Date: 2/17/26 6:07 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] JBLM Eagles Pride Golf Course Monthly Birdwalk - Thursday, February 19 - 9:00AM Start
Hi Tweeters,
The next Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) birdwalk is scheduled for Thursday, February 19, at 9:00AM.
The JBLM Eagles Pride GC birders do the tour d'course the third Thursday of every month. We meet at 9:00AM<outlook-data-detector://2> through February 2026. (Change to 8:00AM in March.)
Starting point is the Driving Range Tee, Eagle's Pride Golf Course, I-5 Exit 116, Mounts Road Exit. When you turn into the course entrance, take an immediate left onto the road to the driving range - that's where we meet.
Also, to remind folks that haven't been here before, even though Eagle's Pride is a US Army recreation facility, you don't need any ID to attend these birdwalks. Hope you're able to make it!
Current weather forecast is 37degF-42degF start to finish (RealFeel 35-43) with a possibility of some snow flurries. As always, dress for success!
Date: 2/17/26 11:37 am From: Mason Flint via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Hal Michael - Ecologists without Birders?
I received an e-vite to a meeting from Hal Michael for what looks like an online meeting for an organization called Ecologists Without Borders.
I'm interested but reluctant to click the link because of risk if phishing. I think Hal may be in Tweeters? Has anyone else seen this and know it's legit?
Date: 2/17/26 10:55 am From: Peggy Mundy via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] email
I often find my "tweeters" emails get diverted to the Spam folder for some reason.
Peggy Mundy, Bothell
<peggy_busby...> on Instagram
On Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10:29:27 AM PST, Diann MacRae via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Hi again - I received four quick responses to my earlier email. One commented that I may have missed messages from (named) people. I don't know what to do since everything is the same on my computer, i.e. no problem with other messages but the last email I received was a vulture report and absolutely nothing since (until just now). I realize Tweeters is not happy with my vulture reports which I have done the same way for many, many years, but maybe it wasn't to be any more. I have not done anything differently, that is, changed anything. Ok, that's enuf. Thanks for the responses I got, much appreciated. Cheers, Diann
Diann MacRae
Olympic Vulture Study
22622 - 53rd Avenue S.E.
Bothell, WA 98021
<tvulture...>
Tweeters mailing list
<Tweeters...>
http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 2/16/26 8:07 pm From: Doug Santoni via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Re-Post of Article on Injured Cormorant
Those of you who are Digest subscribers may have missed the article below that was posted by one of our Tweeters members. It was “scrubbed” (i.e., not visible) in Monday’s Digest, but was visible when posted as an individual message, and will hopefully appear in Tuesday’s Digest:
An injured seabird pecks at an emergency room door, prompting its own rescue:
An injured seabird sought help by pecking on a German hospital’s emergency room door. The black cormorant had a triple fishing hook stuck in its beak when it showed up Sunday at a hospital in the northern city of Bremen.
Read in The Associated Press:
https://apple.news/A3JeC2XkqS_emdNw8YxYTiA
Date: 2/16/26 7:58 pm From: Tim Brennan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Pacific County Birding Feb 9-10
Hey Tweets,
I made it out to Pacific County for a February trip. Continuing to work on the 2026 Pacific County "Big Enough" year. I found a dozen new birds for the year, and had a chance to explore some new places. The first day of it is blogged at
February 10th will likely be a shorter post, and will appear in the next few days.
Birds of note include a continuing Barrow's Goldeneye in Tokeland (code 4 in Pacific County), Rough-legged Hawk at Willapa Bay Airport (code 3), Northern Pygmy Owl and Canada Jay (both code 3) on South Bend Palix Road, and a couple of Horned Larks (code 3) on the beach access at Warrenton Cannery Road. The year list total is now 116!
Date: 2/16/26 5:44 pm From: Dan Hughes via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Tumwater falls Dipper
Twice in the last 4 days I’ve watched an American Dipper feeding in the rapids on the upper Tumwater Falls.
It has been active around 3:40 pm among the rocks on the west side of the river. Easy viewing from the walkway over the fish ladder.
Dan
Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 2/16/26 9:51 am From: David Kreft via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] 2025 Washington Birder List and Big Day Reports
Thank you, Matt !!
Dave Kreft
Kettle Falls
On Mon, Feb 16, 2026 at 9:31 AM Matt Bartels via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Hi all -
>
> Happy to announce the 2025 Year List & Big Day report for Washington
> Birder are up and available.
> It is always fun to pull together this glimpse of our community.
>
> Check out the files at the following link to see how everyone did in 2025
> - http://wabirder.com/online.html > <https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://wabirder.com/online.html__;!!JYXjzlvb!klyGfMaiYiakJTdtJjhCpnIXCByCMv-JnymPOylNMJ8Db4R8vrwdZ11wpoKJTTo6BeUW4j7FdewQtXQgqf3rxkEtN2z_$> >
> Highlights for the year:
>
> Eight birders tallied over 300 species in the state in 2025.
>
>
> *New County big year records were set this year for four counties:*
>
>
> - *Columbia County: *Christopher, Lindsey with 197 species
> - *Garfield County: *RJ Baltierra, with 186 species
> - *Jefferson County: *Steve Hampton, with 225 species (tied w/ his
> 2024 record)
> - *Okanogan County: *Matthew Danielson, with 258 species
>
>
> *The highest ever state big day record was recorded, *with 210 species
> was achieved on 17 May 2025 by Liam Hutcheson, Louis Kreemer, Jacob
> Miller and Alex Sowers.
>
>
> *Highest ever county big days were reported for three counties*
>
>
> - *Okanogan County* by Eric Heisey and DJ Jones [in 2024]
> - *Mason County *by Liam Hutcheson and Jacob Miller
> - *Klickitat County* by Liam Hutcheson and Samuel Holman
>
>
>
>
> All that and more is compiled in this year’s report.
>
> A direct link to the list report with all the state & county life and year
> list totals can be found here:
> http://www.wabirder.com/docs/listreport2025.pdf >
>
> And a direct link to the Big Day report from 2025 is here:
> http://www.wabirder.com/docs/2025BigDayReport.pdf >
>
>
> Thanks to everyone who sent in your totals, and here’s to many more
> updates and surprises in 2026.
>
>
> Matt Bartels
> Washington Birder
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 2/16/26 9:44 am From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] THE ASSOCIATED PRESS: An injured seabird pecks at an emergency room door, prompting its own rescue
Date: 2/16/26 9:41 am From: Matt Bartels via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] 2025 Washington Birder List and Big Day Reports
Hi all -
Happy to announce the 2025 Year List & Big Day report for Washington Birder are up and available.
It is always fun to pull together this glimpse of our community.
Highlights for the year:
Eight birders tallied over 300 species in the state in 2025.
New County big year records were set this year for four counties:
Columbia County: Christopher, Lindsey with 197 species
Garfield County: RJ Baltierra, with 186 species
Jefferson County: Steve Hampton, with 225 species (tied w/ his 2024 record)
Okanogan County: Matthew Danielson, with 258 species
The highest ever state big day record was recorded, with 210 species was achieved on 17 May 2025 by Liam Hutcheson, Louis Kreemer, Jacob Miller and Alex Sowers.
Highest ever county big days were reported for three counties
Okanogan County by Eric Heisey and DJ Jones [in 2024]
Mason County by Liam Hutcheson and Jacob Miller
Klickitat County by Liam Hutcheson and Samuel Holman
All that and more is compiled in this year’s report.
Date: 2/15/26 1:28 pm From: Mary Reese via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Acronyms are fun!
Yes, of course everyone should spell out the entire name the first time and then the acronym thereafter. Don't be lazy, be helpful. Everyone was a beginning birder at some point.
But learning acronyms, it's a basic part of the game. Just memorize the rules, and most of the time you won't have to memorize the acronym. It will jump right out at you.
The standardized rules are based on the common name:
> One-word names use the first four letters (e.g., Merlin = MERL)
> Two-word names use the first two letters of each word (e.g., Wood Thrush = WOTH)
> Three-word names use the first letter of the first two words and the first two of the last word (e.g., Blue-winged Warbler = BWWA).
I like to guess what the acronym is going to be. Then I type it into the Sibley app to see if I'm right. It's a fun game!
We already already use so many everyday acronyms without even thinking about it, so why not add a few more?
BYOB BOGO ROFL TGIF RSVPXOXO IMHO SOS BRB LOL ETA BFF TLC
;-)Mary Reese
Date: 2/14/26 10:52 pm From: Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Please decode your acronyms
Thanks for the clarification, Tom. Every little 'Tweet' helps. Bob OBrien
On Sat, Feb 14, 2026 at 10:24 PM Tom Benedict <benedict.t...>
wrote:
>
> > On Feb 14, 2026, at 16:10, Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
> >
> > P.S. Someone in this thread, as I recall, said the 4-letter codes will
> NOT CHANGE. In my opinion, if true, this is the craziest thing yet, now
> the words will become pure memorization with no logical significance.
>
> That may have been me, but I don’t know what I based that statement on. I
> agree with you that name changes without code changes will ultimately lead
> to further obfuscation. I guess I was hoping for a unique key to link all
> current and historic names, but that’s really not the point of codes. Maybe
> scientific name? I guess those are subject to change too. Hmmm.. maybe a
> blockchain reference??
>
> Back to birding,,
>
> Pretty sure there was a Red-necked Grebe (RNGR Podiceps grisegena) just
> offshore just before sunset at Seahurst Park. Light was not good, but it
> was a bit larger and had a more 'angular' head than the Horned Grebes (HOGR
> Podiceps auritus) that were in the area.
>
> Tom Benedict
> Seahurst, WA
> >
>
>
Date: 2/14/26 10:35 pm From: Tom Benedict via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Please decode your acronyms
> On Feb 14, 2026, at 16:10, Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> P.S. Someone in this thread, as I recall, said the 4-letter codes will NOT CHANGE. In my opinion, if true, this is the craziest thing yet, now the words will become pure memorization with no logical significance.
That may have been me, but I don’t know what I based that statement on. I agree with you that name changes without code changes will ultimately lead to further obfuscation. I guess I was hoping for a unique key to link all current and historic names, but that’s really not the point of codes. Maybe scientific name? I guess those are subject to change too. Hmmm.. maybe a blockchain reference??
Back to birding,,
Pretty sure there was a Red-necked Grebe (RNGR Podiceps grisegena) just offshore just before sunset at Seahurst Park. Light was not good, but it was a bit larger and had a more 'angular' head than the Horned Grebes (HOGR Podiceps auritus) that were in the area.
Date: 2/14/26 5:55 pm From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Acronyms - The Office Kevin Short Talk
Amen !
*Hans Feddern*
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
<thefedderns...>
On Sat, Feb 14, 2026 at 1:49 PM J Christian Kessler via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> when will this discussion stop? I've been a birder for 70+ years, and was
> an active bander for several years. I occasionally need to look up a code,
> just as I occasionally need to look up a location (which can be more
> complicated than finding a code.)
> can Tweeters please return to bird sightings?
>
> Chris Kessler
>
> On Sat, Feb 14, 2026 at 1:35 PM Jason Ferleman via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>> Ya’ll need to watch this episode of the office TLDR your silly
>> abbreviations actually don’t save time overall
>>
>>
>> Key Highlights of the Scene:
>>
>> - *The Logic:* Kevin believes that by removing unnecessary words
>> (like "the" or "and"), he can be more efficient, comparing his new speech
>> style to "wearing underpants" instead of a full outfit.
>> - *The Confusion:* His coworkers are immediately confused,
>> particularly when he says he wants to "see world." Jim has to ask if he
>> means "see the world" or "SeaWorld," to which Kevin cryptically replies,
>> "Oceans. Fish. Jump. China."
>> - *The Resolution:* After Jim and Pam explain that his method
>> actually takes *more* time because of the constant need for
>> clarification, Kevin eventually agrees to talk normally again.
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>
>
>
> --
> “Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass … it’s about learning
> how to dance in the rain.”
> Deborah Tuck
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 2/14/26 4:21 pm From: Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Please decode your acronyms
Sorry to comment from another state, but I feel strongly about this. And
I'll just state my position with little defense. Choose what you wish.
After changing zillions of bird names (I'm not using the E-word, also
exclusive) after historical figures for greater inclusion, now many are
saying, in effect,* just learn 4-letter codes* is about as exclusive as I
can think of. It speaks of initiation,even hazing, of people who might
have some interest in birds. Learn up first, then read Tweeters.
On the other hand, I'm willing to go with the suggestion of first naming
the bird's English Name (which in many cases will soon change and not be
recognizable, even to experienced birders. with the 4-letter code,
following, all caps, in parentheses. This will help modestly interested
birders know the subject of later codes, and learn it if so inclined. I
see NO REASON that they should even ha have to contemplate 'learning them'.
Bob OBrien Portland (Birding 73 years now and knowing all the codes).
P.S. Someone in this thread, as I recall, said the 4-letter codes will
NOT CHANGE. In my opinion, if true, this is the craziest thing yet, now
the words will become pure memorization with no logical significance.
Unless, they change, for instance, Anna's Hummingbird becomes Anomalous
Hummingbird (for the male's Dive/Chirp breeding performance which I believe
is unique. Even then I PREFER TO STICK WITH
Anna's..........................
P.P.S Going forward, and guessing the 4-letter code for a species, is
pretty easy to decipher Anna's Hummingbird = ANHU ; Rough-legged Hawk =
RLHA. Those who use them have it easy. Going backwards from a code is NOT
SO EASY. And that's what the current problem is.Thanks to the person who
objected to this. I heartily agree with her.
.
On Fri, Feb 13, 2026 at 6:27 PM HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> My Dad used to say that you could tell how long someone had been birding
> by what you called something. Just run through the old (really old) such
> as first edition Peterson and earlier and see what things were called.
> Change always makes life "fun".
>
> Hal Michael
> Board of Directors, Ecologists Without Borders <http://ecowb.org/> > Olympia WA
> 360-459-4005
> 360-791-7702 (C)
> <ucd880...>
>
>
>
> On 02/13/2026 6:18 PM PST Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> Just to clarify a little more, the Eurasian Goshawk is now *Astur
> gentilis*, and our Cooper’s Hawk is *Astur cooperii*. There are other
> species of *Astur* and *Accipiter* scattered around the world, as genetic
> work probed into the classification and found that there were two groups of
> accipiters that warranted being in two different genera.
>
> And I’m all for using the four-letter codes, as long as people are
> introduced to them, as others have said, so as not to be confusing. Writing
> Short-eared Owl (SEOW), then going on to use the acronym in further
> writing, seems a fine way to go.
>
> I have to add that I’m used to common and scientific names changing, but
> when four-letter codes change, I come up with a few four-letter words
> myself! Think of years of field notes taken using the four-letter codes.
>
> Dennis Paulson
> Seattle
> dennispaulson at comcast dot net
>
>
> On Feb 13, 2026, at 5:08 PM, qblater via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
> 4 letter codes are also a way to keep current on your classification
> For example
>
> AMGO is no more
> Now
>
>
>
> American Goldfinch AGOL* Spinus tristis SPITRI
> American Goshawk AGOS* Astur atricapillus ASTATR
> Why?
>
>
> July of this year, the American Ornithological Society decided to go
> along with the overwhelming evidence that most goshawks in North America
> are not closely related to most goshawks in Europe and Asia, voting to
> split the Northern Goshawk into the American Goshawk and the Eurasian
> Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis).N
>
> Clarice Clark
>
> On Feb 13, 2026, at 2:43 PM, Steve Loitz via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Are you referring to 4-letter Alpha Codes? If so, IME, Alpha Codes can be
> part of the fun for a new birder, and for some it may actually enhance
> learning. We have a couple new birders in our local chapter who enjoy
> calling out "AMKE," "TUVU," "AMGO," etc. on our field trips. I refer them
> to this: https://www.birdpop.org/docs/misc/Alpha_codes_eng.pdf >
> Steve Loitz
> Ellensburg
>
>
>
> On Fri, Feb 13, 2026 at 2:12 PM Ted Ryan via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> I think there is a balance here to consider. On the one hand, we don't
> want to make it overly burdensome for a new birder to participate. On the
> other hand, I don't think new folks to a hobby should expect no barriers
> with regards to nomenclature. All hobbies have acronyms and words that we
> have to learn. That's part of the hobby, that's part of the experience and
> it's inescapable. I think the OP will find that learning the acronyms will
> aid in your enjoyment.
>
> Besides, If we remove such things than all birds are just LBJ's and where
> does that get us?
>
> Ted Ryan
> South Kitsap, WA
>
>
>
> As do basically all newer birders. As someone who?s worked with newer
> birders a lot over the years (I ran the Santa Clara County version of
> tweeters for over a decade, among other things) I?ve talked to and worked
> a
> lot with our less senior partners, and when two senior birders start
> chattering in this shorthand, it tends to make them feel excluded and
> intimidated. It?s not a welcoming thing to birders trying to grow into
> their adult feathers.
>
> Because of that, I stopped using the acronyms in casual communications
> where the new birders will be looking in long ago (or I?m careful to
> always put the term in context in the note) and I generally discouraged
> random use of them in open forums like this. And I think, if you want new
> birders to feel part of our community and grow up to be more senior
> birders
> along with us, that we do so as well.
>
> Chuq
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
>
>
> --
> Steve Loitz
> Ellensburg, WA
> <steveloitz...>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 2/14/26 3:17 pm From: J Christian Kessler via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] 4 letter codes
my reaction to some of of the place names people use.I usually figure it
out, but WTH.
I agree people posting should include the English name somewhere, and not
all do. Solving other people hasn't worked in my lifetime, or history.
Chris Kessler
On Sat, Feb 14, 2026 at 2:44 PM Odette James via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> I've been birding 47 years and I've never used the 4 letter codes. They
> annoyed me the first time I saw them and they still annoy me. Whenever I
> see a message that uses one of the codes without including the name of the
> bird, my reaction is "WTH is that!" After a short time of annoyance, I
> figure it out, but WTH.
>
> Odette James, Lakeshore Retirement Community, with a gorgeous view of the
> Cedar River Delta (and all the storm debris now stranded on it)
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
--
“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass … it’s about learning how
to dance in the rain.”
Deborah Tuck
Date: 2/14/26 2:54 pm From: Odette James via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] 4 letter codes
I've been birding 47 years and I've never used the 4 letter codes. They annoyed me the first time I saw them and they still annoy me. Whenever I see a message that uses one of the codes without including the name of the bird, my reaction is "WTH is that!" After a short time of annoyance, I figure it out, but WTH. Odette James, Lakeshore Retirement Community, with a gorgeous view of the Cedar River Delta (and all the storm debris now stranded on it) _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 2/14/26 1:59 pm From: J Christian Kessler via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Acronyms - The Office Kevin Short Talk
when will this discussion stop? I've been a birder for 70+ years, and was
an active bander for several years. I occasionally need to look up a code,
just as I occasionally need to look up a location (which can be more
complicated than finding a code.)
can Tweeters please return to bird sightings?
Chris Kessler
On Sat, Feb 14, 2026 at 1:35 PM Jason Ferleman via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Ya’ll need to watch this episode of the office TLDR your silly
> abbreviations actually don’t save time overall
>
>
> Key Highlights of the Scene:
>
> - *The Logic:* Kevin believes that by removing unnecessary words (like
> "the" or "and"), he can be more efficient, comparing his new speech style
> to "wearing underpants" instead of a full outfit.
> - *The Confusion:* His coworkers are immediately confused,
> particularly when he says he wants to "see world." Jim has to ask if he
> means "see the world" or "SeaWorld," to which Kevin cryptically replies,
> "Oceans. Fish. Jump. China."
> - *The Resolution:* After Jim and Pam explain that his method actually
> takes *more* time because of the constant need for clarification,
> Kevin eventually agrees to talk normally again.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
--
“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass … it’s about learning how
to dance in the rain.”
Deborah Tuck
Date: 2/14/26 1:45 pm From: Jason Ferleman via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Acronyms - The Office Kevin Short Talk
Ya’ll need to watch this episode of the office TLDR your silly
abbreviations actually don’t save time overall
Key Highlights of the Scene:
- *The Logic:* Kevin believes that by removing unnecessary words (like
"the" or "and"), he can be more efficient, comparing his new speech style
to "wearing underpants" instead of a full outfit.
- *The Confusion:* His coworkers are immediately confused, particularly
when he says he wants to "see world." Jim has to ask if he means "see the
world" or "SeaWorld," to which Kevin cryptically replies, "Oceans. Fish.
Jump. China."
- *The Resolution:* After Jim and Pam explain that his method actually
takes *more* time because of the constant need for clarification, Kevin
eventually agrees to talk normally again.
Date: 2/14/26 1:41 pm From: Mike Wagenbach via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Please decode your acronyms
I should point out that in my original post asking about SEOW, I used the code in the subject line but spelled out Short-Eared Owl the first time I used it in my message body, so I don't feel too guilty. Not helpful for someone coming into the thread at a later point, though.
The other request Alice made was to not include replies in your posts. While I support including one level of reply for continuity (makes it clear to whom you are replying to in a busy thread), we are starting to see the agglomeration of multiple replies in this thread, which is unnecessary. Trimming the message body to include only as much of the quoted reply as needed for clarity is polite and helpful when one gets the messages as a digest and doesn't need to scroll too far to get to the next message.
And of course, replying by quoting the entire digest is a HUGE mistake, so please be aware of that if you read Tweeters as a digest.
Date: 2/13/26 6:37 pm From: HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Please decode your acronyms
My Dad used to say that you could tell how long someone had been birding by what you called something. Just run through the old (really old) such as first edition Peterson and earlier and see what things were called. Change always makes life "fun".
Hal Michael
Board of Directors, Ecologists Without Borders http://ecowb.org/ Olympia WA
360-459-4005
360-791-7702 (C)
<ucd880...>
> On 02/13/2026 6:18 PM PST Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> Just to clarify a little more, the Eurasian Goshawk is now Astur gentilis, and our Cooper’s Hawk is Astur cooperii. There are other species of Astur and Accipiter scattered around the world, as genetic work probed into the classification and found that there were two groups of accipiters that warranted being in two different genera.
>
> And I’m all for using the four-letter codes, as long as people are introduced to them, as others have said, so as not to be confusing. Writing Short-eared Owl (SEOW), then going on to use the acronym in further writing, seems a fine way to go.
>
> I have to add that I’m used to common and scientific names changing, but when four-letter codes change, I come up with a few four-letter words myself! Think of years of field notes taken using the four-letter codes.
>
> Dennis Paulson
> Seattle
> dennispaulson at comcast dot net
>
>
>
> > On Feb 13, 2026, at 5:08 PM, qblater via Tweeters <tweeters...> mailto:<tweeters...> wrote:
> > 4 letter codes are also a way to keep current on your classification
> > For example
> >
> > AMGO is no more
> > Now
> >
> >
> >
> > American Goldfinch AGOL* Spinus tristis SPITRI
> > American Goshawk AGOS* Astur atricapillus ASTATR
> > Why?
> >
> >
> > July of this year, the American Ornithological Society decided to go along with the overwhelming evidence that most goshawks in North America are not closely related to most goshawks in Europe and Asia, voting to split the Northern Goshawk into the American Goshawk and the Eurasian Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis).N
> >
> > Clarice Clark
> >
> >
> > > On Feb 13, 2026, at 2:43 PM, Steve Loitz via Tweeters <tweeters...> mailto:<tweeters...> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> >
> > > Are you referring to 4-letter Alpha Codes? If so, IME, Alpha Codes can be part of the fun for a new birder, and for some it may actually enhance learning. We have a couple new birders in our local chapter who enjoy calling out "AMKE," "TUVU," "AMGO," etc. on our field trips. I refer them to this: https://www.birdpop.org/docs/misc/Alpha_codes_eng.pdf > > >
> > > Steve Loitz
> > > Ellensburg
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > On Fri, Feb 13, 2026 at 2:12 PM Ted Ryan via Tweeters <tweeters...> mailto:<tweeters...> wrote:
> > >
> > > > I think there is a balance here to consider. On the one hand, we don't want to make it overly burdensome for a new birder to participate. On the other hand, I don't think new folks to a hobby should expect no barriers with regards to nomenclature. All hobbies have acronyms and words that we have to learn. That's part of the hobby, that's part of the experience and it's inescapable. I think the OP will find that learning the acronyms will aid in your enjoyment.
> > > >
> > > > Besides, If we remove such things than all birds are just LBJ's and where does that get us?
> > > >
> > > > Ted Ryan
> > > > South Kitsap, WA
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > As do basically all newer birders. As someone who?s worked with newer
> > > > > birders a lot over the years (I ran the Santa Clara County version of
> > > > > tweeters for over a decade, among other things) I?ve talked to and worked a
> > > > > lot with our less senior partners, and when two senior birders start
> > > > > chattering in this shorthand, it tends to make them feel excluded and
> > > > > intimidated. It?s not a welcoming thing to birders trying to grow into
> > > > > their adult feathers.
> > > > >
> > > > > Because of that, I stopped using the acronyms in casual communications
> > > > > where the new birders will be looking in long ago (or I?m careful to
> > > > > always put the term in context in the note) and I generally discouraged
> > > > > random use of them in open forums like this. And I think, if you want new
> > > > > birders to feel part of our community and grow up to be more senior birders
> > > > > along with us, that we do so as well.
> > > > >
> > > > > Chuq
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > Tweeters mailing list
> > > > <Tweeters...> mailto:<Tweeters...> > > > > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > Steve Loitz
> > > Ellensburg, WA
> > > <steveloitz...> mailto:<steveloitz...> > > > _______________________________________________
> > > Tweeters mailing list
> > > <Tweeters...> mailto:<Tweeters...> > > > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Tweeters mailing list
> > <Tweeters...> mailto:<Tweeters...> > > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > >
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 2/13/26 6:28 pm From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Please decode your acronyms
Just to clarify a little more, the Eurasian Goshawk is now Astur gentilis, and our Cooper’s Hawk is Astur cooperii. There are other species of Astur and Accipiter scattered around the world, as genetic work probed into the classification and found that there were two groups of accipiters that warranted being in two different genera.
And I’m all for using the four-letter codes, as long as people are introduced to them, as others have said, so as not to be confusing. Writing Short-eared Owl (SEOW), then going on to use the acronym in further writing, seems a fine way to go.
I have to add that I’m used to common and scientific names changing, but when four-letter codes change, I come up with a few four-letter words myself! Think of years of field notes taken using the four-letter codes.
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
dennispaulson at comcast dot net
> On Feb 13, 2026, at 5:08 PM, qblater via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> 4 letter codes are also a way to keep current on your classification
> For example
>
> AMGO is no more
> Now
>
>
>
> American Goldfinch AGOL* Spinus tristis SPITRI
> American Goshawk AGOS* Astur atricapillus ASTATR
> Why?
>
>
> July of this year, the American Ornithological Society decided to go along with the overwhelming evidence that most goshawks in North America are not closely related to most goshawks in Europe and Asia, voting to split the Northern Goshawk into the American Goshawk and the Eurasian Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis).N
>
> Clarice Clark
>
>> On Feb 13, 2026, at 2:43 PM, Steve Loitz via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Are you referring to 4-letter Alpha Codes? If so, IME, Alpha Codes can be part of the fun for a new birder, and for some it may actually enhance learning. We have a couple new birders in our local chapter who enjoy calling out "AMKE," "TUVU," "AMGO," etc. on our field trips. I refer them to this: https://www.birdpop.org/docs/misc/Alpha_codes_eng.pdf <https://www.birdpop.org/docs/misc/Alpha_codes_eng.pdf> >>
>> Steve Loitz
>> Ellensburg
>>
>>
>>
>> On Fri, Feb 13, 2026 at 2:12 PM Ted Ryan via Tweeters <tweeters...> <mailto:<tweeters...>> wrote:
>> I think there is a balance here to consider. On the one hand, we don't want to make it overly burdensome for a new birder to participate. On the other hand, I don't think new folks to a hobby should expect no barriers with regards to nomenclature. All hobbies have acronyms and words that we have to learn. That's part of the hobby, that's part of the experience and it's inescapable. I think the OP will find that learning the acronyms will aid in your enjoyment.
>>
>> Besides, If we remove such things than all birds are just LBJ's and where does that get us?
>>
>> Ted Ryan
>> South Kitsap, WA
>>
>>
>>> As do basically all newer birders. As someone who?s worked with newer
>>> birders a lot over the years (I ran the Santa Clara County version of
>>> tweeters for over a decade, among other things) I?ve talked to and worked a
>>> lot with our less senior partners, and when two senior birders start
>>> chattering in this shorthand, it tends to make them feel excluded and
>>> intimidated. It?s not a welcoming thing to birders trying to grow into
>>> their adult feathers.
>>>
>>> Because of that, I stopped using the acronyms in casual communications
>>> where the new birders will be looking in long ago (or I?m careful to
>>> always put the term in context in the note) and I generally discouraged
>>> random use of them in open forums like this. And I think, if you want new
>>> birders to feel part of our community and grow up to be more senior birders
>>> along with us, that we do so as well.
>>>
>>> Chuq
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...> <mailto:<Tweeters...> >> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters> >>
>>
>> --
>> Steve Loitz
>> Ellensburg, WA
>> <steveloitz...> <mailto:<steveloitz...>_______________________________________________ >> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 2/13/26 2:57 pm From: Steve Loitz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Please decode your acronyms
Are you referring to 4-letter Alpha Codes? If so, IME, Alpha Codes can be
part of the fun for a new birder, and for some it may actually enhance
learning. We have a couple new birders in our local chapter who enjoy
calling out "AMKE," "TUVU," "AMGO," etc. on our field trips. I refer them
to this: https://www.birdpop.org/docs/misc/Alpha_codes_eng.pdf
Steve Loitz
Ellensburg
On Fri, Feb 13, 2026 at 2:12 PM Ted Ryan via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> I think there is a balance here to consider. On the one hand, we don't
> want to make it overly burdensome for a new birder to participate. On the
> other hand, I don't think new folks to a hobby should expect no barriers
> with regards to nomenclature. All hobbies have acronyms and words that we
> have to learn. That's part of the hobby, that's part of the experience and
> it's inescapable. I think the OP will find that learning the acronyms will
> aid in your enjoyment.
>
> Besides, If we remove such things than all birds are just LBJ's and where
> does that get us?
>
> Ted Ryan
> South Kitsap, WA
>
>
> As do basically all newer birders. As someone who?s worked with newer
> birders a lot over the years (I ran the Santa Clara County version of
> tweeters for over a decade, among other things) I?ve talked to and worked a
> lot with our less senior partners, and when two senior birders start
> chattering in this shorthand, it tends to make them feel excluded and
> intimidated. It?s not a welcoming thing to birders trying to grow into
> their adult feathers.
>
> Because of that, I stopped using the acronyms in casual communications
> where the new birders will be looking in long ago (or I?m careful to
> always put the term in context in the note) and I generally discouraged
> random use of them in open forums like this. And I think, if you want new
> birders to feel part of our community and grow up to be more senior birders
> along with us, that we do so as well.
>
> Chuq
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 2/13/26 2:23 pm From: Ted Ryan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Please decode your acronyms
I think there is a balance here to consider. On the one hand, we don't want to make it overly burdensome for a new birder to participate. On the other hand, I don't think new folks to a hobby should expect no barriers with regards to nomenclature. All hobbies have acronyms and words that we have to learn. That's part of the hobby, that's part of the experience and it's inescapable. I think the OP will find that learning the acronyms will aid in your enjoyment.
Besides, If we remove such things than all birds are just LBJ's and where does that get us?
Ted Ryan South Kitsap, WA
> As do basically all newer birders. As someone who?s worked with newer > birders a lot over the years (I ran the Santa Clara County version of > tweeters for over a decade, among other things) I?ve talked to and worked a > lot with our less senior partners, and when two senior birders start > chattering in this shorthand, it tends to make them feel excluded and > intimidated. It?s not a welcoming thing to birders trying to grow into > their adult feathers. > > Because of that, I stopped using the acronyms in casual communications > where the new birders will be looking in long ago (or I?m careful to > always put the term in context in the note) and I generally discouraged > random use of them in open forums like this. And I think, if you want new > birders to feel part of our community and grow up to be more senior birders > along with us, that we do so as well. > > Chuq
Date: 2/12/26 1:48 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2026-02-12
Tweets - Today started with just a hit of frost and a hint of fog. The thin overcast burned thinner all morning, giving us more and more sunshine and warmth. Starting right around 32 degrees, it was 47 degrees when we were done.
So much singing today!
Highlights: Great Blue Heron - 75+ at the heronry, plus a few others Cooper's Hawk - One, near the southwest edge of the Dog Meadow, was our first in 4 weeks Four woodpecker day - Downies, at least 1 Hairy, 2 Pileateds (very noisy and obvious), and a horde of extremely vocal Northern Flickers Hutton's Vireo - One singing from across the slough near the windmill SWAMP SPARROW - One(or maybe two?), west side of the slough a little south of the Dog Area. Our first since 2022. First of Year (FOY)
Singing birds comprised Anna's Hummingbird, Hutton's Vireo, Black-capped Chickadee, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Marsh Wren, Bewick's Wren, American Robin, House Finch, Purple Finch, Fox Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Song Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Western Meadowlark, and Red-winged Blackbird!
Misses today included Ring-necked Duck; and Short-billed, Ring-billed, and Glaucous-winged Gulls (though we did have two larus sp., one of which had black wingtips).
For the day, 53 species (counting gull sp.). For the year, adding the SWAMP SPARROW, we're at 72 species.
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 2/12/26 1:33 pm From: Chuq Von Rospach via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Please decode your acronyms
>
> If it is any consolation, I found the banding codes confusing when I first
> started to get seriously interested in birding.
>
As do basically all newer birders. As someone who’s worked with newer
birders a lot over the years (I ran the Santa Clara County version of
tweeters for over a decade, among other things) I’ve talked to and worked a
lot with our less senior partners, and when two senior birders start
chattering in this shorthand, it tends to make them feel excluded and
intimidated. It’s not a welcoming thing to birders trying to grow into
their adult feathers.
Because of that, I stopped using the acronyms in casual communications
where the new birders will be looking in long ago (or I’m careful to
always put the term in context in the note) and I generally discouraged
random use of them in open forums like this. And I think, if you want new
birders to feel part of our community and grow up to be more senior birders
along with us, that we do so as well.
Chuq
---------------------------------------
Chuq Von Rospach (http://www.chuq.me)
Silverdale, Washington
Birder, Nature and Wildlife Photographer
Date: 2/12/26 12:52 pm From: Stephen Elston via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Please decode your acronyms
Hi Alice,
If it is any consolation, I found the banding codes confusing when I first
started to get seriously interested in birding.
I have some other suggestions for resources.
1. The Wikipedia <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_codes>article (among other places) has a good description of the rules used to determine
these codes. It is helpful to understand the system. Alas, as Tom points
out, changing common names breaks the system.
2. I use the PEFA app on my phone to look up codes I don't remember.
Very happy birding! Steve
On Thu, Feb 12, 2026 at 12:28 PM Jr Mikulec via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> To add to this, on all bird apps and I know of (Merlin, sibley, ebird)
> searching the 4 letter code will bring up the species along with its full
> name.
>
> On Feb 12, 2026, at 11:02 AM, Tom Benedict via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Hi Alice,
>
> Here’s a link to a document
> <https://www.birdpop.org/docs/misc/Alpha_codes_eng.pdf> which includes
> the codes for bird names. I find that these codes are a great shorthand,
> but agree that it could be more meaningful when posting in tweeters if at
> least the first reference were spelled out fully with the common name (and
> maybe scientific name too?). Or maybe in the subject line.
>
> One challenge with common names is that they change from time to time.
> Right now a significant change is underway around eponymous bird names
> <https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/aos-name-changes-faq/>. As far as I
> know, the 4 letter codes will not be changing. So using the code is
> unambiguous and a link to past common names.
>
> As far as including the previous message in replies, I kinda like to have
> them included so as to provide some context to better understand a reply. I
> know some email apps include a ’thread’ feature which automatically
> collects all the prior messages, so I can see how having to wade through
> those cluttered replies might become tedious. The tweeters admins may have
> some guidelines on posting etiquette.
>
> On Feb 11, 2026, at 18:05, Alice Rubin via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Not every person here is in the know of jargon and acronyms. Today's daily
> compiled newsletter is full of SEOW. It's not really helpful. I have no
> idea what that means.
>
> While I am at it I kindly request you not include the previous message
> when replying. It is so frustrating when reading the daily summary
> newsletter to scroll through the same thing in an email chain. It can also
> take up so much space in the daily summary.
>
>
> HTH,
>
> Tom Benedict
> Seahurst, WA
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 2/12/26 11:12 am From: Tom Benedict via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Please decode your acronyms
Hi Alice,
Here’s a link to a document <https://www.birdpop.org/docs/misc/Alpha_codes_eng.pdf> which includes the codes for bird names. I find that these codes are a great shorthand, but agree that it could be more meaningful when posting in tweeters if at least the first reference were spelled out fully with the common name (and maybe scientific name too?). Or maybe in the subject line.
One challenge with common names is that they change from time to time. Right now a significant change is underway around eponymous bird names <https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/aos-name-changes-faq/>. As far as I know, the 4 letter codes will not be changing. So using the code is unambiguous and a link to past common names.
As far as including the previous message in replies, I kinda like to have them included so as to provide some context to better understand a reply. I know some email apps include a ’thread’ feature which automatically collects all the prior messages, so I can see how having to wade through those cluttered replies might become tedious. The tweeters admins may have some guidelines on posting etiquette.
> On Feb 11, 2026, at 18:05, Alice Rubin via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Not every person here is in the know of jargon and acronyms. Today's daily compiled newsletter is full of SEOW. It's not really helpful. I have no idea what that means.
>
> While I am at it I kindly request you not include the previous message when replying. It is so frustrating when reading the daily summary newsletter to scroll through the same thing in an email chain. It can also take up so much space in the daily summary.
>
Date: 2/12/26 7:56 am From: Rose Stoudt via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] SEOW at East 90
Are the SEOW's males doing their mating sky dance? Is that the display that has been mentioned here?
Thank you,
Rose StoudtSeattle
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 2/12/26 6:56 am From: Richard Anderson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] SEO on SJI
At least four SEOW in meadow just before south beach parking lot last night
Sent from my iPhone
> On Feb 12, 2026, at 6:16 AM, Mike Wagenbach via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> >A friend of mine who?s visiting the island said she saw eight short eared owls down at cattle >point today.
>
> >Jack Nolan
> >Shoreline WA
>
> Do you know the time of day? Was that near the parking area closest to the lighthouse, or more west along the hillside toward South Beach?
>
> I visit Cattle Point a half-dozen times a year or so, and have not been lucky enough to see SEOWs, but I most often go in the morning.
>
> Mike Wagenbach
> Seattle
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 2/11/26 9:49 pm From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for 2/11/2026
Dear Tweets,
Approximately 30 of us had a beautiful day at the Refuge with mostly sunny
skies and temperatures in the 40's to 50's degrees Fahrenheit. There was a
High 11'6" Tide at 11:43am and we followed our regular route. Highlights
included WILSON SNIPE in both the flooded field just north of the old
McAllister Creek Access Road and from the Twin Barns Overlook, AMERICAN
KESTREL in the surge plain, HORNED GREBE in McAllister Creek, EURASIAN
WIGEON from the Puget Sound Observation Platform, WESTERN MEADOWLARK in the
grass fields adjacent to the freshwater marsh along the Nisqually Estuary
Trail, and COOPERS HAWK catching a Little Brown Bat on the Twin Barns Loop
Trail near the Twin Barns cut-off.
For the day, we observed 70 species. With FOY DARK-EYED JUNCO and WESTERN
GULL, we have now observed 87 species this year. See our eBird report
below for more details.
Until next week when we meet again at 8am at the Visitor Center. Happy
birding,
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Feb 11, 2026 7:48 AM - 5:06 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.074 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Mostly Sunny with temperatures in
the 40’s to 50’s degrees Fahrenheit. There was a high Low 9’11” Tide at
8:11am and a High 11’6” Tide at 11:43am. Others seen Muskrat, Columbian
Black-tailed Deer, Red-legged Frog, River Otter, Harbor Seal, Little Brown
Bat, and Red-eared Slider.
