Date: 7/18/25 12:28 am From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] The Almost Impossible Mission of Studying the Lesser Yellowlegs | Audubon
Date: 7/17/25 8:25 pm From: Diane Yorgason-Quinn via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Caspian Tern with Abnormal Bill
Definitely a bird with a history, but it's determined to live.
You also have a knack for getting those band numbers! I always seem to be missing a digit.
Diane
________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of John Riegsecker via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2025 7:52 PM
To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Caspian Tern with Abnormal Bill
I photographed a Caspian Tern with an odd bill deformity today. It also
appears to have a damaged left eye, so perhaps both are the result of an
injury. eBird list with photos:
Date: 7/17/25 8:04 pm From: John Riegsecker via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Caspian Tern with Abnormal Bill
I photographed a Caspian Tern with an odd bill deformity today. It also appears to have a damaged left eye, so perhaps both are the result of an injury. eBird list with photos:
Date: 7/17/25 1:44 pm From: Carol Riddell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] bird ID (Taunya Schultz)
Your photo link is not attached to your post at either today’s Daily Digest or at the UW List Serv. You need to include your email address with your post, which you did not, and invite those who are interested in seeing the photo to email you directly.
Date: 7/17/25 12:55 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-07-17
Tweets - We had a very fine morning, with temperatures never yet getting too warm despite the full sun and the Excessive Heat Warnings. And while singing has become almost non-existent (except for Swainson's Thrushes), there were plenty of birds around. And we are seeing strong evidence of post-breeding dispersal, with many birds today that we haven't had in weeks or months.
Highlights: Hooded Merganser - Two at the Rowing Club. First of Fall (FOF) and first since April! Virginia Rail - One responded from across the slough. First since June 5th (FOF) Greater Yellowlegs - Two at the weir (FOF) Ring-billed (?) Gulls - Four flying very high and heading north Pied-billed Grebe - Seen from Lake Platform. First since the 1st week in May (FOF) Green Heron - Two at weir. At one point, a Green Heron chased off a Greater Yellowlegs Great Blue Heron - Only 1 bird at nests (though several dead birds were noted). Only about 5-6 GBHE noted anywhere in the park this morning Osprey - Appear to have young at both nests Red-tailed Hawk - Juvenile flying around calling piteously for most of the morning. What-the-heck happened to free room service??? Merlin - One seen twice, or two Tree Swallow - One of the Martin gourds featured at least 3 baby Tree Swallow gaping mouths Purple Martin - Both of the close gourds had martins, with nest exchanges noted CHIPPING SPARROW - Juvenile along SW edge of the Dog Meadow Orange-crowned Warbler - 1-2 along SW edge of Dog Meadow (FOF) Yellow Warbler - 2-3 along SW edge of Dog Meadow (all female/juvie), with a singing male at the Rowing Club Black-throated Warbler - At least one along SW edge of Dog Meadow (FOF) Western Tanager - Two makes at Rowing Club
Misses today, comprised just Rufous Hummingbird, Violet-green Swallow, and Cliff Swallow.
For the day, counting the high-flying gulls, 61 species. A good day.
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 7/16/25 3:42 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] JBLM Eagle's Pride Golf Course Monthly Birdwalk -Thursday, July 17
Hi Tweeters,
The Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) birdwalk is scheduled for Thursday, July 17.
The JBLM Eagle's Pride GC birders meet the third Thursday of each month at 8:00AM<outlook-data-detector://2> March-Oct. (Starting time changes to 9:00AM Nov-Feb).
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. Please park reasonably close to other vehicles as this is a busy time of the year for both golfers and birders. ;>)
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 58-74degF (61-83 real-feel) and bright sunshine during the walk. As always, dress for success!
Date: 7/16/25 1:56 pm From: Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] bird ID
Hmmmm Somehow you got away with attaching a photo to Tweeters. I didn't
think that was possible. Maybe because it was a very small image.
It's a challenging image but I'd say it looks like a White Wagtail. This
has varying morphs/subspecies with varying amounts of Black, like your
bird. A great find if that's what it is. I don't know what else it could
be. What sort of habitat was it in? These are open country birds, not
woods, etc.
Bob OBrien Portland
On Wed, Jul 16, 2025 at 1:26 PM Taunya Schultz via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
Date: 7/16/25 1:41 pm From: Tom Benedict via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] bird ID
My guess is Western Wood Peewee.
Tom Benedict
Seahurst, WA
> On Jul 16, 2025, at 13:26, Taunya Schultz via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> This was seen near Kent, WA. Anybody have an idea what it is?
> Taunya Schultz
Date: 7/15/25 2:22 pm From: Valerie Anderson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Virginia Rail chicks
Hi Tweets, I have a trail cam set up to see who travels through the pond near our house. It has captured great pictures of Wood Ducks with their chicks, Mallards of course, beaver, river otter, etc. It has also caught the Virginia Rail that we have only been able to hear. This week, I collected the SD card and there are pictures of the Virginia Rail with at least 3 (maybe 4?) chicks. This was exciting for us bird nerds. Hopefully this picture (low resolution) shows them: https://photos.app.goo.gl/EbRBHMeLH9tx6hau8
Date: 7/15/25 12:50 pm From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Purple Martins at Ship - and the Eagles nest at Wylie
Stan,
Thanks for your explanations and observations. I find it interesting
that
what I observed (lots of activity, then NONE) was 'pre-nesting' and not
incubating/hatching/fledging. I'm not saying that isn't what was
happening - just noting how difficult it is when there is zero activity
around the condos at Ship for more than one visit but the 2 weeks
before there were Martins coming and going from the condos in a
constant stream.
There -may- be some Purple Martins at Wylie ... but I can't confirm it.
It -is- a "likely habitat" - there certainly are lots of Tree and a fair
number
of Barn Swallows at Wylie. Or maybe at English Boom on Camano? (Which
isn't exactly Skagit.)
Is anyone working on putting up more Martin condos? Or simply
maintaining the ones we know about? There are some nest boxes
and tree hollows at Wylie that seem to be UNoccupied since the
work on the levees was done (I'm not saying that is the cause - just
providing a time frame).
BTW - in case anyone is wondering ... the eagle nest at Wylie was still
very much "active" YESterday. The chick was very visible for over an
hour - but was not seen exercising its wings. The adults seem to take
turns staying close while the other hunts. It can be a treat to see them
bring back a fish ... but sometimes it is pretty uneventful where the
adult comes in and drops the fish but the chick doesn't tear into it
right away. I've been going to the nest viewing location at least once a
week since early June. I keep hoping I'll see the chick taking its first
flight(s) but so far nothing. *Frown*. *VBG*
- Jim in Skagit
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 7/15/25 10:11 am From: stan Kostka lynn Schmidt via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Counting Purple Martins
Hello Jim,
Your observation is a good example of how challenging it can be to try and count pairs of martins early in the season, when martins are for the most part laying and incubating eggs, colonies can appear abandoned much of the day.
I visited Ship Harbor yesterday and there are many pairs there, the oldest young are less than two weeks old, and some nests still contain eggs. So, the activity there should be really picking up soon, and will last well into August.
Regarding the timeline of nesting, based on some communications with other folks who have been closely following martin breeding in past years, it appears, for the most part, that martins in Washington pretty much follow the same schedule, from the north end of the Olympic Peninsula to the Columbia River. I was surprised to discover this, but it seems to be true, for the most part.
I recently returned from a trip through northern California where martin breeding can be widely delayed, by a month or more, between the Central Valley and the Northern Coast, due to the weather differences. It was over 100 in parts of the Valley, while high temps in Humboldt County were in the low 60s, with fog.
In any case, there is still plenty of time to observe martins in Washington. Fledging will begin late this month and last well into August.
Not many breeding locations in Skagit, besides Ship Harbor, very small colony on Padilla Bay north of Bayview, in a few old nestboxes on pilings that have been rapidly disappearing over the past few years. And martins have been reported using nestboxes on Vendovi Island, but I’ve never personally visited there.
Stan Kostka
lynnandstan at earthlink dot net.
Date: 7/1 12:49 PM
From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Purple Martins
Stan,
There is a fairly large "condo village" of Purple Martins at Ship Harbor on Fidalgo Island (Anacortes). That village was very active a few weeks ago
but is now "abandoned" (no activity, what so ever). My conclusion is that the chicks have fledged. If I'm correct - then your timeline for nesting
has to be modified based upon location, location, location. This group of nests has been active for a long time.
I don't know of any other Martin colonies here in Skagit County.
- Jim in Skagit
Date: 7/1 9:31 AM
From: stan Kostka lynn Schmidt via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Counting Purple Martins
Hello Tweets, hope everyone is enjoying the weather .
There is currently an effort underway to organize and conduct a search, survey, and count of the number of breeding pairs of Purple Martins in Washington State. If you are interested in being involved, please let me know. If you know anyone you think may be interested, please let them know.
Martin abundance in any region, is generally (always) defined by the known number of breeding pairs, also known as active nests. British Columbia, Oregon, and California have already done this to some extent, but it’s never been done in Washington. There have been estimates in the past, but the fact is that currently nobody really knows.
The earliest nesting Purple Martins in Washington State are now tending to young that are about one week old. Soon, in another couple weeks or so, will be the best time to observe the height of activity at a martin colony, when adults will be busy feeding rapidly growing young, many of which by then will be making an appearance being fed at the nest cavity entrance.
