This Western Gull Larus occidentalis is the most common large white-headed gull on the Washington coast at most times of year. Note the black wingtips, the large orangish bill, and the orangish-yellow orbital ring. Many of our gulls here are also hybrids between Western x Glaucous-winged Gull, and because the northern Western Gulls are not as dark as those in California, it can be tough to say whether an individual gull is "pure Western" or a hybrid with mostly Western Gull aspect.
Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri is a common passage migrant both spring and fall between its Arctic breeding grounds and its wintering grounds far south of here. They can be seen in huge flocks of hundreds or thousands of birds, especially in the spring.
Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis is identified by its long slender neck and its greenish-yellow bill. They breed on large lakes in Eastern Washington, and are seen in salt water or large lakes and rivers in winter.
Western Bluebird Sialia mexicana is our most common bluebird at low elevation. They choose nest sites very early, in late winter, to defend them from competing cavity nesters.
Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis is common in Eastern Washington, but an uncommon vagrant migrant in Western WA, mostly in the spring.
Another flycatcher, the Western Wood-Pewee Contopus sordidulus arrives in late spring and is heard and seen all over the state of Washington from Late May throughout the summer.
Maybe soon I'll post some of our west coast species with "Eastern" in their common name.
Good birding.