70 species (+5 other taxa)
Brant (Black) 15 Puget Sound Viewing Platform.
Cackling Goose 300
Cackling Goose (minima) 300
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 3
Northern Shoveler 75
Gadwall 10
Eurasian Wigeon 1 Puget Sound Viewing Platform.
American Wigeon 1000
Eurasian x American Wigeon (hybrid) 1 Flooded field south of Twin
Barns.
Mallard 150
Northern Pintail 200
Green-winged Teal (American) 225
Ring-necked Duck 4 Visitor Center Pond.
Surf Scoter 50
White-winged Scoter 15 Off Luhr Beach seen from Puget Sound Viewing
Platform.
Bufflehead 125
Common Goldeneye 75
Hooded Merganser 2 Visitor Center.
Common Merganser 2 Nisqually River Overlook.
Red-breasted Merganser 10 McAllister Creek.
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 30
Anna's Hummingbird 2 Orchard and Dike.
Virginia Rail 2 Freshwater marsh.
American Coot (Red-shielded) 100
Wilson's Snipe 9 Two spotted by Danielle in flooded field just north
of McAllister Creek Access Road. Seven spotted by Pete from Twin Barns
Overlook.
Spotted Sandpiper 1 West side of McAllister Creek.
Greater Yellowlegs 20
Dunlin 700
Least Sandpiper 40
Short-billed Gull 100
Ring-billed Gull 50
Western Gull 1 Spotted by Antony from the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk
Trail.
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 1
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 15
Larus sp. 250
Pied-billed Grebe 1 Freshwater Marsh
Horned Grebe 10
Common Loon 4
Brandt's Cormorant 8
Double-crested Cormorant 30
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 40
Cooper's Hawk 1 Seen in the afternoon on the north section of the Twin
Barns Loop Trail capturing a Little Brown Bat.
Northern Harrier 2
Bald Eagle 8
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Belted Kingfisher 2
Red-breasted Sapsucker 1 Ed center.
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1 Spotted by Tom along the Twin Barns Loop Trail.
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 3
American Kestrel 2
Peregrine Falcon 1
Hutton's Vireo 1 Spotted by Janel along the Access Road south of the
west side parking lot.
American Crow 75
Common Raven 3
Black-capped Chickadee 10
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3
Golden-crowned Kinglet 20
Brown Creeper 4
Pacific Wren (Pacific) 4
Marsh Wren 6
Bewick's Wren 2
European Starling 75
American Robin (migratorius Group) 39
Fox Sparrow (Sooty) 1 Orchard.
Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 1 Education Center.
White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis) 2
Golden-crowned Sparrow 50
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 20
Lincoln's Sparrow 2 Nisqually Estuary Trail or new dike.
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 6
Western Meadowlark 1 Grassy areas adjacent to freshwater marsh from
Nisqually Estuary Trail.
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 40
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 6
Date: 2/11/26 6:16 pm From: Alice Rubin via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Please decode your acronyms
Not every person here is in the know of jargon and acronyms. Today's daily compiled newsletter is full of SEOW. It's not really helpful. I have no idea what that means.
While I am at it I kindly request you not include the previous message when replying. It is so frustrating when reading the daily summary newsletter to scroll through the same thing in an email chain. It can also take up so much space in the daily summary.
Date: 2/11/26 8:56 am From: Brian Zinke via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Online program (2/12): Conserving the threatened seabird community of the Juan Fernandez Islands, Chile
Hi Tweets,
Please consider yourselves invited to our monthly program on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 7pm (online via Zoom).
*Conserving the threatened seabird community of the Juan Fernandez Islands, Chile* Guest speaker: Peter Hodum
The Juan Fernandez Islands are a remote oceanic archipelago located about 400 miles off the central coast of Chile. The islands are globally recognized for their unique biodiversity, having been designated a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve and a Chilean National Park. Included in the rich biodiversity of the islands is a seabird community comprised of 6 breeding species, 4 of which are endemic to Chile, including 2 endemic to a single island, Isla Alejandro Selkirk. All four of the species endemic to Chile are also listed globally as Vulnerable. In this talk, Peter will share an overview of the islands and the long-term conservation efforts that he and his colleagues have taken alongside the local community to improve the conservation status of these globally threatened seabirds.
Dr. Hodum is a professor in the Biology Department and the Environmental Policy and Decision-Making Program at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington and the Chile Program Director for Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge, a conservation nonprofit organization. His research focuses primarily on the conservation and ecology of threatened seabirds and island ecosystems in Chile and Washington State. His work also has a strong focus on community-based conservation, including how communities can be more effectively and authentically involved in conservation.
Date: 2/10/26 8:32 pm From: Ann Kramer via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Dates for Samish SEOW? ... and the Skagit White Birds of Winter
I saw a perched Rough-legged Hawk on Sunday off Chuckanut Drive. Got a nice
pic.
On Tue, Feb 10, 2026 at 5:36 PM Jim Betz via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Mike,
>
> The SEOWs at the East 90 are definitely present and you can see them
> "every day" with
> the hours from 2:00pm to sunset being the best. I live in Skagit County
> and visit the East 90
> several times a week. Today was no exception.
> They are here "pretty much from Mid-December to about the 1st of
> April" but are not
> usually seen at other times of the year.
>
> The recent floods in Skagit County were no where near the East 90 and
> had very little
> effect. The rains this year have left lots of puddles in the fields in
> Skagit - such as the
> Samish Flats, Butler Flats, and Skagit Flats - that dry up and then get
> 'refreshed' in the
> next rain. Those puddles have resulted in lots of ducks (mostly
> Mallards which is typical).
>
> There are -lots- of Trumpeter Swans this year - probably 20% more
> than in the recent
> past. We are not seeing large flocks of Snow Geese here in Skagit
> County this year -
> however they may still gather/rest here in prep for the move North.
>
> There are increased numbers of both Northern Harrier and Great Blue
> Herons. Other
> notables such as Rough-legged Hawks, Sharpies and such are down this year.
> There are lots of Bald Eagles this year and most nests have pairs
> that are hanging out
> near the nest but they haven't started to "sit" ... yet. And there are
> some new BAEA
> nests. And lots of juvenile BAEA (usually without either white patch).
>
> There is snow forecast for Monday and beyond - so if you get up here
> before that
> it would be better. BTW - there have been close to 20 photographers at
> the East 90
> every week day and at least twice as many on the weekends - just look
> for the line of
> cars and trucks parked along the road.
> - Jim in Skagit
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
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Date: 2/10/26 8:08 pm From: Mike Wagenbach via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Dates for Samish SEOW?
I'm not certain that transient flooding of the fields would have been
crippling to the population of prey animals. I base this guess on a time
when I was kayaking with a group in the Stillaguamish River delta on a day
with a "spring" tide: a very low tide in late morning and a very high tide
in early evening. As we were about to start back south to Kayak Point Park
to finish the day, we stopped on a salt-marsh island northeast of the
village of Warm Beach. As we sat on a rotting drift log, it became
apparent that the tide was actually over-topping the island and water was
infiltrating the low vegetation. The first sign of this was that several
voles appeared, scrambled up the sides of the log, and disappeared into
cracks and holes in the wood. A few minutes later, as we prepared to leave
I found that one had hopped into the cockpit of my boat, from which it
would have found it hard to escape due to the slippery plastic. I was able
to scoop it out and it also scampered across the vegetation and on the log
refuge. I think it was probably Microtus townsendii, but I wouldn't bet
much on that.
My point is that the animals may be more capable of dealing with a brief
flooding event than might be expected from their small size. Admittedly,
tidal flooding is only going to be for a few hours, and only during the
highest tides which occur only three or four days per month. Flooding of
the fields during the heavy rains would have been of longer duration. But
these animals are likely to have experience with this (evolutionarily, if
not personally) and may have strategies for escaping to higher ground
and/or vegetation. I'm sure this would be a profound stress, but maybe not
a true hecatombe.
I don't have any expertise in the ecology of rodents, so if this is your
specialty, correct me.
Mike Wagenbach
Seattle
On Tue, Feb 10, 2026 at 7:50 AM Zora Monster <zoramon...> wrote:
> I haven’t visited this year, but with all of the flooding in December I
> would not expect to find them. They eat mostly mice and voles. The floods
> most likely decimated their food source.
>
> Normally you’d expect to see them this time of the year.
>
> Zora Dermer
> Seattle
>
Date: 2/10/26 5:47 pm From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Dates for Samish SEOW? ... and the Skagit White Birds of Winter
Mike,
The SEOWs at the East 90 are definitely present and you can see them
"every day" with
the hours from 2:00pm to sunset being the best. I live in Skagit County
and visit the East 90
several times a week. Today was no exception.
They are here "pretty much from Mid-December to about the 1st of
April" but are not
usually seen at other times of the year.
The recent floods in Skagit County were no where near the East 90 and
had very little
effect. The rains this year have left lots of puddles in the fields in
Skagit - such as the
Samish Flats, Butler Flats, and Skagit Flats - that dry up and then get
'refreshed' in the
next rain. Those puddles have resulted in lots of ducks (mostly
Mallards which is typical).
There are -lots- of Trumpeter Swans this year - probably 20% more
than in the recent
past. We are not seeing large flocks of Snow Geese here in Skagit
County this year -
however they may still gather/rest here in prep for the move North.
There are increased numbers of both Northern Harrier and Great Blue
Herons. Other
notables such as Rough-legged Hawks, Sharpies and such are down this year.
There are lots of Bald Eagles this year and most nests have pairs
that are hanging out
near the nest but they haven't started to "sit" ... yet. And there are
some new BAEA
nests. And lots of juvenile BAEA (usually without either white patch).
There is snow forecast for Monday and beyond - so if you get up here
before that
it would be better. BTW - there have been close to 20 photographers at
the East 90
every week day and at least twice as many on the weekends - just look
for the line of
cars and trucks parked along the road.
- Jim in Skagit
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Date: 2/10/26 1:29 pm From: Ed Dominguez via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] SEOW
I was with Neil and Roniq, it was a fabulous display in late afternoon
sunlight!
Ed Dominguez
On Tue, Feb 10, 2026 at 12:53 PM Neil Zimmerman via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> We were at the E 90 last Friday and there were 4 SEOWs putting on a good
> show. About 4:30. The lighting was spectacular.
> Sent from my iPhone
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 2/10/26 1:03 pm From: Neil Zimmerman via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] SEOW
We were at the E 90 last Friday and there were 4 SEOWs putting on a good show. About 4:30. The lighting was spectacular. Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 2/10/26 11:33 am From: Ronda Stark via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Latest on Montlake Fill parking
Hello Connie,
Open meetings law may require that a second open meeting be scheduled if
this one did not fully comply with notice requirements, etc. The fact that
UBNA raised this issue in advance suggests that UW Transportation was aware
of the problem and failed to provide an adequate remedy.
Do you know how many people had an opportunity to speak? How many people
were not able to speak given the limited time frame?
Thank you,
Ronda
On Tue, Feb 10, 2026 at 10:54 AM Constance Sidles via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Hey tweets, a bit of a fiasco yesterday during the Zoom meeting on
> Montlake Fill parking fees, set up by the UW's Transportation Services.
> Transportation neglected to publicize the fact that you needed a password
> to join the Zoom meeting, despite the fact that UBNA had raised this as an
> issue.
>
> One person emailed me and said she contacted Transportation directly and
> got the passcode. Another person emailed me and said that about 10 minutes
> into the meeting, Transportation opened the Zoom site to everyone, without
> a passcode.
>
> Of course by then, many people had just givem up.
>
> For those of you who still want to make your voice heard, however, you can
> submit written comments. Here is the UR:
>
> <tsadmin...>
>
> I hope many of you will do this - in fact, I am asking you to do this - as
> I believe it will have a positive effect. Transportation (and the UW) need
> to know how adversely a parking fee will affect many people who come to
> Montlake Fill for only an hour or two to bird, commune with nature, gain
> some peace of mind, walk the dog, exercise, etc. Please do what you can to
> spread the word.
>
> I think we have until March 2. - Connie
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 2/10/26 11:05 am From: Constance Sidles via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Latest on Montlake Fill parking
Hey tweets, a bit of a fiasco yesterday during the Zoom meeting on Montlake Fill parking fees, set up by the UW's Transportation Services. Transportation neglected to publicize the fact that you needed a password to join the Zoom meeting, despite the fact that UBNA had raised this as an issue.
One person emailed me and said she contacted Transportation directly and got the passcode. Another person emailed me and said that about 10 minutes into the meeting, Transportation opened the Zoom site to everyone, without a passcode.
Of course by then, many people had just givem up.
For those of you who still want to make your voice heard, however, you can submit written comments. Here is the UR:
I hope many of you will do this - in fact, I am asking you to do this - as I believe it will have a positive effect. Transportation (and the UW) need to know how adversely a parking fee will affect many people who come to Montlake Fill for only an hour or two to bird, commune with nature, gain some peace of mind, walk the dog, exercise, etc. Please do what you can to spread the word.
Date: 2/10/26 8:02 am From: Zora Monster via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Dates for Samish SEOW?
I haven’t visited this year, but with all of the flooding in December I would not expect to find them. They eat mostly mice and voles. The floods most likely decimated their food source.
Normally you’d expect to see them this time of the year.
Zora Dermer
Seattle
Sent from my iPhone
> On Feb 10, 2026, at 6:46 AM, Mike Wagenbach via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> Refresh my faulty memory, please: Are Short-Eared Owls at the Samish East 90 seasonal, or fairly constant during the year?
>
> I was there briefly last week and had one cooperative owl, two harriers, a Red-Tailed Hawk, a group of 20 or so swans in the corn field and around ten Bald Eagles in trees in the distance, so a pretty good day. I'd like to go back with my adult child and a better camera.
>
> Mike Wagenbach
> Seattle
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 2/10/26 6:56 am From: Mike Wagenbach via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Dates for Samish SEOW?
Refresh my faulty memory, please: Are Short-Eared Owls at the Samish East 90 seasonal, or fairly constant during the year?
I was there briefly last week and had one cooperative owl, two harriers, a Red-Tailed Hawk, a group of 20 or so swans in the corn field and around ten Bald Eagles in trees in the distance, so a pretty good day. I'd like to go back with my adult child and a better camera.
Date: 2/10/26 3:08 am From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Good news: “Congress Advances Key Conservation Priorities in FY26 Funding Package | Audubon”
Date: 2/9/26 8:40 am From: David B. Williams via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] mosquitos
Has anyone else noticed mosquitos out and about? I got bit by one this morning in Seattle.
Thanks kindly,
David
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
David B. Williams
www.geologywriter.com
Free newsletter: https://streetsmartnaturalist.substack.com/ I live and work on the land of the Coast Salish peoples and am trying to honor with gratitude the land and those who have inhabited it since time immemorial. I know that I have much more to learn and hope to continue that journey.
Date: 2/9/26 8:12 am From: Kathleen Snyder via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Monitoring Birds from Olympia to Borneo – Thursday Feb 12th 7 p.m.
Dr. Styring, PhD at The Evergreen State College, centered her graduate
studies around woodpecker ecology and their response to logging in
Malaysia. That work culminated in long-term relationships with researchers
working in that part of the world. She continues to collaborate with that
research team primarily in Sarawak, East Malaysia, on the island of Borneo.
In this talk, Styring will review some of the work that she has done both
in Evergreen’s campus forest and in Borneo, including acoustic monitoring
of birds with small programmable recorders that can be left in the field.
There are two ways to enjoy this program. You can come to Temple Beth
Hatfiloh (201 8th Ave. SE, Olympia) to hear Dr Styring live and to enjoy
the company of others *OR* you can register below to watch from home via
Zoom. Social time at the Temple starts at 6:30. This is a free program
from South Sound Bird Alliance (formerly Black Hills Audubon).
Date: 2/8/26 2:28 pm From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Video of Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek
Ray and Dory, that was really fine. I’ve visited a couple of their leks, but never that close and with all that wonderful behavior.
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
> On Feb 8, 2026, at 12:28 PM, RW Hamlyn via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> On a trip to Northern Nebraska last March, we visited a Lek or dance ground for competing male Sharp-tailed Grouse. The video we put together includes the most aggressive fight we have seen in lekking birds, starting around the two minute mark. The fight is shown in slow motion. The slide show at the end of the video include photos of the blind we used to observe the grouse as well as some of the interaction between the birds.
>
> Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek https://youtu.be/pi0r0sSra1Y <https://youtu.be/pi0r0sSra1Y> >
> Ray & Dory Hamlyn
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 2/8/26 1:07 pm From: Carla Conway via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Video of Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek
Very nice, thank you for sharing! 😀
On Sun, Feb 8, 2026 at 12:29 PM RW Hamlyn via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> On a trip to Northern Nebraska last March, we visited a Lek or dance
> ground for competing male Sharp-tailed Grouse. The video we put together
> includes the most aggressive fight we have seen in lekking birds, starting
> around the two minute mark. The fight is shown in slow motion. The slide
> show at the end of the video include photos of the blind we used to observe
> the grouse as well as some of the interaction between the birds.
>
> Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek https://youtu.be/pi0r0sSra1Y >
> Ray & Dory Hamlyn
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 2/8/26 12:39 pm From: RW Hamlyn via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Video of Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek
On a trip to Northern Nebraska last March, we visited a Lek or dance ground for competing male Sharp-tailed Grouse. The video we put together includes the most aggressive fight we have seen in lekking birds, starting around the two minute mark. The fight is shown in slow motion. The slide show at the end of the video include photos of the blind we used to observe the grouse as well as some of the interaction between the birds.
Date: 2/7/26 7:47 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Request to help my friends find Recommended guides in Costa Rica
Hello Tweeters,
I am trying to help friends that are planning a trip to Costa Rica for the first time.
They plan on being there in April.
The following is the information and questions that they provided me:
“Our First part of trip is in Arenal observatory lodge by Arenal volcano in Fortuna
- second part of trip in Guanacaste, looking at staying in playa hermosa or coco
- also known interested to look into palo verde national park and potential guides there.
We would like to find birding guides for both daytime and nighttime.”
Tweeters,
Please email me directly.
I will then forward the information to them.
Thank you very much!
Dan Reiff
Sent from my iPhone
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Date: 2/7/26 1:03 pm From: Jane Hadley via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Where does one park to best access the Kent Ponds?
Dan Rieff asked where does one park to best access the Kent Ponds in order to search for the Red-shouldered Hawk.
The GRNA has both public trails and trails that are closed to the public. A bird survey, which is conducted once a month, has permission to use the closed trails for the survey.
I can't tell you exactly where the Red-shouldered Hawk was seen at Kent Ponds (aka Green River Natural Area or GRNA), but I can tell you of two parking areas that are close to the public trails.
The main, largest parking area is at Van Doren's Landing Park. You can get directions to it by typing this address into Google Maps:
22230 Russell Rd, Kent, WA 98032
There is only one way to get to this parking area and that is by taking Russell Road off of Veteran's Drive, aka S. 228th Street.
The second parking area I know of at GRNA is a small informal parking area that can accommodate two to four cars. You then take a trail heading north that hooks up with the public Puget Power Trail.
This parking area is at the northwest corner of 64th Ave S. and South 226th Street. Type this into Google Maps to see its location: 47.400492, -122.255176
Bruce LaBar and Marcus Roening reported seeing the Red-shouldered Hawk yesterday (Friday, Feb. 6), so you might contact them to ask where they saw it.
Date: 2/7/26 9:15 am From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] sunbathing, or I mean bathing in the sun
Hans, indeed you’re probably right. But yesterday, with exactly the same conditions, I watched in vain while only a couple of juncos bathed during that hour of sunshine. So what I saw the day before may have been a “first day of sunshine after days of clouds” phenomenon. Maybe they don’t bathe every day. I’ll admit I haven’t done a literature search to see how often a bird actually does bathe! They are very different from mammals, not sweating and with that coat of feathers, so maybe the occasional bath is sufficient for cleaning out debris from the feathers.
And you would think that water birds are bathing all the time, but bathing requires opening up the feather coat, the opposite of what they do to stay warm and dry while they’re in the water.
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
> On Feb 6, 2026, at 6:25 PM, Hans-Joachim Feddern <thefedderns...> wrote:
>
> Dennis,
> Maybe the clean living little buggers like to dry faster in the sunshine?? We had two of our resident three coots in one of our lakes taking an extensive bath - in the sunshine today! They were really enjoying themselves! Now the third was nowhere to be seen! Dirty bugger!
>
> Good birding !
>
> Hans
>
>
> Hans Feddern
> Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
> <thefedderns...> <mailto:<thefedderns...> >
>
> On Fri, Feb 6, 2026 at 12:14 PM Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> <mailto:<tweeters...>> wrote:
> Hello tweets,
>
> An interesting thing I have noted recently is how much birds like the sun to be shining on their bathtub. Yesterday, just as the sun hit the edge of our pond in the back yard, juncos appeared and started bathing in the sun. They are in the yard all day long (we must have at least 25 this winter), feeding and just sitting around, but seem to delay bathing until that time.
>
> Yesterday the pond was in the sun for an hour, and there was never a time when one, two, three or even four juncos weren’t taking a lengthy bath, usually at least 10 inches apart. As soon as the sun left the pond, no more bathing. It was really striking.
>
> Dennis Paulson
> Seattle
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...> <mailto:<Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters>
Date: 2/7/26 7:30 am From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Where does one park to best access the Kent Ponds?
Hello Tweeters,
Where does one park to best access the Kent Ponds area in order to search for the Red-shoulder hawk?
Thank you,
Dan Reiff
Dan W. Reiff, PhD, LMHC, MPH, FAED, PLLC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Private Practice
3040 78th Avenue Southeast, #259
Mercer Island, WA 98040
E-mail is not a totally confidential means of communication. Please consider this fact when you communicate with me via e-mail. I will make a reasonable effort to keep what is written private, however, I recommend that very personal information be communicated by a different means.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information protected by law. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.
Date: 2/6/26 6:35 pm From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] sunbathing, or I mean bathing in the sun
Dennis,
Maybe the clean living little buggers like to dry faster in the sunshine??
We had two of our resident three coots in one of our lakes taking
an extensive bath - in the sunshine today! They were really enjoying
themselves! Now the third was nowhere to be seen! Dirty bugger!
Good birding !
Hans
*Hans Feddern*
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
<thefedderns...>
On Fri, Feb 6, 2026 at 12:14 PM Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Hello tweets,
>
> An interesting thing I have noted recently is how much birds like the sun
> to be shining on their bathtub. Yesterday, just as the sun hit the edge of
> our pond in the back yard, juncos appeared and started bathing in the sun.
> They are in the yard all day long (we must have at least 25 this winter),
> feeding and just sitting around, but seem to delay bathing until that time.
>
> Yesterday the pond was in the sun for an hour, and there was never a time
> when one, two, three or even four juncos weren’t taking a lengthy bath,
> usually at least 10 inches apart. As soon as the sun left the pond, no more
> bathing. It was really striking.
>
> Dennis Paulson
> Seattle
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 2/6/26 12:24 pm From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] sunbathing, or I mean bathing in the sun
Hello tweets,
An interesting thing I have noted recently is how much birds like the sun to be shining on their bathtub. Yesterday, just as the sun hit the edge of our pond in the back yard, juncos appeared and started bathing in the sun. They are in the yard all day long (we must have at least 25 this winter), feeding and just sitting around, but seem to delay bathing until that time.
Yesterday the pond was in the sun for an hour, and there was never a time when one, two, three or even four juncos weren’t taking a lengthy bath, usually at least 10 inches apart. As soon as the sun left the pond, no more bathing. It was really striking.
Date: 2/6/26 12:16 pm From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Nancy Morrison's leucistic Fox Sparrow
Gary, thanks for all the info, very interesting. While not quantified, I think I have seen more leucistic Black-capped Chickadees than any other species, with Dark-eyed Juncos in second place. But like you, I’ve seen leucistic individuals of quite a few species over the years. Leucism has been a genetic factor in our black-caps over the years, and I have never seen a leucistic Chestnut-backed, just as common at our feeders.
And of the small birds, I suspect we are biased toward species that come to feeders.
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
> On Feb 6, 2026, at 11:17 AM, Gary Bletsch via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Dear Nancy and Tweeters,
>
> That is a nice photo of a leucistic Fox Sparrow, taken by Nancy Morrison. Cool-looking bird!
>
> From what I've seen, leucism occurs in Fox Sparrows more than any other species of Washington State bird that I can think of. I have been keeping track of this for a long time. Here are statistics of observations of leucistic species.
>
> Fox Sparrow, 8 leucistic out of 1797 observations, or 0.445%;
>
> Dark-eyed Junco, 26 leucistic out of 10,150 observations, or 0.256%;
>
> *Red-tailed Hawk, 16 leucistic (?) out of 9255 observations, or 0.173%, but this one does not count, because I think a lot of my early observations of what I thought were leucistic Red-tails were actually light-morph Harlan's Hawks, and many of these 16 sightings were repeats of the same bird;
>
> Red-winged Blackbird, 21 leucistic out of 12,201 observations, or 0.172%; several of these were the spectacular birds that I like to call "Giant American Redstarts";
>
> *Bald Eagle, 10 leucistic out of 7899 observations, or 0.1265%, but this one does not count, since most of the observations were of
> repeats of the same bird;
>
> American Crow, 21 leucistic out of 18,521 observations, or 0.11%; most of these were the crows with what I call "Willet-wings", a variation depicted in the Sibley guide;
>
> House Sparrow, 10 leucistic out of 10,780 observations, or 0.0927%;
>
> Canada Goose, 6 leucistic out of 6698 observations, or 0.0896%;
>
> American Robin, 14 leucistic out of 20,668 observations, or 0.0677%;
>
> European Starling, 9 leucistic out of 19,866 observations, or 0.0302%;
>
> Brewer's Blackbird, 13 leucistic out of 5720 observations, or 0.0174%;
>
> Song Sparrow, 2 leucistic out of 14,993 observations, or 0.0133%.
>
>
> In all, I've noticed leucism in 45 species of birds, but most of those were just one observation in a particular species. It seems to be a rather rare phenomenon, except in certain groups, such as New World Sparrows, Icterines, and waterfowl.
>
> Probably the coolest one I've seen was a Cream-winged Cinclodes, way up in the Andes. The guide and the other birders in the group were mystified for quite some time as to the identity of that bird, which sported an all-white head!
>
> Thanks to Marv Breece for getting me squared away on the light-morph Harlan's.
>
> Yours truly,
>
> Gary Bletsch
>
> PS Now I've been in Western New York for almost three and a half years, and have still not observed any leucistic Red Fox Sparrows. Then again, Fox Sparrows here are a rather uncommon species, unlike in Western Washington, where there seems to be one in every blackberry tangle in wintertime.
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 2/6/26 11:28 am From: Gary Bletsch via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Nancy Morrison's leucistic Fox Sparrow
Dear Nancy and Tweeters,
That is a nice photo of a leucistic Fox Sparrow, taken by Nancy Morrison. Cool-looking bird!
From what I've seen, leucism occurs in Fox Sparrows more than any other species of Washington State bird that I can think of. I have been keeping track of this for a long time. Here are statistics of observations of leucistic species.
Fox Sparrow, 8 leucistic out of 1797 observations, or 0.445%;
Dark-eyed Junco, 26 leucistic out of 10,150 observations, or 0.256%;
*Red-tailed Hawk, 16 leucistic (?) out of 9255 observations, or 0.173%, but this one does not count, because I think a lot of my early observations of what I thought were leucistic Red-tails were actually light-morph Harlan's Hawks, and many of these 16 sightings were repeats of the same bird;
Red-winged Blackbird, 21 leucistic out of 12,201 observations, or 0.172%; several of these were the spectacular birds that I like to call "Giant American Redstarts";
*Bald Eagle, 10 leucistic out of 7899 observations, or 0.1265%, but this one does not count, since most of the observations were of repeats of the same bird;
American Crow, 21 leucistic out of 18,521 observations, or 0.11%; most of these were the crows with what I call "Willet-wings", a variation depicted in the Sibley guide;
House Sparrow, 10 leucistic out of 10,780 observations, or 0.0927%;
Canada Goose, 6 leucistic out of 6698 observations, or 0.0896%;
American Robin, 14 leucistic out of 20,668 observations, or 0.0677%;
European Starling, 9 leucistic out of 19,866 observations, or 0.0302%;
Brewer's Blackbird, 13 leucistic out of 5720 observations, or 0.0174%;
Song Sparrow, 2 leucistic out of 14,993 observations, or 0.0133%.
In all, I've noticed leucism in 45 species of birds, but most of those were just one observation in a particular species. It seems to be a rather rare phenomenon, except in certain groups, such as New World Sparrows, Icterines, and waterfowl.
Probably the coolest one I've seen was a Cream-winged Cinclodes, way up in the Andes. The guide and the other birders in the group were mystified for quite some time as to the identity of that bird, which sported an all-white head!
Thanks to Marv Breece for getting me squared away on the light-morph Harlan's.
Yours truly,
Gary Bletsch
PS Now I've been in Western New York for almost three and a half years, and have still not observed any leucistic Red Fox Sparrows. Then again, Fox Sparrows here are a rather uncommon species, unlike in Western Washington, where there seems to be one in every blackberry tangle in wintertime.
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 2/5/26 5:50 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Hawaii Birding RFI
Very neat photos, Peter.
I look forward to seeing them someday. Also, thanks for sharing the information about their breeding season.
Are there many pairs that or only a few?
Dan
Sent from my iPhone
> On Feb 5, 2026, at 12:19 PM, Peter Relson via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> If you enjoy white terns and if you'll be there in their nesting season, you might check out
> www.whiteterns.org
>
> Peter Relson
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 2/5/26 5:39 pm From: Nancy Morrison via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Leucistic Fox Sparrow
I need some ID help. I found what I think is a leucistic Fox Sparrow at Magnuson Park, but because of the leucism, I am not sure of the ID. I could use some help.
Date: 2/5/26 4:33 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2026-02-05
Tweets - All that fog that was reported on early this morning? It was actually at Marymoor Park. I had no fog anywhere from West Seattle through Bellevue and Overlake. It wasn't until dropping down into the Sammamish Valley that there was any. And it seemed that there was all of it; couldn't see 20 yards. Luckily, by about 9:00, it had pretty much entirely burned off. The day was pretty birdy and nice, with temps in the 40s for the most part, no precipitation, and no wind.
Highlights: Great Blue Heron - At least 50, with at least 45 standing in the heronry Pileated Woodpecker - One near the concert venue. First of Year (FOY) Hutton's Vireo - One singing near the Box Office of the concert venue (FOY). Only our 6th February sighting ever Northern Shrike - One north of Fields 7,8,9 American Robin - Lot of singing Cedar Waxwing - About 25 in the same two hawthorn trees that they were in last week, Dog Meadow edge, just east of the heronry Yellow-rumped Warbler - A couple just before the boardwalk (FOY)
It was also a good day for animals, with Eastern Gray Squirrel, American Beaver, Muskrat (FOY), Eastern Cottontail, River Otter, and Pacific Tree Frog (heard pre-dawn). The beaver sighting was cool; we first saw it swimming painfully slowly upstream, just below the weir. It then climbed out on the weir and waded ponderously across. They may be great at felling trees, but they are not graceful.
Misses today included Ring-necked Duck, Hooded Merganser, and Short-billed and Ring-billed Gull (though we did have one black wing-tipped gull that was almost certainly one of those). We had a clean sweep of all of the expected passerines.
For the day, 57 species. For the year, adding three, we're up to 71 species, I believe.
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 2/4/26 9:36 pm From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk for Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR on 2/4/2026
Hi Tweets,
Approximately 25 of us had a really fine day at the Refuge with cloudy
skies in the morning turning to sunshine in the afternoon and unseasonable
warm temperatures in the 40's to 50's degrees Fahrenheit. There was a High
15'1" Tide at 7:36am and a Low 4'6" Tide at 1:46pm, so we skipped the
Orchard and Access Roads until the afternoon to chase the tide.
Highlights included 6 WILSON'S SNIPE in the flooded fields, 3 EURASIAN
WIGEON in the flooded fields/surge plain/and McAllister Creek, continuing
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW from the Twin Barns Observation Platform and
Nisqually Estuary Trail, First of Year BRANT GEESE at the mouth of Leschi
Slough seen from the Puget Sound Observation Platform at the end of the
boardwalk, FOY WHITE-WINGED SCOTER off Luhr Beach, RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER
along the east entrance to the Twin Barns Loop Trail, upwards of three
HUTTON'S VIREO exhibiting defensive/aggressive behavior near the access
road green gate across from the entrance to the Education Center Parking
Lot, and a MERLIN hunting the flooded field south of the old McAllister
Creek Access Road. The BARN OWL was seen from the Twin Barns Overlook at
approximately 7am.
For the day we observed 74 species, with FOY STELLER'S JAY, Brant Geese,
and White Winged Scoter, we now have seen 85 species so far this year. See
our eBird Report with additional details posted below.
Others seen included Muskrat, American Beaver, Columbian Black-tailed Deer,
Harbor Seal, and numerous Common Garter Snakes sunbathing.
Until next week when we meet again at 8am at the Visitor Center Pond
Overlook, happy birding,
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Feb 4, 2026 6:50 AM - 5:07 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.342 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Mostly cloudy with sun in the
afternoon, temperatures in the 40’s to 50’s degrees Fahrenheit. A High
15’1” Tide at 7:36am and a Low 4’6” Tide at 1:46pm. Animals seen included
Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, American Beaver, Muskrat, Columbian
Black-tailed Deer, Eastern Gray Squirrel, Harbor Seal, Pacific Chorus Frog,
and Common Garter Snake.
74 species (+5 other taxa)
Brant (Black) 24 Nisqually Reach from Puget Sound Observation Platform.
Cackling Goose (minima) 1300
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 15
Northern Shoveler 150
Gadwall 70
Eurasian Wigeon 3 One in flooded field south of Twin Barns, another in
surge plain - both spotted by Mary. A third spotted by Teri in McAllister
Creek.
American Wigeon 1700
Mallard 150
Northern Pintail 350
Green-winged Teal (American) 800
Ring-necked Duck 4 Visitor Center Pond.
Greater/Lesser Scaup 4
Surf Scoter 75
White-winged Scoter 15 Small flock off Luhr Beach.
Bufflehead 60
Common Goldeneye 40
Hooded Merganser 3
Common Merganser 20
Red-breasted Merganser 20
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 21
Virginia Rail 2 Freshwater Marsh.
American Coot 80
Killdeer 2
Long-billed Dowitcher 1 Spotted by Janel on Nisqually Estuary Trail or
Dike at 7:15am
Wilson's Snipe 6 Three in flooded field south of Twin Barns just north
of the old McAllister Creek Access Road. Another three in the flooded
field off the Twin Barns Observation Platform.
Spotted Sandpiper 2
Greater Yellowlegs 25
Dunlin 1 Counted in ones.
Least Sandpiper 24
Short-billed Gull 125
Ring-billed Gull 40
Glaucous-winged Gull 3
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 10
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 10
Larus sp. 200
Pied-billed Grebe 1 Visitor Center Pond.
Horned Grebe 20 Many in McAllister Creek.
Common Loon 3 Nisqually Reach.
Brandt's Cormorant 6 Nisqually Channel marker.
Double-crested Cormorant 15
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 50
Northern Harrier 2
Bald Eagle 18
Red-tailed Hawk 3
American Barn Owl 1 Spotted by Steve and Gene from the Twin Barns
Observation Platform at 7am.
Belted Kingfisher 5
Red-breasted Sapsucker 1 Spotted by Avy along the east entrance to the
Twin Barns Loop Trail.
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 5
Hairy Woodpecker (Pacific) 2 Spotted by Matt along the east entrance
to the Twin Barns Loop Trail.
Northern Flicker 4
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 2
American Kestrel (Northern) 1
Merlin 1 Spotted by Avy in the Alder Trees on the far side of the
flooded field west of the west end parking lot and south of the old
McAllister Creek Access Road.
Hutton's Vireo (Pacific) 3 Heard and spotted by Janel, Matt and Mary
at the green gate of the Access Road across from the entrance to the
Education Center Parking Lot.
Steller's Jay (Coastal) 1 Heard by Avy on McAllister Hill from the
Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail.
American Crow 200
Common Raven 2
Black-capped Chickadee 25
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 10
Bushtit (Pacific) 15
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 15
Golden-crowned Kinglet 20
Brown Creeper 8
Pacific Wren 7
Marsh Wren 10
Bewick's Wren (spilurus Group) 4
European Starling 200
Varied Thrush 2 Spotted by Jon and Janel in the Orchard.
American Robin (migratorius Group) 40
Purple Finch 7 Spotted by Ellen in the Orchard.
Fox Sparrow (Sooty) 4
White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis) 1
Golden-crowned Sparrow 40
White-throated Sparrow 2 Spotted by Jon and seen by many from the Twin
Barns Observation Platform and the junction between the Nisqually Estuary
Trail or dike and the central access road just west of the Leschi Slough
Aqueduct.
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 34
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 Seen in the freshwater marsh across from the
entrance to the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail.
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 6
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 60
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 Heard by Gene along the west side of the Twin
Barns Loop Trail.
Date: 2/4/26 5:03 pm From: Heidi R via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Hawaii birding RFI
Hi Gary,
I have two book recommendations:
1. A Field Guide to The Birds of Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific by H.
Douglas Pratt, Phillip L. Bruner and Delwyn G Berrett, Princeton University
Press (Sponsored by the Hawaii Audubon Society), and
2. The Birdwatcher’s Guide to Hawai’i by Rick Soehren, A Kolowalu Book,
University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu. This book is also available on
www.alibris.com.
I didn't rely on phone apps because cell phone reception wasn’t always
available.
I enjoyed whatever birds I saw because even the introduced species were new
to me.
Enjoy.
Heidi
Date: 2/4/26 11:29 am From: Peter Mann via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Hawaii birding RFI
If you are interested in a guide (big Island or multiple islands). I would highly recommend Lance Tonino. (<lance.tonino...>). We did 10 days with him last year and saw 107 species, most of them new. He is a Big Island local, really knows his patch, and works very hard to produce birds. My personal feeling is that if you are going to a new location with new birds and limited time, hiring a local guide is one of the best investments you can make.
Peter
Sent from my iPad
On Feb 4, 2026, at 12:24 PM, LMarkoff via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Hello Gary and Tweeter Folk,
On my first trip to Hawaii in 1975 I was on a tour, which was okay for an introduction. I finally got a chance to go back in 2010, with a focus on birds, and with seeing flowing lava with my own eyes. My daughter who is not a birder but who is a very patient person, went with me. We did it on our own and had a great time and stored up a lot of fond memories!
Bird books I took: The Birds of Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific, by Pratt, Bruner, and Berrett.
Hawaii’s Birds, by Hawaii Audubon Society
Plant books I took: A Pocket Guide to Hawai’i’s Trees and Shrubs, by Pratt
A Pocket Guide to Hawai’i’s Flowers, by Peebles and Miyano
I just checked on Alibris, https://www.alibris.com/ and found both bird books. They didn’t have the plant books though, so I checked on ebay and found both bird books and both plant books. So all the books are still available, one way or another.
Regarding taking a scope...I avoid taking a scope anywhere these days, too much hassle to lug around, too much concern that it might be stolen. Plus, with cataracts becoming an issue, I can’t see well through a scope anyway. I use my binocular and Canon zoom camera (as you described it) instead. Yes, I might miss some stuff, but I still get to see plenty and have a good time. Guess it is a personal choice, eh?
Hope you two have a happy and safe trip, aloha, Lori Markoff, Citrus Heights, CA
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> On Behalf Of Gary Bletsch via Tweeters
Sent: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 7:53 AM
To: Tweeters Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Hawaii birding RFI
Dear Tweeters,
In a few weeks, I will hang up my snow shovel and depart Western New York for Hawaii. I will ask the pilot to waggle the wings if we fly over Skagit County.