Counting breeding pairs involves identifying active nests. Some people will be looking into nest cavities to confirm the presence of eggs or young. However, at most sites, nests will not be accessible, so counting will be done by observing and recording bird behaviours. Birds entering nest holes in July and August, especially when carrying food, and removing fecal sacs, are how we determine an active nest without looking inside. Later when young appear at the entrance, that observation alone confirms an active nest. Later in the season after young are fledging, they are often visible returning to their natal cavities at dusk, for a week or more before they begin migration.
Covering all of Western Washington over the next couple seasons is going to be a big project, and so the more eyes in the field the better. So, if you are interested in looking for and counting Purple Martins anywhere in Western Washington, please let me know.
ThanksStan Kostkalynnandstan at earthlink.net _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 7/14/25 1:09 pm From: Larry Schwitters via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Lot's of Vaux's
As far as Vaux’s Happening knows there are only two migratory roosts that host significant numbers of roosting Vaux’s in the summer. They are Monroe Wagner and the Selleck old schoolhouse. We document their numbers every night and have been doing so for years. A video camera. inside the bricks helps with that.
Wagner has been having 50-60 feathered guests each night and Selleck about double that.
I am finally getting all of my historical data into eBird. In 2003 we were at Ocean Shores and birded a bunch of places. Most are easy to find but one has me stumped. It is listed as Jetty Behind Susie's. I am assuming that 'Susie's' must have been a place of business at the time, maybe a restaurant. It could be anywhere in the region but we didn't go south of Tokeland on this trip nor further than Moclips to the north. It is not the Point Brown Jetty. The only ones I can see on Google Earth are the north jetty at Tokeland Marina and the jetties that protect the Ocean Shores Marina. If you know where this might be you can reply privately or post it on Tweeters.
Date: 7/11/25 5:28 pm From: Carol Riddell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Do Not Reply to Daily Digests
Dear Tweeters Community,
Please, please quit replying to the daily digests. Those of you who persist in doing that just create a reading mess. It makes it extremely difficult to find the next message in line. Reply to the post that you want to reply to—never to the entire daily digest. If you need the Tweeters email address, it is tweeters at u.washington dot edu. Thank you for being more careful. It helps the rest of us.
I would like to open a dialogue - off list - to discuss these topics
and other such
"hot items" that most birding list owners would rather just not have to
deal with.
So, IF you are interested ... send me a direct email and after a week or
so we'll
get the discussion started (want to be sure enough people have had a
chance to
see this invite).
- Jim in Skagit County
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
This unusual appearing Anna’s was feeding at the fuchsia off and on for quite a while and I took many photos. So I am sure that the yellow was not due to the lighting. I could see the yellow not only in the photos, but also without binocs. Our guess is that the yellow is pollen from our yellow day lilies or some other flower in our yard.
Date: 7/11/25 1:27 am From: Jane Hadley via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] question (Diann MacRae via Tweeters)
Dear Tweetsters: For a long time, I have been unable to see the content in Diann MacRae's Tweeters messages -- unless I click on the URL link at the bottom of the message. I get Tweeters via the Digest, so this URL may be available only for those who receive Tweeters via the Digest or at the UW's Tweeters archives.
When I click on that URL at the bottom of the message
I am taken to a web page that displays her message, but the message is encased in html markup, that is, commands enclosed in angle brackets saying how the message should be displayed. (It's not just Diann's messages. There are a few other Tweeter contributors whose messages have the same issue.) I suspect the problem is the email client that Diann (and others who are have the same issue) are using. I think there is probably nothing Diann can do other than to use a different device or program to send the messages. The Tweeters listserv software is old and cannot handle all formats. Some Tweeters subscribers choose to get individual Tweeters messages forwarded on to them rather than having a digest that packages up all of a day's messages once a day and sends them out in a single email. I get the digest, so I cannot say how Diann's messages are displayed in the individual emails that are forwarded. I wouldn't be surprised if those messages came through just fine.
I just now checked The Birding Lists Digest site that shows Tweeters messages on a web page ( http://digest.sialia.com/?rm=one_list;id=141 ) and I find that the content of Diann's message is entirely missing. And the URL at the bottom simply links to the Tweeters information page, not to the content of the message.
So the solution to this issue depends on how you get your Tweeters messages.
If you get them via the Digest, click on the URL at the bottom of the message.
If you get individually forwarded emails, I am guessing you don't have a problem, unless you have an email program that is limited in formats it can handle (unlikely in this day and age). But I could be wrong about this, don't know.
Finally, if you read your Tweeters messages via the Birders List Digest, then I think you're out of luck there. You will not be able to read the message. But you can go to the UW Tweeters archives and find the message to get the URL at the bottom of the message and read the content (encased in html markup). Here is the link for that: https://mailman1.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/
Regarding the sending side of this question, I believe that the best way to get messages you send to Tweeters to display perfectly is to send them to the extent possible in plain text. Avoid bold, italic, smart quotes, and angle brackets. It's easy enough to do most of these things, but to get rid of smart quotes, you have to either not use quotes at all or compose your message in a plain text editor rather than in something like Word. (A plain text quote is one where the quotes go straight up and down and there's no difference between the opening and closing quotes. Smart or curly quotes slant or curl one way for opening quotes and a different way for closing quotes.)
Date: 7/10/25 3:07 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-07-10
Tweets - We had a pretty dark overcast today, though the clouds shifted higher later in the morning. Not a great day for seeing every bird, for sure; at least 8 species were heard-only.
Highlights: Black Swift - Small numbers seen several times, maybe six total birds. First of Year (FOY) for the survey Green Heron - Mason reported a juvenile below the weir. Minutes later, an adult flew downstream past the weir Osprey - Both nests active, plus several additional birds at the lake Merlin - One seen twice, or two; Dog Area Swainson's Thrush - Seemed notably numerous, with a great deal of singing Western Tanager - Beautiful male flying back and forth across the slough. Seen from the Rowing Club
For mammals, we had deer near the mansion, a coyote across the slough near the weir, and probably at least two beavers, in addition to numerous bunnies and a few squirrels.
Misses today included Hooded Merganser, Killdeer, Pied-billed Grebe, Red-tailed Hawk, American Barn Owl, Bushtit, Bullock's Oriole, Yellow Warbler, and Black-headed Grosbeak.
For the day, 51 species. For the year, adding Black Swift, I believe we're at 122 species.
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 7/10/25 2:27 pm From: Blythe Horman via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Problems replying to a question about listserv
There does indeed seem an issue. My reply was, “I couldn’t see the content
of your original email, Diann, but could view it in Peggy and Louise’s
replies. It does seem to me that more posts are missing their content
lately.”
Blythe Horman
Lynnwood, WA
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Date: Thu, Jul 10, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Subject: The results of your email commands
To: <blythe.horman...>
The results of your email command are provided below. Attached is your
original message.
- Results:
Ignoring non-text/plain MIME parts
- Unprocessed:
view it
in Peggy and Louise=E2=80=99s replies. It does seem to me that more
posts a=
re
missing their content lately.
Blythe Horman
Lynnwood, WA
On Thu, Jul 10, 2025 at 12:00 PM 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
- Ignored:
> than "Re: Contents of Tweeters digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. question (Diann MacRae via Tweeters)
> 2. Re: question (Peggy Mundy via Tweeters)
> 3. Re: question (Louise via Tweeters)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2025 23:09:03 +0200
> From: Diann MacRae via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: tweeters t <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] question
> Message-ID:
>
>
<trinity-ac95dbda-780b-4412-8924-2d996197d237-1752095343802@3c-app-mailco=
m-bs10
> >
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=3D"us-ascii"
>
> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
> URL: <
>
http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20250709= /f8f5e391/attachment-0001.html
> >
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:59:08 +0000 (UTC)
> From: Peggy Mundy via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: tweeters t <tweeters...>, Diann MacRae
> <tvulture...>
> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] question
> Message-ID: <751925612.22652.1752109148540...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=3D"utf-8"
>
> Hi Diann,I don't know the technical side of this listserv, but wanted
to
> let you know your message came through (for me, anyway).
> Peggy MundyBothell WA
>
> <peggy_busby...> on Instagram
>
> On Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 02:10:12 p.m. PDT, Diann MacRae via
> Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Hi - I haven't gotten any Tweeters postings for three days and it's
been
> pretty thinned out earlier. Are there problems or something
subscribers
> should know? I'm about ready to send a report but not if it won't go
> out.?Cheers Diann
> ?Diann MacRae
> Olympic Vulture Study
> 22622 - 53rd Avenue S.E.
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/22622+-+53rd+Avenue+S.E.+%0D%0ABothell,+WA+98021?entry=gmail&source=g> > Bothell, WA 98021
> <tvulture...>
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
> -------------- next part --------------
> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
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>
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> >
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2025 18:32:53 -0700
> From: Louise via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: TWEETERS tweeters <tweeters...>
> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] question
> Message-ID:
> <
> CALW_7c4t8QKNoqf7DOjdAQr-isozTCj7PcV-RxY+V5mx+<u15uw...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=3D"utf-8"
>
> I haven't been getting messages through tweeters the last couple of
days,
> and I didn't get Diann's original query, only Peggy's reply.
>
> Louise Rutter
> Kirkland
>
> On Wed, Jul 9, 2025 at 5:59?PM Peggy Mundy via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> > Hi Diann,
> > I don't know the technical side of this listserv, but wanted to let
you
> > know your message came through (for me, anyway).
> >
> > Peggy Mundy
> > Bothell WA
> >
> > [image: Emoji]
> > <peggy_busby...>
> > @scenebypeggy on Instagram
> >
> >
> > On Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 02:10:12 p.m. PDT, Diann MacRae via
> Tweeters
> > <tweeters...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Hi - I haven't gotten any Tweeters postings for three days and it's
bee=
n
> > pretty thinned out earlier. Are there problems or something
subscribers
> > should know? I'm about ready to send a report but not if it won't
go ou=
t.
