no surprise that I’ve written about the Semiahmoo Spit before in past columns. But, the more I return to this unique strip of land, the more I think about it and its special … Continue reading →

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  September 2023

To Everything There Is a Season

Whatcom Watch

by Joe Meche   From a song of some renown by Pete Seeger: “To everything, turn, turn, turn there is a season, turn, turn, turn and a time to every purpose under heaven.”  Except for the phrase, “turn, turn, turn,” … Continue reading →

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  August 2023

Back to California

Whatcom Watch

by Joe Meche Since we’re always ready for a good road trip, an invitation to my nephew’s 60th birthday celebration was an excellent excuse to pack our bags and roll! Our destination would once again be Dillon Beach, California. It’s … Continue reading →

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  July 2023

Back to the Eastside

Whatcom Watch

by Joe Meche *Author’s note: We are in the process of relocating our base camp after 25 years. If you’ve ever moved, you can understand the logistics involved … the least of which is shutting down and reconnecting with the … Continue reading →

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  June 2023

A Springtime Loop

Whatcom Watch

by Joe Meche The sweet spot at the end of April and the beginning of May is prime time to schedule ambitious and dedicated road trips. With Cindy jetting off to the Greek Islands for 10 days, I decided to … Continue reading →

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  May 2023

Make Way for the Migrants

Whatcom Watch

by Joe Meche The Nesting Season Is Here! After what seems to have been a winter that would never end, there are signs everywhere that we might be on the way to better weather. Tulips and crocuses are peaking in … Continue reading →

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  April 2023

Spring Is Shorebird Time

Whatcom Watch

by Joe Meche When the calendar flips from March into April, it’s our cue to start watching all of our local shorelines and even a few agricultural fields for migrating shorebirds! The sheer numbers of these unique birds that migrate … Continue reading →

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  March 2023

Onward to the Equinox

Whatcom Watch

by Joe Meche Cindy and I have lived here for a combined total of 98 years and we can’t think of anyplace we’d rather be. However, this winter has encouraged us to consider our options. Maybe it’s a part of … Continue reading →

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  February 2023

Waiting for Spring

Whatcom Watch

by Joe Meche Looking back to the snow and ice-related chaos over the Christmas holidays, it was difficult to imagine how far away spring was. The heavy snowfall was unexpected and caught most of us off guard, especially the freeze/thaw … Continue reading →

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  February 2023

Birding Festival 2023              

Whatcom Watch

by Joe Meche Wings Over Water     March 17-19, Blaine, WA   As it was with so many things the Covid-19 pandemic forced widespread delays and changes in plans for millions of people, not the least of which was the … Continue reading →

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