I live only a few hours from the Pacific Ocean so my wife and I go there most springs for relaxation and some bird photography. This year we went to Long Beach in May and here are some of my photographs of Long Beach, Washington, spring birds.

We have often gone to the ocean early in the spring–March or early April–and haven’t seen too many terns at Long Beach. This year in May however there were large groups of Caspian Terns on the beach and hunting in the ocean. Above and below are several photographs of the terns.

There were also many Sanderlings on the beach scurrying in and out of the surf as they plucked snacks out of the sand. These birds were sporting their breeding plumage. Although they were fun to photograph it was difficult because they move very quickly across the sand, very rarely standing still for a photo opportunity.

I also photographed Whimbrels. I had seen Whimbrels once or twice before, but never more than one and not in a good place or light for photography. So I was very happy to come across several large flocks of Whimbrels for some group and solo photographs.

Above is a photo of part of a good-sized flock of Whimbrels flying over the Pacific Ocean, heading North. Below is a single Whimbrel resting on the beach.

We also took a quick side trip to Cannon Beach, Oregon, which is only 40 miles from Long Beach. We were hoping to see and photograph Tufted Puffins at Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach where they lay eggs and raise their young. Unfortunately, we were there at mid-day and the light was horrible and the wind was howling. So, not a great opportunity for photos but we did see some Puffins.

The Puffins hadn’t moved into burrows on Haystack Rock yet, so no opportunity for shots of them perched. And they were flying among a huge flock of Common Murres. I was happy to get a few shots as they flew overhead and not in a big group of murres.
It was definitely a fun trip with lots of birds to photograph. In the future I definitely plan to visit Long Beach early May. There were may more birds than when we have visited in March or early April.
All of my photos were taken with a Nikon Z8 camera and a Nikon 180-600 mm lens.