> >
> > Cheers Diann
> >
> > Diann MacRae
> > Olympic Vulture Study
> > 22622 - 53rd Avenue S.E.
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/22622+-+53rd+Avenue+S.E.+%0D%0A+Bothell,+WA+98021?entry=gmail&source=g> > > Bothell, WA 98021
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/22622+-+53rd+Avenue+S.E.+%0D%0A+Bothell,+WA+98021?entry=gmail&source=g> > > <tvulture...>
> > _______________________________________________
> > Tweeters mailing list
> > <Tweeters...>
> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > _______________________________________________
> > Tweeters mailing list
> > <Tweeters...>
> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > >
> -------------- next part --------------
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>
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> >
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
> ------------------------------
>
> End of Tweeters Digest, Vol 251, Issue 9
> ****************************************
>
- Done.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Blythe Horman <blythe.horman...>
To: <tweeters...>, <tweeters-request...>
Cc:
Bcc:
Date: Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:08:48 -0700
Subject: Re: Tweeters Digest, Vol 251, Issue 9
I couldn’t see the content of your original email, Diann, but could view it
in Peggy and Louise’s replies. It does seem to me that more posts are
missing their content lately.
Blythe Horman
Lynnwood, WA
On Thu, Jul 10, 2025 at 12:00 PM 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. question (Diann MacRae via Tweeters)
> 2. Re: question (Peggy Mundy via Tweeters)
> 3. Re: question (Louise via Tweeters)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2025 23:09:03 +0200
> From: Diann MacRae via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: tweeters t <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] question
> Message-ID:
>
> <trinity-ac95dbda-780b-4412-8924-2d996197d237-1752095343802@3c-app-mailcom-bs10
> >
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:59:08 +0000 (UTC)
> From: Peggy Mundy via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: tweeters t <tweeters...>, Diann MacRae
> <tvulture...>
> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] question
> Message-ID: <751925612.22652.1752109148540...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> Hi Diann,I don't know the technical side of this listserv, but wanted to
> let you know your message came through (for me, anyway).
> Peggy MundyBothell WA
>
> <peggy_busby...> on Instagram
>
> On Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 02:10:12 p.m. PDT, Diann MacRae via
> Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Hi - I haven't gotten any Tweeters postings for three days and it's been
> pretty thinned out earlier. Are there problems or something subscribers
> should know? I'm about ready to send a report but not if it won't go
> out.?Cheers Diann
> ?Diann MacRae
> Olympic Vulture Study
> 22622 - 53rd Avenue S.E.
> Bothell, WA 98021
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/22622+-+53rd+Avenue+S.E.+%0D%0ABothell,+WA+98021?entry=gmail&source=g> > <tvulture...>
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2025 18:32:53 -0700
> From: Louise via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: TWEETERS tweeters <tweeters...>
> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] question
> Message-ID:
> <
> CALW_7c4t8QKNoqf7DOjdAQr-isozTCj7PcV-RxY+V5mx+<u15uw...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> I haven't been getting messages through tweeters the last couple of days,
> and I didn't get Diann's original query, only Peggy's reply.
>
> Louise Rutter
> Kirkland
>
> On Wed, Jul 9, 2025 at 5:59?PM Peggy Mundy via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> > Hi Diann,
> > I don't know the technical side of this listserv, but wanted to let you
> > know your message came through (for me, anyway).
> >
> > Peggy Mundy
> > Bothell WA
> >
> > [image: Emoji]
> > <peggy_busby...>
> > @scenebypeggy on Instagram
> >
> >
> > On Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 02:10:12 p.m. PDT, Diann MacRae via
> Tweeters
> > <tweeters...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Hi - I haven't gotten any Tweeters postings for three days and it's been
> > pretty thinned out earlier. Are there problems or something subscribers
> > should know? I'm about ready to send a report but not if it won't go out.
> >
> > Cheers Diann
> >
> > Diann MacRae
> > Olympic Vulture Study
> > 22622 - 53rd Avenue S.E.
>
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/22622+-+53rd+Avenue+S.E.+%0D%0A+Bothell,+WA+98021?entry=gmail&source=g>> > Bothell, WA 98021
> > <tvulture...>
> > _______________________________________________
> > Tweeters mailing list
> > <Tweeters...>
> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > _______________________________________________
> > Tweeters mailing list
> > <Tweeters...>
> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > >
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>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
> ------------------------------
>
> End of Tweeters Digest, Vol 251, Issue 9
> ****************************************
>
Date: 7/10/25 1:52 pm From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk for Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR
Dear Tweets,
Another fine Summer Day was enjoyed by approximately 25 birders at the
Refuge with cloudy skies, intermittent drizzle, and cool temperatures in
the 50's to 60's degrees Fahrenheit. Highlights included nice looks at the
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE between the Land Trust/Technician Building and the
entrance road along the Orchard, fly over three TURKEY VULTURES along the
Access Road as well BULLOCK'S ORIOLE feeding young, continuing WHIMBREL on
the mudflats with the autumnal return of WESTERN SANDPIPER, continuing
AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN at the mouth of the Nisqually River, and many babies
being fed including BARN SWALLOW, CLIFF SWALLOW, SWAINSON'S THRUSH, YELLOW
WARBLER, WOOD DUCK and MALLARD. See our eBird Report below for additional
details and embedded photos.
For the day we observed 66 species, I thought the American White Pelican
was a FOY but apparently not, we have observed 159 species this year.
Other fun sightings included Exuviae, Mink and Red-legged Frog.
I'll be away next week, Ken/Jon/Pete/Jim/Rob will help co-lead in my
absence. I look forward to being back on July 23rd. Until then, happy
birding,
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Jul 9, 2025 6:12 AM - 4:47 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.304 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Cloudy with intermittent drizzle
and temperatures in the 50’s to 60’s degrees Fahrenheit. A Low -1’10” Tide
at 11:30am. Mammals seen Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Eastern Gray
Squirrel, Harbor Seal, and Mink. Others seen Red-legged Frog, American
Bullfrog, Red-eared Slider and Exuviae of Dragonfly Larva.
66 species (+4 other taxa)
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 150
Wood Duck 10
Blue-winged/Cinnamon Teal 1
Mallard 20
Hooded Merganser 1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 13
Band-tailed Pigeon (Northern) 4
Mourning Dove 1
Vaux's Swift 1
Rufous Hummingbird 3
Virginia Rail 1
Sora 1
Killdeer 5
Whimbrel 1 Previously reported. Observed for 10 minutes from Tower
Observation Platform of Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail on mudflats
adjacent to Shannon Slough. Also seen on mudflats west of Leschi Slough.
Large brown shorebird with long decurved bill and brown crown stripes.
Photos.
Wilson's Snipe 1
Spotted Sandpiper 3
Greater Yellowlegs 6
Least Sandpiper 15
Western Sandpiper 3
peep sp. 550 Most likely large flock of WESA, but too far out on reach
to definitively identify. Spotted by Janel but seen by many, murmuration
of peeps 500-1000 birds at 1 mile adjacent to mouth of Nisqually River.
Scoped, peep sized shorebirds, mostly white undersides but otherwise
brown-gray. No black bellies.
Ring-billed Gull 75
California Gull 100
Glaucous-winged Gull 2
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 10
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 10
Caspian Tern 4
Brandt's Cormorant 9
Pelagic Cormorant 1
Double-crested Cormorant 25
Great Blue Heron 40
American White Pelican 3 Previously reported by Gene Revelas, finely
picked up by Wednesday Walk. Large white arial waterbird with distinctive
large yellow bill. Roosting at mouth of Nisqually River. Scoped at 1 mile
with 60x spotting scope.
Turkey Vulture 3
Bald Eagle 20 Nest seen from Puget Sound Observation Platform.
Belted Kingfisher 5
Red-breasted Sapsucker 1 Education Center.
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 2
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 4
Western Wood-Pewee 5
Willow Flycatcher 4
Steller's Jay 1 McAllister Hill
American Crow 7
Common Raven 2
Black-capped Chickadee 15
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 5
Bank Swallow 4
Tree Swallow 15
Violet-green Swallow 2
Purple Martin 4 Luhr Beach.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Barn Swallow (American) 75 Visitor Center.
Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group) 75 Observation Tower and McAllister
Observation Platform.
Bushtit (Pacific) 14
Brown Creeper 7
Marsh Wren 3
Bewick's Wren (spilurus Group) 3
European Starling 150
Swainson's Thrush 39
American Robin 30
Cedar Waxwing 13
Purple Finch (Western) 2
American Goldfinch 42
Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 2 West end parking lot.
Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 3
Song Sparrow 20
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 3
Bullock's Oriole 3 Access Road west of west end parking lot. And
Nisqually River cut off.
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 150
Brown-headed Cowbird 20
Common Yellowthroat 7
Yellow Warbler (Northern) 25
Date: 7/9/25 6:45 pm From: Louise via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] question
I haven't been getting messages through tweeters the last couple of days,
and I didn't get Diann's original query, only Peggy's reply.
Louise Rutter
Kirkland
On Wed, Jul 9, 2025 at 5:59 PM Peggy Mundy via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Hi Diann,
> I don't know the technical side of this listserv, but wanted to let you
> know your message came through (for me, anyway).