It's silly that Mrs. Bletsch and I never made it to Hawaii when we lived in Washington, but oh, well. We are finally getting around to it. I went there with my parents in August of 1973, six months before I started birding, so it will all be tabula rasa for me, as far as the birds go--not counting the hordes of introduced species, I reckon.
I have a few questions about birding in the Aloha State.
I. On just about any trip, I usually take my scope and tripod, but sometimes I do enjoy a break from the burden, and go with just binoculars and zoom camera (the later being what I call "the poor man's scope"). Will I kick myself if I leave the scope home?
II. On my bookshelf, the only field guide that covers Hawaiian birds is Peterson's A Field Guide to Western Birds, second edition, 1961. That book has a little section on Hawaiian birds at the back. It is, of course, wildly out of date. Lots of the native birds shown in this book have either gone extinct, or have been split into various species endemic to just one island.
So, is there a Hawaiian bird book worth buying, or could I get away with just using RTP's old book, with the photos and text of Merlin as a backup?
III. We are visting Kauai, Maui, Hawaii, and Oahu. What would be the most important sites to visit?
IV. Any other suggestions?
Thanks for any help on this.
Yours truly,
Gary Bletsch
Caution: This is an external email and may be malicious. Please take care when clicking links or opening attachments.
Date: 2/4/26 11:17 am From: Peter Mann via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Hawaii birding RFI
Sent from my iPad
On Feb 4, 2026, at 12:24 PM, LMarkoff via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Hello Gary and Tweeter Folk,
On my first trip to Hawaii in 1975 I was on a tour, which was okay for an introduction. I finally got a chance to go back in 2010, with a focus on birds, and with seeing flowing lava with my own eyes. My daughter who is not a birder but who is a very patient person, went with me. We did it on our own and had a great time and stored up a lot of fond memories!
Bird books I took: The Birds of Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific, by Pratt, Bruner, and Berrett.
Hawaii’s Birds, by Hawaii Audubon Society
Plant books I took: A Pocket Guide to Hawai’i’s Trees and Shrubs, by Pratt
A Pocket Guide to Hawai’i’s Flowers, by Peebles and Miyano
I just checked on Alibris, https://www.alibris.com/ and found both bird books. They didn’t have the plant books though, so I checked on ebay and found both bird books and both plant books. So all the books are still available, one way or another.
Regarding taking a scope...I avoid taking a scope anywhere these days, too much hassle to lug around, too much concern that it might be stolen. Plus, with cataracts becoming an issue, I can’t see well through a scope anyway. I use my binocular and Canon zoom camera (as you described it) instead. Yes, I might miss some stuff, but I still get to see plenty and have a good time. Guess it is a personal choice, eh?
Hope you two have a happy and safe trip, aloha, Lori Markoff, Citrus Heights, CA
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> On Behalf Of Gary Bletsch via Tweeters
Sent: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 7:53 AM
To: Tweeters Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Hawaii birding RFI
Dear Tweeters,
In a few weeks, I will hang up my snow shovel and depart Western New York for Hawaii. I will ask the pilot to waggle the wings if we fly over Skagit County.
It's silly that Mrs. Bletsch and I never made it to Hawaii when we lived in Washington, but oh, well. We are finally getting around to it. I went there with my parents in August of 1973, six months before I started birding, so it will all be tabula rasa for me, as far as the birds go--not counting the hordes of introduced species, I reckon.
I have a few questions about birding in the Aloha State.
I. On just about any trip, I usually take my scope and tripod, but sometimes I do enjoy a break from the burden, and go with just binoculars and zoom camera (the later being what I call "the poor man's scope"). Will I kick myself if I leave the scope home?
II. On my bookshelf, the only field guide that covers Hawaiian birds is Peterson's A Field Guide to Western Birds, second edition, 1961. That book has a little section on Hawaiian birds at the back. It is, of course, wildly out of date. Lots of the native birds shown in this book have either gone extinct, or have been split into various species endemic to just one island.
So, is there a Hawaiian bird book worth buying, or could I get away with just using RTP's old book, with the photos and text of Merlin as a backup?
III. We are visting Kauai, Maui, Hawaii, and Oahu. What would be the most important sites to visit?
IV. Any other suggestions?
Thanks for any help on this.
Yours truly,
Gary Bletsch
Caution: This is an external email and may be malicious. Please take care when clicking links or opening attachments.
Date: 2/4/26 10:43 am From: HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Hawaii birding RFI
Answers to your questions follow them. Hal Michael Board of Directors, Ecologists Without Borders http://ecowb.org/ Olympia WA 360-459-4005 360-791-7702 (C) <ucd880...>
On 02/04/2026 7:53 AM PST Gary Bletsch via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Dear Tweeters,
In a few weeks, I will hang up my snow shovel and depart Western New York for Hawaii. I will ask the pilot to waggle the wings if we fly over Skagit County.
It's silly that Mrs. Bletsch and I never made it to Hawaii when we lived in Washington, but oh, well. We are finally getting around to it. I went there with my parents in August of 1973, six months before I started birding, so it will all be tabula rasa for me, as far as the birds go--not counting the hordes of introduced species, I reckon.
I have a few questions about birding in the Aloha State.
I. On just about any trip, I usually take my scope and tripod, but sometimes I do enjoy a break from the burden, and go with just binoculars and zoom camera (the later being what I call "the poor man's scope"). Will I kick myself if I leave the scope home? There are a few places where a scope would be nice like scanning for pelagics or at some of the freshwater sites. It would be a real pain to carry, much less use, in the forests.
II. On my bookshelf, the only field guide that covers Hawaiian birds is Peterson's A Field Guide to Western Birds, second edition, 1961. That book has a little section on Hawaiian birds at the back. It is, of course, wildly out of date. Lots of the native birds shown in this book have either gone extinct, or have been split into various species endemic to just one island. While old, The Birds of Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific by Pratt, Bruner, and Berrett is great. Check out bookstores there for some good alternatives. All better than Peterson as they are much updated.
So, is there a Hawaiian bird book worth buying, or could I get away with just using RTP's old book, with the photos and text of Merlin as a backup?
III. We are visting Kauai, Maui, Hawaii, and Oahu. What would be the most important sites to visit?
Kauai. Haven't been to Kauai for decades but the Kilauea Lighthouse is probably the best site left as the forest birds seem to have crashed.
Oahu. Kapiolani Park and/or Iolani Palace for the White Tern. The park also has some parrots. The islands to the east might be a spot for the 'scope as there are lots of seabirds on them. The James Campbell NWR is supposed to be pretty good, too.
Maui. Hosmer Grove on Haleakala has lots of the commoner forest species at eye level. And begging on the picnic tables.
Big Island. Certainly one of the guided trips to Hakalau NWR. We go with Hawaii Forest and Trail and general see all the remaining native forest species plus the exotics. Waikoloa Village gas station has Lovebirds and the playfields at the end of the development have the Sandgrouse. Old Saddle Road has Pueo (owl) and lots of other birds. If you have 4WD you can go search for Palila. In the lowlands the golf courses (Waikoloa, Mauna Lani) may have Bristle-thighed Curlew and do have lots of Kolea (Golden Plover). Down by Kailua the sewage ponds (locally known as the Turd and Bird Farm) has many species of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. The nearby Aimakapa (sp?) Pond in the National Park has migratory waterfowl, herons, etc. plus shorebirds on the hike out. South Point may have some Noddies and Whittington SP (further east) has had a variety of waterfowl in the past including Snow Goose and Harlequin. Since you're in that area stop at the Punaluu Bake Shop. A few ! nice birds like the Yellow Billed Cardinal but even better pastries. Although not much for birds, the Punaluu Black Sand Beach further east and north of South Point almost always has Green Turtles sleeping on the beach and even more in the water if you look closely.
IV. Any other suggestions? Keep a close on on ebird as rarities always pop up. That was how we found the Inca Tern a few years back. Enjoy.
Date: 2/4/26 10:35 am From: LMarkoff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Hawaii birding RFI
Hello Gary and Tweeter Folk,
On my first trip to Hawaii in 1975 I was on a tour, which was okay for an introduction. I finally got a chance to go back in 2010, with a focus on birds, and with seeing flowing lava with my own eyes. My daughter who is not a birder but who is a very patient person, went with me. We did it on our own and had a great time and stored up a lot of fond memories!
Bird books I took: The Birds of Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific, by Pratt, Bruner, and Berrett.
Hawaii’s Birds, by Hawaii Audubon Society
Plant books I took: A Pocket Guide to Hawai’i’s Trees and Shrubs, by Pratt
A Pocket Guide to Hawai’i’s Flowers, by Peebles and Miyano
I just checked on Alibris, https://www.alibris.com/ and found both bird books. They didn’t have the plant books though, so I checked on ebay and found both bird books and both plant books. So all the books are still available, one way or another.
Regarding taking a scope...I avoid taking a scope anywhere these days, too much hassle to lug around, too much concern that it might be stolen. Plus, with cataracts becoming an issue, I can’t see well through a scope anyway. I use my binocular and Canon zoom camera (as you described it) instead. Yes, I might miss some stuff, but I still get to see plenty and have a good time. Guess it is a personal choice, eh?
Hope you two have a happy and safe trip, aloha, Lori Markoff, Citrus Heights, CA
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> On Behalf Of Gary Bletsch via Tweeters
Sent: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 7:53 AM
To: Tweeters Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Hawaii birding RFI
Dear Tweeters,
In a few weeks, I will hang up my snow shovel and depart Western New York for Hawaii. I will ask the pilot to waggle the wings if we fly over Skagit County.
It's silly that Mrs. Bletsch and I never made it to Hawaii when we lived in Washington, but oh, well. We are finally getting around to it. I went there with my parents in August of 1973, six months before I started birding, so it will all be tabula rasa for me, as far as the birds go--not counting the hordes of introduced species, I reckon.
I have a few questions about birding in the Aloha State.
I. On just about any trip, I usually take my scope and tripod, but sometimes I do enjoy a break from the burden, and go with just binoculars and zoom camera (the later being what I call "the poor man's scope"). Will I kick myself if I leave the scope home?
II. On my bookshelf, the only field guide that covers Hawaiian birds is Peterson's A Field Guide to Western Birds, second edition, 1961. That book has a little section on Hawaiian birds at the back. It is, of course, wildly out of date. Lots of the native birds shown in this book have either gone extinct, or have been split into various species endemic to just one island.
So, is there a Hawaiian bird book worth buying, or could I get away with just using RTP's old book, with the photos and text of Merlin as a backup?
III. We are visting Kauai, Maui, Hawaii, and Oahu. What would be the most important sites to visit?
Date: 2/4/26 9:39 am From: Nagi Aboulenein via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Hawaii birding RFI
I will whole-heartedly second the recommendation for birding Hakalau Forest Preserve with Lance Tanino. We did that a couple of years ago, and it was amazing. The Hakalau Forest Preserve is limited access due to ROD concerns (Rapid Ohia Death disease), and birding it with a licensed guide is required. Another great spot for birding (this can be done on your own, no guide required) is the Kaulana Manu Nature Trail - another very nice small forest with lots of native Hawaii birds.
For seawatches, Keahole Point near the airport is a great spot.
Good luck!
—
Nagi Aboulenein
> On Wednesday, Feb 04, 2026 at 08:44, Carla Conway via Tweeters <tweeters...> (mailto:<tweeters...>)> wrote:
> Hi Gary,
>
> I'm so glad you and your wife will be visiting Hawai'i! If you can, visit the Hakalau Forest Preserve. Lance Tanino is a great guide and I think he was the top eBirder for the State and Island of Hawai'i last year. His tours are limited to four persons, unlike others which can have as many as 10.
>
> Hawai'i Audubon has many resources.
> https://hiaudubon.org/birding-in-hawaii/ >
> Enjoy!🙂
>
>
> On Wed, Feb 4, 2026 at 8:22 AM Jerry Tangren via Tweeters <tweeters...> (mailto:<tweeters...>)> wrote:
> > Not a complete answer…
> >
> > —Take your scope. Every island presents seawatch opportunities. If you don't have one, get a hard sided case for carry-on. Study up on what pelagics can be seen.
> >
> > —Sign up with one of the guides for the Hakalau Forest NWR. It's the best site for native landbirds, but requires a guide. Best money you will ever spend birding.
> >
> > --On Oahu, make sure you visit the Japanese cemetery on the northwest shore, think curlew; and the Aiea Loop Trail.
> >
> > --Of course, the Kilauea and Hanalei NWRs on Kauai; and the state parks at higher elevations.
> >
> > --Buy the photographic Hawaii's Birds book, full of tips and recent information.
> >
> > --Depend upon eBird. On Kauai we got most of the birds by virtually following the guided tours on eBird.
> >
> > --Jerry Tangren, East Wenatchee
> >
> >
> > Get Outlook for iOS (https://aka.ms/o0ukef)
> > From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> (mailto:<tweeters-bounces...>)> on behalf of Gary Bletsch via Tweeters <tweeters...> (mailto:<tweeters...>)> > > Sent: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 7:53:24 AM
> > To: Tweeters Tweeters <tweeters...> (mailto:<tweeters...>)> > > Subject: [Tweeters] Hawaii birding RFI
> >
> >
> >
> > Dear Tweeters,
> >
> > In a few weeks, I will hang up my snow shovel and depart Western New York for Hawaii. I will ask the pilot to waggle the wings if we fly over Skagit County.
> >
> > It's silly that Mrs. Bletsch and I never made it to Hawaii when we lived in Washington, but oh, well. We are finally getting around to it. I went there with my parents in August of 1973, six months before I started birding, so it will all be tabula rasa for me, as far as the birds go--not counting the hordes of introduced species, I reckon.
> >
> > I have a few questions about birding in the Aloha State.
> >
> > I. On just about any trip, I usually take my scope and tripod, but sometimes I do enjoy a break from the burden, and go with just binoculars and zoom camera (the later being what I call "the poor man's scope"). Will I kick myself if I leave the scope home?
> >
> > II. On my bookshelf, the only field guide that covers Hawaiian birds is Peterson's A Field Guide to Western Birds, second edition, 1961. That book has a little section on Hawaiian birds at the back. It is, of course, wildly out of date. Lots of the native birds shown in this book have either gone extinct, or have been split into various species endemic to just one island.
> >
> > So, is there a Hawaiian bird book worth buying, or could I get away with just using RTP's old book, with the photos and text of Merlin as a backup?
> >
> > III. We are visting Kauai, Maui, Hawaii, and Oahu. What would be the most important sites to visit?
> >
> > IV. Any other suggestions?
> >
> > Thanks for any help on this.
> >
> > Yours truly,
> >
> > Gary Bletsch
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Tweeters mailing list
> > <Tweeters...> (mailto:<Tweeters...>)
> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 2/4/26 8:54 am From: Carla Conway via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Hawaii birding RFI
Hi Gary,
I'm so glad you and your wife will be visiting Hawai'i! If you can, visit
the Hakalau Forest Preserve. Lance Tanino is a great guide and I think he
was the top eBirder for the State and Island of Hawai'i last year. His
tours are limited to four persons, unlike others which can have as many as
10.
On Wed, Feb 4, 2026 at 8:22 AM Jerry Tangren via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Not a complete answer…
>
> —Take your scope. Every island presents seawatch opportunities. If you
> don't have one, get a hard sided case for carry-on. Study up on what
> pelagics can be seen.
>
> —Sign up with one of the guides for the Hakalau Forest NWR. It's the best
> site for native landbirds, but requires a guide. Best money you will ever
> spend birding.
>
> --On Oahu, make sure you visit the Japanese cemetery on the northwest
> shore, think curlew; and the Aiea Loop Trail.
>
> --Of course, the Kilauea and Hanalei NWRs on Kauai; and the state parks at
> higher elevations.
>
> --Buy the photographic Hawaii's Birds book, full of tips and recent
> information.
>
> --Depend upon eBird. On Kauai we got most of the birds by virtually
> following the guided tours on eBird.
>
> --Jerry Tangren, East Wenatchee
>
>
> Get Outlook for iOS <https://aka.ms/o0ukef> > ------------------------------
> *From:* Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf
> of Gary Bletsch via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, February 4, 2026 7:53:24 AM
> *To:* Tweeters Tweeters <tweeters...>
> *Subject:* [Tweeters] Hawaii birding RFI
>
> Dear Tweeters,
>
> In a few weeks, I will hang up my snow shovel and depart Western New York
> for Hawaii. I will ask the pilot to waggle the wings if we fly over Skagit
> County.
>
> It's silly that Mrs. Bletsch and I never made it to Hawaii when we lived
> in Washington, but oh, well. We are finally getting around to it. I went
> there with my parents in August of 1973, six months before I started
> birding, so it will all be *tabula rasa* for me, as far as the birds
> go--not counting the hordes of introduced species, I reckon.
>
> I have a few questions about birding in the Aloha State.
>
> I. On just about any trip, I usually take my scope and tripod, but
> sometimes I do enjoy a break from the burden, and go with just binoculars
> and zoom camera (the later being what I call "the poor man's scope"). Will
> I kick myself if I leave the scope home?
>
> II. On my bookshelf, the only field guide that covers Hawaiian birds is
> Peterson's *A Field Guide to Western Birds, * second edition, 1961. That
> book has a little section on Hawaiian birds at the back. It is, of course,
> wildly out of date. Lots of the native birds shown in this book have either
> gone extinct, or have been split into various species endemic to just one
> island.
>
> So, is there a Hawaiian bird book worth buying, or could I get away with
> just using RTP's old book, with the photos and text of Merlin as a backup?
>
> III. We are visting Kauai, Maui, Hawaii, and Oahu. What would be the most
> important sites to visit?
>
> IV. Any other suggestions?
>
> Thanks for any help on this.
>
> Yours truly,
>
> Gary Bletsch
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 2/4/26 8:33 am From: Jerry Tangren via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Hawaii birding RFI
Not a complete answer
Take your scope. Every island presents seawatch opportunities. If you don't have one, get a hard sided case for carry-on. Study up on what pelagics can be seen.
Sign up with one of the guides for the Hakalau Forest NWR. It's the best site for native landbirds, but requires a guide. Best money you will ever spend birding.
--On Oahu, make sure you visit the Japanese cemetery on the northwest shore, think curlew; and the Aiea Loop Trail.
--Of course, the Kilauea and Hanalei NWRs on Kauai; and the state parks at higher elevations.
--Buy the photographic Hawaii's Birds book, full of tips and recent information.
--Depend upon eBird. On Kauai we got most of the birds by virtually following the guided tours on eBird.
--Jerry Tangren, East Wenatchee
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of Gary Bletsch via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 7:53:24 AM
To: Tweeters Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Hawaii birding RFI
Dear Tweeters,
In a few weeks, I will hang up my snow shovel and depart Western New York for Hawaii. I will ask the pilot to waggle the wings if we fly over Skagit County.
It's silly that Mrs. Bletsch and I never made it to Hawaii when we lived in Washington, but oh, well. We are finally getting around to it. I went there with my parents in August of 1973, six months before I started birding, so it will all be tabula rasa for me, as far as the birds go--not counting the hordes of introduced species, I reckon.
I have a few questions about birding in the Aloha State.
I. On just about any trip, I usually take my scope and tripod, but sometimes I do enjoy a break from the burden, and go with just binoculars and zoom camera (the later being what I call "the poor man's scope"). Will I kick myself if I leave the scope home?
II. On my bookshelf, the only field guide that covers Hawaiian birds is Peterson's A Field Guide to Western Birds, second edition, 1961. That book has a little section on Hawaiian birds at the back. It is, of course, wildly out of date. Lots of the native birds shown in this book have either gone extinct, or have been split into various species endemic to just one island.
So, is there a Hawaiian bird book worth buying, or could I get away with just using RTP's old book, with the photos and text of Merlin as a backup?
III. We are visting Kauai, Maui, Hawaii, and Oahu. What would be the most important sites to visit?
Date: 2/4/26 8:04 am From: Gary Bletsch via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Hawaii birding RFI
Dear Tweeters,
In a few weeks, I will hang up my snow shovel and depart Western New York for Hawaii. I will ask the pilot to waggle the wings if we fly over Skagit County.
It's silly that Mrs. Bletsch and I never made it to Hawaii when we lived in Washington, but oh, well. We are finally getting around to it. I went there with my parents in August of 1973, six months before I started birding, so it will all be tabula rasa for me, as far as the birds go--not counting the hordes of introduced species, I reckon.
I have a few questions about birding in the Aloha State.
I. On just about any trip, I usually take my scope and tripod, but sometimes I do enjoy a break from the burden, and go with just binoculars and zoom camera (the later being what I call "the poor man's scope"). Will I kick myself if I leave the scope home?
II. On my bookshelf, the only field guide that covers Hawaiian birds is Peterson's A Field Guide to Western Birds, second edition, 1961. That book has a little section on Hawaiian birds at the back. It is, of course, wildly out of date. Lots of the native birds shown in this book have either gone extinct, or have been split into various species endemic to just one island.
So, is there a Hawaiian bird book worth buying, or could I get away with just using RTP's old book, with the photos and text of Merlin as a backup?
III. We are visting Kauai, Maui, Hawaii, and Oahu. What would be the most important sites to visit?
IV. Any other suggestions?
Thanks for any help on this.
Yours truly,
Gary Bletsch
Date: 2/3/26 10:44 pm From: Martha Jordan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Whooper Swan - Skagit
The Whooper is still around. From the photos I have from Whatcom County early in the swan season, from Snohomish County north zone from January and the many photos of a whooper in Skagit today, this appears to be the same swan. The bill pattern in all the photos I have or have been posted show the same bill pattern. With Whooper and Bewick swans you can ID individuals by their distinct yellow patterns on their bills. Nice find for all you out birding.
Date: 2/3/26 11:51 am From: Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Fwd: HI beats AI
HI beats AI. Or not? After hours of mulling around in Merlin I finally figured out a way to 'beat' Merlin AI Say I got a bird recording via email asking to ID the audio file of a singing bird. (I did recently; which opened my Pandora's Box leading to mulling) I simply played the file for Merlin. No ID was given. Hours later I finally figured it out: The process. I down-loaded the audio file from the email but didn't play it (yet). I opened the Merlin App and started it recording (Both of these on my phone) I returned to the loaded sound file and played it. When it finished playing in a few seconds (or minutes) I returned to Merlin and stopped that recording. The bird song had not been identified by Merlin. (Next) I saved that unidentified file in Merlin. The bird had not been identified, because my phone had defaulted to my location in Carver OR In this Merlin file I clicked the 3 dots at top right and changed the location to where the recording was made. Still no ID. I clicked the 3 dots again, and changed the date to when the recording was made. You must click backward from the current date. Bingo the bird was instantly identified.
Corollary I hear an unusual song in the trees at my house in April. I can't see the bird. (Shades of the White-eyed Vireo). I record the song with Merlin which does not identify it at my default location in Carver OR Hmmm. I"m guessing it's some vagrant warbler that Merlin does not allow me to identify. I'm guessing it might be a migrant through east texas. I change the location to High Islands TX (Merlin defaults to the Bolivar peninsula TX, that's fine) Merlin identifies the bird which I would not normally be allowed to see at all. Bingo. Or, Merlin still does not identify the bird. OK, second guess. Some warblers migrate north through Florida, not Texas (Cape May Warbler, for instance) so I change the location to Miami, Bingo the bird is identified. This would be the same if the bird was a Vireo rather than a warbler, or any other bird that might be in a location during spring, resident or migrant.. Same process, same ID. Very tedious but at least I have vanquished Merlin at its own game. That is, until Merlin gets smarter (than me) and stops letting me change the date or location. Don't leak this. Please.
By The Way, I first tried to change the location simply to the United States. That way all birds would be considered. I tried this for Bewick's Wren. Nope. With my location as the United States no identification was given. Maybe Bewick's Wren is not widespread enough in the US for that to work. You must narrow it down more and this seems to require guessing where the unknown bird might be found AND when. A singing warbler would not be recognized in the winter since they are assumed to be NOT singing and/or Not in the country.
Date: 2/3/26 7:53 am From: Jim Forrester via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlin Complaints Backfire ! Badly.
Merlin is a great tool, but I would second Chuq's suggestion that Merlin should give a confidence rating on its identifications. I've plugged it before, but we use BirdNET in the field, particularly outside the U.S., which rates its identifications between "Almost Certain" and "Just a Wild Guess". We've found it to be spot-on when it's confident on an ID, and the "Just a Wild Guess" tends to lump in birds not expected in the area - and it's only rarely correct in that instance, as it should be. There are many certainty levels that it has between those 99% and 1% certainties, of course. BirdNET's only disadvantage is that it requires an internet connection to make an ID, so while you can submit a recording once you're back on-line, it's nice to be able to do the ID in the field. For better or for worse, there are ever fewer places where internet isn't available, so it's getting easier to use this tool in the field.
Anyway, it would be nice if Merlin would show the confidence rating and had a setting for the % confidence that would be the threshold for showing an ID.
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 2/3/26 7:48 am From: pan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] raptor recordings against pests
For awhile last year, I heard barn owls loudly around a certain rat-frequented corner of Seattle Center after dark. Later interspersed with cries of rodents in extremis. (I think there were Cooper's and Red-tailed in daylight, too.) Eventually I (and probably the rats) learned to stop looking.
Alan Grenon
Seattle
panmail AT mailfence PERIOD com
Date: 2/2/26 9:14 pm From: Thomas Dorrance via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlin -- while biking past a pecan orchard
Raptor vocalizations at close range were often a feature of the spring
Apple Century bike ride out of Wenatchee. Other orchards opted for cannon
fire. Both quite distracting.
Tom Dorrance
On Mon, Feb 2, 2026 at 7:04 PM Lea Mitchell via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Yes! Keep the old version of Merlin if you can.
>
> And a brief tale. While biking in the deserts of Arizona we used Merlin to
> help us tap into birds along the way. We emerged from the desert and then
> into one of the largest Pecan plantations in the country. We heard a
> Peregrine, then an eagle, and a red tail. Merlin heard them too. Hmmm. We
> were skeptical. Turns out it was a recording the orchard folks were playing
> to keep the songbirds from eating the Pecans.
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 2/2/26 7:14 pm From: Lea Mitchell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Merlin -- while biking past a pecan orchard
Yes! Keep the old version of Merlin if you can.
And a brief tale. While biking in the deserts of Arizona we used Merlin to help us tap into birds along the way. We emerged from the desert and then into one of the largest Pecan plantations in the country. We heard a Peregrine, then an eagle, and a red tail. Merlin heard them too. Hmmm. We were skeptical. Turns out it was a recording the orchard folks were playing to keep the songbirds from eating the Pecans.
Date: 2/2/26 5:12 pm From: Alan Richards via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Merlin / location problems
For a few years now, I have been using Merlin Sound ID on my Android phone. In the last couple of years, I have saved a few audio files. Up until at least Nov 4 , 2025, the location where these files were made was clearly displayed at the top of the file listing, along with the date / time. Just lately, the location is not displayed, and I have not so far been able to find it. Date and time, yes; location, no. What good is a list without knowing where it was formed? Any help appreciated on this perplexing question.
Date: 2/2/26 2:10 pm From: Peter Relson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlin Complaints Backfire ! Badly.
Do we need to care which approach is better?
Surely it is a simple matter of programming for Merlin to provide an option to indicate how to process this situation. With such an option, both the newbie and the expert can get what they want.
Perhaps suggest that to the Merlin owners....
Peter Relson
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 2/2/26 12:57 pm From: Alan Richards via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Merlin / location problems
For a few years now, I have been using Merlin Sound ID on my Android phone. In the last couple of years, I have saved a few audio files. Up until at least Nov 4 , 2025, the location where these files were made was clearly displayed at the top of the file listing, along with the date / time. Just lately, the location is not displayed, and I have not so far been able to find it. Date and time, yes; location, no. What good is a list without knowing where it was formed? Any help appreciated on this perplexing question.
Date: 2/2/26 9:57 am From: Chuq Von Rospach via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlin Complaints Backfire ! Badly.
On Feb 2, 2026 at 01:03:31, Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> For quite a while, there have been complaints that some bird calls/songs
> are reported as birds that 'cannot possibly be present'.by Merlin. Merlin
> is often held up to scorn.
> But what if the bird IS ACTUALLY present, as a vagrant. For instance
> rare eastern warblers breeding/singing in coastal SW Oregon
>
My take is that if the bird is that rare and your only ID data is a merlin
ID, that’s not a good enough ID to add it to eBird, so I think Merlin is
doing the right thing here. Without stronger evidence (visual confirmation,
enough experience with the call to call it without assistance), that’s not
a solid ID in my mind so it lives on as a “something”.
But for experienced birders, that means vagrants are out of bounds for
> Merlin. Either location or seasonal wise.
>
I think this is the right call. Newer birders tend to trust Merlin
explicitly (ask any eBird reviewer). Experienced birders will many times
(but not always) know enough to be skeptical, and experienced enough to not
make an eBird catch definitive without confirming evidence. I’m all for
eBird protecting the naive here.
That said, there are some things Merlin ought to do that it’s not that
annoy me.
First, I experimented for a while with a tool called Haiku, which is one of
a number automatic song pickup systems you can get now. It’s pretty good in
a number of ways, but among other things, having a microphone listening
outside my door 24x7 just wasn’t my idea of fun. One thing I want Merlin to
add is Haiku’s confidence rating — it not only gives you the ID, but a
oonfidence level (high/medium/low) for that ID. That way, you can have some
sense of how good the ID is, and Merlin makes it seem all of its IDs are
absolutely perfect (which it’s not)
Second, why doesn’t Merlin make it easy to extract a given call for further
analysis or uploading with the eBird report? This should be fairly easy to
implement, either on the fly or as a later “re-process” phase offline, and
would make it a lot easier to do follow up listening or sharing with others
for these less likely IDs. Right now, the recording stays one big mass of
data that you have to manually pull apart and honestly, that’s too much
hassle for almost all IDs. They could make improving this and adding good
call data to eBird a lot simpler.
Overall though, while I have my issues with Merlin, I think it’s gotten way
better in the last few years, and I’m all for it leaning towards doing the
right thing for newbies here.
Chuq
---------------------------------------
Chuq Von Rospach (http://www.chuq.me)
Silverdale, Washington
Birder, Nature and Wildlife Photographer
Date: 2/2/26 8:51 am From: Kevin Lucas via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlin Complaints Backfire ! Badly.
Robert et al,
Perhaps that's why Merlin did not identify the Black Phoebe I was watching
and photographing and videoing while Merlin sound recording a few weeks
ago. I could see the Black Phoebe's vocalization in/on the sonogram in
real-time, and hear the vocalization well when I later played back my
Merlin sound recordings. I was baffled.
Recently, while browsing Merlin in the field, I often see "Not in Yakima
today" with Merlin's account for a bird that I'm watching and listening to.
It seems a poorly chosen phrase, especially when Merlin has just correctly
identified the vocalization from that species.
I find Merlin great for bringing my attention to birds whose calls aren't
registering in my noggin. I find some of its mistakes frustrating -- often
not recognizing a loudly calling Pacific Wren that I'm watching, others,
like it identifying a squirrel as a Steller's Jay funny, and some mistakes,
like those of Starling vocalizations being misidentified as Red-tailed
Hawk, American Kestrel, Western Wood-Pewee,..., quite understandable.
Sometimes, when Merlin ID's a species that I'm pretty sure is not present,
I enter a zero for quantity for that species on my checklist, and enter in
the comments that Merlin identified it and I think it was not present.
Maybe adding some sort of special 'Merlin only' checkbox to eBird app's
checklist entries is in order?
On Mon, Feb 2, 2026 at 1:04 AM Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> For quite a while, there have been complaints that some bird calls/songs
> are reported as birds that 'cannot possibly be present'.by Merlin. Merlin
> is often held up to scorn.
> But what if the bird IS ACTUALLY present, as a vagrant. For instance
> rare eastern warblers breeding/singing in coastal SW Oregon n (Think Tim
> Rodenkirk)
>
> I just made the terrible mistake of updating Merlin to the current
> version. *So very sad.*
> With this version, if Merlin (in its infinite wisdom). decides that* 'it
> can't be present'* then Merlin simply ignores it.
> That could be good for inexperienced birders who would be confused by a
> bad id. But, would IGNORING IT really help?
> But for experienced birders, that means vagrants are out of bounds for
> Merlin. Either location or seasonal wise.
>
> For instance, the wonderful ID of a White-eyed Vireo along the Tillamook
> coast. As I recall a very creative birder heard that call while driving;
> didn't recognize it, backed up;,recorded it, reported to OBOL and OBRC, and
> it became an accepted record. White-eyed Vireo. Had she done that with the
> new version. Identifying it from Merlin would not have been possible. The
> call would simply pass by in the sonogram with no reaction. And very
> likely never reported. So (currently) sad.
>
> *WEVI-2022-02
> <https://oregonbirding.org/wp-content/uploads/OBRCphotos/WEVI-2022-02web.wav> > (A2) Nehalem Bay State Park parking lot, Tillamook Co., 26 June
> 2022. Report and audio files BH. Second state record*
>
> *This OBRC report does not do it justice for how outstanding and creative
> this 2nd Oregon Record was. *
>
> There are other resources for ID when Merlin cops out, but all of them are
> difficult to use.
>
> So, my advice (to everyone) DO NOT DOWNLOAD THE CURRENT VERSION. If you
> get a surprising ID, figure it out. Real or not.,
> Just sayin' But, as always, it's your choice.
>
> Bob OBrien Carver OR
>
> P.S. It took me hours to figure this all out. And I checked it just now
> by playing an On-line White eyed vireo song and recording it (both on my
> phone, at my home location Merlin reported 'No Suggestions'. So very
> sad. Merlin is a fantastic resource, so powerful, and hopefully it will
> one day be. But for now, it seems to be floundering around in the UI (user
> interface) and the concepts.
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 2/2/26 1:13 am From: Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Merlin Complaints Backfire ! Badly.
For quite a while, there have been complaints that some bird calls/songs are reported as birds that 'cannot possibly be present'.by Merlin. Merlin is often held up to scorn. But what if the bird IS ACTUALLY present, as a vagrant. For instance rare eastern warblers breeding/singing in coastal SW Oregon n (Think Tim Rodenkirk)
I just made the terrible mistake of updating Merlin to the current version. *So very sad.* With this version, if Merlin (in its infinite wisdom). decides that* 'it can't be present'* then Merlin simply ignores it. That could be good for inexperienced birders who would be confused by a bad id. But, would IGNORING IT really help? But for experienced birders, that means vagrants are out of bounds for Merlin. Either location or seasonal wise.
For instance, the wonderful ID of a White-eyed Vireo along the Tillamook coast. As I recall a very creative birder heard that call while driving; didn't recognize it, backed up;,recorded it, reported to OBOL and OBRC, and it became an accepted record. White-eyed Vireo. Had she done that with the new version. Identifying it from Merlin would not have been possible. The call would simply pass by in the sonogram with no reaction. And very likely never reported. So (currently) sad.
*This OBRC report does not do it justice for how outstanding and creative this 2nd Oregon Record was. *
There are other resources for ID when Merlin cops out, but all of them are difficult to use.
So, my advice (to everyone) DO NOT DOWNLOAD THE CURRENT VERSION. If you get a surprising ID, figure it out. Real or not., Just sayin' But, as always, it's your choice.
Bob OBrien Carver OR
P.S. It took me hours to figure this all out. And I checked it just now by playing an On-line White eyed vireo song and recording it (both on my phone, at my home location Merlin reported 'No Suggestions'. So very sad. Merlin is a fantastic resource, so powerful, and hopefully it will one day be. But for now, it seems to be floundering around in the UI (user interface) and the concepts.
Date: 2/1/26 1:48 pm From: Ann Kramer via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] WOODPECKER A Year in the Life of North American Woodpeckers
Hi Jamie,
Thank you for this review. I mean to buy it but I think I'm waiting to buy
it from him in person at our April meeting at the new Mt. Vernon
library commons room. He will be our speaker on April 14th, 2026 @ 7:00 PM
(doors open at 6:30 PM). Skagit Audubon is doing a first time joint event
with the library. Everyone is invited. We will have some sweets and
coffee and tea. It is FREE to everyone. The new commons room at the new
Mt. Vernon library is beautiful, state of the art, comfortable table
seating for 300 with 2 projectors (a system that actually works as opposed
to our last program with Paul). We're very excited to be partnering with
the library and introducing the love of birds to a potentially new
generation and population.
I'll post more on this event as we get closer to the date. Paul will be
selling his books at the event.
Ann
Program Committee Chair, Skagit Audubon Society
On Mon, Jan 19, 2026 at 10:13 AM Jamie Acker via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> This latest book by Paul Bannick is the result of tens of thousands of
> hours of field observations spanning the North American continent. The
> numerous photos are of National Geographic quality and make this book
> coffee table worthy. But it is the personal field observations documented
> by the photos that make this book stand out and complement the Cornell
> "Birds of the World" life histories accounts.
> Where the “Birds of the World” life histories leave off, Paul’s book picks
> up by relating the relationships between the woodpecker species as well as
> their individual specialized adaptations, habitat and environmental needs
> through his observations in the field.
> This well written book follows 41 species of North American woodpeckers
> through a year with beautifully captured photographs. It is also a plea to
> view woodpeckers as habitat and environmental canaries that should not go
> unacknowledged.
> Highly recommended, not just for the photos which are gorgeous, but for
> the abundant information contained in the writing.
> -Jamie
> <owler637...>
> Bainbridge Island, WA
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 2/1/26 1:31 pm From: Ann Kramer via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Ann Kramer question re Port Angeles birding spots
Wow, thanks to everyone who replied!!!!. I did not expect such a rich
supply of detailed suggestions! Three Crabs, incidentally, is one of the
sites I went to with Pilchuck Audubon that I was trying to remember.
After posting this request a few days ago, I noticed I had an open tab (my
husband says he will inscribe "open tabs" on my tombstone!) of the Olympic
Loop of the Great Washington State Birding Trail. I meticulously went over
the areas I could potentially visit in the course of 3 1/2 days, plotting
the exact travel times to each from our hotel with OCD accuracy, and came
up with this:
1. First day, arrival at Port Townsend terminal, birding there, Fort
Worden, Kah Tai Lagoon and Fort Flagler in Marrowstone, then to our lodging
in Sequim, which is 7 miles from the John Wayne Marina.
2. Next morning, off to Salt Creek, Elwha Estuary, Lake Crescent and
Ediz Hook. I'll need to look at tides to determine where to go first.
3. Following day, Dungeness NWR, Dungeness River audubon Center,
Dungeness Bay and John Wayne Marina
4. On the last day, heading toward Port Townsend, possibly revisit any
of the above and see if I have time for Johnnycomelately Creek.
Did I take on too much? Any suggestions about what to do first? last?
Anything not worth my time?
Judith, thank you for the details on the Elwha River Estuary. Sounds like
a must see and it's definitely a place I will visit now.
David, I've highlighted every place where I can see Long Tailed Ducks, in
hope for better images than I have. I didn't think Yellow Rumped Warblers
would be anywhere close by this deep in winter. Thanks very much!
Jane, I thought it was interesting how many of you recommend Three Crabs,
which is in the Birding in Washington big book but not listed on the
Olympic Trail map locations. I did find a map with its specific location
also. Thank you for giving me the detailed instructions and
alternate label. I did look up the Birder's Dashboard when I researched. I
will keep my eye on it.
Bob, Thank you for the additional resources; I'll take a look. I usually
go armed with way more information than I need or ever use so I'll have an
artillery. Big book is the BGA. What a wonderful resource that book is!!
As a newcomer to Skagit County and eventually Snohomish County, that book
was an amazing resource, now dog eared and tab marked almost into non
functional mayhem! Appreciate your complete list.
Also, Paul, thank you also for the Three Crabs and dining recommendations
also.
I can see why this would be a good region to visit throughout the
seasons, but I now see that I picked a good place for winter birding, which
had been something I was second guessing..
*Additional Question*: How much hiking should I be doing on the NWR Spit?
I'm concerned about spending too much time there at the cost of losing
other more valuable time in other, perhaps richer locations.
Kudos to you Washingtonians. Maybe it's because I was just a burgeoning
birder and photographer in Southern California, but the birding resources
and community paled in my area in comparison to up here. The Big Book
alone is a treasure trove. I'm so grateful to the great birders who put
that information together.
