West Seattle Christmas 2009 scenes: In a tree; on the sea

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Thanks to David Hutchinson for the photo and the story behind it:

While driving past Alki Point this afternoon, my wife and I noticed a bald eagle perched in the old madrone tree on the summit of the small hill just west of the lighthouse. After watching it for about 20 minutes, we were rewarded by being able to observe the arrival of its mate. After a couple minutes, they both flew off heading in the direction of Duwamish Head.

And thanks to Nick for sharing this photo from along the west-facing West Seattle shore:

He explains, “Saw this intrepid gentleman while at Lowman Beach with the kids.” Thanks to David and Nick for sharing those sights from this spectacular, sunny Christmas Day, and to everyone who’s shared photos, stories, news tips, event announcements, etc., via WSB – where our fifth year has just begun. We’re thrilled to hear from you any time.

ADDED 7:15 PM: As discussed in comments – a closer look at the unique Christmas outfit donned by the boarder, who turned out to be Lowman Beach artist/Ducky Reserve keeper Ron Sterling:

miws December 25, 2009 (6:36 pm)

I wonder if the sailboarder is Ron, AKA Duckitude?

Mike

Duckitude December 25, 2009 (6:38 pm)

Hi All: Wow, nice pics! BTW, that’s Mr. Duckitude on the water in his Santa hat and Aloha Shirt (my mom sent me this incredibly oversized Aloha shirt for xmas… sometimes… BUT, guess what, how did she know it would fit over my wet suit, vest and harness? Wow, mom’s just know, eh?)

I will send a couple more pics my wife snapped of the “intrepid gentleman” — me!

BTW, in a good wet suit, with a vest, I was OVER-heated most of the time… it was nice to fall in the water a couple of times!

Ducky New Year!

WSB December 25, 2009 (6:43 pm)

Had no idea Mr. Duckitude sailboarded/windsurfed/whichever is the technically correct term. Small world. But then again, I always thought Lowman Beach was underappreciated except by those who lived at/near there – TR

eagles December 25, 2009 (7:26 pm)

It was such a gorgeous day and this just makes it even better. Love the eagles!

Eaglelover December 25, 2009 (7:51 pm)

Thats in our back behind our place! There were 4 total flying around.

Duckitude December 25, 2009 (9:23 pm)

Hi WSB: Hey, they don’t call me ducky for nothing! As for terminology, sailboarding or windsurfing works. But, today, it was definitely more on the sailing side than “surfing” any winds… biggest gusts in the channel further out maybe got up to 17 mph, but, for Christmas, who can resist?

Lowman Beach is very much appreciated in these parts! Best wishes, Ron

grr December 26, 2009 (11:24 am)

COOOOL.

GCSmith December 30, 2009 (9:55 am)

David Hutchinson’s patience paid off with his remarkable action shot of the bald eagles. Usually there is just one bird sitting very still. That tree is well known by many passers-by as a place to see eagles, but they rarely get a sight like David captured.

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