Field trip report: Hoypus Point

By Jim DeForrest

Hoypus Point is truly one of the gems on Whidbey. Located on the east side of Deception Pass Bridge and overlooking Coronet Bay, it is home to one of the last old-growth forests on the island.

On the day of our field trip, it was overcast with a moderate wind advisory. But Hoypus Point seemed to shelter us from the wind.  We lucked out!

I was accompanied by Akiko Nakagawa, from AmeriCorps, who helped guide the field trip. She was instrumental, identifying the tree species and the evidence left by the different kinds of woodpeckers.

Our group was very small.  We had two couples from the Seattle area and a couple visiting from Nebraska!  The group size allowed for more one-on-one interaction.

Sharing binoculars, we identified waterfowl in the bay: Bufflehead, Western Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Common Goldeneye, Common Loon, and Common Merganser.

Going into the woods, we identified Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Bewick's Wren, Song Sparrow, Eagle, Raven, and a Sapsucker.

All in all, it was very informative.

After the field trip, I went to Coupeville to relieve the morning board members, manning the Audubon booth at Mussel Fest. It was more like a "sailboat crew simulator" to keep the tent from flying down the street!