>
> Peggy Mundy
> Bothell WA
>
> [image: Emoji]
> <peggy_busby...>
> @scenebypeggy on Instagram
>
>
> On Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 02:10:12 p.m. PDT, Diann MacRae via Tweeters
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi - I haven't gotten any Tweeters postings for three days and it's been
> pretty thinned out earlier. Are there problems or something subscribers
> should know? I'm about ready to send a report but not if it won't go out.
>
> 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 > _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Hi Diann,I don't know the technical side of this listserv, but wanted to let you know your message came through (for me, anyway).
Peggy MundyBothell WA
<peggy_busby...> on Instagram
On Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 02:10:12 p.m. PDT, Diann MacRae via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Hi - I haven't gotten any Tweeters postings for three days and it's been pretty thinned out earlier. Are there problems or something subscribers should know? I'm about ready to send a report but not if it won't go out. 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
These were made with RWGPS, a cycling mapping software, but they should work for people traveling by car and walking in. Although, the unpaved portions would make for a tough, but scenic Mountain bike ride. FYI: if you download their app, a paid membership is required for offline usage.
If you have any suggestions for notes on the map please let me know and I would be happy to add them.
Date: 7/6/25 9:49 am From: Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] People say the darnedest things
That really cracked me up.
I hope you recorded it with Merlin
Will Merlin identify birders?
Bob Obrien portland.
On Sunday, July 6, 2025, via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
> Overheard yesterday at Point Robinson Park:
>
> (Swainson’s Thrush singing)
>
> Man 1: “Rewoo-rewoo-rewoo (imitation of SWTH) I really like that bird
> song. What bird is that?”
>
> Man 2: “I think it’s a Whip-poor-will.”
>
> (Pause)
>
> Man 2: “No, I don’t actually know.”
>
> Woman: “I think it was a crow.”
>
> Man 2: “What? A crow??”
>
> Man 1: “A crow says ‘Caw caw’.”
>
> Woman: “Well, that’s what I heard, ‘Caw caw’.”
>
> (Thrush sings)
>
> Man 1: “No, that song.”
>
> Woman: “Oh, I don’t know what that is. I wish I hadn’t lost my phone, I
> could do bird ID.”
>
> Man 1: “Well, I like it. I wish I knew what it was.”
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 7/5/25 9:16 pm From: Greg via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] fish drop
The misidentification of the probable osprey makes me wonder if the fish was properly identified.
I have come to know Angie Mentink as someone who prides herself as a keen observer. I think she would appreciate being informed about Ospreys but I’m not sure how I would accomplish that.
Greg Pluth
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jul 5, 2025, at 12:26 PM, pan via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> I agree the most probable explanation is an Osprey harangued by an eagle dropping that fish, given the observer saw it as something different, presumably smaller, than the eagle. (Not surprising but unfortunate that a town with Seahawks is unfamiliar with Osprey.) I once watched a fight over a fish between two Bald Eagles who eventually dropped the fish over West Seattle, another spot where retrieval could be difficult. I imagined some kid picking up the still live fish in the yard and yelling to unbelieving parents, who demanded to know where the kid got it. "I told you. It fell from the sky!"
>
> Alan Grenon
> Seattle
> panmail AT mailfence PERIOD com
>
>
> --
> Sent with https://mailfence.com > Secure and private email
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 7/5/25 9:11 pm From: Rachel Lawson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Getting rid of boxed set of The Birds of North America
Hi Dan,
You are the third person to express interest. Let’s discuss.
Rachel
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...>
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 7:41:23 PM
To: Rachel Lawson <rwlawson5593...>
Cc: Bruce LaBar via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Getting rid of boxed set of The Birds of North America
Hello Rachel,
I am interested.
Thank you,
Dan
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 5, 2025, at 4:40 PM, Rachel Lawson via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Hello Tweets,
I am relocating and have decided I don't want to bring my complete boxed set of The Birds of North America with me. Is anyone out there interested in this? If so, please contact me directly.
Complete information:
The Birds of North America. Life Histories for the 21st Century. 18 Volume Set
Alan F. Poole; Peter Stettenheim and Frank B. Gill [eds]<https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/author/alan-poole-peter-stettenheim-frank/> Published by American Ornithologists' Union / Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology / Academy of Natural Sciences, 2003
(It may be the earlier 1992 edition)
Date: 7/5/25 9:09 pm From: Rachel Lawson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Getting rid of boxed set of The Birds of North America
Hi Rob,
I would love to have it go to you. Let's discuss.
Have you recovered from your dire health problems? I hope so.
Do you remember years ago when Joseph's sister visited Seattle and you took us into the back of the Burke? I very often have occasion to repeat what you told us about the value of museum collections for research, changes in Marbled Murrelet diet bring the example you gave.
Rachel
Rachel
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: Rob Faucett <robfaucett...>
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 8:31:00 PM
To: Rachel Lawson <rwlawson5593...>
Cc: Bruce LaBar via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Getting rid of boxed set of The Birds of North America
Very interested.
—
Rob Faucett
+1(206) 619-5569
<robfaucett...>
Seattle, WA 98105
On Jul 5, 2025, at 4:40 PM, Rachel Lawson via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Hello Tweets,
I am relocating and have decided I don't want to bring my complete boxed set of The Birds of North America with me. Is anyone out there interested in this? If so, please contact me directly.
Complete information:
The Birds of North America. Life Histories for the 21st Century. 18 Volume Set
Alan F. Poole; Peter Stettenheim and Frank B. Gill [eds]<https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/author/alan-poole-peter-stettenheim-frank/> Published by American Ornithologists' Union / Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology / Academy of Natural Sciences, 2003
(It may be the earlier 1992 edition)
Date: 7/5/25 4:52 pm From: Rachel Lawson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Getting rid of boxed set of The Birds of North America
Hello Tweets,
I am relocating and have decided I don't want to bring my complete boxed set of The Birds of North America with me. Is anyone out there interested in this? If so, please contact me directly.
Complete information:
The Birds of North America. Life Histories for the 21st Century. 18 Volume Set
Alan F. Poole; Peter Stettenheim and Frank B. Gill [eds]<https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/author/alan-poole-peter-stettenheim-frank/> Published by American Ornithologists' Union / Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology / Academy of Natural Sciences, 2003
(It may be the earlier 1992 edition)
Date: 7/5/25 12:39 pm From: pan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] fish drop
I agree the most probable explanation is an Osprey harangued by an eagle dropping that fish, given the observer saw it as something different, presumably smaller, than the eagle. (Not surprising but unfortunate that a town with Seahawks is unfamiliar with Osprey.) I once watched a fight over a fish between two Bald Eagles who eventually dropped the fish over West Seattle, another spot where retrieval could be difficult. I imagined some kid picking up the still live fish in the yard and yelling to unbelieving parents, who demanded to know where the kid got it. "I told you. It fell from the sky!"
Alan Grenon
Seattle
panmail AT mailfence PERIOD com
Date: 7/5/25 11:19 am From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] So a salmon fell from the sky before the Mariners’ 4th of July game
You are absolutely right Dan ! I saw this on the news too “a falcon dropped
a salmon” ! I do not know of any fish eating falcons! I have observed
eagles getting ospreys drop their fish, but the eagles always caught the
fish before it hit the ground!
*Hans Feddern*
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
<thefedderns...>
On Sat, Jul 5, 2025 at 3:25 AM Dan Reiff via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
Date: 7/5/25 6:09 am From: Gary Bletsch via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] gull ID question
Dear Tweeters, A relatively new birder, a friend of mine, just sent me a photo that he had taken in March in the Great Lakes region. I am puzzled. The bird looks like it could be a cross between a Herring Gull and a Lesser Black-backed Gull, with the dark (but not black) mantle of a LBBG, but pink legs and baleful eye of an American Herring Gull. It sort of looks like it could have been a Slaty-backed Gull, which would be quite a rare find on the shores of Lake Erie. If any gull aficionados in Tweeter Land would like to look at the photo and render an opinion, or even a guess, please contact me off-list, and I will send the one photo that he shared with me. Thanks. Yours truly, Gary Bletsch _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 7/5/25 3:37 am From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] So a salmon fell from the sky before the Mariners’ 4th of July game
Tweeters,
Likely a fish was dropped by an Osprey being chased for a food drop by a Bald eagle.
What’s your speculation?
Dan Reiff
Date: 7/4/25 5:17 pm From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] TV
I have seen 3 'early scouts' this week. Jan
Jan Stewart 922 E Spruce Street Sequim, WA 98382-3518 <jstewart...>
-----Original Message----- From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> On Behalf Of Jim Betz via Tweeters Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 1:42 PM To: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] TuVus in Skagit County
Hi, We've lived in this house in Skagit since late 2018/early 2019. I've seen TuVu here, soaring around the hill, and elsewhere in Skagit County. And pretty much about half a year at a time (at least late April to late September). I'm new to the area but, from my observations here from our house looking East over the valley and out on the Skagit flats and on Fidalgo Island ... they've "always been here". I'm not saying "always" with respect to the time before we moved here - I'm talking about "since we've been here". And they seem to be pretty much resident here in the area each year since we moved here and for the months from late April thru September (and a few earlier in the year and later in the year). - Jim in Skagit _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 7/4/25 1:55 pm From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] TuVus in Skagit County
Hi,
We've lived in this house in Skagit since late 2018/early 2019. I've
seen TuVu
here, soaring around the hill, and elsewhere in Skagit County. And pretty
much about half a year at a time (at least late April to late
September). I'm
new to the area but, from my observations here from our house looking
East over the valley and out on the Skagit flats and on Fidalgo Island
... they've
"always been here".
I'm not saying "always" with respect to the time before we moved here
- I'm
talking about "since we've been here".