Also, I hope I'm replying correctly. I was trying to find a way to stay on
one thread but they seem broken up and I haven't yet figured out the
nuances of Tweeters.
thanks again, everyone,
Ann
On Sun, Feb 1, 2026 at 9:51 AM David Swinford via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Don't forget Ediz Hook. Easy looks at Harlequin Ducks, Black Turnstone
> and Black-Bellied Plovers. Often you can score all three species of
> Cormorant, Loon and Grebe. Common Goldeneye and sometimes a stray
> Barrows. Brant are likely, Red-Breasted Mergansers and Surf Scoters. Just
> after passing the Mckinley Paper Mill, find a parking area on the right and
> scope the boom logs on the inner harbor. Then look across the road and
> back to the Mill and there is an area where you can easily and safely walk
> to the top of the bouldered seawall revetment and scope out to the Strait.
> Long-Tailed Ducks are usually spotted there. Drive out the end and scope
> the inner bay and Strait from there. Grab the occasional pull out along
> the way. On the way back stop at the Mill pond and look for Hooded
> Mergansers. Then walk the trail that is on the opposite side of the road
> from the Mill Pond back towards PA and look for a wintering group of
> Yellow-Rumped Warblers.
>
> If I had a day I would probably do Ediz Hook, the Mouth of the Elwha and
> the Salt Creek Campground including Tongue Point.
>
>
>
> On Sat, Jan 31, 2026 at 12:11 PM Judith A. Howard via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>> Ann, there is a wonderful birding area, part of the Washington State
>> Birding Trail, just west of Port Angeles. Take Highway 112, turn right on
>> Place Road, and take it to the water. At Dike Access, turn right and
>> park. It’s where the Elwha enters the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Since the
>> dams were removed, it has become a beautiful estuary again. Enjoy!
>>
>>
>>
>> Judy Howard
>>
>> Clinton
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 2/1/26 10:01 am From: David Swinford via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Ann Kramer question re Port Angeles birding spots
Don't forget Ediz Hook. Easy looks at Harlequin Ducks, Black Turnstone and
Black-Bellied Plovers. Often you can score all three species of Cormorant,
Loon and Grebe. Common Goldeneye and sometimes a stray Barrows. Brant are
likely, Red-Breasted Mergansers and Surf Scoters. Just after passing the
Mckinley Paper Mill, find a parking area on the right and scope the boom
logs on the inner harbor. Then look across the road and back to the Mill
and there is an area where you can easily and safely walk to the top of the
bouldered seawall revetment and scope out to the Strait. Long-Tailed
Ducks are usually spotted there. Drive out the end and scope the inner bay
and Strait from there. Grab the occasional pull out along the way. On
the way back stop at the Mill pond and look for Hooded Mergansers. Then
walk the trail that is on the opposite side of the road from the Mill Pond
back towards PA and look for a wintering group of Yellow-Rumped Warblers.
If I had a day I would probably do Ediz Hook, the Mouth of the Elwha and
the Salt Creek Campground including Tongue Point.
On Sat, Jan 31, 2026 at 12:11 PM Judith A. Howard via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Ann, there is a wonderful birding area, part of the Washington State
> Birding Trail, just west of Port Angeles. Take Highway 112, turn right on
> Place Road, and take it to the water. At Dike Access, turn right and
> park. It’s where the Elwha enters the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Since the
> dams were removed, it has become a beautiful estuary again. Enjoy!
>
>
>
> Judy Howard
>
> Clinton
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 1/31/26 4:09 pm From: Bob Boekelheide via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Winter birding suggestions appreciated for around Sequim area
Also check out eBird info for Clallam County. At the eBird homepage, click on the Explore tab at the top, then enter Clallam County under “Explore Regions.” It’s a goldmine of info about local birds and where they’ve recently been seen.
I assume by “big book” you mean the Birder’s Guide to WA, another great source.
Here are a few top spots right now:
Dungeness NWR (walk out Dungeness Spit as far as you can, looking offshore and in Dungeness Bay)
Dungeness Recreation Area
Dungeness Bay (accessed from Cline Spit, Dungeness Landing County Park, and Three Crabs). Pay attention to the tide — best shorebird viewing probably between 1 and 4 ft.
Marlyn Nelson County Park/Port Williams/Schmuck Rd
Sequim Bay (accessed from John Wayne Marina, Sequim Bay State Park, and Jamestown Tribal headquarters)
Railroad Bridge Park and Dungeness River Nature Center
Walk levees in the Lower Dungeness Restoration Area (accessed by the Old Dungeness Schoolhouse)
Walk sections of the Olympic Discovery Trail between Blyn and Agnew
Carrie Blake Park
Hope this helps,
Bob Boekelheide
Dungeness
From: Ann Kramer via Tweeters <tweeters...> <mailto:<tweeters...>> Subject: [Tweeters] Winter birding suggestions appreciated for around Sequim area
Date: January 30, 2026 at 6:02:35 PM PST
To: Tweeters <tweeters...> <mailto:<tweeters...>> Reply-To: Ann Kramer <lens4birds...> <mailto:<lens4birds...>>
I'm cursed with a mid winter birthday!
This year, we aren't able to leave for warmer, birdier spots in February so I'm spending a few days in an area I haven't yet been to to Western Washington. Sequim. I know it's a very rich area but probably less so in February
We're ferrying into Port Townsend so we will bird and photograph there for the first day. We've stayed in Marrowstone Island and had some beautiful moments photographing Harlequin's, among other duck species at Fort Flagler. Port Townsend (Brandt's, Buffleheads and Hooded Mergansers) at Fort Worden and the Chinese Gardens on the same trip. We will be staying in Sequim where I have only been once on a Pilchuck field trip. I would appreciate any ideas about the best birdy spots and especially, spots where the winter birding is a bit busier. I've downloaded all the lists, and I have the big book, but I'd like to maximize our time with the best options if we can. Thank you for any help.
Date: 1/31/26 3:46 pm From: Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] House Sparrows
Do House Sparrows migrate? I have been without them since late October-November, and now they have reappeared. I thought they we year round residents in West Seattle.
Date: 1/31/26 12:47 pm From: Jane Hadley via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Winter birding suggestions appreciated for around Sequim area
Ann Kramer asked for suggestions for birding around the Sequim area.
The main spot we visit in the Sequim area is the Three Crabs estuary, but there are other hotspots in the Sequim area.
I suggest you check the Birder's Dashboard to see what's been seen in the last 14 days at the hotspots. Click on "ebird hotspots" then hit on the plus sign to zoom in on hotspots in the Sequim area. Then click on the hotspot you're interested in and it will show you what's been seen there.
The Three Crabs estuary is labeled as "Nearshore and Estuarine Restoration Project" on Google Maps. If you paste this into Google Maps, it will take you to the location: 42 3 Crabs Rd, Sequim, WA 98382 The little ponds in the area often have ducks and shorebirds if you are there at the right time, but there is also a relatively short path out to saltwater.
Finally, my husband and I were birding within the last two weeks in the Port Angeles area. We had great birding at the mouth of the Elwha River, at Ediz Hook, and at the Frances Street Park. Ediz Hook was the best and was very easy to bird.
Date: 1/31/26 12:23 pm From: Judith A. Howard via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Ann Kramer question re Port Angeles birding spots
Ann, there is a wonderful birding area, part of the Washington State Birding Trail, just west of Port Angeles. Take Highway 112, turn right on Place Road, and take it to the water. At Dike Access, turn right and park. It’s where the Elwha enters the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Since the dams were removed, it has become a beautiful estuary again. Enjoy!
Date: 1/31/26 8:55 am From: Constance Sidles via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Reprieve. Mpntlake Fill parking fees
Hey tweets, a bit of good news from UW Botanic Gardens and Transportation Services regarding parking fees at Montlake Fill. Below is a message from UWBG director Christina Owen. Please note an opportunity for all of us to voice our concers to Transportation Services by attending a public hearing on Feb. 9 and/or the chance to submit comments until noon, March 2. - Connie, Seattle
Dear CUH Friends,
I’m writing to share some additional information regarding the proposed changes to the CUH Parking lot. As I mentioned in my previous message, UW Transportation Services has decided to delay implementation of paid parking at the Center for Urban Horticulture in order to provide time for public comment. It now appears that this delay will last through remainder of the fiscal year, with a new target implementation date of 7/1/2026.
Attached to this email is the full rate proposal and value lot rate schedule from UW Transportation Services, which includes E16 (on pages 10 and 17). I have also attached an invitation for public comments. A public hearing regarding the University of Washington Parking Rate Proposal will be held on February 9, 2026 at 11:00 am in HUB Room 250 and via Zoom webinar(https://washington.zoom.us/s/94960643422).
Written comments may be submitted until Noon on March 2, 2026 to <tsadmin...> <mailto:<tsadmin...>. A summary of public comments will be incorporated into staff recommendations and will be included in the presentation to the UW Board of Regents in the spring.
As always, I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. I encourage you to share this information with your community and participate in this public comment opportunity.
Date: 1/30/26 6:13 pm From: Ann Kramer via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Winter birding suggestions appreciated for around Sequim area
I'm cursed with a mid winter birthday!
This year, we aren't able to leave for warmer, birdier spots in February
so I'm spending a few days in an area I haven't yet been to to Western
Washington. Sequim. I know it's a very rich area but probably less so
in February
We're ferrying into Port Townsend so we will bird and photograph there for
the first day. We've stayed in Marrowstone Island and had some beautiful
moments photographing Harlequin's, among other duck species at Fort
Flagler. Port Townsend (Brandt's, Buffleheads and Hooded Mergansers) at
Fort Worden and the Chinese Gardens on the same trip. We will be staying
in Sequim where I have only been once on a Pilchuck field trip. I would
appreciate any ideas about the best birdy spots and especially, spots where
the winter birding is a bit busier. I've downloaded all the lists, and I
have the big book, but I'd like to maximize our time with the best options
if we can. Thank you for any help.
Kind Regards,
*Ann*
*“For most of history, man has had to fight nature to survive; in this
century he is beginning to realize that, in order to survive, he must
protect it.”*
Date: 1/30/26 3:40 am From: Rachel Lawson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] falconry in "Hamnet" movie
In the UK, the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 protects all wild birds, their nests, and their eggs. Some birds, such as Barn Owls, have additional protections against disturbance. Some game birds and waterfowl can be hunted in shooting season in certain places, and falconry is permitted with a license.
Rachel Lawson
Arnside, UK
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of PENNY & DAVID KOYAMA via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2026 7:30:44 PM
To: Gary Bletsch <garybletsch...>; Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] falconry in "Hamnet" movie
Gary and All,
I wonder if there is a similar law in the UK to ours in the US--the Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits the use of our native birds for commercial, non-educational use. E.G., although I enjoyed these birds in New Zealand (before we got Covid on the tour!) there is a current, and by now annoying, Progressive Insurance ad where a guy sitting on a bench eating lunch is swarmed by a flock of Silver Gulls, aka Red-billed Gulls. We have many gulls of our own, but the law prohibits their use. And who hasn't seen many unfamiliar raptors in movies? I noted the Harris' Hawk in Hamnet, and silently laughed thinking about the possibility of a protected species reversal from a British law.
Hello, Rachel Lawson! You're living in the UK now--do you know?
Penny Koyama , Bothell
01/25/2026 3:25 PM PST Gary Bletsch via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Dear Tweeters,
The movie Hamnet will presumably win some Oscars this March. I just sat through it. It wasn't bad, although I think I still prefer Shakespeare in Love.
That said, the beginning of the movie had me scratching my head. The leading lady, a falconer of sorts, was flying a Harris's Hawk. "Wait," I thought, " Harris's Hawk? I thought this was a movie about Shakespeare!"
I went home and checked. Sure enough, there weren't any Harris's Hawks being flown in Europe until well over two centuries after Shakespeare's death.
This movie was filmed in Britain. The woodland birds that I heard on the soundtrack sounded like British birds to me. That was a pleasant surprise, since most movies feature Red-tailed Hawks and California Quails vocalizing, no matter on what continent the plots transpires.
There were all sorts of other nice details in this film that the producers got right--even down to the prevalence of filthy fingernails!
There are lots of falconers in Britain. Certainly, the Harris's Hawk is one of the most popular choices for falconers there, but he production team could have found any number of birds that would have been available there in Shakespeare's time, so Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Eurasian Goshawk, Saker, Peregrine, Eurasian Kestrel, and so forth.
Date: 1/29/26 10:09 pm From: Constance Sidles via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] King County Conservation supervisors voting
Hey tweets, For all you out there who live in King County, I'm urging you to vote in the ongoing election for a board member on the King County Conservation District Board of Supervisors. The supervisors make decisions about policies having to do with urban and rural forest health, farm conservation, drainage, healthy soil, and wildfire mitigation, among many things.
To get started (and to read the statements of the 3 candidates) go to this link:
Voting is open from now until Feb. 10, and you can do everything electronically. The process takes about 5 minutes.
It's an important election - at the very least, to show that there are many of us citizens who care about conservation in our county.
I won't recommend a vote for any one of the 3 candidates - that's up to you, but I will say that all 3 look terrific. - Connie, Seattle
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 1/29/26 2:19 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2026-01-29
Tweets - The day was much more pleasant than the forecasts predicted. It was pretty warm (mostly low-50's), not too dark an overcast, no wind, and only a few sprinkles now and then. And it was pretty birdy, especially in the first 2 hours.
Highlights: American Coot - At least 4, which is 2-3 more than we've had at any time in 2025 and 2026 Wilson's Snipe - A half-dozen below the weir Horned Grebe - One well out on the lake Northern Shrike - South end of the East Meadow again Bushtit - I returned to the park briefly after the walk and found ~20. First of Year (FOY) Cedar Waxwing - A half-dozen or more eating hawthorn berries along the west edge of the Dog Meadow near the heronry (FOY) White-throated Sparrow - FOUR TOGETHER under the old weeping willow at the Rowing Club. High Count for us at the park! Song Sparrow - Eric saw the "Eastern" one along the west edge of the East Meadow Western Meadowlark - Fourteen on the grass soccer fields again
Misses today included Cackling Goose, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, Cooper's Hawk, and Hairy Woodpecker.
For the day, 55 species. For the year, I believe we're up to 68 species.
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 1/29/26 2:19 pm From: Brian Zinke via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Field trip leaders wanted for Puget Sound Bird Fest
Hi Tweets,
I'm in search of additional field trip leaders to lead guided bird walks for the Puget Sound Bird Fest on June 6-7, 2026. Our walks are generally within a 10-mile radius of Edmonds, but we do occasionally have some further out. Ideally, I'm looking for folks with some experience leading bird walks, but it's not a requirement. If you're interested or would like to know more, please email me.
Thanks for your consideration! Brian
-- [image: Logo] <https://www.pilchuckaudubon.org/> Brian Zinke Executive Director phone: (425) 232-6811 email: <director...> Pilchuck Audubon Society 1429 Avenue D, PMB 198, Snohomish, WA 98290
Date: 1/29/26 11:42 am From: PENNY & DAVID KOYAMA via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] falconry in "Hamnet" movie
Gary and All,
I wonder if there is a similar law in the UK to ours in the US--the Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits the use of our native birds for commercial, non-educational use. E.G., although I enjoyed these birds in New Zealand (before we got Covid on the tour!) there is a current, and by now annoying, Progressive Insurance ad where a guy sitting on a bench eating lunch is swarmed by a flock of Silver Gulls, aka Red-billed Gulls. We have many gulls of our own, but the law prohibits their use. And who hasn't seen many unfamiliar raptors in movies? I noted the Harris' Hawk in Hamnet, and silently laughed thinking about the possibility of a protected species reversal from a British law.
Hello, Rachel Lawson! You're living in the UK now--do you know?
Penny Koyama , Bothell
01/25/2026 3:25 PM PST Gary Bletsch via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
> > > Dear Tweeters, > > The movie Hamnet will presumably win some Oscars this March. I just sat through it. It wasn't bad, although I think I still prefer Shakespeare in Love. > > That said, the beginning of the movie had me scratching my head. The leading lady, a falconer of sorts, was flying a Harris's Hawk. "Wait," I thought, " Harris's Hawk? I thought this was a movie about Shakespeare!" > > I went home and checked. Sure enough, there weren't any Harris's Hawks being flown in Europe until well over two centuries after Shakespeare's death. > > This movie was filmed in Britain. The woodland birds that I heard on the soundtrack sounded like British birds to me. That was a pleasant surprise, since most movies feature Red-tailed Hawks and California Quails vocalizing, no matter on what continent the plots transpires. > > There were all sorts of other nice details in this film that the producers got right--even down to the prevalence of filthy fingernails! > > There are lots of falconers in Britain. Certainly, the Harris's Hawk is one of the most popular choices for falconers there, but he production team could have found any number of birds that would have been available there in Shakespeare's time, so Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Eurasian Goshawk, Saker, Peregrine, Eurasian Kestrel, and so forth. > > Sheesh, Mr. Spielberg! > > Yours truly, > > Gary Bletsch > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 1/29/26 8:32 am From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for 1/28/2026
Hi Tweets,
Approximately 25 of us endured a drizzly day at the Refuge with
temperatures in the 40's degrees Fahrenheit and a High 13'9" Tide at
12:01pm.
Highlights included WILSON'S SNIPE in the flooded field just north of the
old McAllister Creek Access Road west of the west end parking lot and in
the freshwater marsh along the Nisqually Estuary Trail, continuing
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW x 2-3 from the Twin Barns Overlook and Nisqually
Estuary Trail north of the Twin Barns, LINCOLN SPARROW spotted by Ken north
of the Nisqually Estuary Trail just north of the Twin Barns, three falcons
for the day - PEREGRINE/MERLIN/AMERICAN KESTREL, two AMERICAN BITTERNS in
the freshwater marsh along the Nisqually Estuary Trail, and a flock of
2-3,000 DUNLIN flying around the mudflats with a few WESTERN SANDPIPER in
the mix. Other notable sightings included a continuing yellow-shafted
NORTHERN FLICKER along the Nisqually Estuary Trail seen by a few and a
LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER spotted by Janel at 7:30 a.m. flying into the
freshwater marsh.
We tried to relocate the previously reported Swamp Sparrow, but it
continues to elude us on the Wednesday Walk.
For the day we observed 67 species, with First of Year YELLOW-RUMPED
WARBLER, COOPER'S HAWK, CALIFORNIA GULL and Long-billed Dowitcher we now
have seen 82 species for the year. See our eBird report below with
additional details.
Others seen include Muskrat, Columbian Black-tailed Deer and Harbor Seal.
Until next week when we meet again at 8am at the Visitor Center Pond
Overlook, happy birding.
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Jan 28, 2026 7:38 AM - 4:04 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.025 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Cloudy with intermittent light
rain. Temperatures in the 40’s degree Fahrenheit. A High 13’9” Tide at
12:01pm. Others seen include Muskrat, Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Eastern
Gray Squirrel and Harbor Seal.
67 species (+8 other taxa)
Cackling Goose 500
Cackling Goose (minima) 1
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 6
Northern Shoveler 100
Gadwall 25
American Wigeon 500
Eurasian x American Wigeon (hybrid) 1 Spotted by Janel in the morning
from the Nisqually Estuary Trail or Dike.
Mallard 100
Northern Pintail 142
Green-winged Teal (American) 250
Ring-necked Duck 5 Visitor Center Pond.
Surf Scoter 30
Bufflehead 75
Common Goldeneye 25
Hooded Merganser 3 Visitor Center Pond.
Common Merganser 4 Nisqually River Observation Platform.
Red-breasted Merganser 20 McAllister Creek
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 20
Anna's Hummingbird 1 Spotted by Danielle in the Orchard.
Virginia Rail 1 Heard only
American Coot 35
Long-billed Dowitcher 1 Spotted by Janel in the morning flying into
the fresh water marsh.
Wilson's Snipe 5 Flooded fields either side of the old McAllister
Creek Access Road and fresh water marsh.
Greater Yellowlegs 15
Dunlin 2000
Least Sandpiper 9
Western Sandpiper 4 Observed foraging with large flocks of Dunlin with
spotting scopes at 100-500 feet. Peep sized shorebird with white throat and
dark legs. Previously reported.
Short-billed Gull 50
Ring-billed Gull 30
California Gull 1
Glaucous-winged Gull 1
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 1
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 25
Larus sp. 100
Horned Grebe 7
Brandt's Cormorant 3 Nisqually Channel Marker
Double-crested Cormorant 15
American Bittern 2 Fresh water marsh off Nisqually Estuary Trail.
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 30
Cooper's Hawk 1 Flying over Twin Barns Picnic Area.
Northern Harrier 2
Bald Eagle 15
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Belted Kingfisher 2
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 3
Downy/Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1 Previously reported. Spotted by
Pete and Janel along the Nisqually Estuary Trail.
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 9
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted) 1
American Kestrel (Northern) 1
Merlin 1
Peregrine Falcon 1
American Crow 100
Black-capped Chickadee 30
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 12
Bushtit (Pacific) 20
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 12
Golden-crowned Kinglet 20
Brown Creeper 7
Pacific Wren (Pacific) 2
Marsh Wren 6
Bewick's Wren (spilurus Group) 3
European Starling 50
American Robin (migratorius Group) 42
Fox Sparrow (Sooty) 2 Spotted by Miles in Orchard.
White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis) 3
Golden-crowned Sparrow 50
White-throated Sparrow 3 Twin Barns Observation Platform and Nisqually
Estuary Trail north of Twin Barns.
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 21
Lincoln's Sparrow 2 Nisqually Estuary Trail.
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 8
Western Meadowlark 1 Nisqually Estuary Trail.
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 50
Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens) 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Date: 1/29/26 7:58 am From: tina cohen via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Fwd: Proposed paid parking at CUH - what is the intent?
I wrote to <ucommute...> and <provost...> and received an automated response on how to contest a parking ticket. Does anyone have a better address? I said:
> I urge you to retain free parking at CUH Center for Urban Horticulture aka Union Bay Natural Area. Why are short term users such as birders and walkers being punished?
>
> Is the intent to prevent commuter parking? If so, we are NOT the offenders. We park one to three hours. Paid parking will push us into the neighborhood, and justifiably annoy the neighbors.
>
> What about events at CUH? Will participants also have to pay? Now that will be a lot of cars into the neighborhood.
>
> Does UW need money? If that’s the intent why not charge and issue placards for a limited number of commuter spaces (over 5 hours). Monitor the lot for compliance. Short term under 5 hours would be free. Events would include the fee in their cost and issue passes.
>
> Thank you for your consideration.
>
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 1/28/26 5:21 pm From: Mark Borden via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Cremello Scaup by Driftwood Beach Whidbey
There is an unusually colored female Scaup in the small pond closest to driftwood Beach I cannot attach a picture, but if anyone is interested, I took a fairly good one today. The bird has been there for the last four days, though she moved from the western pond to the pond closer to Driftwood today. Today she was accompanied by Goldeneye, Bufflehead , and one Hooded Merganser.
Date: 1/28/26 2:55 pm From: Martha Jordan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Hybrid goose posts on eBird
There have been two posts about hybrid geese posted to eBird the last
few days from Clark County. I looked at both as they were listed as a snow
goose hybrid: one with a cackler and one with a white-front. I asked my
colleague who knows about goose breeding areas and so much more in our
flyway. His take is that:
I don’t even think it is a hybrid, just looks like a Canada/cackling
goose without black head feathering – there is nothing in that bill that
suggests white-front. Given the sizing in comparison to the Dusky flock
(the red collar) in the background, I don’t know why they are so convinced
it is a “cackling goose” – I’d suggest it is likely a Lesser Canada from
the Anchorage area that has weird genetics going on.
As for the white headed goose in the flying flock: this seems more
likely to be a blue phase snow goose. Or, another white headed color
anomaly as above.
Bird ID is a challenge as there is so much to know, and then the
anomalies come along. Keeps birding interesting.
Hey tweets, please see below. Not sure what "delay" means. I suppose the signage will let us know. In the meantime, i still think it's a good idea to let the provost know of our concerns about this policy change. The UW Botanic Gardens people have gone out of their way to keep parking as accessible as possible, but even at $5 a day, this fee will place a burden on many people who use the Fill to bird, walk, commune with nature, and gain peace of mind.
I wrote the provost some days ago pointing out that diminishing a community of people who care deeply about the Fill (aka UBNA) may be financially beneficial in the short tern but antithetical to the UW's benefit in the long run.
Others have suggested letting UWBG and Transportation Services know of our concerns as well, and that's a good idea too. - Connie, Seattle
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> From: "Christina R. Owen" <crowen...>
> Subject: CUH Parking Update
> Date: January 28, 2026 at 11:22:37 AM PST
> To: "Christina R. Owen" <crowen...>
>
> Dear CUH Friends,
>
> Due to outreach and comments from community members like you, UW Transportation Services has decided to delay implementation of paid parking at the Center for Urban Horticulture. However, UW Transportation Services does plan to include this change in their regular rate approval process which commences in February.
>
> According to Transportation Services, the proposed change is being considered in order to correct noncompliance with the University of Washington’s parking policies. UW Transportation Services conducted an audit of all parking agreements for lots on campus and determined that E16 was not compliant with the University's Transportation Management Plan <https://facilities.uw.edu/files/media/2019-04-02-uw-cmp-final-plan-reduced.pdf> and does not follow University of Washington parking rules and regulations as provided by WAC 478-116 <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=478__;!!K-Hz7m0Vt54!hmnClsTcAPFZctWVT9vjT1MjTAw-kNjIIq9IM1v03Y2LhotEc1xWSZgKhYZMuyCdr7J99UqItQI$>.
>
> Given the need for a change in the agreement for the E16 lot, UW Botanic Gardens was able to negotiate a $5 per day parking rate (the lowest Value Lot rate on the Seattle campus). This is the same rate charged at parking lots <> E03 and E04, which are also close to the Union Bay Natural Area. With this proposal, public parking remains free on Saturdays after noon and all day Sunday and holidays, excluding event parking. UW Transportation Services will be posting the full rate proposal, which includes E16, on their website and will invite public comments for 30 days. A summary of public comments will be incorporated into staff recommendations and will be included in the presentation to the UW Board of Regents in the spring.
>
> Thank you reaching out and bringing your concerns, and those of the community, to the attention of the UW. UWBG hears the concerns raised by our community and we invite you to continue to share those during this public comment period.
>
> Best,
> Christina
>
> Christina Owen, PhD (she/her)
> Director
> University of Washington Botanic Gardens
> Washington Park Arboretum | Center for Urban Horticulture
> <crowen...> <mailto:<crowen...> > 206.616.5020
> uwbotanicgardens.org <http://uwbotanicgardens.org/> >
> <http://depts.washington.edu/uwbg/> > School of Environmental and Forest Sciences
> College of the Environment
> <https://www.facebook.com/UWBotanicGardens> <https://twitter.com/uwbotanicgarden> <http://www.flickr.com/groups/uwbotanicgardens/pool/> <http://www.depts.washington.edu/news/feed/> <http://www.pinterest.com/uwbotanicgarden/> >
> The University of Washington acknowledges the Coast Salish peoples of this land, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip and Muckleshoot nations. We acknowledge our Indigenous connections as well as the histories of dispossession and forced removal that have allowed for the growth and survival of this and so many of our institution
Date: 1/28/26 5:50 am From: Matt Bartels via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Reminder: Washington Bird List Reports for 2025 - time to send them in
Hi everyone -
A reminder that we are nearing the deadline to send in your 2025 county and state listing reports. Pull together your life lists, year lists and big days , whether for the entire state or individual counties and send them along.
I look forward to seeing how this past year unfolded for everyone
Matt Bartels
Seattle WA
mattxyz [at] earthlink [dot] net
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Washington Bird List Reports for 2025 - time to send them in
> Date: January 6, 2026 at 5:35:44 AM PST
>
> Happy New Year, everyone!
>
> Now’s the time to wrap up those listing details from 2025 to clear the way for 2026 surprises and goals..
>
> January 31, 2026 is the deadline to send Washington Birder your 2025 List Report.
>
> List Report and Big Day forms are available on the WA Birder website at: http://www.wabirder.com/forms.html >
> It is easiest if you use the online forms to send in reports, but other options are provided as well if needed.
>
> The annual list report is a great chance to look at the community and appreciate all the many accomplishments out there.
>
> I believe for 2025 several very high state year lists and I’m sure we have many personal listing personal highs as well - it would be excellent receive that info for the overall report. Regardless of how high or low your totals are, this is a chance to join in the community summary of accomplishments.
>
> You don’t have to enter details for every category listed, just send in info for those important to you.
>
> For 2025, we’ve once again added an option to report lists for your 5MR “5 mile radius” list, for those who track that as an extended yard list. we recommend using the eBird status decisions on local countability of introduced/exotic species.If you are on eBird, almost all the totaling is done for you. Most notably, most western WA counties no longer ‘count’ Ring-necked Pheasant in county life list totals.
>
>
> Enjoy the new year, and send in the [reports of the] old!
>
> Matt Bartels
> Washington Birder
> mattxyz [at] earthlink[dot] net
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 1/27/26 7:56 pm From: Ronda Stark via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Ungratifying news from Montlake Fill
Thank you, Karen.
I also discussed this issue with Brian and he suggested we could all send
emails to the Director of CUH who would then be able to deliver them to the
appropriate decision makers.
I would hope this would be effective as individual emails to the provost or
others might not be read in time.
I especially want to emphasize that many older people use UBNA for a
relatively brief period ( less than one hour) and this is an important
physical activity for them that is not easily replicated elsewhere.
Ronda
On Tue, Jan 27, 2026 at 6:49 PM Karen Fardal via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Hello Tweets, in case you’d like to share any thoughts with UW about the
> change to paid parking at UBNA/CUH, the time is now since they will likely
> be putting up signs this week. Maybe too late to stop it but you can still
> let them know this is tough for a number of reasons. Some I thought of,
> feel free to use or come up with your own:
>
> - Equity/financial burden for frequent visitors, even $5/day adds up to
> over $1,750/yr.
>
> - No bus line drops off there
>
> - Currently 3 huge construction projects going on nearby (two are UW
> housing, Laurel Village and Blakely Village) and construction workers
> currently take up all the parking along 41st on weekdays by 8am.
>
> - Disability access - UBNA trails are fairly flat and Yesler Swamp is
> designed to be ADA accessible. Extra walk from closest neighborhood parking
> could be too far for some disabled visitors.
>
> - Not everyone has or carries a smartphone/credit card when going on a
> nature walk. Could be disenfranchising to older/unbanked visitors.
>
> - Staff will also have to pay the daily rate. UW doesn’t pay staff that
> well to my knowledge so this is a huge hit, $1500 per year since the
> gardeners likely don’t live in Laurelhurst. We love our CUH gardeners, they
> work hard to care for this huge area as well as the botanic gardens, also
> the Miller Library and other CUH staff.
>
> - Laurelhurst neighbors are not going to appreciate having everyone park
> there to avoid paying
>
> - CUH previously negotiated keeping parking free. With the upcoming merger
> with the Arboretum Foundation, maybe something similar could be arranged or
> there could be community fundraising to keep this access open for all. Even
> postponing implementation might allow for a more creative solution.
>
> - Walking there is a vital mental and physical health benefit for a lot of
> us. Also some of us volunteer and keep the place nice by picking up trash
> and removing invasive plants.
>
> These are the emails I found to write to, Connie Sidles suggested
> including the Provost:
>
> <provost...> - Professor Tricia Serio
>
> <ucommute...> - UW Transportation Services
>
> (If you are UW connected, there is a web form but requires a UW email and
> you must be faculty/staff/student and the comment field doesn’t allow for
> that many characters - https://www.washington.edu/provost/connect/)
>
> I fully realize there are more dire things going on in the world and we
> all have many letters to write. Just in case you have time for one more in
> the very near future, I just wanted to share my thoughts.
>
> Thank you and hope you’re seeing cool birds so far here in 2026,
>
> Karen F
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 1/27/26 6:59 pm From: Karen Fardal via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Ungratifying news from Montlake Fill
Hello Tweets, in case you’d like to share any thoughts with UW about the change to paid parking at UBNA/CUH, the time is now since they will likely be putting up signs this week. Maybe too late to stop it but you can still let them know this is tough for a number of reasons. Some I thought of, feel free to use or come up with your own:
- Equity/financial burden for frequent visitors, even $5/day adds up to over $1,750/yr.
- No bus line drops off there
- Currently 3 huge construction projects going on nearby (two are UW housing, Laurel Village and Blakely Village) and construction workers currently take up all the parking along 41st on weekdays by 8am.
- Disability access - UBNA trails are fairly flat and Yesler Swamp is designed to be ADA accessible. Extra walk from closest neighborhood parking could be too far for some disabled visitors.
- Not everyone has or carries a smartphone/credit card when going on a nature walk. Could be disenfranchising to older/unbanked visitors.
- Staff will also have to pay the daily rate. UW doesn’t pay staff that well to my knowledge so this is a huge hit, $1500 per year since the gardeners likely don’t live in Laurelhurst. We love our CUH gardeners, they work hard to care for this huge area as well as the botanic gardens, also the Miller Library and other CUH staff.
- Laurelhurst neighbors are not going to appreciate having everyone park there to avoid paying
- CUH previously negotiated keeping parking free. With the upcoming merger with the Arboretum Foundation, maybe something similar could be arranged or there could be community fundraising to keep this access open for all. Even postponing implementation might allow for a more creative solution.
- Walking there is a vital mental and physical health benefit for a lot of us. Also some of us volunteer and keep the place nice by picking up trash and removing invasive plants.
These are the emails I found to write to, Connie Sidles suggested including the Provost:
<provost...> - Professor Tricia Serio
<ucommute...> - UW Transportation Services
(If you are UW connected, there is a web form but requires a UW email and you must be faculty/staff/student and the comment field doesn’t allow for that many characters - https://www.washington.edu/provost/connect/)
I fully realize there are more dire things going on in the world and we all have many letters to write. Just in case you have time for one more in the very near future, I just wanted to share my thoughts.
Thank you and hope you’re seeing cool birds so far here in 2026,
Date: 1/27/26 6:43 am From: Louise via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Movie filmed in the Washington state with clearly depicted PNW birdsong
Thanks to everyone who posted about this film. I'll make a point to look it
up, it sounds intriguing.
Louise Rutter
Kirkland
On Mon, Jan 26, 2026 at 2:14 PM PENNY & DAVID KOYAMA via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Tweets,
> This was a beautiful, though sad, movie, mostly filmed in the Metaline
> Falls area in Pend Oreille Co., some in other NE counties and Idaho. I
> think it was Netflix where we watched it, wishing we'd seen it in a
> theater. Beautiful scenery, very touching story. And yes, there was bird
> song!
> Penny Koyama, Bothell
>
> On 01/26/2026 3:50 AM PST Ann Kramer via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> I haven't seen any threads in the past few months about the Oscar
> nominated movie, “Train Dreams”. It is filmed mostly in Washington and is
> filled with extended moments of birdsong from recognizable PNW bird
> species. A distinct Pileated Woodpecker as the movie begins, later, several
> long calls of Swainson's thrush and Varied Thrush after that. I'm sure
> there are more and I intend to watch it again just to see how many more I
> missed. The majority of this film is shot in the PNW forest and
> portrays the turn of the century lumber industry, with unflinching
> honesty. Because this movie is very deliberate, slow and quiet, the bird
> song is clearer than usually is heard in movies. I enjoyed how deeply this
> movie depicts the quietness of being in nature, and the birds were an extra
> treat!
>
> *Ann*
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 1/26/26 11:38 pm From: Tim Brennan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Pacific County Birding
Hey Tweets,
A week or so back, I jumped on a good-weather opportunity, and made another trip to Pacific County. I had Leadbetter Point (the point point) as my pie-in-the-sky destination, but was turned back by a little water. Still a great trip, and just as beautiful as expected. I got birds 90-104 for the year, including an owl, and even got a picture of a porcupine.
Date: 1/26/26 9:25 pm From: Thomas Dorrance via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Sign "Pro" on Washington House Bill 2516 (Banning rodenticides) until 9:30am tomorrow
It is worth noting that some fraction of the ubiquitous black boxes feature
conventional snap traps, not rodenticide. The box embarrasses me but it's
actually a pretty good trap. However, over the years at least two song
sparrows have been caught. They seem to favor the same corridors through
the shrubs as the rats.
Tom Dorrance
On Mon, Jan 26, 2026 at 9:02 PM Kevin Lucas via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> I watched this video:
>
> https://youtu.be/d2FkVSUOffg?si=YBvVuSERIuw1Hnx_ >
> then made a couple of these "magical mouse box"es, one using 2x4's,
> another using 2x6's. They've worked very well, both along an exterior wall
> and out in the open near a bird feeding area. I put 4 mouse traps in the
> 2x4 box, one rat trap in the 2x6 box. I use a piece of car wash sponge
> twist-tied to the bait paddle, with some peanut butter smeared into the
> sponge. While I can do fine woodworking, I made them crudely, using funky
> scraps of wood and poor quality used & bent hinges.
>
> Birds don't go into mine. Rodents do.
>
> I'd fabricated something similar for a friend before googletubing &
> finding this design. It too worked. Don't fret the details.
>
> Good birding,
> https://www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding-ethics/ > Kevin Lucas
> Yakima County, WA
>
>
>
> *Qui tacet consentire videtur*
>
>
> On Mon, Jan 26, 2026 at 8:09 PM Jerry Tangren via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>> Please what are the weapons against rat infestations? People need to hear
>> what the alternatives currently are.
>>
>> Get Outlook for iOS <https://aka.ms/o0ukef> >> ------------------------------
>> *From:* Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf
>> of Mariya Tikunova via Tweeters <tweeters...>
>> *Sent:* Monday, January 26, 2026 7:41:28 PM
>> *To:* <tweeters...> <tweeters...>
>> *Subject:* [Tweeters] Sign "Pro" on Washington House Bill 2516 (Banning
>> rodenticides) until 9:30am tomorrow
>>
>> HB 2516 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on
>> Agriculture & Natural Resources at 10:30 AM tomorrow (1/27/2026).
>>
>> Someone posted this on another birding channel I follow:
>>
>> 1.
>>
>> *Speak up for birds:* Did you know that people are spreading poison
>> all over the city? Rat poison is near ubiquitous -- just look for the
>> tell-tale black boxes in garages, outside grocery stores, next to your
>> neighbor’s shed, etc. One of these types of poisons is an anticoagulant,
>> which means rats eat it, then wander around outside for a week and slowly
>> die of internal bleeding or get picked off by a predator who thought they
>> were lucky to find a slow-moving treat. These toxins are then ingested by
>> wildlife and pets and who knows where else the poison is going once it
>> enters our environment. It’s cruel and dangerous. And, what’s more, there
>> are real alternatives. Thanks to Seattle legislators Rep. Shaun Scott and
>> Rep. Julia Reed (and others across the state) there is now a bill to begin
>> addressing this problem. HB2516 will put a temporary moratorium on using
>> these rodenticides while more research is conducted about the impacts and
>> alternatives.
>>
>> 2.
>>
>> [image: 👉] *You can sign in "PRO" until 9:30 tomorrow* to show your
>> support for this bill.
>> https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi/House?selectedCommittee=31649&selectedMeeting=33749 >>
>>
>>
>> When I signed around 6:50pm there were 434 Pro and 120 Con signatures.
>> Now, 25 minutes later, there are 445 Pro and 127 Con, so 11 Pro and 7
>> Con in 25 minutes. I am hoping people here will want to sign to keep Pros
>> growing.
>>
>> Sorry for the late call to action!
>> - Mariya
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 1/26/26 9:13 pm From: Kevin Lucas via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Sign "Pro" on Washington House Bill 2516 (Banning rodenticides) until 9:30am tomorrow
then made a couple of these "magical mouse box"es, one using 2x4's, another
using 2x6's. They've worked very well, both along an exterior wall and out
in the open near a bird feeding area. I put 4 mouse traps in the 2x4 box,
one rat trap in the 2x6 box. I use a piece of car wash sponge twist-tied to
the bait paddle, with some peanut butter smeared into the sponge. While I
can do fine woodworking, I made them crudely, using funky scraps of wood
and poor quality used & bent hinges.
