Two great Snowy Owl shots, today at (where else?) Damon Point:

A “tuxedo cat” (black body, white paws) that lives near Ocean Shores Boulevard and Butter Clam has been roaming around the neighborhood, lately. Area locals became concerned when it had blood on one of its paws. One of the locals opened the door of his truck, and the cat – about the friendliest feline you’ll ever meet – hopped on in. The local called Claire Kidwell, and the O.S. Animal Control officer came by within two minutes to pick it up (first putting it in a carrier, which is what the cat was in when photographed). The little rascal is now in “jail,” the Ocean Shores Animal Shelter. If this is yours, please call 289-2487.

Another visiting team fell victim to the intense, unrelenting North Beach girls basketball team’s defense – the Lady Hyaks swarmed over Naselle in the second half last night, pulling away for a 50-34 win. Brett Mackey’s team is now 17-2, going into Saturday night’s final regular season game, at home against South Bend. It’s Senior Night. After that, the District IV tournament . . .

If you’re “going out owl-ing” and are not familiar with Damon Point, you should know that it’s a potentially dangerous place to be. Sure, at low tide it’s beautiful and alluring, you can just keep walking and walking out on that mile-long “spit” of land – with the ocean on one side and bay on the other as you look for those superstar Snowy Owls . . . But when the tide comes in, if you’re way out there, you can get trapped, as the ocean waves rush over the narrow parts of the beach. This usually happens a few times a year, with unsuspecting visitors trapped by the incoming waters – and either having to wait for the tide to go back out, or (more often) desperately calling 911 and launching a surf rescue. So, beware of the tides, birders:

Day        High      Tide  Height   Sunrise    Moon  Time      % Moon
           /Low      Time    Feet    Sunset                    Visible

F    3      Low   2:30 AM     4.8   7:39 AM     Set  4:29 AM      74
     3     High   8:56 AM     9.4   5:22 PM    Rise  1:20 PM 
Read more...

Russ Fitts of the OSPD was asked how much jail time assaulting a cop can lead to. His answer: ”According to the RCW 9A.20.021 the basic sentencing guidelines are: Assault 3, basic assault against a police officer is a Class C felony with a maximum term in prison of 5 years and $10, 000 fine. Assault 2, higher injury or potential,specific elements of assault is a  Class B felony with a maximum term in prison of 10 years and $20,000 fine”

The mother and daughter involved in the Tuesday night brawl are being charged with both of the above, Fitts said. Officer Shaun Beebe, allegedly bitten by the 24-year-old Ocean Shores woman, was taken to the hospital for treatment of the bite and a series of shots; he returned to work later that night. Officer Paul Henderson, allegedly chocked and kicked in the head by the 42-year-old woman, was treated for a possible concussion and released; he is scheduled to return to work tonight.

The Ocean Shores mother-daughter remain in Grays Harbor County Jail, on total bail of $100,000 each.

Helen Howard photo of an eagle coming in for a beach landing:

From next week’s ever-popular Police Log:

Jan. 30
Pt Brown Ave NW
Citations for Failure to Signal for Turn, Holding a Wireless Communication Device to Ear While Driving.

S. Razor Clam Dr SW
“Neighbors complaining to landlord that reporting person is throwing dog feces

Take a photo of a Snowy Owl flying over the ocean at sunset. Email: tscanlon@northcoastnews.com.  Prize: A Snowy Ale (“the rare drink that will put wings on your back”).

a) waiting for the ferry to Westport

b) waiting to see how much crab Larry Thevik’s Midnight Star boat brings back

c) leftover Pirates trying to find way home

d) “Where’s those pretty white birds we saw on TV?”