Exploration: Backyard Style

The Brown Pelican, like these found among a flock of Heermann's
Gulls at Damon Point in Ocean Shores, is a great example
of a bird you aren't going to see unless you're on the outer coast

I spoke with south WA COASSTer Bonnie this morning who travels a good ninety miles from her home to her survey site on the outer coast of Washington every month. Although her interest in birds extends beyond her participation in the program, one of the most compelling reasons for Bonnie to sign up for the citizen science effort was because it would allow her to explore her own “backyard” so to speak. Living inland, COASST provided a reason for Bonnie to make the trek to the outer coast at least once a month, inviting the exploration of a nearby habitat that likely would not have been regularly frequented otherwise. Exploring this neighboring wonder has exposed Bonnie to a host of exciting encounters, including the opportunity to see Black-Footed Albatross, Rhinoceros Auklets, and Tufted Puffins up close. The likelihood of seeing these pelagic birds inland is pretty near zero (at least in the wild). Such a great reminder that there is so much to see and do around us if we take the time to look for it!