Birds don't go into mine. Rodents do.
I'd fabricated something similar for a friend before googletubing & finding
this design. It too worked. Don't fret the details.
On Mon, Jan 26, 2026 at 8:09 PM Jerry Tangren via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Please what are the weapons against rat infestations? People need to hear
> what the alternatives currently are.
>
> Get Outlook for iOS <https://aka.ms/o0ukef> > ------------------------------
> *From:* Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf
> of Mariya Tikunova via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> *Sent:* Monday, January 26, 2026 7:41:28 PM
> *To:* <tweeters...> <tweeters...>
> *Subject:* [Tweeters] Sign "Pro" on Washington House Bill 2516 (Banning
> rodenticides) until 9:30am tomorrow
>
> HB 2516 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on
> Agriculture & Natural Resources at 10:30 AM tomorrow (1/27/2026).
>
> Someone posted this on another birding channel I follow:
>
> 1.
>
> *Speak up for birds:* Did you know that people are spreading poison
> all over the city? Rat poison is near ubiquitous -- just look for the
> tell-tale black boxes in garages, outside grocery stores, next to your
> neighbor’s shed, etc. One of these types of poisons is an anticoagulant,
> which means rats eat it, then wander around outside for a week and slowly
> die of internal bleeding or get picked off by a predator who thought they
> were lucky to find a slow-moving treat. These toxins are then ingested by
> wildlife and pets and who knows where else the poison is going once it
> enters our environment. It’s cruel and dangerous. And, what’s more, there
> are real alternatives. Thanks to Seattle legislators Rep. Shaun Scott and
> Rep. Julia Reed (and others across the state) there is now a bill to begin
> addressing this problem. HB2516 will put a temporary moratorium on using
> these rodenticides while more research is conducted about the impacts and
> alternatives.
>
> 2.
>
> [image: 👉] *You can sign in "PRO" until 9:30 tomorrow* to show your
> support for this bill.
> https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi/House?selectedCommittee=31649&selectedMeeting=33749 >
>
>
> When I signed around 6:50pm there were 434 Pro and 120 Con signatures.
> Now, 25 minutes later, there are 445 Pro and 127 Con, so 11 Pro and 7 Con
> in 25 minutes. I am hoping people here will want to sign to keep Pros
> growing.
>
> Sorry for the late call to action!
> - Mariya
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 1/26/26 8:41 pm From: Zora Monster via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Sign "Pro" on Washington House Bill 2516 (Banning rodenticides) until 9:30am tomorrow
Date: 1/26/26 8:19 pm From: Jerry Tangren via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Sign "Pro" on Washington House Bill 2516 (Banning rodenticides) until 9:30am tomorrow
Please what are the weapons against rat infestations? People need to hear what the alternatives currently are.
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of Mariya Tikunova via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 7:41:28 PM
To: <tweeters...> <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Sign "Pro" on Washington House Bill 2516 (Banning rodenticides) until 9:30am tomorrow
HB 2516 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources at 10:30 AM tomorrow (1/27/2026).
Someone posted this on another birding channel I follow:
1.
Speak up for birds: Did you know that people are spreading poison all over the city? Rat poison is near ubiquitous -- just look for the tell-tale black boxes in garages, outside grocery stores, next to your neighbor’s shed, etc. One of these types of poisons is an anticoagulant, which means rats eat it, then wander around outside for a week and slowly die of internal bleeding or get picked off by a predator who thought they were lucky to find a slow-moving treat. These toxins are then ingested by wildlife and pets and who knows where else the poison is going once it enters our environment. It’s cruel and dangerous. And, what’s more, there are real alternatives. Thanks to Seattle legislators Rep. Shaun Scott and Rep. Julia Reed (and others across the state) there is now a bill to begin addressing this problem. HB2516 will put a temporary moratorium on using these rodenticides while more research is conducted about the impacts and alternatives.
2.
[👉] You can sign in "PRO" until 9:30 tomorrow to show your support for this bill. https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi/House?selectedCommittee=31649&selectedMeeting=33749
When I signed around 6:50pm there were 434 Pro and 120 Con signatures. Now, 25 minutes later, there are 445 Pro and 127 Con, so 11 Pro and 7 Con in 25 minutes. I am hoping people here will want to sign to keep Pros growing.
Date: 1/26/26 7:52 pm From: Mariya Tikunova via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Sign "Pro" on Washington House Bill 2516 (Banning rodenticides) until 9:30am tomorrow
HB 2516 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on
Agriculture & Natural Resources at 10:30 AM tomorrow (1/27/2026).
Someone posted this on another birding channel I follow:
1.
>
> *Speak up for birds:* Did you know that people are spreading poison
> all over the city? Rat poison is near ubiquitous -- just look for the
> tell-tale black boxes in garages, outside grocery stores, next to your
> neighbor’s shed, etc. One of these types of poisons is an anticoagulant,
> which means rats eat it, then wander around outside for a week and slowly
> die of internal bleeding or get picked off by a predator who thought they
> were lucky to find a slow-moving treat. These toxins are then ingested by
> wildlife and pets and who knows where else the poison is going once it
> enters our environment. It’s cruel and dangerous. And, what’s more, there
> are real alternatives. Thanks to Seattle legislators Rep. Shaun Scott and
> Rep. Julia Reed (and others across the state) there is now a bill to begin
> addressing this problem. HB2516 will put a temporary moratorium on using
> these rodenticides while more research is conducted about the impacts and
> alternatives.
When I signed around 6:50pm there were 434 Pro and 120 Con signatures. Now,
25 minutes later, there are 445 Pro and 127 Con, so 11 Pro and 7 Con in 25
minutes. I am hoping people here will want to sign to keep Pros growing.
Date: 1/26/26 3:55 pm From: Jerry Tangren via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Movie filmed in the Washington state with clearly depicted PNW birdsong
Varied Thrushes were common through many of the scenes, but they lost me with the whip-poor-will and the blue jays. Sad, but beautiful story otherwise.
Jerry Tangren, East Wenatchee
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of Mark Oberle via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 3:40:27 PM
To: tweeters post <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Movie filmed in the Washington state with clearly depicted PNW birdsong
Liked the bird wildlife calls in the movie.
I thought I heard an old world Common Cuckoo at one point, but no matter: there were a lot of dream scenes
Date: 1/26/26 3:51 pm From: Mark Oberle via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Movie filmed in the Washington state with clearly depicted PNW birdsong
Liked the bird wildlife calls in the movie. I thought I heard an old world Common Cuckoo at one point, but no matter: there were a lot of dream scenes
Date: Mon, 26 Jan 2026 03:50:21 -0800 From: Ann Kramer via Tweeters <tweeters...> (http://u.washington.edu)> To: Tweeters <tweeters...> (http://u.washington.edu)> Subject: [Tweeters] Movie filmed in the Washington state with clearly depicted PNW birdsong
I haven't seen any threads in the past few months about the Oscar nominatedmovie, ?Train Dreams?. It is filmed mostly in Washington and is filledwith extended moments of birdsong from recognizable PNW bird species. Adistinct Pileated Woodpecker as the movie begins, later, several long callsof Swainson's thrush and Varied Thrush after that. I'm sure there are moreand I intend to watch it again just to see how many more I missed. Themajority of this film is shot in the PNW forest and portrays the turn ofthe century lumber industry, with unflinching honesty. Because this movieis very deliberate, slow and quiet, the bird song is clearer thanusually is heard in movies. I enjoyed how deeply this movie depicts thequietness of being in nature, and the birds were an extra treat!*Ann* Mark Oberle Manchester, WA <oberle...> www.puertoricobirds.com
Date: 1/26/26 3:43 pm From: Elaine Thomas via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] help me plan an itinerary
Sorry - forgot to add my email so people can reply to me: ethomas at salud dot unm dot edu
My friend from the southwest wants to see water-related birds. We'll do the Westport pelagic cruise on Saturday May 23, after birding that area the day before. Then we have Sunday and Monday to head elsewhere. Where should we go for high yield? Around Port Townsend, Anacortes, or...? She was hoping for puffins but those cruises are only Saturdays as far as I can tell - any other ways to see them? Any tips about Westport area, I know there are many options there? She is older but pretty spry so nothing super-strenuous. Thanks for any advice!
Elaine Thomas, Seattle
Date: 1/26/26 3:22 pm From: Jane Hadley via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Re: Mish-mash
Dear Tweeters - I should have added that Randy Robinson is the volunteer who maintains and updates the Tweeters Archive. (Disclosure: he's my husband.)
Date: 1/26/26 3:19 pm From: Jane Hadley via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Mish-mash
Dear Tweeters - Several topics today. First, it's always great to see Gary Bletsch's name on a Tweeters message. The more we hear from him, the better, even though he has decamped to a far-away place.
Second, the Tweeters Archive has been updated to include all the messages sent in the year 2025. The archive now includes all messages from 1994 through 2025.
You can both search and browse the messages. The archive is paid for and sponsored by the Washington Ornithological Society (WOS).
The University of Washington hosts the Tweeters site, and volunteers Elaine Chuang and Doug Santoni manage the mailing list. However, the UW retains messages for only two years; hence, the need for the archive.
Third, WOS has offered a number of field trips this year. Three of them are filled, but two field trips are still available and more might be added. Keep current on WOS field trips at:
Next, the USA County Checklists program on the WOS website has been updated with some bug fixes. This web page allows you to download a checklist for any county in the US. You can choose between two printable formats.
Finally, Elaine Thomas has asked for recommendations of "high-yield" birding spots in order to plan a birding itinerary for an out-of-town visitor. I would like to recommend WOS's free online bird-finding guide: A Birder's Guide to Washington, Second Edition.
Date: 1/26/26 2:23 pm From: PENNY & DAVID KOYAMA via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Movie filmed in the Washington state with clearly depicted PNW birdsong
Tweets,
This was a beautiful, though sad, movie, mostly filmed in the Metaline Falls area in Pend Oreille Co., some in other NE counties and Idaho. I think it was Netflix where we watched it, wishing we'd seen it in a theater. Beautiful scenery, very touching story. And yes, there was bird song!
Penny Koyama, Bothell
> On 01/26/2026 3:50 AM PST Ann Kramer via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> I haven't seen any threads in the past few months about the Oscar nominated movie, “Train Dreams”. It is filmed mostly in Washington and is filled with extended moments of birdsong from recognizable PNW bird species. A distinct Pileated Woodpecker as the movie begins, later, several long calls of Swainson's thrush and Varied Thrush after that. I'm sure there are more and I intend to watch it again just to see how many more I missed. The majority of this film is shot in the PNW forest and portrays the turn of the century lumber industry, with unflinching honesty. Because this movie is very deliberate, slow and quiet, the bird song is clearer than usually is heard in movies. I enjoyed how deeply this movie depicts the quietness of being in nature, and the birds were an extra treat!
>
> Ann
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 1/26/26 11:08 am From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2026-01-22
Tweets - Last Thursday I had to rush to the airport before the survey even completed; Mason added three species after I left. I didn't get a chance to send this email until now.
The day started COLD, at 27 degrees. The fog cleared quickly, however, and even though we didn't get much of any actual sunshine, the morning warmed quickly. There was also little wind, so the cold wasn't too bad. It was birdy at times, quiet at others.
Highlights: Greater White-fronted Goose - Five below the weir Trumpeter Swan - Two flew south Wood Duck - Two in the slough near the lake, First of Year (FOY) Thirteen species of waterfowl in total Horned Grebe - Mason spotted one on the lake. Week 4 is historically the most likely week for them to show up Purple Finch - Some good looks at the southernmost Dog Swim Beach area Western Meadowlark - About 10 at the north end of the grass fields, just south of the gravel lot river otter - At least two in the slough
Misses Thursday included Cackling Goose, American Coot, Short-billed and Ring-billed Gulls, and Cooper's Hawk.
For the day, 55 species. For the year, we're at 66 species.
Our Thursday start time is shifting to 7:30 a.m.
= Michael Hobbs = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm = <BirdMarymoor...>
Date: 1/26/26 9:38 am From: Elaine Thomas via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] help me plan an itinerary?
My friend from the southwest wants to see water-related birds. We'll do the Westport pelagic cruise on Saturday May 23, after birding that area the day before. Then we have Sunday and Monday to head elsewhere. Where should we go for high yield? Around Port Townsend, Anacortes, or...? She was hoping for puffins but those cruises are only Saturdays as far as I can tell - any other ways to see them? Any tips about Westport area, I know there are many options there? She is older but pretty spry so nothing super-strenuous. Thanks for any advice!
Elaine Thomas, Seattle
Date: 1/26/26 5:38 am From: Ann Kramer via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Movie filmed in the Washington state with clearly depicted PNW birdsong
I haven't seen any threads in the past few months about the Oscar nominated
movie, “Train Dreams”. It is filmed mostly in Washington and is filled
with extended moments of birdsong from recognizable PNW bird species. A
distinct Pileated Woodpecker as the movie begins, later, several long calls
of Swainson's thrush and Varied Thrush after that. I'm sure there are more
and I intend to watch it again just to see how many more I missed. The
majority of this film is shot in the PNW forest and portrays the turn of
the century lumber industry, with unflinching honesty. Because this movie
is very deliberate, slow and quiet, the bird song is clearer than
usually is heard in movies. I enjoyed how deeply this movie depicts the
quietness of being in nature, and the birds were an extra treat!
Date: 1/26/26 12:48 am From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] A Win for Red Knots as New York Acts to Protect Horseshoe Crabs - American Bird Conservancy
Date: 1/25/26 10:07 pm From: John Riegsecker via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Horned Grebe Courtship Ceremony
I photographed part of a courtship ceremony of a pair of Horned Grebe today. It seemed early, but Birds of the World says they may begin forming pair bonds in mid winter. Birds of the World has some pretty awful sketches of the Cat Display, so I am not sure if that is what they are doing or not. If anybody knows the correct name for this display would you please let me know.
Date: 1/25/26 9:36 pm From: Charlene via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] falconry in "Hamnet" movie
I thought the exact same thing! Such an odd choice! They really dropped
the ball.
I also liked the accuracy of the dirt fingernails. 😄
My friend and I thought we heard a red-tailed hawk cry twice in the film
though.
On Sun, Jan 25, 2026, 9:19 PM Nancy Crowell via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Hi Gary - what a gun bird-geeky film review! Love it!
>
> Nancy
>
> Nancy
> "Images for the imagination."
> www.crowellphotography.com
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf
> of Gary Bletsch via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> *Sent:* Sunday, January 25, 2026 3:25:51 PM
> *To:* Tweeters Tweeters <tweeters...>
> *Subject:* [Tweeters] falconry in "Hamnet" movie
>
> Dear Tweeters,
>
> The movie *Hamnet *will presumably win some Oscars this March. I just sat
> through it. It wasn't bad, although I think I still prefer *Shakespeare
> in Love. *
>
> That said, the beginning of the movie had me scratching my head. The
> leading lady, a falconer of sorts, was flying a Harris's Hawk. "Wait," I
> thought, " Harris's Hawk? I thought this was a movie about Shakespeare!"
>
> I went home and checked. Sure enough, there weren't any Harris's Hawks
> being flown in Europe until well over two centuries after Shakespeare's
> death.
>
> This movie was filmed in Britain. The woodland birds that I heard on the
> soundtrack sounded like British birds to me. That was a pleasant surprise,
> since most movies feature Red-tailed Hawks and California Quails
> vocalizing, no matter on what continent the plots transpires.
>
> There were all sorts of other nice details in this film that the producers
> got right--even down to the prevalence of filthy fingernails!
>
> There are lots of falconers in Britain. Certainly, the Harris's Hawk is
> one of the most popular choices for falconers there, but he production team
> could have found any number of birds that would have been available there
> in Shakespeare's time, so Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Eurasian
> Goshawk, Saker, Peregrine, Eurasian Kestrel, and so forth.
>
> Sheesh, Mr. Spielberg!
>
> Yours truly,
>
> Gary Bletsch
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 1/25/26 9:32 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Speaking of Birds, “H is for Hawk” movie, now in theaters
First of all, congratulations to the Seahawks! Great game!
Second, it’s always great to hear from Gary. Gary, we all miss your great, past reports from Skagit County and the Skagit delta.
Gary’s comments regarding Birds in the movie reminded me that another movie has just been released, “H is for Hawk”, based on a great, complex book.
The movie trailer has great images/ film of a Goshawk.
One of my favorite species.
I’m looking forward to when it is available to stream.
Have any of you seen it?
Best regards,
Dan
Date: 1/25/26 9:29 pm From: Nancy Crowell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] falconry in "Hamnet" movie
Hi Gary - what a gun bird-geeky film review! Love it!
Nancy
Nancy
"Images for the imagination."
www.crowellphotography.com
________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of Gary Bletsch via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2026 3:25:51 PM
To: Tweeters Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] falconry in "Hamnet" movie
Dear Tweeters,
The movie Hamnet will presumably win some Oscars this March. I just sat through it. It wasn't bad, although I think I still prefer Shakespeare in Love.
That said, the beginning of the movie had me scratching my head. The leading lady, a falconer of sorts, was flying a Harris's Hawk. "Wait," I thought, " Harris's Hawk? I thought this was a movie about Shakespeare!"
I went home and checked. Sure enough, there weren't any Harris's Hawks being flown in Europe until well over two centuries after Shakespeare's death.
This movie was filmed in Britain. The woodland birds that I heard on the soundtrack sounded like British birds to me. That was a pleasant surprise, since most movies feature Red-tailed Hawks and California Quails vocalizing, no matter on what continent the plots transpires.
There were all sorts of other nice details in this film that the producers got right--even down to the prevalence of filthy fingernails!
There are lots of falconers in Britain. Certainly, the Harris's Hawk is one of the most popular choices for falconers there, but he production team could have found any number of birds that would have been available there in Shakespeare's time, so Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Eurasian Goshawk, Saker, Peregrine, Eurasian Kestrel, and so forth.
Date: 1/25/26 3:36 pm From: Gary Bletsch via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] falconry in "Hamnet" movie
Dear Tweeters,
The movie Hamnet will presumably win some Oscars this March. I just sat through it. It wasn't bad, although I think I still prefer Shakespeare in Love.
That said, the beginning of the movie had me scratching my head. The leading lady, a falconer of sorts, was flying a Harris's Hawk. "Wait," I thought, " Harris's Hawk? I thought this was a movie about Shakespeare!"
I went home and checked. Sure enough, there weren't any Harris's Hawks being flown in Europe until well over two centuries after Shakespeare's death.
This movie was filmed in Britain. The woodland birds that I heard on the soundtrack sounded like British birds to me. That was a pleasant surprise, since most movies feature Red-tailed Hawks and California Quails vocalizing, no matter on what continent the plots transpires.
There were all sorts of other nice details in this film that the producers got right--even down to the prevalence of filthy fingernails!
There are lots of falconers in Britain. Certainly, the Harris's Hawk is one of the most popular choices for falconers there, but he production team could have found any number of birds that would have been available there in Shakespeare's time, so Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Eurasian Goshawk, Saker, Peregrine, Eurasian Kestrel, and so forth.
Sheesh, Mr. Spielberg!
Yours truly,
Gary Bletsch
Date: 1/25/26 2:06 pm From: Matt Bartels via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] 2025 Wrap: Washington County Year List Project
Here’s the report on our 19th year of recruiting compilers from every county to track the sightings in WA. The idea behind the project [at Washington Birder] is to get behind the fun of individual county listing to compile a ‘community’ list — rather than just birds seen by a single individual, we attempt to pull together birds seen by anyone over the course of the year. It provides one perspective on the birds of Washington in 2025 - Today, most of the reporting comes via eBird, but compilers also look beyond eBird sometimes to find reports from birders more broadly.
Some 2025 results:
Overall this year, our totals were just about a little higher than normal - we saw a lot and ended up largely with totals higher than our 19year averages.
397 species were reported statewide. That’s our highest total since 2016, over 2 above our average [394.4], and four higher than our 2024 total.
327 species for Eastern Washington. That’s one higher than last year, but still the 2nd lowest in the last 5 years [19 year average [324.5]
369 species for Western Washington. That’s one below last year, and three+ higher than the overall average [365.6].
Record high county totals were recorded for five counties: Columbia [205], Franklin [223], Garfield [200], San Juan [230] and Snohomish [265],
19 counties reported higher totals than last year, 18 came in lower than last year, and two were tied [Douglas and Pierce],. 30 counties tallied more species than their 19-year average, 8 reported lower than average totals, and 1 [Grant] was exactly in line with its 19-year average..
Species:
92 species were seen in all 39 counties, the same number as were seen in all counties in 2024. 174 were seen in 30 or more counties, 234 in 20 or more counties.
At the other end of the spectrum, 31 species were reported in only one county this year.
The only species missed in 2025 that are not a Washington Bird Records Committee review-list species were Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Short-tailed Albatross and Mottled Petrel.
2026 compiling is underway, and I encourage you to look up the compiler for counties you bird in and send along unusual sightings — most compilers are checking eBird reports already, but eBird still misses a good bit and we appreciate the help making sure we hear about these sightings. You can find a list of the compilers at the above link
Thanks to all the compilers who track each county, and here's to a fun and surprising 2026. If you notice anything not noted on the 2025 list, let us know and make a resolution to report your sightings to the compiler this year .
Date: 1/25/26 12:41 pm From: Laura Busby via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival Registration Open
Hi Tweeters,
Great news! The Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival registration is open. The event is May 1 - 3, 2026 based in Hoquiam, WA.
Featured speakers for 2026 include Robert Steelquist, Friday Keynote; Allison Anholt, Saturday Dinner; Dave Slater, Program Speaker; and John "The Falconer" Prucich, Program Speaker.
Here's a sampling of other activities:
Guided Field Trips
Friday:
*
Beginner Bird Walk at Bottle Beach State Park (WA State Parks) Free, details TBD
*
Southern Estuary, stopping at Tokeland, Westport, and Bottle Beach, Guided by Bruce LaBar & Marcus Roening; Advance Registration Required, $50
Saturday:
*
Ocean Shores, $40, details TBD
*
Free Shuttles between Hoquiam Middle School and Grays Harbor NWR
Sunday:
*
Tokeland, Grayland, and Westport $50 Bruce LaBar, Marcus Roening
*
Ocean Shores $40 Mary O'Neil
*
Free Shuttles between Hoquiam Middle School and Grays Harbor NWR
Join us!
________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2026 12:00 PM
To: <tweeters...> <tweeters...>
Subject: Tweeters Digest, Vol 257, Issue 24
Send Tweeters mailing list submissions to
<tweeters...>
Message: 1
Date: Sat, 24 Jan 2026 20:07:28 +0000 (UTC)
From: "<didianstet...> via Tweeters" <tweeters...>
To: via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Snow geese
Message-ID: <660690907.1799028.1769285248153...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
The snow geese had been hanging out at the Big Ditch.? The LaConner Birding Festival is going on this weekend.? That's a good place to ask.
On Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 12:00:58 PM PST, via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Send Tweeters mailing list submissions to
??? <tweeters...>
You can reach the person managing the list at
??? <tweeters-owner...>
When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of Tweeters digest..."
Today's Topics:
? 1. Seeking a field guide to the birds of Ecuador
? ? ? (Vicki King via Tweeters)
? 2. Re: Where are the Snow Geese in Skagit County?
? ? ? (Jim Betz via Tweeters)
Message: 1
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:18:44 -0800
From: Vicki King via Tweeters <tweeters...>
To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Seeking a field guide to the birds of Ecuador
Message-ID:
??? <CAOqAUC+HJ2Uy6RbZwtcP+0qLg8C-k_jAysqe=RZgegMbj=<GiFw...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
If anyone has this field guide --
*Field book of the Birds of**Ecuador*, 2nd Edition, by Lelis Navarrete and
Miles Mcmullan -- and is willing to sell it, please be in touch offline.
Message: 2
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:46:00 -0800
From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...>
To: via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Where are the Snow Geese in Skagit County?
Message-ID: <0501bb9b-4a5f-440c-abc2-58e3987d7776...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
? Thanks to all - I guess I've just been missing them.? I -have-
checked all the
areas in Skagit County that people reported ... just didn't see/hear
them.? I
guess the hunting pressure is more to blame than anything else.
? Today, at the East 90, a duck hunter came back to his car.? He had
his 4-6 year
old daughter with him ... she was all decked out in boots and camo gear and
clearly enjoyed her Dad helping her get out of the gear before getting
into the
car.? Great Dad and cute daughter.
? I did not hear any shots there today - so expect he was carrying all
those
decoys (more than 10) after getting blanked.? Also did not see any birds on
the 'good for hunting list' flying today.? No geese of any kind, no
ducks, and
only a few swans (which are not on the list?).
? I caught a Bald Eagle finishing its lunch on that last pole on the
right as you
get to Samish Island.
Message: 2
Date: Sat, 24 Jan 2026 20:29:38 +0000
From: Nancy Crowell via Tweeters <tweeters...>
To: "<didianstet...>" <didianstet...>, via Tweeters
<tweeters...>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Snow geese
Message-ID:
<IA0PPFD4454CAA94EF3558189A370182C09AE95A...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
I saw a bunch hunkered down in a field on the north end of Fir Island this morning.
Nancy Crowell
La Conner, WA
Nancy
"Images for the imagination."
www.crowellphotography.com<http://www.crowellphotography.com> ________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of <didianstet...> via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2026 12:07:28 PM
To: via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Snow geese
The snow geese had been hanging out at the Big Ditch. The LaConner Birding Festival is going on this weekend. That's a good place to ask.
On Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 12:00:58 PM PST, via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Message: 1
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:18:44 -0800
From: Vicki King via Tweeters <tweeters...><mailto:<tweeters...>> To: Tweeters <tweeters...><mailto:<tweeters...>> Subject: [Tweeters] Seeking a field guide to the birds of Ecuador
Message-ID:
<CAOqAUC+HJ2Uy6RbZwtcP+0qLg8C-k_jAysqe=RZgegMbj=<GiFw...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
If anyone has this field guide --
*Field book of the Birds of**Ecuador*, 2nd Edition, by Lelis Navarrete and
Miles Mcmullan -- and is willing to sell it, please be in touch offline.
Message: 2
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:46:00 -0800
From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...><mailto:<tweeters...>> To: via Tweeters <tweeters...><mailto:<tweeters...>> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Where are the Snow Geese in Skagit County?
Message-ID: <0501bb9b-4a5f-440c-abc2-58e3987d7776...><mailto:<0501bb9b-4a5f-440c-abc2-58e3987d7776...>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
? Thanks to all - I guess I've just been missing them.? I -have-
checked all the
areas in Skagit County that people reported ... just didn't see/hear
them.? I
guess the hunting pressure is more to blame than anything else.
? Today, at the East 90, a duck hunter came back to his car.? He had
his 4-6 year
old daughter with him ... she was all decked out in boots and camo gear and
clearly enjoyed her Dad helping her get out of the gear before getting
into the
car.? Great Dad and cute daughter.
? I did not hear any shots there today - so expect he was carrying all
those
decoys (more than 10) after getting blanked.? Also did not see any birds on
the 'good for hunting list' flying today.? No geese of any kind, no
ducks, and
only a few swans (which are not on the list?).
? I caught a Bald Eagle finishing its lunch on that last pole on the
right as you
get to Samish Island.
I saw a bunch hunkered down in a field on the north end of Fir Island this morning.
Nancy Crowell
La Conner, WA
Nancy
"Images for the imagination."
www.crowellphotography.com
________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of <didianstet...> via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2026 12:07:28 PM
To: via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Snow geese
The snow geese had been hanging out at the Big Ditch. The LaConner Birding Festival is going on this weekend. That's a good place to ask.
On Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 12:00:58 PM PST, via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Message: 1
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:18:44 -0800
From: Vicki King via Tweeters <tweeters...><mailto:<tweeters...>> To: Tweeters <tweeters...><mailto:<tweeters...>> Subject: [Tweeters] Seeking a field guide to the birds of Ecuador
Message-ID:
<CAOqAUC+HJ2Uy6RbZwtcP+0qLg8C-k_jAysqe=RZgegMbj=<GiFw...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
If anyone has this field guide --
*Field book of the Birds of**Ecuador*, 2nd Edition, by Lelis Navarrete and
Miles Mcmullan -- and is willing to sell it, please be in touch offline.
Message: 2
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:46:00 -0800
From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...><mailto:<tweeters...>> To: via Tweeters <tweeters...><mailto:<tweeters...>> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Where are the Snow Geese in Skagit County?
Message-ID: <0501bb9b-4a5f-440c-abc2-58e3987d7776...><mailto:<0501bb9b-4a5f-440c-abc2-58e3987d7776...>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
? Thanks to all - I guess I've just been missing them.? I -have-
checked all the
areas in Skagit County that people reported ... just didn't see/hear
them.? I
guess the hunting pressure is more to blame than anything else.
? Today, at the East 90, a duck hunter came back to his car.? He had
his 4-6 year
old daughter with him ... she was all decked out in boots and camo gear and
clearly enjoyed her Dad helping her get out of the gear before getting
into the
car.? Great Dad and cute daughter.
? I did not hear any shots there today - so expect he was carrying all
those
decoys (more than 10) after getting blanked.? Also did not see any birds on
the 'good for hunting list' flying today.? No geese of any kind, no
ducks, and
only a few swans (which are not on the list?).
? I caught a Bald Eagle finishing its lunch on that last pole on the
right as you
get to Samish Island.
The snow geese had been hanging out at the Big Ditch. The LaConner Birding Festival is going on this weekend. That's a good place to ask.
On Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 12:00:58 PM PST, via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Send Tweeters mailing list submissions to
<tweeters...>
Message: 1
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:18:44 -0800
From: Vicki King via Tweeters <tweeters...>
To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Seeking a field guide to the birds of Ecuador
Message-ID:
<CAOqAUC+HJ2Uy6RbZwtcP+0qLg8C-k_jAysqe=RZgegMbj=<GiFw...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
If anyone has this field guide --
*Field book of the Birds of**Ecuador*, 2nd Edition, by Lelis Navarrete and
Miles Mcmullan -- and is willing to sell it, please be in touch offline.
Message: 2
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:46:00 -0800
From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...>
To: via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Where are the Snow Geese in Skagit County?
Message-ID: <0501bb9b-4a5f-440c-abc2-58e3987d7776...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
? Thanks to all - I guess I've just been missing them.? I -have-
checked all the
areas in Skagit County that people reported ... just didn't see/hear
them.? I
guess the hunting pressure is more to blame than anything else.
? Today, at the East 90, a duck hunter came back to his car.? He had
his 4-6 year
old daughter with him ... she was all decked out in boots and camo gear and
clearly enjoyed her Dad helping her get out of the gear before getting
into the
car.? Great Dad and cute daughter.
? I did not hear any shots there today - so expect he was carrying all
those
decoys (more than 10) after getting blanked.? Also did not see any birds on
the 'good for hunting list' flying today.? No geese of any kind, no
ducks, and
only a few swans (which are not on the list?).
? I caught a Bald Eagle finishing its lunch on that last pole on the
right as you
get to Samish Island.
Date: 1/23/26 6:56 pm From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Where are the Snow Geese in Skagit County?
Thanks to all - I guess I've just been missing them. I -have-
checked all the
areas in Skagit County that people reported ... just didn't see/hear
them. I
guess the hunting pressure is more to blame than anything else.
Today, at the East 90, a duck hunter came back to his car. He had
his 4-6 year
old daughter with him ... she was all decked out in boots and camo gear and
clearly enjoyed her Dad helping her get out of the gear before getting
into the
car. Great Dad and cute daughter.
I did not hear any shots there today - so expect he was carrying all
those
decoys (more than 10) after getting blanked. Also did not see any birds on
the 'good for hunting list' flying today. No geese of any kind, no
ducks, and
only a few swans (which are not on the list?).
I caught a Bald Eagle finishing its lunch on that last pole on the
right as you
get to Samish Island.
Date: 1/23/26 3:29 pm From: Vicki King via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Seeking a field guide to the birds of Ecuador
If anyone has this field guide -- *Field book of the Birds of**Ecuador*, 2nd Edition, by Lelis Navarrete and Miles Mcmullan -- and is willing to sell it, please be in touch offline.
Date: 1/22/26 8:01 pm From: Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Poulsbo area birding
Many thanks to the Tweets who sent birding suggestions. Unfortunately my appointment ran quite long so it was a mad dash to catch the ferry for me. However, I was quite intrigued by your suggestions, and I will take a day to explore come spring. The ferry trips provided looks at all three cormorants, Surf Scoters, distant grebe sp., f. Red-breasted Merganser, Pigeon Guillemots, and a surprising Black Turnstone wandering about one of the "bumpers" near the Vashon Dock. Carol Stoner West Seattle
Date: 1/22/26 2:42 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Say's Phoebe in Roy WA
Tweeters,
I was stunned to see a SAY'S PHOEBE this morning on our back deck and yard. Below is the information I put on eBirdPNW. I have no idea if the eBird powers-that-be will accept this input, but I'm quite positive of the ID.
Here's the eBird info:
Avian Acres - Home, Pierce, Washington, US Jan 22, 2026 9:15 AM
Protocol: Incidental
Checklist Comments: Location: Lat 46.58.33N Long 122.29.37W. At 0915, a bird flew onto the deck at the edge of the French doors next to where I was eating breakfast. (Temperature was 29degF at the time with no wind.) My first thought was that it was a Dark-eyed Junco (of which we have at least 100 on the property). I got up from my chair to look down on the deck and immediately identified the bird as a SAY'S PHOEBE from the gray back and salmon-colored wash behind the gray breast. I am familiar with this species from seeing it often in the spring/summer in eastern Washington at a property in Cle Elum. The phoebe then flew to a boulder in the yard and "squatted" down on the top of it. My wife attempted to use my phone's camera, but as she focused, the bird flew off to the south. It was then that I saw it had a completely black tail, with no outer white tail feathers as would be seen with the local juncos. The bird was visible for about a minute.
Note: I have 50 feeding stations set up on the property. Many feeders are suet or seed cylinders (from Wild Birds Unlimited) in addition to seed and peanut feeders. The other birds in the area (Dark-eyed Juncos; Song, White-throated, White-crowned, and Golden-crowned sparrows; Spotted Towhees; Northern Flickers; Hairy Woodpecker; House Finches; and Steller's and California Scrub-jays) were actively feeding at most of the feeders visible from the house.
1 species
Say's Phoebe 1 First impression of bird was it was a Say's Phoebe. The pale salmon-colored belly and flanks caught my eye immediately. The back was gray, darker than the breast area, which was also gray. Compared with the Dark-eyed Juncos that were in the area, it appeared "chunkier" and bigger - longer. I did not see any white on the bird. When it was on the boulder in the back yard, it "squatted" down and appeared fluffed out, possibly because of the cold. In this position, the legs were not visible. When it flew off, the all-black tail was easily seen - with no white outer tailfeathers such as found on juncos. There were no markings on the chest area, just the pale gray. The pale salmon-coloration extended beyond the belly toward the undertail coverts. I noted that when the bird was on the boulder in a side view.
Date: 1/22/26 10:34 am From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk for Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR 1/21/2026
Hi Tweets,
We started out with about 18 birders on a cold and foggy morning.
Temperatures were in the 30's degrees Fahrenheit, it was chilly and damp.
As the morning progressed, perhaps the warmer birders started showing up
around 10am when skies were slightly brighter and bird activity increased.
There was a High 14'10" tide at 7:49am and a Low 6'2" Tide at 1:45pm so we
decided to skip the Orchard and Access Roads until the afternoon to attempt
to get out on the dike a little earlier. Highlights included great looks
of HUTTON'S VIREO and RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER along the west side of the
Twin Barns Loop Trail, fabulous observations of two AMERICAN BITTERN in the
freshwater marsh on the inside of the Nisqually Estuary Trail or dike
between the Willow Tree and entrance to the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk
Trail, a gorgeous flock of upwards of 2000 DUNLIN with murmurations over
the surge plain and mudflats, shorebird hunting MERLIN, first of year
NORTHERN SHRIKE on the surge plain north of the Twin Barns in the
afternoon, and continuing WHITE-THROATED SPARROW in a large flock of
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW/SONG SPARROW/WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW/FOX SPARROW in
the riparian bramble south of the Nisqually Estuary Trail dike north of the
Twin Barns. Other notable sightings were BARN OWL at 7:15am from the Twin
Barns Overlook and both lutescens and gray headed variety of ORANGE-CROWNED
WARBLER loosely associated with the large flock of sparrows. With the cold
fog, many small birds like GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET,
CHICKADEE and ORANGE CROWNED WARBLER were foraging off the ground instead
of higher up in the trees.
For the day, we observed 64 species. With FOY Northern Shrike, we have now
observed 78 species for the year. See our eBird Report with additional
details pasted below.
Other species seen included Douglas Squirrel, Pacific Tree Frog, Harbor
Seal, Columbian Black-tailed Deer and Eastern Gray Squirrel.
Until next week when we meet again at 8am at the Visitor Center Pond
Overlook, happy birding.
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Jan 21, 2026 7:38 AM - 4:38 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.142 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Foggy in the morning with partly
cloudy skies in the afternoon. Temperatures in the 30’s to 40’s degrees
Fahrenheit. There was a High 14’10” Tide at 7:49am and a high Low 6’2” Tide
at 1:45pm. Others seen included Douglas Squirrel, Pacific Chorus Frog,
Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Harbor Seal, and Eastern Gray Squirrel.
64 species (+8 other taxa)
Cackling Goose (minima) 800
Cackling Goose (Taverner's) 10
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 30
Northern Shoveler 60
Gadwall 20
Eurasian Wigeon 1 Drake. Observed from the McAllister Creek Viewing
Platform south of the confluence with Shannon Slough foraging with upwards
of 1000 American Wigeon.
American Wigeon 1500
Mallard 125
Northern Pintail 300
Green-winged Teal (American) 500
Ring-necked Duck 4 Visitor Center Pond.
Surf Scoter 30
Bufflehead 120
Common Goldeneye 30
Common Merganser 8 Most in Nisqually River.
Red-breasted Merganser 5 McAllister Creek and Nisqually Reach
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 25
Virginia Rail 1 Spotted by Miles in freshwater marsh off the Nisqually
Estuary Trail or dike 75 yards before the entrance to the Nisqually Estuary
Boardwalk Trail.
American Coot (Red-shielded) 50
Wilson's Snipe 4 Foraging in flooded field just west of the west side
parking lot.
Spotted Sandpiper 1 Spotted by Ken along the West Bank of McAllister
Creek.
Greater Yellowlegs 35
Dunlin 2000 Spectacular flock with gorgeous murmuration over surge
plain and mudflats around Leschi and Shannon Slough.
Least Sandpiper 50
Short-billed Gull 75
Ring-billed Gull 35
Glaucous-winged Gull 2
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 10
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 10
Pied-billed Grebe 1 Visitor Center Pond.
Horned Grebe 8 McAllister Creek.
Common Loon 1 Scope views, Nisqually Reach.
Double-crested Cormorant 10
cormorant sp. 2
American Bittern 2 Fresh water marsh along Nisqually Estuary Trail or
dike between Willow Tree and entrance to Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail.
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 15
Northern Harrier 3
Bald Eagle 15
Red-tailed Hawk (calurus/alascensis) 3
American Barn Owl (American) 1 Spotted by Jeanette and Marc at 7:15am
from the Twin Barns Observation Platform.
Belted Kingfisher 3
Red-breasted Sapsucker 1 Seen at the Twin Bench Overlook along the
west side of the Twin Barns Loop Trail south of the cut-off to the Twin
Barns.
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 3
Northern Flicker 4
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted) 1 Spotted by Ken on
the Nisqually Estuary Trail or dike close to the Leschi Slough aqueduct.
American Kestrel (Northern) 1 Spotted by Ellen in the surge plain
north of the Twin Barns.
Merlin 1 Spotted by Anders hunting shorebirds on either side of the
Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail from the McAllister Creek Observation
Platform.
Hutton's Vireo (Pacific) 2 Spotted by Laurie and Ken along the west
side of the Twin Barns Loop Trail near the twin bench observation platform
just south of the access road cut through.