And they seem to be pretty much resident here in the area each year since
we moved here and for the months from late April thru September (and a
few earlier in the year and later in the year).
- Jim in Skagit
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 7/3/25 10:03 pm From: Roger Moyer via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] TV report
They didn't appear to be migrating
________________________________
From: Hans-Joachim Feddern <thefedderns...>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 9:26 PM
To: Roger Moyer <rogermoyer1...>
Cc: <tweeters...> <tweeters...>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] TV report
On Thu, Jul 3, 2025 at 4:53 PM Roger Moyer via Tweeters <tweeters...><mailto:<tweeters...>> wrote:
To the keeper of the Turkey Vulture report. There was a kettle of 30+ TVs near the truck stop off I5 at exit 99 in south Olympia today. That's one of the largest kettles I've ever seen in this part of the state.
Date: 7/3/25 9:47 pm From: Peggy Mundy via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] TV report
Early? I've seen them in Snohomish and King Counties in May in previous years, doing the Pilchuck Audubon Birdathon.
Peggy MundyBothell, WA
<peggy_busby...> on Instagram
On Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 09:28:01 p.m. PDT, Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
A bit early to be migrating ….
Hans Feddern
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
<thefedderns...>
On Thu, Jul 3, 2025 at 4:53 PM Roger Moyer via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
To the keeper of the Turkey Vulture report. There was a kettle of 30+ TVs near the truck stop off I5 at exit 99 in south Olympia today. That's one of the largest kettles I've ever seen in this part of the state.
Regards
Date: 7/3/25 9:39 pm From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] TV report
A bit early to be migrating ….
*Hans Feddern*
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
<thefedderns...>
On Thu, Jul 3, 2025 at 4:53 PM Roger Moyer via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> To the keeper of the Turkey Vulture report. There was a kettle of 30+ TVs
> near the truck stop off I5 at exit 99 in south Olympia today. That's one
> of the largest kettles I've ever seen in this part of the state.
>
> Regards
>
>
> Roger Moyer
> Chehalis, WA.
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 7/3/25 7:54 pm From: HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Costa Rica Kid-Friendly
Might suggest Peace Lodge. Lots for kids to do and still stuff for adults.
Hal Michael Board of Directors, Ecologists Without Borders http://ecowb.org/ Olympia WA 360-459-4005 360-791-7702 (C) <ucd880...>
> On 07/03/2025 3:46 PM PDT rjayrabin via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote: > > > Hi Tweeters, > We're looking to go to Costa Rica early next year, February or March, and are looking for an excellent Eco-Lodge that happens to also be kid-friendly. Will have a very precocious 6 1/2 year old and his younger sister with us and am wondering if anyone out there has had an excellent experience with such a place, maybe including a pool, etc. They love birds, but will need other activities too. > Many thanks in advance, and feel free to contact me off list. > Ron > > > -- > Ron Rabin > <rjayrabin...> mailto:<rjayrabin...> > > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 7/3/25 6:27 pm From: Constance Sidles via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Thanks for Merlin app info
Hey tweets, many thanks to all of you who took the time to tell me about your experiences with the Merlin app in Japan. I much appreciate the time and trouble you took to share what you learned about the app.
A big thank-you also to Stan (as well as previous stewards of Tweeters) for keeping this resource alive for the birding community. It certainly is great to learn about rare bird sightings from Tweeters, but even more wonderful to know that we have a whole bunch of people who care about birds, the environment, and each other. - Connie _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 7/3/25 6:21 pm From: Matt Bartels via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-07-03
Tweets -
5 of us filled in for an out-of-town Michael today for the weekly Marymoor walk.
It was a comfortable dry day - a bit of cloud cover, but not bad — It did definitely feel like we’ve entered the summer doldrums though, with lower numbers and few surprises.
Highlights today included:
Green Heron - at the Rowing Club
Virginia Rail - heard only, and our first in many weeks
Hairy Woodpecker - a pair, our first as well in several weeks
Among the species with young spotted today included Canada Goose Wood Duck, Mallard, Great Blue Heron, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee and Common Yellowthroat.
The Lake platform gourds continue to be interesting - today we had Tree Swallow in one gourd, Purple Martin in another — we are still waiting to see if we ever learn which species hatches from each of the 4 gourds.
Misses today included Gadwall, Hooded and Common Mergansers, Rock Pigeon, Red-tailed Hawk, Bullock’s Oriole & Lazuli Bunting.
Date: 7/3/25 5:11 pm From: Roger Moyer via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] TV report
To the keeper of the Turkey Vulture report. There was a kettle of 30+ TVs near the truck stop off I5 at exit 99 in south Olympia today. That's one of the largest kettles I've ever seen in this part of the state.
Date: 7/3/25 3:59 pm From: rjayrabin via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Costa Rica Kid-Friendly
Hi Tweeters, We're looking to go to Costa Rica early next year, February or March, and are looking for an excellent Eco-Lodge that happens to also be kid-friendly. Will have a very precocious 6 1/2 year old and his younger sister with us and am wondering if anyone out there has had an excellent experience with such a place, maybe including a pool, etc. They love birds, but will need other activities too. Many thanks in advance, and feel free to contact me off list. Ron
....that the elected might never form to themselves an interest separate from the electors ...
- Thomas Paine, from Common Sense
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 7/3/25 12:27 pm From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlin app in Japan?
I would agree with Bill’s comment, as we have been to Japan 5 times now and the sound ID is sketchy at best. The other identifier with the size, color and sighting specifics works much better. Make sure to download the different packs for Japan for your ebird and Merlin app.
Ron
From: William Stafford Noble via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 10:17 AM
To: Constance Sidles <constancesidles...>
Cc: stan Kostka lynn Schmidt via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlin app in Japan?
My son just got back from a trip to Japan. He said Merlin works there, but the sound ID coverage is ~40 percent, less in some areas.
Bill
On Wed, Jul 2, 2025 at 9:07 AM Constance Sidles via Tweeters <tweeters...> <mailto:<tweeters...> > wrote:
Hey tweets, I wonder if anyone out there in tweeterdom has had experience with the Merlin app in Japan? Does it work? I tried finding out by doing an online search and got mixed messages. Thanks for any help you can give. - Connie, Seattle
Date: 7/3/25 12:17 pm From: Tim Brennan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Columbia County birding 7/1-2
Howdy!
I got back yesterday from a nice birding trip in Columbia County. I had a dozen or so species I was hoping to find for my year list, and found ten, pushing the year list total to 155. Looking for 12 and finding 5 is much more my speed, so this felt like an embarrassment of riches! 96 species total for the trip, and many other notable wildlife sightings.
Bird-wise, one of the most productive stretches was FR 6436, which loops around from North Touchet Road to meet up with Kendall Skyline Road. I got buzzed by a Rufous Hummingbird off on a spur - 6437, where there were also many Western Tanagers, MacGillivray Warblers, and a distantly calling Pileated Woodpecker. Back on 6436, some tooting for Northern Pygmy Owl got responses from one such owl, and some Canada Jays. Starting here, and for much of the rest of the morning I was treated to amazing views of the blues, wildflowers galore, and a massive movement of California Tortoiseshell butterflies. It had to be thousands of them over the course of the morning - nothing I'd experienced before.
Shortly after meeting up with Kendall Skyline Road, I flushed a Dusky Grouse from the roadside, and a second within the next mile or so. There are some nice open spaces for them up there, so this code 4 bird wasn't really a surprise, but still a very welcome find. Up on that stretch I also got my FOY (and only) Turkey Vulture.
Approaching Godman CG, there is a hillside view with lots of snags on one side, and brush on the other. I had two Brewer's Sparrows here - a species I have always associated with sagebrush. They've been seen by several observers up in the Blues this year (and, upon research, in other years) on the Kendall Skyline Road. Nice to have this change my picture of their preferred habitat! I heard more, lower down below Godman, and also heard more singing Green-tailed Towhees, not quite in the same spot where I'd had them before. I'd wager that they are not difficult to find annually along Kendall Skyline Road with some understanding of habitat, familiarity with the song, and a little bit of timing.
The focus yesterday was Tucannon Road. Lower on the road, I finally got an Eastern Kingbird, in addition to several Westerns. I went to Rainbow Lake, where my target species was Red-eyed Vireo. I didn't find any, but got to enjoy great views of a Striped Skunk, and equally great views of Gray Catbirds. There were so many of them all around the lake. It's a species that I've almost always experienced calling from deep cover, but there were lots of them out in the open, including on the trail I walked around the lake. Spotted Sandpipers are breeding up there, and I even got a look at another bird I don't often see - a Veery!
Driving slow as I left Rainbow Lake, with windows down, I did finally come across a Red-eyed Vireo. There are likely quite a few on this little stretch of the Tucannon. I continued to Panjab campground, following up on a Black-backed Woodpecker sighting in the last month or so. I walked 50-60 yards along the road when I saw a bear and cub crossing the road back by my car. This put a damper on any thoughts of doing more hiking in this area for me. I do have bear spray on hand, but didn't have it with me, and there was a lot to explore along the road without venturing far from my car. Inspections of further snag forests got me nothing more exciting than a Lewis' Woodpecker.
On the way back down Tucannon Road, I finally found a Swainson's Hawk, having an in-flight conversation with a Red-tailed Hawk. It eventually moved to a nearby ridge and dropped into some tall grass and out of sight.
Wonderful trip! I tried to be a little smarter about rattlesnakes this time around, but still got a decent picture of one - unfortunately in the clutches of a Red-tailed Hawk! Lots of insect pictures, including moths, bees, and butterflies. Should be a few days to get pictures sorted, checklists entered, and then I'll get the whole business up in my blog.
