Tag: duck

Last Day of Olympic Bird Fest 2025

A Smew Relaxing a Pond, Dry Creek Waterfowl Sanctuary

With the unusual name of smew, this diving duck stands out a bit from crowd in not only name but appearance. Its striking features are eye-catching and because it’s often found in the collections of European waterfowl collections, I’m assuming it’s coveted by many, as well as me.

Unfortunatley, if you missed seeing one at the festival, you’ll have to wait until next year for another chance. Because of the sensitive nature of the birds and the work involved in hosting the public, the waterfowl sanctuary is only open to visitors during Olympic Bird Fest, and only on specific days and at specific times.

So put it on your calendar for April 2026 and be sure to sign up via the website well in advance.

Merganser Mama

Salt Creek Recreation Area, Pt. Angeles

Although considered “common” mergansers, in my book, this gal was anything but common, at least not in my world.

Aside from her beautiful head of feathers, she was extraordinary in that she was able to keep track of her seven offspring even as they darted in and out of the reeds surrounding the water, all the while evading me as I ran to keep up.

If you haven’t visited Salt Creek Recreation Area, a Clallam County Park, or stayed at the campground, I highly recommend it, and I know you wouldn’t be disappointed.

Aside from the beaches, sea stacks and tide pools, the wildlife is delightful and includes not only mergansers, but otters, eagles, hermit crabs and more.

And then there are the surfers. Suited up in dry suits, they’re amazing to watch as they sit for what seems like hours to catch the big ones; launch themselves on their boards and take off, all without seeming to mind the cold temperatures.

Aside from all this…it’s a fabulous spot to take family, friends and out of town visitors when you really want to show off the beauty of the peninsula.