Northern Shrike 1 Seen in the afternoon in the surge plain north of
the Twin Barns.
American Crow 60
Black-capped Chickadee 15
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 3
Bushtit (Pacific) 20
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 10
Golden-crowned Kinglet 10
Brown Creeper 6
Pacific Wren (Pacific) 3
Marsh Wren 14
Bewick's Wren (spilurus Group) 6
European Starling 150
American Robin (migratorius Group) 38
Fox Sparrow (Sooty) 3
White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis) 1
Golden-crowned Sparrow 40
White-throated Sparrow 2 Seen in large flock of Zonotrichia along the
south side of the Nisqually Estuary Trail between the access road
intersection and the Leschi Slough aqueduct.
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 30
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 6
Red-winged Blackbird 25
Orange-crowned Warbler 1
Orange-crowned Warbler (Gray-headed) 1 Seen in riparian bramble south
of Nisqually Estuary Trail or dike adjacent to Twin Barns where large flock
of zonotrichia were foraging.
Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens) 1 Seen in riparian bramble south of
Nisqually Estuary Trail or dike adjacent to Twin Barns where large flock of
zonotrichia were foraging.
Date: 1/22/26 8:30 am From: GENE BULLOCK via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Reply to Carol Stoner - Poulsbo biridng spots
Hello Carol Stoner, If you have an hour or so to bird between Poulsbocand Bremerton, check out Lions Park in East Bremerton (251 Lebo Blvd). It ovverlooks the Port Washington Narrows. In the morning the sun is at your back, and the Narrows usually abounds in wintering marine birds. Kitsap Audubon schedules annual trips there. Gene Bullock Kitsap Audubon Newsletter Editor for 20 years
> On 01/21/2026 12:00 PM PST via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote: > > > Send Tweeters mailing list submissions to > <tweeters...> > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > <tweeters-request...> > > You can reach the person managing the list at > <tweeters-owner...> > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Tweeters digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Y-R Warblers (Philomena O'Neill via Tweeters) > 2. LaConner WA Birding Festival (James Ullrich via Tweeters) > 3. Ungratifying news from Montlake Fill > (Constance Sidles via Tweeters) > 4. Where's snow geese? (Martha Jordan via Tweeters) > 5. Re: Where's snow geese? (Nancy Crowell via Tweeters) > 6. Re: Where's snow geese? (Cynthia Simonsen via Tweeters) > 7. Poulsbo Birding spots? (Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters) > 8. Edmonds Roundup - December 2025 (Carol Riddell via Tweeters) > 9. REMINDER: WOS Monthly Meeting, January 26, 2026: (on-line > only) "one week early" (via Tweeters) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:25:57 -0800 > From: Philomena O'Neill via Tweeters <tweeters...> > To: Hans-Joachim Feddern <thefedderns...> > Cc: <tweeters...> > Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Y-R Warblers > Message-ID: <FF402671-2285-4CCB-AF3A-74F82B2EA893...> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20260120/b7b8908f/attachment-0001.html> > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:34:47 -0800 > From: James Ullrich via Tweeters <tweeters...> > To: <tweeters...> > Subject: [Tweeters] LaConner WA Birding Festival > Message-ID: <2EE35627-5F79-4E39-BB46-902CE238B981...> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii > > Welcome to one of the early Birdy festivals of 2026. LaConner Washington Birding Festival. Need repairs or just looking through new Swarovski Optiks, we will be there 01/22-24. > Visit www.lovelaconner.com > Jim Ullrich > 360-908-0817 (text or call) > Sent from my iPhone > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:50:22 -0800 > From: Constance Sidles via Tweeters <tweeters...> > To: tweeters <tweeters...> > Subject: [Tweeters] Ungratifying news from Montlake Fill > Message-ID: <96D4EF39-4483-4DB9-8D72-4FA5C54B9F01...> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii > > Hey tweets, I have some unfortunate news to report regarding parking at Montlake Fill. > > Beginning Feb. 1, the UW will charge for parking at all the parking lots at UBNA, including the CUH parking lots and the parking lots by the greenhouses. Parking staff assure me they will be on the lookout for people who haven't paid, who may be subject to tickets and/or towing. Bummer! > > UW Botanic Gardens staff tell me the parking fees will be administered by the UW's Transportation staff; the money will go to the transportation dept., not to the UWBG. > > I assume that parking regulations will apply: namely, that parking fees will be charged every day except free from noon on Saturdays through Sunday - that is, unless an event is scheduled for the parking spaces. In that case, event parking fees will be charged. > > I don't know yet if that means that parking fees will be charged on weekends when the UW is hosting athletic events such as football games or other large gatherings. - Connie, Seattle > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:50:33 -0800 > From: Martha Jordan via Tweeters <tweeters...> > To: Tweeters <tweeters...> > Subject: [Tweeters] Where's snow geese? > Message-ID: > <CAPbe3Q6JT+<Of4GBpFAGJMz5Pgn5WJ3zeyvsCfxN2UNoN3cF5DQ...> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > They are out there in the Skagit Valley or on the adjacent waters. It > often depends on the tides: low tide will see them on the mud flats and > high water will often push them into the fields. They also move around > depending on the hunting pressure (at least some of the time). And, many > of them could be up in Canada for the day or more--they do travel back and > forth between Skagit and Fraser river deltas. > They are out there, just in lower numbers than in the days 4-5 years ago. > These Wrangel Island geese once used the Skagit-Frasier Delta to > over-winter, almost exclusively. Then dairy farms were pushed to leave for > salmon conservation issues and some re-established in eastern WA. And that > grew into a shift in use by WI snow geese to the point that we now have > likely less than 70,000 snow geese in Skagit and about 160,000 in eastern > WA. > And a reminder to those on both sides of the mountains: Following the > end of regular waterfowl season, there is an extended snow goose hunt on > the following days, but only in certain areas, and only for white geese: > West Side: Feb 7-15, 2026 > East Side: Feb 21-Mar 8, 2026 > This is a brief explanation. If you want to know more, feel free to > contact me off list. > > Martha Jordan > Everett, WA > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20260120/7c13e38d/attachment-0001.html> > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 5 > Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2026 22:08:46 +0000 > From: Nancy Crowell via Tweeters <tweeters...> > To: Martha Jordan <mj.cygnus...>, tweeters > <tweeters...> > Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Where's snow geese? > Message-ID: > <IA0PPFD4454CAA99227BC563759E3C19C5AAE89A...> > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > If you are here in Skagit looking, I have seen large flocks near the Big Ditch area of Stanwood recently and offshore near Jensen Access on Fir Island. As Martha said, they are here. > > Nancy Crowell > La Conner, WA > > Nancy > "Images for the imagination." > www.crowellphotography.com > ________________________________ > From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of Martha Jordan via Tweeters <tweeters...> > Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 1:50:33 PM > To: Tweeters <tweeters...> > Subject: [Tweeters] Where's snow geese? > > They are out there in the Skagit Valley or on the adjacent waters. It often depends on the tides: low tide will see them on the mud flats and high water will often push them into the fields. They also move around depending on the hunting pressure (at least some of the time). And, many of them could be up in Canada for the day or more--they do travel back and forth between Skagit and Fraser river deltas. > They are out there, just in lower numbers than in the days 4-5 years ago. > These Wrangel Island geese once used the Skagit-Frasier Delta to over-winter, almost exclusively. Then dairy farms were pushed to leave for salmon conservation issues and some re-established in eastern WA. And that grew into a shift in use by WI snow geese to the point that we now have likely less than 70,000 snow geese in Skagit and about 160,000 in eastern WA. > And a reminder to those on both sides of the mountains: Following the end of regular waterfowl season, there is an extended snow goose hunt on the following days, but only in certain areas, and only for white geese: > West Side: Feb 7-15, 2026 > East Side: Feb 21-Mar 8, 2026 > This is a brief explanation. If you want to know more, feel free to contact me off list. > > Martha Jordan > Everett, WA > > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20260120/a2d160b6/attachment-0001.html> > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 6 > Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2026 16:15:56 -0800 > From: Cynthia Simonsen via Tweeters <tweeters...> > To: Martha Jordan <mj.cygnus...> > Cc: Tweeters <tweeters...> > Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Where's snow geese? > Message-ID: > <CALgB3yH+TPfXsfJZsxLOQBSRYr8xRb=+-+<-oj3P1vjezKqkR6A...> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > If you want to see the snow geese on Padilla Bay head east on Hwy 20 from > Anacortes. As you head downhill past Reservation Road you have a decent > view of the east side of Padilla Bay. Scan for the large flock that is > regularly in the bay. > Also, as you approach the top of the twin bridges over the Swinomish > Channel, start scanning the east side of Padilla Bay. You can regularly > spot a large flock of snow geese in the water. It?s been very easy these > past few sunny days as they appear as a very bright large white area. I > don?t advise the driver to take on the task of looking for the flock! > > If you?re lucky, in the evening you can catch them flying east to find a > field for the night. > > Happy birding! > > On Tue, Jan 20, 2026 at 1:51?PM Martha Jordan via Tweeters < > <tweeters...> wrote: > > > They are out there in the Skagit Valley or on the adjacent waters. It > > often depends on the tides: low tide will see them on the mud flats and > > high water will often push them into the fields. They also move around > > depending on the hunting pressure (at least some of the time). And, many > > of them could be up in Canada for the day or more--they do travel back and > > forth between Skagit and Fraser river deltas. > > They are out there, just in lower numbers than in the days 4-5 years ago. > > These Wrangel Island geese once used the Skagit-Frasier Delta to > > over-winter, almost exclusively. Then dairy farms were pushed to leave for > > salmon conservation issues and some re-established in eastern WA. And that > > grew into a shift in use by WI snow geese to the point that we now have > > likely less than 70,000 snow geese in Skagit and about 160,000 in eastern > > WA. > > And a reminder to those on both sides of the mountains: Following the > > end of regular waterfowl season, there is an extended snow goose hunt on > > the following days, but only in certain areas, and only for white geese: > > West Side: Feb 7-15, 2026 > > East Side: Feb 21-Mar 8, 2026 > > This is a brief explanation. If you want to know more, feel free to > > contact me off list. > > > > Martha Jordan > > Everett, WA > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Tweeters mailing list > > <Tweeters...> > > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20260120/fc890f0b/attachment-0001.html> > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 7 > Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:21:51 -0800 > From: Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters <tweeters...> > To: <Tweeters...> > Subject: [Tweeters] Poulsbo Birding spots? > Message-ID: > <CAOVv5Lxb0aWhYNKsHazipo+3t=_o7FtxLw-3CnQYs=<Hfsae3HQ...> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > I may have an hour or so to look for birds in the area between Poulsbo and > the Southworth Ferry. Any suggestions? Directions helpful! > > Carol Stoner > West Seattle > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20260120/ac82e9e8/attachment-0001.html> > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 8 > Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2026 22:01:42 -0800 > From: Carol Riddell via Tweeters <tweeters...> > To: tweeters <tweeters...> > Subject: [Tweeters] Edmonds Roundup - December 2025 > Message-ID: <A84DA2B6-7B76-4D90-ADBC-105283098597...> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Hi Tweets, > > We ended 2025 with 186 species on the Edmonds year list. No new year species were added in December. > > Other birds of interest: I forgot to note two Great Horned Owls were heard calling in the neighborhood about a mile north of the ferry dock about 10:30 p.m., 11-30-25. I also omitted several sightings of Western Meadowlarks. There were six separate sightings of probably the same bird at Edmonds marsh throughout November. Then there were December sightings on three separate dates of two meadowlarks traveling together. The male Lesser Goldfinch that has been coming to the same feeders intermittently since 2024 made an appearance in mid-December after having been absent for about two months. > > Declined for lack of any documentation: a 12-3-25 eBird report of 10 Ruddy Ducks (code 3) on the waterfront. > > Some unexpected misses for 2025: Eurasian Wigeon (code 3), Hudsonian Whimbrel (code 3), Northern Shrike (code 3), Cliff Swallow (code 3), Bullock?s Oriole (code 3). > > As always, I appreciate it when birders get in touch with me to share sightings, photos, or audio. It helps us build our collective year list. If you would like a copy of our 2026 city checklist, please request it from checklistedmonds at gmail dot com. (It reflects a species total of 283.) If eBirders will use the details field in their checklists to add critical field mark for unusual Edmonds birds (code 3 or rarer), it will help us build the city year list. Photographs or recordings are also helpful. The 2025 checklist is posted in the bird information box at the Visitor Station at the base of the public pier and is up to date through December. > > Good birding, > > Carol Riddell > Edmonds, WA > cariddellwa at gmail dot com > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20260120/10baf1a9/attachment-0001.html> > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 9 > Date: Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:04:49 -0800 > From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> > To: Tweeters <Tweeters...> > Subject: [Tweeters] REMINDER: WOS Monthly Meeting, January 26, 2026: > (on-line only) "one week early" > Message-ID: <20260121170449.1351444.qmail...> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) is pleased to announce our next Monthly Meeting: on Monday, January 26, 2026 (please note this is one week earlier due to a scheduling conflict), Chris Templeton Ph.D. will present, "Sound the Alarm: How Chickadees Communicate Sophisticated Information about Predators." Chickadees! We think of them as common, but their vocalization are anything but! Chickadees have one of the most sophisticated means of communicating about predators of all animals. And other songbird species use this information to learn about threats in their environment. Our speaker, Chris Templeton, will introduce us to avian bio-acoustics, describe how birds produce their impressive vocalizations and discuss the different types of information they communicate. Chris will highlight some of the bio-acoustics work his research group is conducting, aiming to unravel the types of information encoded in subtle variations of Chickadee alarm calls. > > Chris has spent more than 20 years as an ornithologist. He has studied a wide variety of different bird species across the world, focusing on the evolution and ecology of avian behavior. He has a PhD in Biology from the University of Washington, and is a member of the Department of Biology faculty at Western Washington University. > > This meeting will be conducted virtually, via Zoom (no in-person attendance). Sign-in will begin at 7:15 pm, and the meeting commences at 7:30 pm. Please go to the WOS Monthly Meetings page: https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/ for instructions on participation and to get the Zoom link. > > When joining the meeting, we ask that you mute your device and make certain that your camera is turned off. > > This meeting is open to all as WOS invites everyone in the wider birding community to attend. Thanks to the generosity of our presenters, recordings of past programs are available at the following link to the WOS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonornithologicalso7839/videos > > If you are not yet a member of WOS, we hope you will consider becoming one at https://wos.org > > Please join us! > > Elaine Chuang > WOS Program Support > > > ------------------------------ > > Subject: Digest Footer > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > ------------------------------ > > End of Tweeters Digest, Vol 257, Issue 20 > ***************************************** _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 1/21/26 2:17 pm From: Eric Crockett via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Okanogan Birding
On Friday 1/16, myself and two friends departed for Okanogan County. On the
way, we birded a bit along the Columbia River, where we picked up a few
ducks, many coots, and a surprise Townsend’s solitaire at the Starr Boat
Launch. We ended the day at Washburn Island, where we added Brewer’s
blackbird, American tree sparrow, and trumpeter swan. At dusk we set out
for Twisp to do some owling along NF-44. We didn’t get any owls, but it was
a moonless, cloudless night and the stargazing was worth the drive.
On Saturday, we started before dawn at Scotch Creek Wildlife Area. There
was no snow on the ground, and therefore no Sharp-Tailed Grouse (STGR) in
the trees, nor much of anything else. Driving up US 97, there were many
apples left in the orchards, but no birds talking advantage of them. At
Fancher Flats, we found a gorgeous Golden Eagle and a (single, heard-only)
chukar. We dipped on STGR again on Siwash Creek Rd, but ran into a small
group of cooperative Clark’s Nutcrackers. We had lunch at the Nealy Rd
feeders, but we didn’t observe any feeders (or birds). On the east end of
Mary Ann Creek Rd, we found a mixed flock of red crossbills and pine
siskins enjoying a dust bath in some dry dirt. Mary Ann Creek Rd and Molson
turned up very few birds. Back to Siwash Creek for another STGR run:
nothing. We ended the day with owling on Davies Rd, which yielded another
group of birders and a great horned owl duet.
On Sunday, we started in Winthrop. The town had several groups of turkeys
and a dipper in the river, but not much else in the cemetery and Pearrygin
SP. We did (finally!) find a northern shrike near Sun Mountain Lodge.
Next up was Cameron Lake Rd, which unfortunately was not birdy at all. As
usual, we got a wide variety of ducks on the south end overlooking the
Columbia River. Our final stop was Bridgeport SP where we got saw-whet owl.
Driving home through the Waterville Plateau, we noted a short-eared owl.
Species with high counts include red-tailed hawk (20), rough-legged hawk
(7), turkey (87), kestrel (20+), and red crossbill (heard at most stops).
I’ve done this trip several times now (in February), all of which have
produced birds that made the trip worthwhile. That wasn't the case this
time. There were *long* stretches with no birds at all, and we missed
essentially all of our targets, including redpoll, Bohemian waxwing,
mountain chickadee, yellow-billed loon, great gray owl, snowy owl, northern
pygmy owl, long-eared owl, sharp-tailed grouse, ruffed grouse, gray
partridge, pheasant, white-winged crossbill, pine grosbeak, white-headed
woodpecker, goshawk, gyrfalcon, snow bunting, and gray-crowned rosy-finch.
I’ll grant that some of those are a bit fanciful, but getting at least a
few is why I bird in Okanogan! This time, the highlights were the company,
the stargazing, and the views of a socked-in Havillah and Eden Valley from
high up on Davies Rd at sunset.
Date: 1/21/26 9:15 am From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] REMINDER: WOS Monthly Meeting, January 26, 2026: (on-line only) "one week early"
The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) is pleased to announce our next Monthly Meeting: on Monday, January 26, 2026 (please note this is one week earlier due to a scheduling conflict), Chris Templeton Ph.D. will present, "Sound the Alarm: How Chickadees Communicate Sophisticated Information about Predators." Chickadees! We think of them as common, but their vocalization are anything but! Chickadees have one of the most sophisticated means of communicating about predators of all animals. And other songbird species use this information to learn about threats in their environment. Our speaker, Chris Templeton, will introduce us to avian bio-acoustics, describe how birds produce their impressive vocalizations and discuss the different types of information they communicate. Chris will highlight some of the bio-acoustics work his research group is conducting, aiming to unravel the types of information encoded in subtle variations of Chickadee alarm calls.
Chris has spent more than 20 years as an ornithologist. He has studied a wide variety of different bird species across the world, focusing on the evolution and ecology of avian behavior. He has a PhD in Biology from the University of Washington, and is a member of the Department of Biology faculty at Western Washington University.
This meeting will be conducted virtually, via Zoom (no in-person attendance). Sign-in will begin at 7:15 pm, and the meeting commences at 7:30 pm. Please go to the WOS Monthly Meetings page: https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/ for instructions on participation and to get the Zoom link.
When joining the meeting, we ask that you mute your device and make certain that your camera is turned off.
This meeting is open to all as WOS invites everyone in the wider birding community to attend. Thanks to the generosity of our presenters, recordings of past programs are available at the following link to the WOS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonornithologicalso7839/videos
If you are not yet a member of WOS, we hope you will consider becoming one at https://wos.org
Date: 1/20/26 10:12 pm From: Carol Riddell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Edmonds Roundup - December 2025
Hi Tweets,
We ended 2025 with 186 species on the Edmonds year list. No new year species were added in December.
Other birds of interest: I forgot to note two Great Horned Owls were heard calling in the neighborhood about a mile north of the ferry dock about 10:30 p.m., 11-30-25. I also omitted several sightings of Western Meadowlarks. There were six separate sightings of probably the same bird at Edmonds marsh throughout November. Then there were December sightings on three separate dates of two meadowlarks traveling together. The male Lesser Goldfinch that has been coming to the same feeders intermittently since 2024 made an appearance in mid-December after having been absent for about two months.
Declined for lack of any documentation: a 12-3-25 eBird report of 10 Ruddy Ducks (code 3) on the waterfront.
As always, I appreciate it when birders get in touch with me to share sightings, photos, or audio. It helps us build our collective year list. If you would like a copy of our 2026 city checklist, please request it from checklistedmonds at gmail dot com. (It reflects a species total of 283.) If eBirders will use the details field in their checklists to add critical field mark for unusual Edmonds birds (code 3 or rarer), it will help us build the city year list. Photographs or recordings are also helpful. The 2025 checklist is posted in the bird information box at the Visitor Station at the base of the public pier and is up to date through December.
If you want to see the snow geese on Padilla Bay head east on Hwy 20 from
Anacortes. As you head downhill past Reservation Road you have a decent
view of the east side of Padilla Bay. Scan for the large flock that is
regularly in the bay.
Also, as you approach the top of the twin bridges over the Swinomish
Channel, start scanning the east side of Padilla Bay. You can regularly
spot a large flock of snow geese in the water. It’s been very easy these
past few sunny days as they appear as a very bright large white area. I
don’t advise the driver to take on the task of looking for the flock!
If you’re lucky, in the evening you can catch them flying east to find a
field for the night.
Happy birding!
On Tue, Jan 20, 2026 at 1:51 PM Martha Jordan via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> They are out there in the Skagit Valley or on the adjacent waters. It
> often depends on the tides: low tide will see them on the mud flats and
> high water will often push them into the fields. They also move around
> depending on the hunting pressure (at least some of the time). And, many
> of them could be up in Canada for the day or more--they do travel back and
> forth between Skagit and Fraser river deltas.
> They are out there, just in lower numbers than in the days 4-5 years ago.
> These Wrangel Island geese once used the Skagit-Frasier Delta to
> over-winter, almost exclusively. Then dairy farms were pushed to leave for
> salmon conservation issues and some re-established in eastern WA. And that
> grew into a shift in use by WI snow geese to the point that we now have
> likely less than 70,000 snow geese in Skagit and about 160,000 in eastern
> WA.
> And a reminder to those on both sides of the mountains: Following the
> end of regular waterfowl season, there is an extended snow goose hunt on
> the following days, but only in certain areas, and only for white geese:
> West Side: Feb 7-15, 2026
> East Side: Feb 21-Mar 8, 2026
> This is a brief explanation. If you want to know more, feel free to
> contact me off list.
>
> Martha Jordan
> Everett, WA
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
If you are here in Skagit looking, I have seen large flocks near the Big Ditch area of Stanwood recently and offshore near Jensen Access on Fir Island. As Martha said, they are here.
Nancy Crowell
La Conner, WA
Nancy
"Images for the imagination."
www.crowellphotography.com
________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of Martha Jordan via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 1:50:33 PM
To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Where's snow geese?
They are out there in the Skagit Valley or on the adjacent waters. It often depends on the tides: low tide will see them on the mud flats and high water will often push them into the fields. They also move around depending on the hunting pressure (at least some of the time). And, many of them could be up in Canada for the day or more--they do travel back and forth between Skagit and Fraser river deltas.
They are out there, just in lower numbers than in the days 4-5 years ago.
These Wrangel Island geese once used the Skagit-Frasier Delta to over-winter, almost exclusively. Then dairy farms were pushed to leave for salmon conservation issues and some re-established in eastern WA. And that grew into a shift in use by WI snow geese to the point that we now have likely less than 70,000 snow geese in Skagit and about 160,000 in eastern WA.
And a reminder to those on both sides of the mountains: Following the end of regular waterfowl season, there is an extended snow goose hunt on the following days, but only in certain areas, and only for white geese:
West Side: Feb 7-15, 2026
East Side: Feb 21-Mar 8, 2026
This is a brief explanation. If you want to know more, feel free to contact me off list.
Date: 1/20/26 2:02 pm From: Martha Jordan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Where's snow geese?
They are out there in the Skagit Valley or on the adjacent waters. It often depends on the tides: low tide will see them on the mud flats and high water will often push them into the fields. They also move around depending on the hunting pressure (at least some of the time). And, many of them could be up in Canada for the day or more--they do travel back and forth between Skagit and Fraser river deltas. They are out there, just in lower numbers than in the days 4-5 years ago. These Wrangel Island geese once used the Skagit-Frasier Delta to over-winter, almost exclusively. Then dairy farms were pushed to leave for salmon conservation issues and some re-established in eastern WA. And that grew into a shift in use by WI snow geese to the point that we now have likely less than 70,000 snow geese in Skagit and about 160,000 in eastern WA. And a reminder to those on both sides of the mountains: Following the end of regular waterfowl season, there is an extended snow goose hunt on the following days, but only in certain areas, and only for white geese: West Side: Feb 7-15, 2026 East Side: Feb 21-Mar 8, 2026 This is a brief explanation. If you want to know more, feel free to contact me off list.
Date: 1/20/26 2:00 pm From: Constance Sidles via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Ungratifying news from Montlake Fill
Hey tweets, I have some unfortunate news to report regarding parking at Montlake Fill.
Beginning Feb. 1, the UW will charge for parking at all the parking lots at UBNA, including the CUH parking lots and the parking lots by the greenhouses. Parking staff assure me they will be on the lookout for people who haven't paid, who may be subject to tickets and/or towing. Bummer!
UW Botanic Gardens staff tell me the parking fees will be administered by the UW's Transportation staff; the money will go to the transportation dept., not to the UWBG.
I assume that parking regulations will apply: namely, that parking fees will be charged every day except free from noon on Saturdays through Sunday - that is, unless an event is scheduled for the parking spaces. In that case, event parking fees will be charged.
I don't know yet if that means that parking fees will be charged on weekends when the UW is hosting athletic events such as football games or other large gatherings. - Connie, Seattle _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 1/20/26 1:44 pm From: James Ullrich via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] LaConner WA Birding Festival
Welcome to one of the early Birdy festivals of 2026. LaConner Washington Birding Festival. Need repairs or just looking through new Swarovski Optiks, we will be there 01/22-24. Visit www.lovelaconner.com Jim Ullrich 360-908-0817 (text or call) Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 1/20/26 8:33 am From: Joyce Meyer via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Snow Geese
Hello Tweets:
Returning Sunday from the Birch Bay area Mike West and I found thousands of snow geese as we came into Stanwood from the north. They were grouped in several fields. Joyce Meyermeyer2jataol.comGig Harbor
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 1/19/26 10:25 pm From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Re No Snow Geese
Since the hunting season is still on until the end of the month, the geese are likely roosting on the open water during the day and come on land after dark to feed.
Good Birding!
Hans
*Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA <thefedderns...>
On Mon, Jan 19, 2026 at 4:37 PM Jim Betz via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> We went looking for Snow Geese in Skagit County yesterday. Zip Zero
> in the Samish Flats,
> Skagit Flats, Butler Flats and Fir Island.
>
> Where are they?
> - Jim in Skagit
>
> P.S. LOTS of Trumpeters - at least 50% more than last year. Large
> groups everywhere.
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
I see small flocks of Harlequin Ducks almost every time I walk down to Lowman Beach (Gw’alali) near my house. Typically recently there are also Common Goldeneyes bobbing about, along with a few Buffleheads. And there’s parking. 😊
From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 8:56 PM
To: Tom Benedict <benedict.t...>
Cc: Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Shilshole Black Turnstone
Hi Tom!
I guess I was using the new name for Constellation Park. I do not like the way it is now restricted so that you cannot park there any more! What a waste of money!
Yes, we did have a pair of Harlequins there, loosely associating with a female Common Merganser. Also a flock of 30+ Brant was close in. There were several more about a mile south, across from the park with the Indian name and there is a porta potty. I had my FOY pair of Harlequins on New Years Day at Saltwater SP.
> On Jan 18, 2026, at 00:28, Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...><mailto:<tweeters...>> wrote:
>
> What made it ironic, is that we had looked for Black Turnstones in West Seattle a few days ago. Starting to look from Salty's Restaurant to Duwamish Head and on to Alki Beach without success. Only when we got to the west side at Alki Beach Park, we found half a dozen for my FOY bird!
Did you happen to go further south around the point to Constellation Park? I’m wondering if the Harlequin Ducks have arrived there yet. The kelp beds there make a very liable spot for HARD.
Date: 1/19/26 11:30 am From: Chuq Von Rospach via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Gull Watching Locations
On Jan 19, 2026 at 10:43:05, Lee Jaszlics via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> - Point No Point: Lots of great gulls on the beach here! Bonaparte’s,
> Heermann’s, Short-billed, Glaucous-winged, Olympic, California, occasional
> Western & Thayer's. This is my top recommendation for species diversity and
> close range photos
>
Agreed, and it’s finally open again! Also nearby is Norwegian Point County
Park, and if you stop by the Hansville store, buy a snack sit in their
parking lot, you can bird from your car and look over the gulls (mostly
GWGU) hanging out on the buildings there. Getting views along the water
here from a couple of stops can generate a few extra birds for the list.
Another spot that I have decided it under appreciated it Port Gamble (head
downhill through the gates to the kayak place, ignore the access sign since
as far as anyone can tell it’s no longer valid). Was out there last week
and in the puddles there were a lot of bathing gulls, including GWGU, but
also short-bill, ring-billed and a California. This also has been a good
place this winter for Black Scoter, and fairly reliable for Black Turnstone
and Black Oystercatcher. (This is also the place with the continuing
Harris’ Sparrow to boot)
- Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge had really excellent gulls at close
> range when I was out there in October, but I don't get out there often
> enough to tell you how consistent it is
>
I’ll also recommend Dungeness Landing Park, which is effectively looking at
DNWR from the other side. There’s an area in scope view that’s a fairly
reliable gull hangout, and you can bird from the parking lot. Always GWGU
there, but other recents include short-bill, California and western. Also
looks like some trumpeters are being seen there. (And always fun when the
eagles come an d strafe the gulls)
Chuq
---------------------------------------
Chuq Von Rospach (http://www.chuq.me)
Silverdale, Washington
Birder, Nature and Wildlife Photographer
Date: 1/19/26 10:54 am From: Lee Jaszlics via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Gull Watching Locations
Some of my gull spots
- Point No Point: Lots of great gulls on the beach here! Bonaparte’s,
Heermann’s, Short-billed, Glaucous-winged, Olympic, California, occasional
Western & Thayer's. This is my top recommendation for species diversity and
close range photos
- Ballard Locks: Lots of GWGUs/Olympics at close range, Heermann's,
Short-billed, California
- Carkeek Park: Olympic/Glaucous-winged, Short-billed and California: a
great place for photos especially during salmon season
- Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge: Tons of Ring-billeds,
Olympic/GWGUs, Short-billed
- Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge had really excellent gulls at close
range when I was out there in October, but I don't get out there often
enough to tell you how consistent it is
On Sun, Jan 18, 2026 at 10:51 AM Denning Gillespie via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Does anyone have any favorite locations for viewing large amounts of gulls
> at relatively close range? I've been really fascinated by studying their
> various molt patterns and want to get some more close-up photographs
> to study. My current favorite locations are the Marine Park in Everett and
> the Cedar River Mouth. Definitely willing to travel farther for some really
> good gull-watching.
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 1/19/26 10:25 am From: Martha Jordan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Min-winter Swan Surveys and Whoopers
The WDFW mid-winter swan surveys were completed last week. The results will be out in the first part of February or sooner. Lots of swans in the Skagit and Snohomish county areas. AND it was a two Whooper Swan week! The King County report that we had seen the day before it got reported in King County via eBird, and a different whooper in Snohomish County seen on Wed. I have personally seen both swans and have looked at some of the photos taken by various people. These two sightings are not of the same Whooper. There was another sighting of a Whooper in Whatcom County earlier in the season. And the report of the Whooper in Olympia. The question is: are there only two Whoopers or are there three. Meanwhile we do know there are many Trumpeter and Tundra Swans throughout the region this year. The flood waters have caused a redistribution of landscape use. And remember, if you see any sick or dead swans please call the WDFW Swan Hotline number: 360-466-0515 And on a final note: the injured Tundra Swan in Union Bay/Montlake area appears to be recovering and is now with a group of Trumpeter Swans in the same area.
Date: 1/19/26 10:22 am From: Jamie Acker via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] WOODPECKER A Year in the Life of North American Woodpeckers
This latest book by Paul Bannick is the result of tens of thousands of hours of field observations spanning the North American continent. The numerous photos are of National Geographic quality and make this book coffee table worthy. But it is the personal field observations documented by the photos that make this book stand out and complement the Cornell "Birds of the World" life histories accounts.
Where the Birds of the World life histories leave off, Pauls book picks up by relating the relationships between the woodpecker species as well as their individual specialized adaptations, habitat and environmental needs through his observations in the field.
This well written book follows 41 species of North American woodpeckers through a year with beautifully captured photographs. It is also a plea to view woodpeckers as habitat and environmental canaries that should not go unacknowledged.
Highly recommended, not just for the photos which are gorgeous, but for the abundant information contained in the writing.
-Jamie
<owler637...>
Bainbridge Island, WA
Date: 1/19/26 12:32 am From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Y-R Warblers
Hi Caro;!
We had our first Yellow-rumped Warbler last Wednesday 1/14 at Jack Block
Park and several more behind the restaurant at the West Seattle passenger
ferry dock.
Hans
On Sun, Jan 18, 2026 at 11:38 AM Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> This sunny weather brought out some insects. I saw my first honeybee and
> spotted a Yellow-rump Warbler fly catching Saturday afternoon.
>
> Carol Stoner
> West Seattle
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
--
*Hans Feddern*
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
<thefedderns...>
Date: 1/18/26 9:54 pm From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Shilshole Black Turnstone
Yeah, I was wondering why you did not have any at Seahurst Park which
is normally a reliable spot for Harlequins - and loons! No loons around
Alki while we were there. Another good spot is north of the Des Moines
pier. We also had a single male Harlequin off the Redondo Beach Drive
boardwalk about a week ago.
My wife and I went looking for a scrub jay today at the South Tacoma Game
Range. I was barely out of the car and there it was! I had also hoped for a
Killdeer there but no luck! Have you seen any this year? - I keep a yearly
list a the jay was #80 .
Hans
*Hans Feddern*
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
<thefedderns...>
On Sun, Jan 18, 2026 at 9:07 PM Tom Benedict <benedict.t...> wrote:
> Thanks for the location clarification. Me Kwa Mooks is also a great spot
> for sea and bay ducks and rocky shorebirds. Great to hear that the Brant
> are back. I’ve seen Brant at Constellation Park for more than 60 years! The
> north end of Seahurst Park beach is also a reliable spot for Harlequins,
> but I didn’t see any when I visited a week ago. I’ll keep my eyes peeled.
>
> Tom Benedict
> Seahurst, WA
>
>
> On Jan 18, 2026, at 20:56, Hans-Joachim Feddern <thefedderns...>
> wrote:
>
> Hi Tom!
> I guess I was using the new name for Constellation Park. I do not like the
> way it is now restricted so that you cannot park there any more! What a
> waste of money!
> Yes, we did have a pair of Harlequins there, loosely associating with a
> female Common Merganser. Also a flock of 30+ Brant was close in. There were
> several more about a mile south, across from the park with the Indian name
> and there is a porta potty. I had my FOY pair of Harlequins on New Years
> Day at Saltwater SP.
>
> Good Birding!
>
> Hans
>
>
> *Hans Feddern*
> Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
> <thefedderns...>
>
>
> On Sun, Jan 18, 2026 at 8:32 PM Tom Benedict <benedict.t...>
> wrote:
>
>>
>> > On Jan 18, 2026, at 00:28, Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <
>> <tweeters...> wrote:
>> >
>> > What made it ironic, is that we had looked for Black Turnstones in West
>> Seattle a few days ago. Starting to look from Salty's Restaurant to
>> Duwamish Head and on to Alki Beach without success. Only when we got to the
>> west side at Alki Beach Park, we found half a dozen for my FOY bird!
>>
>> Did you happen to go further south around the point to Constellation
>> Park? I’m wondering if the Harlequin Ducks have arrived there yet. The kelp
>> beds there make a very reliable spot for HARD.
>>
>> Tom Benedict
>> Seahurst, WA
>>
>
>
Date: 1/18/26 9:18 pm From: Tom Benedict via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Shilshole Black Turnstone
Thanks for the location clarification. Me Kwa Mooks is also a great spot for sea and bay ducks and rocky shorebirds. Great to hear that the Brant are back. I’ve seen Brant at Constellation Park for more than 60 years! The north end of Seahurst Park beach is also a reliable spot for Harlequins, but I didn’t see any when I visited a week ago. I’ll keep my eyes peeled.
Tom Benedict
Seahurst, WA
> On Jan 18, 2026, at 20:56, Hans-Joachim Feddern <thefedderns...> wrote:
>
> Hi Tom!
> I guess I was using the new name for Constellation Park. I do not like the way it is now restricted so that you cannot park there any more! What a waste of money!
> Yes, we did have a pair of Harlequins there, loosely associating with a female Common Merganser. Also a flock of 30+ Brant was close in. There were several more about a mile south, across from the park with the Indian name and there is a porta potty. I had my FOY pair of Harlequins on New Years Day at Saltwater SP.
>
> Good Birding!
>
> Hans
>
>
> Hans Feddern
> Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
> <thefedderns...> <mailto:<thefedderns...> >
>
> On Sun, Jan 18, 2026 at 8:32 PM Tom Benedict <benedict.t...> <mailto:<benedict.t...>> wrote:
>>
>> > On Jan 18, 2026, at 00:28, Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> <mailto:<tweeters...>> wrote:
>> >
>> > What made it ironic, is that we had looked for Black Turnstones in West Seattle a few days ago. Starting to look from Salty's Restaurant to Duwamish Head and on to Alki Beach without success. Only when we got to the west side at Alki Beach Park, we found half a dozen for my FOY bird!
>>
>> Did you happen to go further south around the point to Constellation Park? I’m wondering if the Harlequin Ducks have arrived there yet. The kelp beds there make a very reliable spot for HARD.
>>
>> Tom Benedict
>> Seahurst, WA
Date: 1/18/26 9:06 pm From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Shilshole Black Turnstone
Hi Tom!
I guess I was using the new name for Constellation Park. I do not like the
way it is now restricted so that you cannot park there any more! What a
waste of money!
Yes, we did have a pair of Harlequins there, loosely associating with a
female Common Merganser. Also a flock of 30+ Brant was close in. There were
several more about a mile south, across from the park with the Indian name
and there is a porta potty. I had my FOY pair of Harlequins on New Years
Day at Saltwater SP.
Good Birding!
Hans
*Hans Feddern*
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
<thefedderns...>
On Sun, Jan 18, 2026 at 8:32 PM Tom Benedict <benedict.t...> wrote:
>
> > On Jan 18, 2026, at 00:28, Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
> >
> > What made it ironic, is that we had looked for Black Turnstones in West
> Seattle a few days ago. Starting to look from Salty's Restaurant to
> Duwamish Head and on to Alki Beach without success. Only when we got to the
> west side at Alki Beach Park, we found half a dozen for my FOY bird!
>
> Did you happen to go further south around the point to Constellation Park?
> I’m wondering if the Harlequin Ducks have arrived there yet. The kelp beds
> there make a very liable spot for HARD.
>
> Tom Benedict
> Seahurst, WA
>
>
>
Date: 1/18/26 8:42 pm From: Tom Benedict via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Shilshole Black Turnstone
> On Jan 18, 2026, at 00:28, Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> What made it ironic, is that we had looked for Black Turnstones in West Seattle a few days ago. Starting to look from Salty's Restaurant to Duwamish Head and on to Alki Beach without success. Only when we got to the west side at Alki Beach Park, we found half a dozen for my FOY bird!
Did you happen to go further south around the point to Constellation Park? I’m wondering if the Harlequin Ducks have arrived there yet. The kelp beds there make a very liable spot for HARD.
Date: 1/18/26 8:03 pm From: KEN DERANLEAU via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Vanguard Tripod For Spotting Scopes Or Cameras
Hello Tweeters-- I have a very nice, barely used Vanguard tripod for sale. It belonged to my late mother, and I have no use for it. It includes the owner's manual and a nice carrying case.
I'll (basically) give it away for $40.00. If interested, please contact me directly on 206 321 9136. Afternoons or evenings, please.
Date: 1/18/26 12:02 pm From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Nikon spotting scope for sale
Hello, tweets.