Date: 7/3/25 11:33 am From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for July 2nd, 2025
Hi Tweets,
Approximately 35 of us had a nice Summer's Day at the Refuge with cool
temperatures in the 50's to 70's degrees Fahrenheit and a low High 8'7"
Tide at 11:54am. Highlights included WOOD DUCK ducklings in the Visitor
Center Pond, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE feeding young along the Twin Barns Loop Trail
between the Twin Barns cut-off and the twin bench overlook south of
cut-off, quick looks of both WILSON'S SNIPE and SORA in the freshwater
marsh along the Nisqually Estuary Trail or dike, and first of autumnal
migration LEAST SANDPIPER, GREATER YELLOWLEGS and WHIMBREL. There were
numerous babies being fed including swallows, SWAINSON THRUSH, chickadees,
and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH. The morning chorus of YELLOW WARBLER, SWAINSON
THRUSH, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK was lovely, although much quieter then in
June.
We also had very nice looks at Satyr Anglewing Butterfly and a red variety
of Meadowhawk.
For the day we observed 61 species. A First of Year distant
RHINOCEROS AUKLET on the Nisqually Reach has raised our annual count to 159
species. See our eBird report pasted below with details and photos being
added.
Until we meet again next week at the Visitor Center Pond Overlook at 8am,
happy birding!
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Jul 2, 2025 7:11 AM - 4:41 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.094 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Partly cloudy with temperatures in
the 50’s to 70’s degrees Fahrenheit. A High 8’7” Tide at 11:54am. Mammals
seen Townsend’s Chipmunk, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Columbian
Black-tailed Deer, Eastern Gray Squirrel, Muskrat, Harbor Seal, Long-tailed
Weasel, American Bullfrog.
61 species (+3 other taxa)
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 15
Wood Duck 15
Mallard 25
Hooded Merganser 1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 3
Band-tailed Pigeon (Northern) 10
Mourning Dove 2
hummingbird sp. 1
Sora 2 Freshwater marsh.
Killdeer 2
Whimbrel 1 Seen from Observation Tower on Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk
Trail just south is Shannon Slough on mudflats. Photos.
Wilson's Snipe 2 Freshwater marsh.
Greater Yellowlegs 2
Least Sandpiper 5
Rhinoceros Auklet 1 Nisqually Reach.
Ring-billed Gull 100
California Gull 150
Glaucous-winged Gull 2
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 1
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 10
Caspian Tern 70
Brandt's Cormorant 4
Double-crested Cormorant 40
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 60
Bald Eagle 7
Belted Kingfisher 3
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 4
Hairy Woodpecker (Pacific) 2
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 3
Merlin 1
Western Wood-Pewee 4
Willow Flycatcher 6
Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope) 2
Warbling Vireo (Western) 4
American Crow 6
Black-capped Chickadee 10
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 9
Bank Swallow 4
Tree Swallow 30
Violet-green Swallow 5
Purple Martin 2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3
Barn Swallow (American) 36
Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group) 62
Bushtit (Pacific) 22
Brown Creeper 3
Marsh Wren 4
Bewick's Wren (spilurus Group) 2
European Starling 100
Swainson's Thrush 36
American Robin (migratorius Group) 24
Cedar Waxwing 20
Purple Finch 6
Pine Siskin 5
American Goldfinch 30
Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 2
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 28
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 4
Bullock's Oriole 2
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 100
Brown-headed Cowbird 25
Common Yellowthroat 4
Yellow Warbler 16
Black-headed Grosbeak 4
Date: 7/2/25 12:32 pm From: Kersti Muul via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] RE PUMA
Elaine - lots of purple martins bugging around, between Kellogg and T107. Vocalizing in the afternoon this week. Side note -sadly, terns are absent. I hear a few scattered individuals after 10 PM some nights.
Date: 7/2/25 12:22 pm From: Jim Forrester via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlin app in Japan?
Outside the U.S., we've found that the BirdNET app is usually better than Merlin at recognizing birdsong. The drawback is that you need an internet connection to submit your recordings. However, it does tell you its level of confidence in its identification, something I wish Merlin did. We had good success in both Japan and Malaysia, including recognizing some endemics. That's the thing with Merlin: it may recognize 40% of birds in a given country, but not endemics or unusual birds.
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 7/2/25 11:58 am From: Elaine Chuang via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Counting and Enjoying Purple Martins
Appreciation to Stan and the larger group for this call to organize those interested in Purple Martins (PUMA)! Many of you know that for the last 20 years, there has been a core group of Purple Martin supporters who have carried on the pivotal work of Kevin Li, the individual who essentially brought martins back to the Puget Sound area. These dedicated folks from the King County Environmental Lab Department and volunteers such as Carl Bevis, Michael Hobbs, Larry Hubbell and Martin Muller among others, have worked closely with WDFW to maintain existing ones as well as to install new PUMA housing in the Seattle region.
These current local sites range from long-standing collections of gourds that hang along Shilshole Bay and the Duwamish Waterway/Kellogg Island (these birds do like to socialize) to more isolated gourds, gourd racks and wooden homes at sites such as Lake Sammamish, Union Bay Natural Area, Green Lake and the Myrtle Edward fishing pier. And most recently, there are now two racks of gourds on the Expedia Group property near Terminal 91 (thank you, Expedia). Be there early (best vocalization is their Dawn Song) and you might be lucky enough to enjoy the sound of purple at some of these locations! So many more Purple Martins make their homes around the state - join in on this effort by contacting Stan!
Elaine Chuang Seattle elc@uw,edu
Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2025 09:31:58 -0700 From: Stan Kostka lynn Schmidt To: <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Counting Purple Martins
Hello Tweets, hope everyone is enjoying the weather .
There is currently an effort underway to organize and conduct a search, survey, and count of the number of breeding pairs of Purple Martins in Washington State. If you are interested in being involved, please let me know. If you know anyone you think may be interested, please let them know.
Martin abundance in any region, is generally (always) defined by the known number of breeding pairs, also known as active nests. British Columbia, Oregon, and California have already done this to some extent, but it?s never been done in Washington. There have been estimates in the past, but the fact is that currently nobody really knows.
The earliest nesting Purple Martins in Washington State are now tending to young that are about one week old. Soon, in another couple weeks or so, will be the best time to observe the height of activity at a martin colony, when adults will be busy feeding rapidly growing young, many of which by then will be making an appearance being fed at the nest cavity entrance.
Counting breeding pairs involves identifying active nests. Some people will be looking into nest cavities to confirm the presence of eggs or young. However, at most sites, nests will not be accessible, so counting will be done by observing and recording bird behaviours. Birds entering nest holes in July and August, especially when carrying food, and removing fecal sacs, are how we determine an active nest without looking inside. Later when young appear at the entrance, that observation alone confirms an active nest. Later in the season after young are fledging, they are often visible returning to their natal cavities at dusk, for a week or more before they begin migration.
Covering all of Western Washington over the next couple seasons is going to be a big project, and so the more eyes in the field the better. So, if you are interested in looking for and counting Purple Martins anywhere in Western Washington, please let me know.
Date: 7/2/25 10:30 am From: William Stafford Noble via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlin app in Japan?
My son just got back from a trip to Japan. He said Merlin works there, but
the sound ID coverage is ~40 percent, less in some areas.
Bill
On Wed, Jul 2, 2025 at 9:07 AM Constance Sidles via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Hey tweets, I wonder if anyone out there in tweeterdom has had experience
> with the Merlin app in Japan? Does it work? I tried finding out by doing an
> online search and got mixed messages. Thanks for any help you can give. -
> Connie, Seattle
>
> <constancesidles...>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 7/2/25 9:19 am From: Constance Sidles via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Merlin app in Japan?
Hey tweets, I wonder if anyone out there in tweeterdom has had experience with the Merlin app in Japan? Does it work? I tried finding out by doing an online search and got mixed messages. Thanks for any help you can give. - Connie, Seattle
Date: 7/1/25 1:02 pm From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Purple Martins
Stan,
There is a fairly large "condo village" of Purple Martins at Ship
Harbor on
Fidalgo Island (Anacortes). That village was very active a few weeks ago
but is now "abandoned" (no activity, what so ever). My conclusion is
that the chicks have fledged. If I'm correct - then your timeline for
nesting
has to be modified based upon location, location, location. *g* This group
of nests has been active for a long time.
I don't know of any other Martin colonies here in Skagit County.
It also seems to me that several other swallow species (barn and
tree) are
no longer at their nests ... I can state that the ones at Wylie have all
stopped
going to cavity nests along the dike (at least 3 weeks ago).
We have violet greens nesting at our house and they are still coming and
going from the nests ... I have not seen the chicks yet. In past years the
chicks would come out of the nest and explore the roof about a week
before they fledged.
Date: 7/1/25 9:44 am From: stan Kostka lynn Schmidt via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Counting Purple Martins
Hello Tweets, hope everyone is enjoying the weather .
There is currently an effort underway to organize and conduct a search, survey, and count of the number of breeding pairs of Purple Martins in Washington State. If you are interested in being involved, please let me know. If you know anyone you think may be interested, please let them know.
Martin abundance in any region, is generally (always) defined by the known number of breeding pairs, also known as active nests. British Columbia, Oregon, and California have already done this to some extent, but it’s never been done in Washington. There have been estimates in the past, but the fact is that currently nobody really knows.
The earliest nesting Purple Martins in Washington State are now tending to young that are about one week old. Soon, in another couple weeks or so, will be the best time to observe the height of activity at a martin colony, when adults will be busy feeding rapidly growing young, many of which by then will be making an appearance being fed at the nest cavity entrance.
