Fraggle Rock

Under an approaching windstorm on Thanksgiving Day, Fraggles and Doozers take a rest and teach us how to understand and embrace diversity.  In Outer Space, the Silly Creatures call these Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani) and Glaucous-winged Gulls (Larus glaucenscens).  I watched the two species for about forty-five minutes and never witnessed any sign of hostility or disagreement.  Gulls are notoriously difficult to ID, so I could be wrong about it.  Maybe someone more adept at gull identification will chime in.  At the time, I estimate there was a good 20 knot sustained wind.  From the photo, can you guess the direction it was blowing?

The location is Deception Pass State Park, Washington facing the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  The rock is just offshore from the West Beach parking lot.  Anyone who has visited the park will recognize the spot.  I am told the Oystercatchers fly over from nearby Deception Island to rest here.  I have come to call this Fraggle Rock for want of a better name.  It's a little world apart where something interesting is always happening.  On the horizon are the San Juan Islands.

" Every day, the world begins again,
     Sunny skies or rain.
     Come and follow me.
     Every sunrise shows me more and more,
     So much to explore.
     Come and follow me."

-Traveling Matt