Anyone looking for a good large spotting scope? We have decided our Nikon Fieldscope 82mm ED with 20-60x eyepiece is too heavy for our use (3.5-4 pounds) and would like to sell it. It is in fine shape and has a case and the original box.
If you are interested, please contact me off tweeters.
Date: 1/18/26 11:00 am From: Denning Gillespie via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Gull Watching Locations
Does anyone have any favorite locations for viewing large amounts of gulls at relatively close range? I've been really fascinated by studying their various molt patterns and want to get some more close-up photographs to study. My current favorite locations are the Marine Park in Everett and the Cedar River Mouth. Definitely willing to travel farther for some really good gull-watching.
Date: 1/18/26 12:39 am From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Shilshole Black Turnstone
We took advantage of the bright sunshine - and cold wind - today and joined the maddening crowds for a walk at Golden Gardens Park in Seattle. To my disappointment, the only ducks on the Beaver Ponds at the north end of the park were a pair of Mallards on one pond and a single female Mallard on the other. On the open sound there were no sea ducks or grebes to be senn, only a lot of white caps! I finally managed to find one Rhinoceros Auklet. We continued south along the Shilshole marina and started to see a few Common Goldeneyes with good close up views. Further on in between the boats on the open water we also found some Common Mergansers and a few Horned Grebes and several Barrow's, Goldeneyes. At the south end of the marina jetty Double- Crested Cormorants, Common Mergansers and several Red-breasted Mergansers had found some smelt and went into a feeding frenzy. At the end of the jetty, a group of noisy sea lions were lazing around on top of the rocks. To my surprise a single Black Turnstone showed up on the inside of the jetty. Most likely a few more were on the other, sunny side. What made it ironic, is that we had looked for Black Turnstones in West Seattle a few days ago. Starting to look from Salty's Restaurant to Duwamish Head and on to Alki Beach without success. Only when we got to the west side at Alki Beach Park, we found half a dozen for my FOY bird! Also seen at Shilshole was a Bald Eagle on top of the navigational marker at the end of the jetty, keeping an eye on the rowdy sea lions.
Good Birding!
Hans
-- *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA <thefedderns...>
Date: 1/16/26 12:46 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) monthly bird walk - 1-15-2026
Tweeters,
An overcast and mild (46-49degF) day with a bit of a breeze at times, which made it cool when we first met during the JBLM Eagle's Pride GC birdwalk. Birding started light for most of the way for the baker's dozen of us until the very end, when we scored a diverse mixed flock consisting of both chickadees, Hairy Woodpecker, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and others, including a well-viewed HUTTON'S VIREO, for which we have an excellent photo (thanks, Bruce!). Otherwise, a nice flock of American Wigeon (25) at the 9th hole pond, and a dozen Bufflehead at Hodge Lake. Rounding out the waterfowl were a couple of Mallards, a flyover of 44 Cackling geese, and a gorgeous male Hooded Merganser (the latter at the maintenance pond).
American Robins (2) were way down in numbers, and no Varied Thrushes, the latter being what seems typical thus far this winter throughout the Puget lowlands.
The JBLM Eagle's Pride GC birders meet the third Thursday of each month at 9:00AM from November to February. (Meeting time is 8:00AM March-October.) The starting point is the Driving Range building, Eagle's Pride Golf Course, I-5 Exit 116, Mounts Road Exit. (Turn left immediately after entering the parking lot to take the road leading to the driving range building.) Upcoming walks include the following:
* February 19
* March 19
* April 16
Everyone is welcome!
From the eBirdPNW report:
29 species
Cackling Goose 44
American Wigeon 25 All at the 9th hole pond.
Mallard 2
Bufflehead 15 3 at the 9th hole pond and 12 at Hodge Lake.
Hooded Merganser 1 At the maintenance pond.
Mourning Dove 5
Anna's Hummingbird 4
Red-breasted Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 3
Hutton's Vireo 1 In a mixed flock in the Douglas-firs across the road from the maintenance pond.
Steller's Jay 1
California Scrub-Jay 1 Sounding off repeatedly from the top of a willow at the maintenance pond.
Date: 1/16/26 12:35 pm From: Jeff Borsecnik via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Exploring the Great Bear Rainforest (RW Hamlyn via Tweeters)
Fabulous, Ray. Thanks.
________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Friday, January 16, 2026 12:00 PM
To: <tweeters...> <tweeters...>
Subject: Tweeters Digest, Vol 257, Issue 15
Send Tweeters mailing list submissions to
<tweeters...>
You can reach the person managing the list at
<tweeters-owner...>
When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of Tweeters digest..."
Today's Topics:
1. New Hilty on Colombia birds (rw via Tweeters)
2. Thrushes (Karl Neice via Tweeters)
3. Kent Valley Red Fox Sparrow (Marv via Tweeters)
4. Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2026-01-15
(Michael Hobbs via Tweeters)
5. Exploring the Great Bear Rainforest (RW Hamlyn via Tweeters)
Message: 2
Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:56:40 -0800
From: Karl Neice via Tweeters <tweeters...>
To: <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Thrushes
Message-ID: <FABE5DDA-BC51-401C-B24B-FB000B2EDA56...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Only seen one large group of foraging robins this season in Greenwood, and no varieds.
Karl Neice
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:13:04 -0800
From: Marv via Tweeters <tweeters...>
To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Kent Valley Red Fox Sparrow
Message-ID:
<CALOxLtG7DyiUu+<nGY2MSdBBaJ_c3fQc_pAFG-36ZArnnehXovA...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
Message: 4
Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:10:44 -0800
From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...>
To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2026-01-15
Message-ID:
<CAPO=BqsqRiqT-0bJnLn6M1=<p5WnppQG0uZbePE9wpJ4LF7kU9A...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
Tweets - I was warm (49-52 degrees) with a high overcast and no
precipitation after some pre-dawn mist. No fog, and only a little wind.
Except for waterfowl, it wasn't terribly birdy, but we did get sufficient
cameo appearances to make our species total okay.
Highlights:
Trumpeter Swan - Five flew right over our heads calling!
Eight species of duck - Green-winged Teal was our obvious miss
Anna's Hummingbird - One displaying, a couple of others singing, and
by the end we'd seen ~10
Virginia Rail - Matt heard them "singing" - Kiddick-kiddick - pre-dawn
Killdeer - One heard calling pre-dawn was, I believe, our first since
early November
Red-breasted Sapsucker - One incessantly calling (and finally seen)
near the concert venue restrooms. Our first since September!
Northern Shrike - Adult in the south end of the East Meadow
Bewick's Wren - Much singing, few sightings
House Finch - Maybe only two, but one was singing complete songs
Song Sparrow - Much singing
Lincoln's Sparrow - Two together in the SE part of the East Meadow
Red-winged Blackbird - Only a couple, but they produced perhaps their
full repertoire of sounds
Sparrow numbers were low, with maybe just 1-2 FOX SPARROW, 1 WHITE-CROWNED
SPARROW and 5-6 GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS.
Misses today included Green-winged Teal, Ring-billed Gull (though the flock
of 125-150 gulls was never observed on the ground), Hairy Woodpecker,
Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Purple Finch.
Date: 1/15/26 4:28 pm From: RW Hamlyn via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Exploring the Great Bear Rainforest
Inspired by an August 2011 National Geographic article on the Spirit Bear, by wife Dory and I visited last September what is now called the Great Bear Rainforest. This is a area set aside to preserve old growth forests through a collaborative agreement. This rainforest runs along the west coast of British Columbia, and is the largest tract of unspoiled temperate rainforest on earth. We put together a video of highlights of this area including some of the birds and mammals, which is probably of interest to you in the Tweeters community. This is an inspiring natural area! Exploring the Great Bear Rainforest: https://youtu.be/fXl0DOGJGyY
Date: 1/15/26 4:20 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2026-01-15
Tweets - I was warm (49-52 degrees) with a high overcast and no precipitation after some pre-dawn mist. No fog, and only a little wind. Except for waterfowl, it wasn't terribly birdy, but we did get sufficient cameo appearances to make our species total okay.
Highlights: Trumpeter Swan - Five flew right over our heads calling! Eight species of duck - Green-winged Teal was our obvious miss Anna's Hummingbird - One displaying, a couple of others singing, and by the end we'd seen ~10 Virginia Rail - Matt heard them "singing" - Kiddick-kiddick - pre-dawn Killdeer - One heard calling pre-dawn was, I believe, our first since early November Red-breasted Sapsucker - One incessantly calling (and finally seen) near the concert venue restrooms. Our first since September! Northern Shrike - Adult in the south end of the East Meadow Bewick's Wren - Much singing, few sightings House Finch - Maybe only two, but one was singing complete songs Song Sparrow - Much singing Lincoln's Sparrow - Two together in the SE part of the East Meadow Red-winged Blackbird - Only a couple, but they produced perhaps their full repertoire of sounds
Sparrow numbers were low, with maybe just 1-2 FOX SPARROW, 1 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW and 5-6 GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS.
Misses today included Green-winged Teal, Ring-billed Gull (though the flock of 125-150 gulls was never observed on the ground), Hairy Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Purple Finch.
For the day, 52 species.
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 1/15/26 2:24 pm From: Marv via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Kent Valley Red Fox Sparrow
Yesterday (1.14.26) there was a RED FOX SPARROW at the edge of the Green River, along Frager Rd, just south of the barn & S 204th St: https://flic.kr/p/2rRRCDw
This is but a few feet from where I saw a RED FOX SPARROW on November 4 of last year.
Date: 1/15/26 2:07 pm From: Karl Neice via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Thrushes
Only seen one large group of foraging robins this season in Greenwood, and no varieds. Karl Neice _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 1/15/26 9:35 am From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk for Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR on 7/14/2026
Hi Tweets,
Approximately 25 of us had a really nice winter day of birding with warm
temperatures in the 40's to 50's degrees Fahrenheit, mostly cloudy skies,
and a high Low 9'1" Tide at 9:36am and a High 12'3" Tide at 1:22pm.
Highlights included a BARN OWL flying into the Twin Barns with a vole at
7:25 am as seen from the Twin Barns Observation Platform; HUTTON'S VIREO
observed along the Access Road just west of the entrance to the Education
Center Parking Lot and the boardwalk adjacent to the Twin Barns Picnic
Area; ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER observed in the same areas; 6 TRUMPETER SWANS
flying south over the Refuge; continuing WHITE-THROATED SPARROW with a
large flock of GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW and one WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW at the
Twin Barns Observation Platform and along the Nisqually Estuary Dike Trail
adjacent to the aqueduct for Leschi Slough; LINCOLN SPARROW along the
Nisqually Estuary Dike Trail; EURASIAN WIGEON in McAllister Creek along the
Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail; both RED-THROATED LOON and COMMON LOON
observed from the closure gate at the end of the Nisqually Estuary
Boardwalk Trail, a few WESTERN SANDPIPERS mixed in with a flock of 2000
DUNLIN foraging and murmuring over the mudflats on either side of Leschi
Slough, AMERICAN BITTERN seen in the freshwater marsh across from the
Observation Tower at the start of the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail;
and a male AMERICAN KESTREL eating a Little Brown Bat in the afternoon at
the Visitor Center Pond Overlook.
For the day we observed 74 species, see our eBird Report listed below with
further details and uploaded photos.
Other observations included Eastern Gray Squirrel, Columbian Black-tailed
Deer, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Harbor Seal, Muskrat and upwards of
four Little Brown Bats around the Visitor Center Ponds in the afternoon.
Hunting continues along the west bank of McAllister Creek and on Nisqually
Reach. The end of the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail is scheduled to
reopen on Monday February 2nd.
Until next week when we meet again at 8am at the Visitor Center Pond
Overlook, happy birding.
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Jan 14, 2026 6:48 AM - 4:50 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.076 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Cloudy, temperatures in the 40’s to 50’s degrees
Fahrenheit. A Low 9’1” Tide at 9:36am and a High 12’3” Tide at 1:22pm.
Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Cotton-tailed
Rabbit, five Harbor Seal, four Little Brown Bats, and two Muskrats.
74 species (+6 other taxa)
Cackling Goose 600
Cackling Goose (minima) 600
Cackling Goose (Taverner's) 20
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 40
Trumpeter Swan 6 Fly over.
Northern Shoveler 100
Gadwall 20
Eurasian Wigeon 1 McAllister Creek.
American Wigeon 1000
Eurasian x American Wigeon (hybrid) 1
Mallard 200
Northern Pintail 300
Green-winged Teal (American) 550
Ring-necked Duck 4
Surf Scoter 40
Bufflehead 75
Common Goldeneye 38
Hooded Merganser 1
Common Merganser 7
Red-breasted Merganser 8
Anna's Hummingbird 1
Virginia Rail 1
American Coot (Red-shielded) 50
Killdeer 2
Wilson's Snipe 2
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Greater Yellowlegs 30
Dunlin 1750 Probably more.
Least Sandpiper 20
Western Sandpiper 3 Upwards of three mixed in nearly 2000 Dunlin. Peep
sized sandpiper with white throat.
Short-billed Gull 50
Ring-billed Gull 30
Glaucous-winged Gull 2
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 4
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 20
Pied-billed Grebe 2
Horned Grebe 4
Red-throated Loon 1
Common Loon 3
Brandt's Cormorant 5
Double-crested Cormorant 15
American Bittern 1 Freshwater marsh near start of Nisqually Estuary
Boardwalk Trail.
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 20
Northern Harrier 3
Bald Eagle 18
Red-tailed Hawk 3
American Barn Owl (American) 1 Carrying prey into Twin Barns at 7.25
pm.
Belted Kingfisher 2
Red-breasted Sapsucker 2
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 6
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 5
American Kestrel (Northern) 1 Eating a little Brown Bat.
Merlin 1
Hutton's Vireo (Pacific) 2
American Crow 200
Common Raven 3
Black-capped Chickadee 15
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 20
Bushtit (Pacific) 30
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 12
Golden-crowned Kinglet 20
Brown Creeper 12
Pacific Wren (Pacific) 5
Marsh Wren 8
Bewick's Wren (spilurus Group) 4
European Starling 400
Varied Thrush 3
American Robin (migratorius Group) 15
Fox Sparrow (Sooty) 4
White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis) 1
Golden-crowned Sparrow 45
White-throated Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 15
Lincoln's Sparrow 2
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 8
Western Meadowlark 1
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 20
Orange-crowned Warbler 2
Orange-crowned Warbler (Gray-headed) 1
Date: 1/14/26 11:16 pm From: Alan Roedell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Tokul Creek Juvenile American Dipper
Wow! Fine pictures. I can practically hear its call. Thanks
On Wed, Jan 14, 2026, 8:29 PM Hank Heiberg via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Today we made our monthly search for American Dippers at the confluence
> of Tokul Creek and the Snoqualmie River. Waters were running high probably
> due to snow melt. The weather was gorgeous with blue skies, no wind and
> temperatures in the 50’s.
>
> Slightly downstream from the bridge across Tokul Creek we came across a
> juvenile American Dipper. It started out on a rock about 10 feet from us
> and ended up practically at our feet. Here is a link to an album
> containing photos from this encounter.
>
> https://www.flickr.com/photos/ljcouple/albums/72177720331461396/ >
> Hank & Karen Heiberg
> Issaquah, WA
> hankdotheiberggmail
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 1/14/26 9:48 pm From: Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Vaux's Happening now
Hi Larry. Amazing.for so many to be wintering so far north
By doing rather random stop/start on the video I got some screen captures.
Looking at them briefly, I saw about 60 in the approximate highest density
frame.. Given the total numbers I'd estimate 200. With the correct
software. Digitizing every frame, It would not be hard to get a very
accurate count. But, I don't have that software. Maybe some Tweeter
does? Bob OBrien Portlan
On Wed, Jan 14, 2026 at 8:58 PM Larry Schwitters via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> We've been keeping track of the largest over wintering flock of Vaux’s
> Swifts ever documented north of the MX border. Where? McNear Brick and
> Block North San Francisco Bay. How many?
> You tell me. Seriously. Here’s the 14 second long video. Your name and
> number will not be shared.
>
> https://youtu.be/tR9ttvkHbSg >
> Larry Schwitters
> Issaquah
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 1/14/26 9:05 pm From: Larry Schwitters via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Vaux's Happening now
We've been keeping track of the largest over wintering flock of Vaux’s Swifts ever documented north of the MX border. Where? McNear Brick and Block North San Francisco Bay. How many?
You tell me. Seriously. Here’s the 14 second long video. Your name and number will not be shared.
Date: 1/14/26 8:40 pm From: Hank Heiberg via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Tokul Creek Juvenile American Dipper
Today we made our monthly search for American Dippers at the confluence of Tokul Creek and the Snoqualmie River. Waters were running high probably due to snow melt. The weather was gorgeous with blue skies, no wind and temperatures in the 50’s.
Slightly downstream from the bridge across Tokul Creek we came across a juvenile American Dipper. It started out on a rock about 10 feet from us and ended up practically at our feet. Here is a link to an album containing photos from this encounter.
Date: 1/14/26 3:58 pm From: Dee Dee via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Unusually-plumaged Bewick’s Wren yardbird
Around 10:30 this morning I noticed a Bewick’s Wren in the apple tree branches near the feeders and took a quick look with the binoculars because, though regulars, they are a favorite of mine. I was surprised to notice that this bird had exceptionally dark, almost but not quite black flanks/lower belly, in a broad, continuous band from side to side…which was unusual enough, but I was especially intrigued by the a bluish cast to the dark color. In fact the thought that first came to mind was that this bird had sat itself in a shallow pan of dark ink/dye in someone’s yard! Watching it a moment more I realized I should quit speculating and get the camera, so I did. The wren was by then on one of the feeders so although the photos were only of one side of the bird, I was pleased to see that the camera had successfully captured the hint of blue I had noticed. I have submitted an eBird checklist with a couple of the photos. I also then looked in Macaulay Library and found that within the last week someone reported a rather similarly-marked Bewick’s Wren in Discovery Park and had a very nice photo of that bird, which has a slightly bigger dark area. So I now will be looking even closer at my yardbirds. If it’s melanism, it’s a switch from all the leucistic birds that have been in my garden over the years. Anybody else seen Bewicks Wrens like this?
Date: 1/14/26 1:03 pm From: <sethleopold...> via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] How Birds Fly author Peter Cavanagh
Dear Friends
One more voice on Peter Cavanagh’s wonderful book, and an interview from an unusual vantage point you might enjoy. Once a quarter, the surgical journal that I edit interviews someone who is not a surgeon who has skills that we think doctors (and surgeons in particular) should learn more about. I thought that Peter’s skill at patient observation would really help doctors to think differently about how they sit and talk with their patients. You might like it: https://journals.lww.com/clinorthop/fulltext/2025/08000/a_conversation_with___peter_cavanagh_phd,_former.1.aspx.
Enjoy the week’s unseasonably nice weather. The birds around here certainly seem doing be doing so!
Warmest regards,
Seth
—
Seth S. Leopold, MD
Editor-in-Chief
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
Professor
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
University of Washington School of Medicine
My working hours may not be your working hours. Please do not feel obligated to reply outside of your normal work schedule.
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 12:02 PM
To: <tweeters...> <tweeters...>
Subject: Tweeters Digest, Vol 257, Issue 13
Send Tweeters mailing list submissions to
<tweeters...>
You can reach the person managing the list at
<tweeters-owner...>
When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of Tweeters digest..."
Today's Topics:
1. How Birds Fly author Peter Cavanagh (Edward Pullen via Tweeters)
2. Union Bay Watch } The Monty Mystery (Hubbell via Tweeters)
3. JBLM Eagles Pride Golf Course Monthly Birdwalk - Thursday,
January 15 - 9:00AM Start (Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters)
4. Red heads at Deer Lagoon (via Tweeters)
5. Re: Union Bay Watch } The Monty Mystery (Ronda Stark via Tweeters)
Message: 1
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2026 14:01:59 -0800
From: Edward Pullen via Tweeters <tweeters...>
To: <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] How Birds Fly author Peter Cavanagh
Message-ID:
<CAA29tR4XJrTEJ9HWLdgQMja2aRO-GPqX2Z0mBy6ZxqMm=<CB3sg...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
I read Dennis's excellent review of the book How Birds Fly by Peter
Cavanagh, and remembered how much fun I had talking with him on the
podcast. If interested here is a link.
Message: 2
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:23:55 -1000
From: Hubbell via Tweeters <tweeters...>
To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Union Bay Watch } The Monty Mystery
Message-ID: <103A67AC-A4D5-4187-99CE-A3FD3220DC04...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
Tweeters,
If you have been following my last two posts you know there have been some changes happening among the Bald Eagles near Montlake Cut. Here is my latest update along with a couple quests for 2026.
Message: 3
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2026 01:37:06 +0000
From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...>
To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] JBLM Eagles Pride Golf Course Monthly Birdwalk -
Thursday, January 15 - 9:00AM Start
Message-ID:
<SN6PR02MB4688EF0AB6D7A1A48411FB8DFC8FA...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Hi Tweeters,
The next Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) birdwalk is scheduled for Thursday, January 15, at 9:00AM.
The JBLM Eagles Pride GC birders do the tour d'course the third Thursday of every month. We meet at 9:00AM<outlook-data-detector://2> through February 2026. (Change to 8:00AM in March.)
Starting point is the Driving Range Tee, Eagle's Pride Golf Course, I-5 Exit 116, Mounts Road Exit. When you turn into the course entrance, take an immediate left onto the road to the driving range - that's where we meet.
Also, to remind folks that haven't been here before, even though Eagle's Pride is a US Army recreation facility, you don't need any ID to attend these birdwalks. Hope you're able to make it!
Current weather forecast is 45degF-49degF start to finish (RealFeel 40-46) with some fog. As always, dress for success!
Message: 4
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2026 18:41:22 -0800
From: via Tweeters <tweeters...>
To: <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Red heads at Deer Lagoon
Message-ID: <6644E255-65CB-4139-BD89-72708B8BBB04...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
For several days there have been 2 females and a conspicuous male redhead at Deer Lagoon (DL), S Whidbey island. They have been hanging out with lesser scaups and ring-necked ducks on the freshwater (right hand) side of the bifurcated dike routes. The other std ducks are there as well? gadwalls, buffleheads, shovelers, pintails, mallards, green wing teals.
On the outer bar with driftwood at the mouth of DL are lots of Dunlin, some sanderlings, Brant, and 100s of surf scoters.
David Armstrong
Sent from my iPhone
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2026 20:40:28 -0800
From: Ronda Stark via Tweeters <tweeters...>
To: Hubbell <ldhubbell...>
Cc: Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Union Bay Watch } The Monty Mystery
Message-ID:
<CAFNywYWXm_G5nmw=<Od_2t_mUBVEW0oTBu59XcBJrGx8GUDJpNA...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
Hi Larry,
A photographer, Lisa Lawrence, has posted on Facebook with apparently a
photo of an eagle with 4 white talons all on the same claw ( I will never
join Facebook so I did not see the actual photo, but I could read the
comments). She posits that even one white talon is evidence of leucism,
although other researchers have suggested that an injury could cause either
a temporary or permanent white talon.
best,
Ronda
On Tue, Jan 13, 2026 at 2:24?PM Hubbell via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
Date: 1/13/26 8:50 pm From: Ronda Stark via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Union Bay Watch } The Monty Mystery
Hi Larry,
A photographer, Lisa Lawrence, has posted on Facebook with apparently a
photo of an eagle with 4 white talons all on the same claw ( I will never
join Facebook so I did not see the actual photo, but I could read the
comments). She posits that even one white talon is evidence of leucism,
although other researchers have suggested that an injury could cause either
a temporary or permanent white talon.
best,
Ronda
On Tue, Jan 13, 2026 at 2:24 PM Hubbell via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Tweeters,
>
> If you have been following my last two posts you know there have been some
> changes happening among the Bald Eagles near Montlake Cut. Here is my
> latest update along with a couple quests for 2026.
>
> https://unionbaywatch.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-monty-mystery.html >
> Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature lives in the city and Black
> Birders are welcome!
>
> Larry Hubbell
> <ldhubbell...>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 1/13/26 6:52 pm From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Red heads at Deer Lagoon
For several days there have been 2 females and a conspicuous male redhead at Deer Lagoon (DL), S Whidbey island. They have been hanging out with lesser scaups and ring-necked ducks on the freshwater (right hand) side of the bifurcated dike routes. The other std ducks are there as well… gadwalls, buffleheads, shovelers, pintails, mallards, green wing teals.
On the outer bar with driftwood at the mouth of DL are lots of Dunlin, some sanderlings, Brant, and 100s of surf scoters.
David Armstrong
Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 1/13/26 5:48 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] JBLM Eagles Pride Golf Course Monthly Birdwalk - Thursday, January 15 - 9:00AM Start
Hi Tweeters,
The next Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) birdwalk is scheduled for Thursday, January 15, at 9:00AM.
The JBLM Eagles Pride GC birders do the tour d'course the third Thursday of every month. We meet at 9:00AM<outlook-data-detector://2> through February 2026. (Change to 8:00AM in March.)
Starting point is the Driving Range Tee, Eagle's Pride Golf Course, I-5 Exit 116, Mounts Road Exit. When you turn into the course entrance, take an immediate left onto the road to the driving range - that's where we meet.
Also, to remind folks that haven't been here before, even though Eagle's Pride is a US Army recreation facility, you don't need any ID to attend these birdwalks. Hope you're able to make it!
Current weather forecast is 45degF-49degF start to finish (RealFeel 40-46) with some fog. As always, dress for success!
Date: 1/13/26 2:34 pm From: Hubbell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Union Bay Watch } The Monty Mystery
Tweeters,
If you have been following my last two posts you know there have been some changes happening among the Bald Eagles near Montlake Cut. Here is my latest update along with a couple quests for 2026.
Date: 1/13/26 2:13 pm From: Edward Pullen via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] How Birds Fly author Peter Cavanagh
I read Dennis's excellent review of the book How Birds Fly by Peter Cavanagh, and remembered how much fun I had talking with him on the podcast. If interested here is a link.
Date: 1/13/26 4:03 am From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Kite-flying season triggers surge in manja-related bird rescues in Bengaluru
Tweeters,
Bad news and Great news.
Dan Reiff, PhD
Dangers of Manja use for kite flying and…
“Imping”… a specialised feather-implantation technique.“.
Except:
“Colonel Dr Nawaz Sherif, Chief Veterinarian of PFA, said, "Our wildlife hospital has been able to successfully release a large number of manja-affected birds, primarily through Imping, a specialised feather-implantation technique. With imping, a recovery that once took months or even a year can now take just a few days, sometimes less than 24 hours. Over the past few years, more than 1,000 birds have regained their ability to fly and have been released back into the wild."
Date: 1/12/26 6:48 pm From: Alan Roedell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: Busting the 5 biggest myths about renewable energy
Thanks Dan, good information. We've had an electric Chevrolet for eight
years.
It's economical and fast! It is the future.
Alan Roedell, Seattle
On Mon, Jan 12, 2026, 5:34 PM Dan Reiff via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Twitter,
> Interesting clarifications.
> DR
>
> *Busting the 5 biggest myths about renewable energy*
> From the scale of danger posed by wind turbines to the actual price of
> installing home solar panels, here are the facts you should know.
>
> Read in National Geographic: https://apple.news/AJI61aF7rQz-XmUBq3O55iA >
>
> Shared from Apple News <https://www.apple.com/news> >
> Sent from my iPhone
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 1/12/26 5:42 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: Busting the 5 biggest myths about renewable energy
Date: 1/12/26 5:30 pm From: Ann Kramer via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Kaeli Swift presentation at Skagit Audubon Tuesday @ 7:00 PM on Corvid Research
Skagit Audubon will present "Something to Crow About", an in depth look at Crows. Dr. Kaeli Swift, is a self described "terrestrial avian ecologist and science communicator" who has extensively researched Corvid behaviors including ritual funeral behaviors. The Skagit Audubon Zoom meeting is tomorrow night, January 13th, at 7:00 PM. You may register for this Zoom only event through the following link:
Date: 1/12/26 4:23 pm From: Michael Price via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Red-throated Loons (plus Pacific Loons)
Hi tweets
Back when Vancouver BC's Burrard Inlet had lots of seabirds, on any winter-residency day between October and April, the Red-throated Loons would form a U-shaped wolf-pack of up to 20 loons around the mouth of False Creek.
I remember seeing similar aggregations of sometimes up to several thousand Pacific Loons which would gather each winter-residency period at the eastern entrance to Active Pass between Mayne and Galiano Islands, easily visible from the Tsawwassen-to-Schwartz Bay Ferry between Vancouver BC and Victoria. Not a bad place to look for Arctic Loons, I'd think, though best done from a boat rather than a ferry booming through at 15 knots. If you're tempted, here's a discussion of currents in the Pass from westcoastpaddle.com: https://share.google/dkwzS3ITe2YQv4oZf
best wishes, m
Michael Price Vancouver BC Canada <loblollyboy...>
Date: 1/12/26 2:53 pm From: Ann Kramer via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] how birds fly
Hi Dennis,
Thank you so much for that comprehensive and well deserved review of *How
Birds Fly*, by Peter Cavanagh. I saw Peter's name on Tweeters several
months ago regarding a presentation at a library, and contacted him for a
presentation at Skagit Audubon. He generously consented to a Zoom call and
he consented to do a presentation with us for our June 9th member meeting
(which is open to nonmembers as well). I subsequently ordered his book and
was astonished at the detail, both in his photography and the science and
detail he offers about flying. As an intermediate photographer myself, who
has made many trips to Bosque del Apache, he has one of the most
beautifully detailed portraits of a flying Sandhill Crane I've ever seen.
All of his images are superb and I find myself in awe, page after page,
with both the images and the content.
The details of how birds use thermals, the aerodynamics of upstroke, how
they chase prey, formation flying, the aerodynamics of the tail, in flight
maneuvers, and focus on specific bird flight characteristics of specific
species are covered in digestible detail. Peter, by the way, among other
things, is himself a pilot. One could easily get mired in all this
aerodynamic detail but he is able to present it in understandable language
for almost anyone and perfectly accompanied images.
After reading some of the book, I excitedly and briefly presented it at one
of our large membership meetings. Your review is confirmation that my
excitement is warranted, and I am grateful to read it!
By the way, as I said earlier, Peter will be a presenter on How Birds Fly
at our June membership meeting at Skagit Audubon, which will be both in
person and on Zoom. I will post a reminder on Tweeters.
Ann Kramer, Program Chair, SAS
On Mon, Jan 12, 2026 at 11:46 AM Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> I've just finished looking through a new book, *How Birds Fly*, by Peter
> Cavanagh. Peter is one of us, a resident of Lopez Island. This 336-page
> large format book is without question the best book on birds I have seen in
> a long time, surely one of the best books ever. I wanted to share my
> enthusiasm, so I have written this as a sort of review of the book.
>
> It seems to me that the author has explored all the angles you could
> possibly think of for understanding this wonderful adaptation. Humans have
> long been fascinated with flight, and he spends a lot of time comparing
> birds and airplanes, which is great for all of us who thrill to see any
> flying object. Let's face it; our great interest in birds surely stems in
> part from our envy of their ability to fly!
>
> I can't get over how thorough this book is. We all know about drag and
> lift, right? Read this book to learn so much more about what make flight
> possible. It even treats flightless birds in detail, explaining why and how
> some winged wonders evolved to stay out of the air. Learn about feather
> structure, flocking, migration, and so much more involved in the aerial
> world of birds.
>
> Each of the 13 chapters ends with a page "FROM THE LAB." Each one deals
> with an aspect of research on bird flight, each a superb example of the
> scientific method. "Can aerodynamic forces be measured?" "How do pigeons
> turn in slow flight?" "Are swifts designed for gliding or flapping?" "What
> is the altitude profile of a migration flight?"
>
> He even has a section on researchers who have studied bird flight,
> something rarely included in general books. Also, he includes the latest
> word about the many ways we have tried to copy bird flight. And the photos
> with which the book is so lavishly illustrated are by the author, from
> hummingbirds to albatrosses and all over the world. I especially like
> learning where each photo was taken. Peter Cavanagh is a superb
> photographer and writer.
>
> The profusion of photos, their educational captions, and the many, many
> diagrams will allow you to delve into bird flight widely, with an even
> deeper knowledge from reading the text. Of course, this should be combined
> with doing a lot of birding. Learn about flight, and then go out and
> understand better what you are seeing!
>
> Dennis Paulson
>
> Seattle
>
> dennispaulson at comcast dot net
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 1/12/26 1:06 pm From: BRAD Liljequist via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Varied Thrushes and a Pileated at Woodland Park
Since the focus on varied thrushes I thought I'd mention we saw 2-3 of them in a mixed group (including a Pileated!) on Saturday (on the lower section of the southern loop road) on Saturday and heard their lovely eerie calls at the NE quadrant of the 55th Street underpass (at least a couple) on Sunday, all at Woodland Park in Seattle.
They do ebb and flow over the years but Woodland Park is usually a decent place to see them during the depth of winter.
Brad Liljequist
Phinney Ridge, Seattle, WA, USA, Earth
Date: 1/12/26 12:09 pm From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Varied Thrush
I guess I’ll add to this mystery. We have them in our yard every winter—in Dec 2022 we had 18 as a high count—but none this winter so far. And nary a robin visited our big cotoneaster this fall/winter, perhaps a first ever for that.
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
dennispaulson at comcast dot net
Date: 1/12/26 11:56 am From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] how birds fly
I've just finished looking through a new book, How Birds Fly, by Peter Cavanagh. Peter is one of us, a resident of Lopez Island. This 336-page large format book is without question the best book on birds I have seen in a long time, surely one of the best books ever. I wanted to share my enthusiasm, so I have written this as a sort of review of the book.
It seems to me that the author has explored all the angles you could possibly think of for understanding this wonderful adaptation. Humans have long been fascinated with flight, and he spends a lot of time comparing birds and airplanes, which is great for all of us who thrill to see any flying object. Let's face it; our great interest in birds surely stems in part from our envy of their ability to fly!
I can't get over how thorough this book is. We all know about drag and lift, right? Read this book to learn so much more about what make flight possible. It even treats flightless birds in detail, explaining why and how some winged wonders evolved to stay out of the air. Learn about feather structure, flocking, migration, and so much more involved in the aerial world of birds.
Each of the 13 chapters ends with a page "FROM THE LAB." Each one deals with an aspect of research on bird flight, each a superb example of the scientific method. "Can aerodynamic forces be measured?" "How do pigeons turn in slow flight?" "Are swifts designed for gliding or flapping?" "What is the altitude profile of a migration flight?"
He even has a section on researchers who have studied bird flight, something rarely included in general books. Also, he includes the latest word about the many ways we have tried to copy bird flight. And the photos with which the book is so lavishly illustrated are by the author, from hummingbirds to albatrosses and all over the world. I especially like learning where each photo was taken. Peter Cavanagh is a superb photographer and writer.
The profusion of photos, their educational captions, and the many, many diagrams will allow you to delve into bird flight widely, with an even deeper knowledge from reading the text. Of course, this should be combined with doing a lot of birding. Learn about flight, and then go out and understand better what you are seeing!
Date: 1/12/26 6:40 am From: Louise via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Varied Thrush
Haven't had any in my yard this winter yet. Some years I can have a dozen.
Louise Rutter
Kirkland
On Mon, Jan 12, 2026 at 12:03 AM Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> I still have only seen one here in Federsl Way this winter.
>
> Hans
>
> *Hans Feddern*
> Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
> <thefedderns...>
>
>
> On Sun, Jan 11, 2026 at 7:30 PM Stef Neis via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>> We have had a pair here for a few weeks now. Winter 2022 we had a dozen
>> who were enjoying the remaining apples on our trees until a Cooper’s hawk
>> cleaned them out. Since then we only get a pair.
>> Stef Neis
>> Whidbey Island
>> Sent from my iPad
>>
>> On Jan 11, 2026, at 6:54 PM, Chuq Von Rospach via Tweeters <
>> <tweeters...> wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>> Thought I’d share a quick update: here at 500’ above Silverdale I’m now
>> reliably seeing Varied Thrush. There seem to be three individuals hanging
>> about. Typical for a winter here is 4-5 (high is 7), and the group arrived
>> a couple of weeks later than typical but they’re now here. Also, it’s not
>> at all unusual for an individual or two to show up first and scope out the
>> place before the others arrive, so this seems to now be a typical year
>> shifted by a couple of weeks.
>>
>> chuq
>>
>>
>> ---------------------------------------
>>
>> Chuq Von Rospach (http://www.chuq.me)
>> Silverdale, Washington
>> Birder, Nature and Wildlife Photographer
>>
>> Email me at: <chuqvr...>
>> Mastodon: @<chuqvr...>
>>
>> Stay Updated with what I'm doing: https://www.chuq.me/6fps/ >> My latest e-book: https://www.chuq.me/ebooks >>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
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Date: 1/12/26 12:14 am From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Varied Thrush
I still have only seen one here in Federsl Way this winter.
Hans
*Hans Feddern*
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
<thefedderns...>
On Sun, Jan 11, 2026 at 7:30 PM Stef Neis via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> We have had a pair here for a few weeks now. Winter 2022 we had a dozen
> who were enjoying the remaining apples on our trees until a Cooper’s hawk
> cleaned them out. Since then we only get a pair.
> Stef Neis
> Whidbey Island
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Jan 11, 2026, at 6:54 PM, Chuq Von Rospach via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
>
> Thought I’d share a quick update: here at 500’ above Silverdale I’m now
> reliably seeing Varied Thrush. There seem to be three individuals hanging
> about. Typical for a winter here is 4-5 (high is 7), and the group arrived
> a couple of weeks later than typical but they’re now here. Also, it’s not
> at all unusual for an individual or two to show up first and scope out the
> place before the others arrive, so this seems to now be a typical year
> shifted by a couple of weeks.
>
> chuq
>
>
> ---------------------------------------
>
> Chuq Von Rospach (http://www.chuq.me)
> Silverdale, Washington
> Birder, Nature and Wildlife Photographer
>
> Email me at: <chuqvr...>
> Mastodon: @<chuqvr...>
>
> Stay Updated with what I'm doing: https://www.chuq.me/6fps/ > My latest e-book: https://www.chuq.me/ebooks >
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Date: 1/11/26 7:03 pm From: Chuq Von Rospach via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Varied Thrush
Thought I’d share a quick update: here at 500’ above Silverdale I’m now
reliably seeing Varied Thrush. There seem to be three individuals hanging
about. Typical for a winter here is 4-5 (high is 7), and the group arrived
a couple of weeks later than typical but they’re now here. Also, it’s not
at all unusual for an individual or two to show up first and scope out the
place before the others arrive, so this seems to now be a typical year
shifted by a couple of weeks.
chuq
---------------------------------------
Chuq Von Rospach (http://www.chuq.me)
Silverdale, Washington
Birder, Nature and Wildlife Photographer
Date: 1/11/26 4:25 pm From: Ed Dominguez via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Red-throated Loons
Wow, fantastic! Wish I had seen them!
Ed
On Sun, Jan 11, 2026 at 11:09 AM Neil Zimmerman via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> I have been leading Birds Connect Seattle field trips to Deception Pass SP
> for years. Yesterday, I and my friend Roniq led a trip to the park. Off of
> West Beach, we saw 5-600 RTLOs. Smelt use the pass during the winter in
> large numbers and loons with other birds gather to feed. We were there
> right after high tide and there was a constant stream of birds. They fly up
> against the current and feed in the water as they ride the current back to
> the west then they fly back and do it again. When they aren’t feeding, the
> surface of the water to the west is covered by the loons. Every year I am
> amazed by the huge number of RTLOs. I have read that places back east have
> numbers that can reach over a hundred thousand. There may be other places
> in WA where this happens. I am sure if there is, someone on Tweeters knows
> about.
> Definitely a spectacle to see.
> Neil Zimmerman,
> Brier, WA
>
> Sent from my iPad
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Date: 1/11/26 4:23 pm From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Red-throated Loons
Like Neil, I have watched this many times, and I have seen nothing like it anywhere else. Small numbers of Red-throated Loons are all over the coastal waters of Washington, but nothing like this. And it is surprising that other loons, which presumably eat these same fish, are a minimal part of this phenomenon.