Counting breeding pairs involves identifying active nests. Some people will be looking into nest cavities to confirm the presence of eggs or young. However, at most sites, nests will not be accessible, so counting will be done by observing and recording bird behaviours. Birds entering nest holes in July and August, especially when carrying food, and removing fecal sacs, are how we determine an active nest without looking inside. Later when young appear at the entrance, that observation alone confirms an active nest. Later in the season after young are fledging, they are often visible returning to their natal cavities at dusk, for a week or more before they begin migration.
Covering all of Western Washington over the next couple seasons is going to be a big project, and so the more eyes in the field the better. So, if you are interested in looking for and counting Purple Martins anywhere in Western Washington, please let me know.
Date: 6/30/25 10:13 am From: Olivia V. Sanderfoot via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Project Phoenix: Investigating Bird Responses to Smoke
***Finally, a quick note to all the amazing eBird reviewers out there: Our team recognizes that by generating hundreds of additional eBird checklists, our program adds to the workload of local reviewers. We greatly appreciate all of the time and energy you invest in reviewing local checklists – our research is strengthened by your efforts. Although we work very hard to ensure that our volunteers are collecting high quality data (and we provide many resources and opportunities to support beginner birders), we do recognize that our volunteers sometimes make mistakes or rely too heavily on apps like Merlin Bird ID. If there are any common species identification errors you would like us to address among our volunteers or messages/tips and tricks you would like to pass on, please do reach out. I collaborated directly with eBird reviewers while running the COVID-19 lockdown birding study <https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-16406-w> in the PNW, and that was enormously helpful.***
Wishing you all safe and happy birding this summer! Thank you for all you do for our feathered friends. :)
~ Olivia
P.S. Please feel free to forward this note to friends, family, colleagues, and any other list_servs who might like to know about our community science initiative!
***
Olivia V. Sanderfoot, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Postdoctoral Researcher
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Research Associate
La Kretz Center for California Conservation Science
Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
University of California, Los Angeles
Date: 6/30/25 12:50 am From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] My Puffin Quest
My quest to see Tufted Puffins is a bit out of state. I try to make a yearly pilgrimage to the Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Oregon. My wife and I went there last week Tuesday through Friday (6/24 - 6/27) and we saw Tufted Puffins everyday. On the day of arrival we walked south on the beach, but even less than half a mile from the rock, we had not seen a single bird. I was starting to worry that we were too late this year, but then we saw a flying Common Murre. The closer we got, the more birds were seen. Now we all know about "finding a needle in a haystack", but finding a Tufted Puffin on Haystack Rock is a lot easier. Since they nest in burrows in the grassy areas, they are not that easy to spot with only heads showing, but with a little searching, you will find them. Sometimes one may be out in the open in a bare spot, even most open areas are occupied by hundreds of formally dressed Common Murres. With luck you may even find one of the chunky puffins flying around the rock. If you can't find one, there are lots of scopes there and somebody will let you look at one! Also nesting on Haystack Rock are Western Gulls, Pelagic Cormorants and Pigeon Guillemots. Harlequin Ducks - and in our case a single Black Oystercatcher - can be found on the smaller rocks south of the main rock. Just north of the rock, at Ecola Creek and on the beach, we saw 400 and maybe even 500 + Brown Pelicans every day. They are bathing and drinking in the creek. Another bonus were elks walking on the beach ( without surf boards !)
Good Birding!
Hans -- *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA <thefedderns...>
Date: 6/29/25 2:16 am From: Doug Santoni via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Tennis Bird
Dan — I also noticed that fun NY Times picture of the White Wagtail at Wimbledon! I looked it up, and it's probably the subspecies of the White Wagtail that’s called the “Pied Wagtail,” which is the resident and most common type of White Wagtail in Britain and Ireland.
Doug Santoni
Seattle, WA
Dougsantoni at gmail dot dom
> On Jun 28, 2025, at 11:36 PM, Dan McDougall-Treacy via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> A bit off topic, but nice pic…
> In case you use the New York Times app I’ll call your attention to a striking photo of a White Wagtail standing on the chalk line of a grass court at Wimbledon.
> Find it in The Athletic section.
>
> Dan McDougall-Treacy
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 6/28/25 11:49 pm From: Dan McDougall-Treacy via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Tennis Bird
A bit off topic, but nice pic…
In case you use the New York Times app I’ll call your attention to a striking photo of a White Wagtail standing on the chalk line of a grass court at Wimbledon.
Find it in The Athletic section.
Date: 6/28/25 1:36 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] As Birds Decline, High-Precision eBird Models Offer a Vision of Hope | All About Birds
Date: 6/28/25 1:32 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Scientists Are Tracking Worrying Declines in Insects—and the Birds That Feast on Them. Here's What's Being Done to Save Them Both
Date: 6/27/25 6:28 pm From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Shorebird Southbound Migration Begins
Hi Michael,
Many thanks for that interesting information from another shorebird junkie!
I always think of the last week of June as the beginning of “fall” shorebird arrival. I think it is mostly the adults that either had a failed nest or weren’t involved in the later parental care.
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
> On Jun 25, 2025, at 11:57 PM, Michael Price via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Hi tweets
>
> As a shorebird junkie, June 26 is a personally significant day for me as it is the average arrival date of the first species, Western Sandpiper, in the southbound shorebird migration in Vancouver BC.
>
> In the Eighties and Nineties I worked out average arrival and departure dates for most of the shorebirds here, then tested them against observation at a number of hotspots such as Iona Island (settling ponds and jetties), Boundary Bay, Reifel Refuge Robert's Bank. In particular I paid attention to the individuals present during the hiatus between the north– and southbound migrations so that when the first returning birds appeared, there'd be no mistaking them for the loitering layabouts.
>
> And one year, I was there at the exact moment of the first return Westerns at Iona Island. And about eight in the evening, I spotted them in a tight incoming flock in the northwest, a small flock of twenty birds weaving back and forth before finally arriving at the pond and eventually setting down.
>
> Ironically, they're the last migrant species to leave, with Nov 01 as their average departure of the last flock of 10+ birds. The singleton Westerns which remain to overwinter are almost exclusively First-year males with short icepick bills.
>
> Michael Price
> Vancouver BC Canada
> <loblollyboy...> <mailto:<loblollyboy...> >
> Every answer deepens the mystery.
> -- E.O. Wilson
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
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Date: 6/27/25 1:24 pm From: Zora Monster via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Bird ID
It looks like a female sooty grouse to me.
Kind regards,
Zora Dermer
Seattle
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jun 27, 2025, at 12:34 PM, Eric Hoffman via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> I've just returned from a great birding trip to Okanogan Co. Can someone identify the bird in this photo? It was taken on Cameron Lake Rd.
> Eric Hoffman
> Bainbridge Island
> <54617706096_28cd5ae399_q.jpg>
> _______________________________________________
> 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: 6/27/25 12:46 pm From: Eric Hoffman via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Bird ID
I've just returned from a great birding trip to Okanogan Co. Can someone identify the bird in this photo? It was taken on Cameron Lake Rd. Eric Hoffman Bainbridge Island
Date: 6/26/25 2:06 pm From: Hubbell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Union Bay Watch } On a Wing and a Prayer
Tweeters,
Thank you to all my friends, new and old, who have helped me with this post. Not only have they helped me find and track these young owls they have supplied the most of the critical observations and descriptions. As my friend Jack said, It takes a village!
Date: 6/26/25 11:49 am From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-06-26
Tweets - A morning with a solid overcast, but no precipitation and seldom any wind. Late June often starts the "doldrums" that usually continue through July. These are characterized by a paucity of surprises, coupled with the tailing off of bird songs and the departure of some of our breeding birds; it can sometimes get quite dull. But apparently that hasn't started yet. Today had several unexpected species, and we still had songs from pretty much all of the expected birds.
Highlights: BLUE-WINGED TEAL - Female in slough. Luckily we had several looks to be sure of the ID Gadwall - Still two around; they tend to get scarce starting in late-June MOURNING DOVE - One flying around the south end of the East Meadow. First of Year (FOY) for us Spotted Sandpiper - Adult at the weir Caspian Tern - One high flyby, calling, (FOY) for us Green Heron - One on the beaver lodge across from Dog Central MERLIN - One streaked towards the lake; Tree Swallow calls alerted us to its passage Western Flycatcher - One heard at the Rowing Club, only our 2nd of the year and first since May Lazuli Bunting - I had one when I first arrived in the park, and again on my way out, in the NW corner of the park where we don't usually bird. Our only Laz of the day
BLUE-WINGED TEAL, MOURNING DOVE, and MERLIN were all species that we've only had once each in the last 30 years of visits for Week 26.
The heronry is substantially emptier. The dead tree that has several nests had just 5 juveniles on nests today, where we had 20 two weeks ago. At the weir, however, in a very small area we found at least 15 juveniles standing in the water, waiting for fish to jump into their mouths. Another juvenile was low in a cottonwood, looking up, since up is where fish have always appeared...
For the day, 58 species. Adding MODO and Caspian Tern, I believe we're at 121 species for the year.
As an aside, Eastside Audubon has put out a video highlighting the Marymoor Bird Loop. I was interviewed for the video, and it's very obvious from my appearance that the interview was filmed at 5:30 a.m., with me having rushed over early before last week's survey. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-hdUIf8GLk&ab_channel=EastsideAudubonSociety
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 6/26/25 12:10 am From: Michael Price via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Shorebird Southbound Migration Begins
Hi tweets
As a shorebird junkie, June 26 is a personally significant day for me as it
is the *average* arrival date of the first species, Western Sandpiper, in
the southbound shorebird migration in Vancouver BC.