Point Wilson has always been a good place to see seabirds flying upcurrent and drifting downcurrent, feeding as they go, then repeating the process. Even grebes do this there, and we don’t often think of grebes flying around much.
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
> On Jan 11, 2026, at 11:08 AM, Neil Zimmerman via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> I have been leading Birds Connect Seattle field trips to Deception Pass SP for years. Yesterday, I and my friend Roniq led a trip to the park. Off of West Beach, we saw 5-600 RTLOs. Smelt use the pass during the winter in large numbers and loons with other birds gather to feed. We were there right after high tide and there was a constant stream of birds. They fly up against the current and feed in the water as they ride the current back to the west then they fly back and do it again. When they aren’t feeding, the surface of the water to the west is covered by the loons. Every year I am amazed by the huge number of RTLOs. I have read that places back east have numbers that can reach over a hundred thousand. There may be other places in WA where this happens. I am sure if there is, someone on Tweeters knows about.
> Definitely a spectacle to see.
> Neil Zimmerman,
> Brier, WA
>
> Sent from my iPad
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 1/11/26 11:19 am From: Neil Zimmerman via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Red-throated Loons
I have been leading Birds Connect Seattle field trips to Deception Pass SP for years. Yesterday, I and my friend Roniq led a trip to the park. Off of West Beach, we saw 5-600 RTLOs. Smelt use the pass during the winter in large numbers and loons with other birds gather to feed. We were there right after high tide and there was a constant stream of birds. They fly up against the current and feed in the water as they ride the current back to the west then they fly back and do it again. When they aren’t feeding, the surface of the water to the west is covered by the loons. Every year I am amazed by the huge number of RTLOs. I have read that places back east have numbers that can reach over a hundred thousand. There may be other places in WA where this happens. I am sure if there is, someone on Tweeters knows about.
Definitely a spectacle to see.
Neil Zimmerman,
Brier, WA
Date: 1/11/26 10:23 am From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] WOS Monthly Meeting, January 26, 2026 (on-line only) ... for February
The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) is pleased to announce our next Monthly Meeting: on Monday, January 26, 2026 (please note this is one week earlier due to a scheduling conflict), Chris Templeton Ph.D. will present, "Sound the Alarm: How Chickadees Communicate Sophisticated Information about Predators." Chickadees! We think of them as common, but their vocalization are anything but! Chickadees have one of the most sophisticated means of communicating about predators of all animals. And other songbird species use this information to learn about threats in their environment. Our speaker, Chris Templeton will introduce us to avian bio-acoustics, describe how birds produce their impressive vocalizations and discuss the different types of information they communicate. Chris will highlight some of the bio-acoustics work his research group is conducting, aiming to unravel the types of information encoded in subtle variations of Chickadee alarm calls.
Chris has spent more than 20 years as an ornithologist. He has studied a wide variety of different bird species across the world, focusing on the evolution and ecology of avian behavior. He has a PhD in Biology from the University of Washington, and is a member of the Department of Biology faculty at Western Washington University.
This meeting will be conducted virtually, via Zoom (no in-person attendance). Sign-in will begin at 7:15 pm, and the meeting commences at 7:30 pm. Please go to the WOS Monthly Meetings page: https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/ for instructions on participation and to get the Zoom link.
When joining the meeting, we ask that you mute your device and make certain that your camera is turned off.
This meeting is open to all as WOS invites everyone in the wider birding community to attend. Thanks to the generosity of our presenters, recordings of past programs are available at the following link to the WOS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonornithologicalso7839/videos
If you are not yet a member of WOS, we hope you will consider becoming one at https://wos.org
Date: 1/10/26 3:56 pm From: Martha Jordan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Tundra Swan at Union Bay
The injured Tundra Swan is still at the Union Bay Natural Area, Montlake Fill area. It is moving around from place to place which makes it a challenge to keep track of it. If you know where the swan was sited today, please let me know. If you see it tomorrow or after, please let me know ASAP. I am working to assess if this swan can be captured. It does have an injury to its neck/head area which has compromised the bird's ability to preen and perhaps fly. That said, this swan most likely can fly enough to escape capture. However, it may be getting weaker (or not) and we need to keep monitoring it.but is not doing so which causes concern. If you have photos or video of the swan over the past few days and into the future please send them to me via text at: 206-713-3684 I am working closely with WDFW regarding this situation. Thank you. Martha Jordan
Date: 1/8/26 4:02 pm From: Matt Bartels via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2026-01-08
Tweets -
It was a clear, crisp day at Marymoor Park today. 4 of us filled in for a traveling Michael.
We enjoyed the clear weather, but the day was peppered with long stretches where the birds seemed to disappear. Nevertheless, several good highlights for the relatively new year:
Trumpeter Swans - 14 flew overhead
Barn Owl - 2 before dawn in the East Meadow/Model Airplane Field
Northern Shrike - 1 in the east meadow
Varied Thrush - we speculated the snow in the mountains would bring us one today, and sure enough one obliged
Western Meadowlark - our wintering flock of ~14 made another appearance
Notable misses today included: Ring-necked Duck, Hooded Merganser, Anna’s Hummingbird, Rock Pigeon, Killdeer, Bushtit, Purple Finch and American Goldfinch.
For the day, we came up with 48 species, about 7 of which look like new Marymoor walk year birds, bringing the year total to about 59.
Date: 1/8/26 12:46 pm From: Trileigh Tucker via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] South Africa advice - thank you
Many thanks to all the Tweeters who responded to my query about birding and safety in South Africa, both publicly and privately. I am so grateful you took the time to help educate me as my husband and I contemplate this Big Trip.
Pretty much everyone who addressed the safety issue said they had had no problems, that staying alert and taking sensible precautions (like not showing around a huge fancy camera and staying away from more sensitive areas) make it likely well have an excellent experience. I was really glad to hear this, and feel very encouraged about going ahead and making the trip.
I also got a bunch of recommendations for excellent guides, so now I have a very useful list to refer to. Im happy to share the list with those interested - just email me (info below).
With much appreciation for this generous group,
Trileigh
Date: 1/8/26 5:37 am From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for 1/7/2026
Dear Tweets,
Happy New Year! Approximately 20 of us enjoyed a wet and wild one at the
Refuge yesterday with cloudy skies, intermittent rain, breezy to windy
conditions and temperatures in the 40's degrees Fahrenheit. There was a
High 15'4" Tide at 8:57am, so a nice tidal push and we did our routine walk
despite a few trail closures from fallen trees. The intrepid birding crew
of the Wednesday Walk joked about how this was the nicest weather they had
seen since my trip to Tanzania, I left the second week of December and
returned last Monday, and I was very impressed that they kept it going
through some stormy conditions.
Highlights included Michael reporting two BARN OWLS returning to the Twin
Barns around 7:18am in the morning. This is wonderful news after the
diagnosis of Avian Influenza in two Barn Owls that recently died in the
Twin Barns over the last 2-3 weeks. I suspect we had several owls
roosting/breeding in the Twin Barns with the departure of our breeding
Great Horned Owls which we have not seen in over a year. Other notable
sightings included reliable looks of RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER in the Pear
Trees by the Technician or Land Trust Building adjacent to the maintenance
yard, breeding plumage waterfowl with observed copulation in NORTHERN
PINTAIL and MALLARD, two WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS hanging out with a large
flock GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS in the picnic area adjacent to the Twin
Barns, good looks of VIRGINIA RAIL walking the bramble line south of the
Nisqually Estuary Trail or dike just before the Leschi Slough aqueduct runs
under the dike, Ken spotted our wintering Yellow-shafted NORTHERN FLICKER
in the surge plaine, as well Matt spotted both LINCOLN SPARROW in the surge
plain and two WESTERN MEADOWLARKS flushed by NORTHERN HARRIER from the
marsh plain along Leschi Slough were it runs parallel to the dike. A
single WESTERN SANDPIPER was observed foraging with a flock of
approximately 100 DUNLIN.
For the day we had 62 species with numerous fun sightings despite the wild
weather. And according to the Wednesday Walk team, it was the best weather
they had seen in a month. See our eBird report pasted below. I'll share
more information about our 2025 round up soon.
Until we meet again at 8am at the Visitor Center Pond Overlook on Wednesday
next week, happy birding...
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Jan 7, 2026 7:35 AM - 3:17 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.06 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Cloudy skies with intermittent
rain, temperatures in the 40’s degrees Fahrenheit. A High 15’4” Tide at
8:57am. Others seen include Douglas Squirrel, Columbian Black-tailed Deer,
and California Sea Lion.
62 species (+5 other taxa)
Cackling Goose 500
Cackling Goose (minima) 200
Cackling Goose (Taverner's) 4
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 50
Northern Shoveler 150
Gadwall 30
Eurasian Wigeon 1
American Wigeon 1500
Mallard 200
Northern Pintail 800
Green-winged Teal (American) 500
Ring-necked Duck 6
Surf Scoter 30
Bufflehead 75
Common Goldeneye 30
Hooded Merganser 3
Common Merganser (North American) 2
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 5
Anna's Hummingbird 1
Virginia Rail 1
American Coot (Red-shielded) 34
Greater Yellowlegs 24
Dunlin 500
Least Sandpiper 50
Western Sandpiper 1 Seen at 100-500 feet with spotting scope foraging
with Dunlin for 5 minutes. Peep sized shorebird with white throat and dark
legs.
Short-billed Gull 75
Ring-billed Gull 25
Glaucous-winged Gull 2
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 10
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 30
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Horned Grebe 3
Brandt's Cormorant 15
Double-crested Cormorant 25
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 20
Northern Harrier 2
Bald Eagle 20
Red-tailed Hawk 3
American Barn Owl 2
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-breasted Sapsucker 2
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1 Observed for 5 minutes. Red nape,
brown face, and yellow shafts. Previously reported.
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 6
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted) 0
Peregrine Falcon 1
American Crow 175
Black-capped Chickadee 10
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 8
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 6
Golden-crowned Kinglet 6
Brown Creeper 5
Pacific Wren (Pacific) 3
Marsh Wren 4
Bewick's Wren (spilurus Group) 2
European Starling 150
American Robin 40
Purple Finch (Western) 6
Fox Sparrow (Sooty) 3
White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis) 1
Golden-crowned Sparrow 50
White-throated Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 20
Lincoln's Sparrow 1
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 5
Western Meadowlark 2
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 30
Date: 1/7/26 3:54 pm From: pan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Sikes Lake, King County, rarities
Tweets,
The Kumlien's Iceland Gull continues today in a small flooded pasture pond on the north side of 100th north of Sikes Lake (west of Carnation, King County), arriving a few minutes before 1 p. m. today. The Glaucous Gull was in that pond much of the morning, starting sometime around/after nine, and sometimes coming right up to the shoulder under the fence. Nearby, I got to see the Rough-legged Hawk drop to catch a rodent, then carry it to a tree to eat. The Ross's Goose continues with a flock of hundreds of Cackling Geese in the fields north of Carnation Farms, though distant. This flock arrived sometime after 8:30 a. m.
New, I found a female Common Yellowthroat in brambles on the south side of 100th just west of the first curve in the road as approached from the west, loosely associating with a flock of mixed sparrows and one Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
Also around, a bittern on the edge of the lake, passing swans, kestrels, harriers, Brewer's Blackbirds, and such. I did not see owls, but I didn't stay for evening.
Happy new year.
7 January, 2026,
Alan Grenon
Seattle
panmail AT mailfence PERIOD com
Date: 1/7/26 12:56 pm From: Philomena via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Pacific County Birding - first trip of the year
Fun to read of your trip and bird sightings Tim, thanks for sharing.
Philomena
Sent from my iPad
> On Jan 7, 2026, at 12:33 PM, Tim Brennan via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> Hey Tweets!
>
> Looking at the weather, it looked like Jan 4-5-6 was going to be giving me rain-beautiful-awful out on the coast, so I made a ran for it. Interesting to see that I can get to Pacific County in about 1:45 (from Renton to the Lewis/Pacific line on Hwy 6), but to get to the far reaches of Leadbetter Spit is nearly 3 and a half hours! This year was supposed to feel closer... and it does... but it's interesting to see that chasing a bird in Leadbetter or McNary could be about the same amount of time.
>
> 89 species for the trip! I was able to get American Dipper on Elk Heights Road at a little pulloff. Continuing in towards Raymond on Sunday afternoon, American Kestrel and Eurasian Collared-Doves were found along Highway 6. I went up to the Willapa River Airport and found three Snow Geese mixed in with the hordes of Cackling and Canada Geese.
>
> Early to bed, early to rise - I used the wee dark hours to do some owling on my way from Raymond to Grayland. An early stop on a backroad got me a Northern Saw-whet Owl, probably a feat that is possible up many many similar backroads if a person enjoys looking for owls. I made 5-6 stops along the way from the airport to the cranberry bogs outside of Grayland, picking up 4 Great Horned Owls at three stops.
>
> Grayland Beach State Park was beautiful - the whole day was. I got a little twilight shorebirding done, with a nice long look at a Snowy Plover, and a nice mix of other shorebirds (Least, Western, Dunlin) feeding on some flooded sand. Down on the shore itself, I caught a Horned Lark. Back in the park, there were typical passerines, and close to a dozen Varied Thrushes.
>
> Tokeland was full of shorebirds behind the Tradewinds Hotel - Black-bellied Plover, Least and Western Sandpipers. I also got my only Northern Pintails of the day here. After a year of birding in Columbia County, it's nice to have the ducks back... and I really don't mean to complain, but... all of them are Buffleheads. Not ALL of them, of course, but... Pacific County almost felt like a marginally better Columbia County, plus 3 billion Buffleheads. Other duck species were tough to come by!
>
> At the Tokeland Marina, I got a flyover of three shorebirds - two Willets and a Marbled Godwit. An Eared Grebe feeding in very close was a nice surprise. Plenty of Common Loons, and a couple Red-throated Loons were out in the water.
>
> The Cedar River was a great stop. I picked up Trumpeter Swans here, and there was a lot of shorebird activity, with high numbers of Long-billed Dowitchers and Greater Yellowlegs visible from the trail, and a lot of distant peeps. I also had a Black Phoebe here. Exciting for the moment, as my checklist has it as a code 5 bird, although I am sure that will change.
>
> Potter Slough was a nice walk, and added Lincoln's Sparrow, Marsh Wrens, Northern Harrier, Western Meadowlarks, and Virginia Rail. Nearby Carruthers Slough had a nice flock of American Wigeon, including at least one Eurasian.
>
> Bay Center gave me a couple more ducks I'd been missing - a single Hooded Merganser, and a single Common Goldeneye. A Merlin also made a pass at some shorebirds, making for some excitement.
>
> Tuesday was awful! 😄 I birded through some rain in Chinook Valley to add a few more birds: Sharp-shinned Hawk, Common Merganser, and Wilson's Snipe. At Cape Disappointment, I had steady rain, and steady winds with gusts in the 20s. Here I added Pelagic Cormorant and Pigeon Guillemot. I poked around on my way up to Long Beach, hoping to look at some feeders, but the weather was just pretty miserable! So I headed back after a bowl of chowder.
>
> The blog at pacificcountybirding.blogspot.com will get updated in the next few days.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Tim Brennan
> Renton
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 1/7/26 12:43 pm From: Tim Brennan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Pacific County Birding - first trip of the year
Hey Tweets!
Looking at the weather, it looked like Jan 4-5-6 was going to be giving me rain-beautiful-awful out on the coast, so I made a ran for it. Interesting to see that I can get to Pacific County in about 1:45 (from Renton to the Lewis/Pacific line on Hwy 6), but to get to the far reaches of Leadbetter Spit is nearly 3 and a half hours! This year was supposed to feel closer... and it does... but it's interesting to see that chasing a bird in Leadbetter or McNary could be about the same amount of time.
89 species for the trip! I was able to get American Dipper on Elk Heights Road at a little pulloff. Continuing in towards Raymond on Sunday afternoon, American Kestrel and Eurasian Collared-Doves were found along Highway 6. I went up to the Willapa River Airport and found three Snow Geese mixed in with the hordes of Cackling and Canada Geese.
Early to bed, early to rise - I used the wee dark hours to do some owling on my way from Raymond to Grayland. An early stop on a backroad got me a Northern Saw-whet Owl, probably a feat that is possible up many many similar backroads if a person enjoys looking for owls. I made 5-6 stops along the way from the airport to the cranberry bogs outside of Grayland, picking up 4 Great Horned Owls at three stops.
Grayland Beach State Park was beautiful - the whole day was. I got a little twilight shorebirding done, with a nice long look at a Snowy Plover, and a nice mix of other shorebirds (Least, Western, Dunlin) feeding on some flooded sand. Down on the shore itself, I caught a Horned Lark. Back in the park, there were typical passerines, and close to a dozen Varied Thrushes.
Tokeland was full of shorebirds behind the Tradewinds Hotel - Black-bellied Plover, Least and Western Sandpipers. I also got my only Northern Pintails of the day here. After a year of birding in Columbia County, it's nice to have the ducks back... and I really don't mean to complain, but... all of them are Buffleheads. Not ALL of them, of course, but... Pacific County almost felt like a marginally better Columbia County, plus 3 billion Buffleheads. Other duck species were tough to come by!
At the Tokeland Marina, I got a flyover of three shorebirds - two Willets and a Marbled Godwit. An Eared Grebe feeding in very close was a nice surprise. Plenty of Common Loons, and a couple Red-throated Loons were out in the water.
The Cedar River was a great stop. I picked up Trumpeter Swans here, and there was a lot of shorebird activity, with high numbers of Long-billed Dowitchers and Greater Yellowlegs visible from the trail, and a lot of distant peeps. I also had a Black Phoebe here. Exciting for the moment, as my checklist has it as a code 5 bird, although I am sure that will change.
Potter Slough was a nice walk, and added Lincoln's Sparrow, Marsh Wrens, Northern Harrier, Western Meadowlarks, and Virginia Rail. Nearby Carruthers Slough had a nice flock of American Wigeon, including at least one Eurasian.
Bay Center gave me a couple more ducks I'd been missing - a single Hooded Merganser, and a single Common Goldeneye. A Merlin also made a pass at some shorebirds, making for some excitement.
Tuesday was awful! 😄 I birded through some rain in Chinook Valley to add a few more birds: Sharp-shinned Hawk, Common Merganser, and Wilson's Snipe. At Cape Disappointment, I had steady rain, and steady winds with gusts in the 20s. Here I added Pelagic Cormorant and Pigeon Guillemot. I poked around on my way up to Long Beach, hoping to look at some feeders, but the weather was just pretty miserable! So I headed back after a bowl of chowder.
The blog at pacificcountybirding.blogspot.com will get updated in the next few days.
Date: 1/6/26 2:23 pm From: Julie M Crudele via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] South Africa
Trileigh,
When I was in South Africa I met a guide (Richard Anderson, South African) who was trying out the camp we were staying in. We by happenstance traveled together for a few days, and I found him to be a great guy and an avid birder. He has a company, Anderson Expedition, that has a naturalist and birder on staff. You could check them out and see what they have to offer. If/When I go back to subsaharan Africa they will be who I use. https://www.andersonexpeditions.com<https://www.andersonexpeditions.com/guide/fraser-gear/>
I haven't been to South Africa since 2015, but at the time felt perfectly safe in Sodwana Bay, Cape Town and wine country by ourselves (I was with my mom, so we were two women traveling) and in game reserves with guides. Obviously, a lot can change in 10 years, but I think most reputable tour companies will be honest about the safety situation and make suggestions accordingly. Most countries (and cities) aren't a monolith, and a lot of the risk historically for South Africa has been in townships. Some tourists choose to go to them; we did not for both personal safety and ethical reasons.
I hope you have a fabulous time. I still think of some of the birds I saw there and that was before I considered myself a "birder."
Julie
________________________________
> On 01/03/2026 12:00 PM PST via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
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> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. FOY (Bea Harrison via Tweeters)
> 2. This Year?s Inductee to the 253 Club (Marcus Roening via Tweeters)
> 3. space available for Oaxaca birding trip (David Cook via Tweeters)
> 4. OT: South Africa birding (Trileigh Tucker via Tweeters)
> 5. Re: This Year?s Inductee to the 253 Club
> (Diane Yorgason-Quinn via Tweeters)
> 6. Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2026-01-02
> (Michael Hobbs via Tweeters)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2026 12:16:12 -0800
> From: Bea Harrison via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] FOY
> Message-ID: <48E7BA88-2427-4045-9533-F5A55A125FB5...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> Spotted towhee. First one at our feeder in a while. Eastern WA.
> Bea Harrison
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2026 18:51:42 -0800
> From: Marcus Roening via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] This Year?s Inductee to the 253 Club
> Message-ID: <C84E3B4F-AA68-4E71-9EF5-03969AFB5E83...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> Hi Tweets,
>
> Congratulations to our newest 2025 member of the 253 Club, here in Pierce
> County - Area Code 253. By achieving this lofty mile stone, new members are entitled to a beverage of their choice from yours truly!
>
> Ryan Shaw #253 - finding a Short-tailed Shearwater off of Dune during the massive influx of these wonderful tubenoses into Puget Sound waters. Massive extra credit for achieving this goal while living in Texas!
>
> Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park, continues to be the spot to see pelagic birds from land. With a sweeping view to Des Moines to the Northeast, Commencement Bay to the East and Dalco Passage to the Northwest, it is the #1 eBird Hotspot in Pierce County with 229 species seen. Accessed near Point Ruston, this park was created in 2019. Amazingly, this year tallied all 3 Shearwaters: Short-tailed, Sooty and Manx and a shocking trifecta of Storm-Petrels: Fork-tailed, Leach?s & Wilson?s (the latter under WBRC review).
>
> Unfortunately, the 5 Mile Drive that went around the tip of Point Defiance has
> been closed to cars due to severe erosion of the bluffs, but it is still a wonderful place to bike and walk - now without cars.
>
> New Pierce County Big Year Record ? 246 species by Craig Miller
>
> Special Kudos to Craig, for surpassing Will Brook?s Pierce County record of 243 species, with a final Tundra Swan on Lake Tapps in the last week of the year. I can attest to his many hours out in the field and up in the mountains. The most amazing sighting that I personally witnessed with him was of a White-tailed Ptarmigan off of Panorama Point on Mount Rainier. While it is possible to see ptarmigan right off the trail, it is a rare occurrence, often requiring as many as 6 dedicated trips. Craig had carried his scope all the way up the snow field in June with us and found the bird a 1000 feet below us off of Pebble Creek! Certainly not identifiable with binoculars and an amazing find.
>
> For completeness, here are the prior 253 members as divined by a combination of eBird and WA Birder records. And for those below who?d like to share, let me know your 253th bird and any story you?d like to share.
>
> Patrick Sullivan <2007
> Charlie Wright 2011
> Bruce LaBar 2014
> Marcus Roening 2016 - Cassin?s Auklet
> Ed Pullen 2017
> Mike Charest 2017
> Heather Ballash 2021 - Barred Owl
> Tom Mansfield 2021
> Wayne Sladek 2021
> Peter Wimberger 2021
> Heather Voboril 2022
> Will Brooks 2022
> Bryan Hansen 2023 ? Black-legged Kittiwake
> Scott Saunders 2023 ? Tufted Puffin
> Craig Miller 2023 ? Nazca Booby
> Michael Hobbs 2024 ? Marbled Godwit
> Ryan Shaw 2025 ? Short-tailed Shearwater
>
> Good birding to all in the New Year,
>
> Marcus Roening Tacoma WA, The 253 - Pierce County
>
> Marcus Roening
> Tacoma WA
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2026 18:52:20 -0800
> From: David Cook via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: tweeters <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] space available for Oaxaca birding trip
> Message-ID:
> <CAPM-fG8KrgiegUHk_PZsgLzDByREnqsB46C2Cj_PEUtwbrhrgw...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> I am organizing a birding trip to Oaxaca, Mexico in March 2026 and we could
> add 1 or 2 more people to our trip. We will be going to locations north,
> south and east of Oaxaca city, but not touring the entire state of Oaxaca.
> It is likely to last 8-10 days.
> If you are interested in possibly joining us, please contact me at my
> personal email, <41cdcook...> and I can provide you with more details.
>
> Dave Cook
> Seattle
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2026 03:24:24 +0000
> From: Trileigh Tucker via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] OT: South Africa birding
> Message-ID:
> <MW4PR04MB734506A07D856F99FBE4D0AFC4B8A...>
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"
>
> Hello Tweets,
>
> A friend has invited us to accompany him to South Africa in September. He?s not a birder, but would be willing for us to take some birding days while there. I believe he?s thinking he'll plan things himself rather than hire a tour guide/company. So, a couple of questions for those who?ve been there in recent years:
>
> The State Department has some pretty unnerving risk alerts for SA, which make me wonder whether it?s actually a good destination in current times, or whether it?d be better to wait until it seems safer. If you?ve been there, either on your own or with a tour company, I?d be interested to hear how safe you felt.
>
> In terms of birding, are there companies or guides you would recommend for outings?
>
> Any other thoughts welcome.
>
> Thanks much,
> Trileigh
>
>
>
> Trileigh Tucker
>
> Gw?alali Valley, West Seattle
>
> NaturalPresenceArts.com<https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://naturalpresencearts.com/__;!!K-Hz7m0Vt54!h4Nl4KlPYyud_Edn7hTSOLi6K-a3Dri1bU3yEF0x_cj3F6GSh-YsTfhpgMkd9ERn6A4paQMKTTw0mT0LA6BQNeTmxXlLWJ8$ >
>
> tri@seattleu <dot> edu
>
>
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2026 03:51:51 +0000
> From: Diane Yorgason-Quinn via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: Tweeters <tweeters...>, Marcus Roening
> <marcus...>
> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] This Year?s Inductee to the 253 Club
> Message-ID:
> <DS5PPF8C62CDFB056B301FEAFAC763E3CD7C0B8A...>
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"
>
> Wow! Nice list and good news!
>
> Now Dune-rs will have to reach 229!
>
> I hope you'll share this at our celebration meeting on Jan 21 at 5:30 to 7 (darn library's restricted hours)! It's only fitting that the originator of the 253 list and one of the early champions should be there. Maybe with a mug for the drink.
>
> Now about Craig, I still don't know him. Could you talk him into coming?
>
> Diane
> ________________________________
> From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of Marcus Roening via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> Sent: Friday, January 2, 2026 6:51 PM
> To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] This Year?s Inductee to the 253 Club
>
>
> Hi Tweets,
>
> Congratulations to our newest 2025 member of the 253 Club, here in Pierce
> County - Area Code 253. By achieving this lofty mile stone, new members are entitled to a beverage of their choice from yours truly!
>
> Ryan Shaw #253 - finding a Short-tailed Shearwater off of Dune during the massive influx of these wonderful tubenoses into Puget Sound waters. Massive extra credit for achieving this goal while living in Texas!
>
> Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park, continues to be the spot to see pelagic birds from land. With a sweeping view to Des Moines to the Northeast, Commencement Bay to the East and Dalco Passage to the Northwest, it is the #1 eBird Hotspot in Pierce County with 229 species seen. Accessed near Point Ruston, this park was created in 2019. Amazingly, this year tallied all 3 Shearwaters: Short-tailed, Sooty and Manx and a shocking trifecta of Storm-Petrels: Fork-tailed, Leach?s & Wilson?s (the latter under WBRC review).
>
>
>
> Unfortunately, the 5 Mile Drive that went around the tip of Point Defiance has
> been closed to cars due to severe erosion of the bluffs, but it is still a wonderful place to bike and walk - now without cars.
>
>
>
> New Pierce County Big Year Record ? 246 species by Craig Miller
>
>
>
> Special Kudos to Craig, for surpassing Will Brook?s Pierce County record of 243 species, with a final Tundra Swan on Lake Tapps in the last week of the year. I can attest to his many hours out in the field and up in the mountains. The most amazing sighting that I personally witnessed with him was of a White-tailed Ptarmigan off of Panorama Point on Mount Rainier. While it is possible to see ptarmigan right off the trail, it is a rare occurrence, often requiring as many as 6 dedicated trips. Craig had carried his scope all the way up the snow field in June with us and found the bird a 1000 feet below us off of Pebble Creek! Certainly not identifiable with binoculars and an amazing find.
>
> For completeness, here are the prior 253 members as divined by a combination of eBird and WA Birder records. And for those below who?d like to share, let me know your 253th bird and any story you?d like to share.
>
> Patrick Sullivan <2007
> Charlie Wright 2011
> Bruce LaBar 2014
> Marcus Roening 2016 - Cassin?s Auklet
> Ed Pullen 2017
> Mike Charest 2017
> Heather Ballash 2021 - Barred Owl
>
> Tom Mansfield 2021
> Wayne Sladek 2021
> Peter Wimberger 2021
> Heather Voboril 2022
> Will Brooks 2022
>
> Bryan Hansen 2023 ? Black-legged Kittiwake
>
> Scott Saunders 2023 ? Tufted Puffin
>
> Craig Miller 2023 ? Nazca Booby
>
> Michael Hobbs 2024 ? Marbled Godwit
>
> Ryan Shaw 2025 ? Short-tailed Shearwater
>
> Good birding to all in the New Year,
>
> Marcus Roening Tacoma WA, The 253 - Pierce County
>
>
>
> Marcus Roening
> Tacoma WA
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2026 21:58:21 -0800
> From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2026-01-02
> Message-ID:
> <CAPO=BqsqCUZkTHW=Aq_r9AJWQRC-rkiM27AadKsLRd+<zKoFPUQ...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> Tweets - We started the new year with a remarkably nice day. There was
> early morning fog and chill, but the fog lifted. Temps in the 40's and no
> wind. Water levels are dropping and the birding is picking up; several
> species were singing today.
>
> Highlights:
> Greater White-fronted Goose - Five just below the weir
> Three species of goose, after a few weeks of one species or no geese
> at all
> Anna's Hummingbird - Male back in his spot near the windmill
> Wilson's Snipe - Three giving good looks below the weir
> Horned Grebe - Two, closer than usual to the Viewing Platform
> Downy Woodpecker - Quite a few sightings, good looks
> Merlin - One flew west just north of the Viewing Mound
> White-throated Sparrow - Two? Four?
>
> We had two WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS immediately south of the Dog Meadow.
> Then 2+ hours later, and 100 yards away across the river, I had two again
> behind the Rowing Club boathouse. Same birds found twice or four??? Hard
> to decide.
>
> I don't have my cheat sheet with me, so no official list of "Misses"
> (Species seen on 50% or more years during this week, but not today), but I
> can unreliably report Ring-necked Duck, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser,
> Killdeer,.Bushtit, Pine Siskin, and American Goldfinch as the probable list.
>
> Despite that list of Misses, we did have 52 species to start our 2026 list.
>
> = Michael Hobbs
> = <BirdMarymoor...>
> = https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.marymoor.org/birding.htm__;!!K-Hz7m0Vt54!h4Nl4KlPYyud_Edn7hTSOLi6K-a3Dri1bU3yEF0x_cj3F6GSh-YsTfhpgMkd9ERn6A4paQMKTTw0mT0LA6BQNeTm8nIPdfI$ > -------------- next part --------------
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>
> ------------------------------
>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
> ------------------------------
>
> End of Tweeters Digest, Vol 257, Issue 3
> ****************************************
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Date: 1/6/26 11:48 am From: DEENA HEG via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Yellow-shafted flicker (Joan Miller via Tweeters)
I have had what I'm pretty sure is an intergrade flicker coming to my suet feeder for the last several years: red nape crescent, red malar, brown face, and very yellow shafts. And this year, a family member showed up with orange shafts.
Date: 1/6/26 11:10 am From: J Christian Kessler via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] a festival in Jackson Wyoming
for anyone so inclined, here's an announcement of a birding festival all
the way over to western Wyoming
Jackson Hole Birding Festival <
<jacksonholebirdingfestival...>
Chris Kessler
--
“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass … it’s about learning how
to dance in the rain.”
Deborah Tuck
It is easiest if you use the online forms to send in reports, but other options are provided as well if needed.
The annual list report is a great chance to look at the community and appreciate all the many accomplishments out there.
I believe for 2025 several very high state year lists and I’m sure we have many personal listing personal highs as well - it would be excellent receive that info for the overall report. Regardless of how high or low your totals are, this is a chance to join in the community summary of accomplishments.
You don’t have to enter details for every category listed, just send in info for those important to you.
For 2025, we’ve once again added an option to report lists for your 5MR “5 mile radius” list, for those who track that as an extended yard list. we recommend using the eBird status decisions on local countability of introduced/exotic species.If you are on eBird, almost all the totaling is done for you. Most notably, most western WA counties no longer ‘count’ Ring-necked Pheasant in county life list totals.
Enjoy the new year, and send in the [reports of the] old!
Date: 1/5/26 9:38 pm From: Richard James via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Purple Martins
On 2026-01-05 12:00 p.m., via Tweeters wrote:
> Message: 8 > Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0800 > From: Kathleen Snyder via Tweeters <tweeters...> > Subject: [Tweeters] To California, Brazil, and Back ? GPS tracking of > Vesper Sparrow and Purple Martin. Thursday Jan 8, 7 pm via Zoom > Oregon Vesper Sparrow and Western Purple Martin, two imperiled subspecies > unique to the western U.S.
Kathleen,
For the record, there are well-documented colonies of Western Purple Martin in BC, so not unique to western USA.
"In 2014, a total of 1,060 pairs nested at 74 marine and 6 freshwater sites, an increase of 110 pairs and 12 sites from 2013; the breeding range now extends to Barkley Sound and the Broughton Archipelago in the Coast and Mountains Ecoprovince (Western Purple Martin Foundation 2014)."
Date: 1/5/26 6:52 pm From: Steve Hampton via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Yellow-shafted flicker
Intergrade flickers are quite common here (Port Townsend) in winter--
probably 25% of all birds. I also see them regularly (though maybe 5-10% of
total) in summer as part of the breeding population, feeding young, etc.
Usually those are red-shafted in most features but have a red nape mark.
I've only seen pure Yellow-shafted once or twice in the last 5 years, in
winter.
On Mon, Jan 5, 2026 at 6:37 PM Michael Price via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Hey tweets,
>
> In the early 90s I was part of a breeding-bird inventory in north-central
> BC, near Manson Creek just W of Williston Lake. It's an area where due to
> openings in the boreal forest caused by *very* extensive clear-cutting,
> eastern avifauna were able to penetrate more and more widely into the
> region*, and one result was that we saw a *lot* of intergrading between
> Red- and Yellow-shafted Flickers, between Oregon and Slate-colored Juncos (
> *cismontanus* was the norm), and Red-breasted X Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
> hybrids.
>
> *that clear-cutting of the boreal forest and consequent westward
> colonisation resulted in a lot of eastern sparrows extremely rare in the
> 1970s have now become not only regular but increasingly common as wintering
> birds along the mid-Pacific flyway: Swamp Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow,
> White-throated Sparrow are now regular wintering species and in good
> numbers when once upon a time their single—even first-time—occurrence would
> have resulted in dropped tools and unfinished meals.
>
> best, m
>
> Michael Price
> Vancouver BC Canada
> <loblollyboy...>
>
> Every answer deepens the mystery.
> -- E.O. Wilson
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 1/5/26 6:47 pm From: Michael Price via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Yellow-shafted flicker
Hey tweets,
In the early 90s I was part of a breeding-bird inventory in north-central
BC, near Manson Creek just W of Williston Lake. It's an area where due to
openings in the boreal forest caused by *very* extensive clear-cutting,
eastern avifauna were able to penetrate more and more widely into the
region*, and one result was that we saw a *lot* of intergrading between
Red- and Yellow-shafted Flickers, between Oregon and Slate-colored Juncos (
*cismontanus* was the norm), and Red-breasted X Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
hybrids.
*that clear-cutting of the boreal forest and consequent westward
colonisation resulted in a lot of eastern sparrows extremely rare in the
1970s have now become not only regular but increasingly common as wintering
birds along the mid-Pacific flyway: Swamp Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow,
White-throated Sparrow are now regular wintering species and in good
numbers when once upon a time their single—even first-time—occurrence would
have resulted in dropped tools and unfinished meals.
best, m
Michael Price
Vancouver BC Canada
<loblollyboy...>
Date: 1/5/26 1:52 pm From: Martha Jordan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Tundra Swan injured
This is an update note on the Tundra Swan in the Union Bay area.
This post is to let those with an interest in the injured Tundra Swan in the Union Bay/Montlake Fill area know that it is being monitored daily. Yes, it is a Tundra Swan and not associated with the small flock of Trumpeter Swans in the same general area. It is injured and is moving to different locations around the Union Bay area. At this time, it is capable of flying, thus making it not possible to capture. It also can feed and do some preening. If any capture attempt was to be made at this time it highly likely will result in further injury or death for this swan. Please do not attempt to go near or try to touch the swan. At this time both Washington Dept of Fish & Wildlife and NWSCA are monitoring the situation and are available to respond should the swan's situation change. If you have photos or video of the swan to help us update us on its health, please send them to: mj.cygnus at gmail.com
Date: 1/5/26 11:38 am From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Yellow-shafted flicker
I have seen one.
Jan
Jan Stewart
922 E Spruce Street
Sequim, WA 98382-3518
<jstewart...>
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> On Behalf Of Dennis Paulson via Tweeters Sent: Monday, January 5, 2026 11:16 AM To: Joan Miller <jemskink...> Cc: TWEETERS tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Yellow-shafted flicker
Joan,
Yellow-shafted flickers breed to the north of us in Alaska and northern Canada, and small numbers travel down to Washington every winter. We seem to have more hybrids than pure yellow-shafted, but the latter are to be watched for.
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
dennispaulson at comcast dot net
On Jan 5, 2026, at 10:50 AM, Joan Miller via Tweeters <tweeters...> <mailto:<tweeters...> > wrote:
Hello all,
I have a yellow-shafted flicker coming to my suet. It clearly has yellow shafts, black malar and red on nape. I thought to call it an intergrade, but the internet says this is yellow-shafted.
Just mentioning in case anyone has seen these around. I don't think it's that rare here. But I also have our "regular" red-shafteds!
Date: 1/5/26 11:27 am From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Yellow-shafted flicker
Joan,
Yellow-shafted flickers breed to the north of us in Alaska and northern Canada, and small numbers travel down to Washington every winter. We seem to have more hybrids than pure yellow-shafted, but the latter are to be watched for.
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
dennispaulson at comcast dot net
> On Jan 5, 2026, at 10:50 AM, Joan Miller via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Hello all,
>
> I have a yellow-shafted flicker coming to my suet. It clearly has yellow shafts, black malar and red on nape. I thought to call it an intergrade, but the internet says this is yellow-shafted.
>
> Just mentioning in case anyone has seen these around. I don't think it's that rare here. But I also have our "regular" red-shafteds!
>
> Joan Miller
> West Seattle
> jemskink at gmail dot com
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 1/5/26 11:02 am From: Joan Miller via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Yellow-shafted flicker
Hello all,
I have a yellow-shafted flicker coming to my suet. It clearly has yellow shafts, black malar and red on nape. I thought to call it an intergrade, but the internet says this is yellow-shafted.
Just mentioning in case anyone has seen these around. I don't think it's that rare here. But I also have our "regular" red-shafteds!
Joan Miller West Seattle jemskink at gmail dot com
Date: 1/5/26 8:12 am From: Kathleen Snyder via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] To California, Brazil, and Back – GPS tracking of Vesper Sparrow and Purple Martin. Thursday Jan 8, 7 pm via Zoom
Dr Sarah Rockwell of Klamath Bird Observatory is using lightweight archival GPS tags to track the migratory routes and overwintering locations of both Oregon Vesper Sparrow and Western Purple Martin, two imperiled subspecies unique to the western U.S. The birds have returned with fascinating information, revealing new discoveries about their incredible journeys.
There are two ways to enjoy this program. You can come to Temple Beth Hatfiloh (201 8th Ave. SE, Olympia) to watch the program on the large screen as well as to enjoy the company of others *OR* you can register below to watch from home via Zoom. Social time at the Temple starts at 6:30. This is a free program from South Sound Bird Alliance (formerly Black Hills Audubon).