In the Eighties and Nineties I worked out average arrival and departure
dates for most of the shorebirds here, then tested them against observation
at a number of hotspots such as Iona Island (settling ponds and jetties),
Boundary Bay, Reifel Refuge Robert's Bank. In particular I paid attention
to the individuals present during the hiatus between the north– and
southbound migrations so that when the first returning birds appeared,
there'd be no mistaking them for the loitering layabouts.
And one year, I was there at the exact moment of the first return Westerns
at Iona Island. And about eight in the evening, I spotted them in a tight
incoming flock in the northwest, a small flock of twenty birds weaving back
and forth before finally arriving at the pond and eventually setting down.
Ironically, they're the last migrant species to leave, with Nov 01 as their
average departure of the last flock of 10+ birds. The singleton Westerns
which remain to overwinter are almost exclusively First-year males with
short icepick bills.
Michael Price
Vancouver BC Canada
<loblollyboy...>
Date: 6/25/25 9:36 pm From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for June 25th.
Dear Tweets,
Approximately 43 of us enjoyed our first walk of Summer with mostly cloudy
skies and temperatures in the 50's-60's degrees Fahrenheit. There was a
Low -4' Tide at 12:08pm, so we decided to do the Twin Barns Loop Trail in
reverse or counterclockwise. Highlights included PURPLE FINCH in the
Orchard, both juvenile DOWNY WOODPECKER and HAIRY WOODPECKER on the
Riparian Forest Trail, juvenile COMMON MERGANSER in the Nisqually River,
SORA in the freshwater marsh, and WOOD DUCK ducklings in the Visitor Center
Pond. Other fun sightings included differentiating juvenile CLIFF SWALLOW
and BARN SWALLOW, and a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE on the nest along the Riparian
Forest Trail.
For the day, we observed 62 species, and had no new species for the year
(158 seen so far). See our eBird Report below.
We had a good mammal day with reported sightings of American Beaver,
Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Townsend's
Chipmunk, Long-tailed Weasel, Muskrat, Eastern Gray Squirrel, River Otter,
Harbor Seal and Coyote.
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
Jun 25, 2025 5:56 AM - 10:52 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.19 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Mostly cloudy with temperatures in
the 50’s to 60’s degrees Fahrenheit. There was a Low -4’ Tide at 12:08pm.
Mammals seen include American Beaver, River Otter, Eastern Cotton-tailed
Rabbit, Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Townsend’s Chipmunk, Muskrat, Eastern
Gray Squirrel, and Harbor Seal. Others seen Pacific Tree Frog and Puget
Sound Garter Snake.
62 species (+2 other taxa)
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 75
Wood Duck 12
Mallard 30
Hooded Merganser 1
Common Merganser (North American) 3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 28
Band-tailed Pigeon 8
Mourning Dove 2
Vaux's Swift 1
Anna's Hummingbird 3
Rufous Hummingbird 4
Virginia Rail 3
Sora 1
Killdeer 6
Wilson's Snipe 2
Short-billed Gull 1 Observed from the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk
Trail with spotting scopes at 1/4 mile. Adjacent to RBGU and CAGU, small,
dark mantled gull with small thin green bill with black tip. Yellow-green
legs.
Ring-billed Gull 50
California Gull 75
Glaucous-winged Gull 1
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 5
Larus sp. 300
Caspian Tern 8
Double-crested Cormorant 10
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 12
Osprey (American) 1
Bald Eagle 54 Counted individually over the Reach and Refuge.
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-breasted Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 6
Hairy Woodpecker (Pacific) 2
Northern Flicker 1
Western Wood-Pewee 4 Occupied nest. On Riparian Forest Overlook
Trail, from dike, 6 railing planks, 50 feet above right side of trail in
smaller Maple Tree.
Willow Flycatcher 4
Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope) 1
American Crow 16
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 4
Bank Swallow 3
Tree Swallow 35
Purple Martin 2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Barn Swallow (American) 40
Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group) 60
Brown Creeper 4
Marsh Wren 14
Bewick's Wren 4
European Starling 100
Swainson's Thrush 27
American Robin (migratorius Group) 25
Cedar Waxwing 15
House Finch 1
Purple Finch 6
Pine Siskin (Northern) 3
American Goldfinch 20
Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 6
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 33
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 2
Bullock's Oriole 2
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 50
Brown-headed Cowbird 30
Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens) 2
Common Yellowthroat 8
Yellow Warbler 30
Black-headed Grosbeak 4
Date: 6/24/25 11:35 pm From: pan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] banded Caspian Tern, Discovery Park (Seattle)
Tweets,
Before the walker followed her uncontrollable urge to walk to the end of the point and flush all the birds, I was able to get details of the leg bands of one of the eight Caspian Terns' with all the gulls at West Point in Seattle's Discovery Park this morning. Less than 12 hours after my report, I got the details:
"HATCHED IN 2007 OR EARLIER," banded "NEAR CHINOOK, CLATSOP COUNTY, OREGON, USA (COORDINATES: LAT: 46.25833; LON: -123.975 )"
So at least 18 years old. The response time is a far cry from the months such took in the old days. Longevity is one of the reasons we still have Caspian Terns despite many years of low breeding success.
Date: 6/24/25 2:19 pm From: Emily Birchman via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] RFI Sawmill Creek Burn
Hi all,
I’m hoping to go birding at Sawmill Creek Burn/ Government Meadows (2
hotspots on eBird that appear to be off of forest service roads in King co)
soon with a friend and wanted to know if anyone could give me some intel on
road conditions up there? Like do you need a truck or something with a lot
of ground clearance or could an SUV be ok?
Date: 6/24/25 11:46 am From: Matt Hucke via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Horned Puffin at burrow on Smith Island
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S253228754 - ebird list, photos, and video. > > On June 22nd, five others and I headed out from the Anacortes Marina > aboard the 20' HughesCraft operated by the Salish Sea School > <https://www.thesalishseaschool.org/.> The goal was to find, count, and > record the Tufted Puffins on and around Smith Island. We ended up finding > about a dozen. >
Amazing! I was on the Puget Sound Express puffin tour out of Edmonds last week, but it's a big boat, so you don't get that close to them. Your photos show that you can get a lot closer on a small boat, so now I've booked a "Research Expedition" ticket with the Salish Sea School for July.
Note that the Salish Sea School has two types of tours, big boat with 40 people for $119 or small boat with 6 people for $270. I signed up for the wrong one at first but they helped me get that fixed.
On June 22nd, five others and I headed out from the Anacortes Marina aboard the 20' HughesCraft operated by the Salish Sea School <https://www.thesalishseaschool.org/.> The goal was to find, count, and record the Tufted Puffins on and around Smith Island. We ended up finding about a dozen.
This was my first time seeing the Tufted Puffin decoys up on the ridge just above the nesting holes. There were about eight that I could see. A couple of times we watched a puffin come and land near the decoys.
Partway into the puffin observations, I saw a different-looking puffin fly from the water up into a burrow on the island. With a camera photo zoomed in, we could see it was a Horned Puffin. It wasn't there long. If took off and headed straight at us and over us. It then turned a bit and landed in the water a bit just out from the kelp bed. We looked for quite some time, but never saw it again.
Also unusual were two Brown Pelicans and a lone female Long-tailed Duck on or near the island.
Other great viewings were a Sea Otter eating, and an Orca on the way back.
All in all, it was a great day to be out on the water.
Date: 6/22/25 10:34 am From: Gene Beall via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Tweeters ADMINISTRATIVE: Doug Santoni
Indeed, a huge "thank you!" to both Elaine and Doug, and to those who led the way before them!! We have all enjoyed the benefits of your many hours of dedicated effort and your vision! Thank you!
Gene Beall
On 6/21/25 11:56 AM, Elaine Chuang via Tweeters wrote: > Happy Summer Solstice, dear Tweets, on a lovely PNW day! > > Long-time subscribers will fondly remember Dan Victor and Hal Opperman > as the original masterminds of the Tweeters listserv (launched in > approximately 1992). A quarter of a century later, under Hal’s > tutelage, I was brought in as a new administrator (in mid-2019). And > in October 2024 with deepest thanks to him, we let Hal step down ("out > of the wheelhouse" as he likes to say). But not before we recruited > our newest member of Tweeters management, Doug Santoni, who it is my > pleasure to introduce officially. Doug has already become an integral > part of managing our forum: he has brought his skills and insights to > the full range of "opportunities" and many satisfactions of > administering Tweeters as we exchange information and commentary on > birds and birding. > > You may already know Doug from his volunteer work as Board member and > past Chair of Audubon Washington, or from his forays birding around > Seattle, especially on Foster Island and in the Arboretum. Doug, we > thank you for fresh energy and your ample contributions. > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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: 6/22/25 10:27 am From: Stephen Elston via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Tweeters ADMINISTRATIVE: Doug Santoni
Elaine and Doug, your efforts keeping this forum running are greatly
appreciated!!! Steve
On Sat, Jun 21, 2025 at 11:57 AM Elaine Chuang via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Happy Summer Solstice, dear Tweets, on a lovely PNW day!
>
> Long-time subscribers will fondly remember Dan Victor and Hal Opperman as
> the original masterminds of the Tweeters listserv (launched in
> approximately 1992). A quarter of a century later, under Hal’s tutelage, I
> was brought in as a new administrator (in mid-2019). And in October 2024
> with deepest thanks to him, we let Hal step down ("out of the wheelhouse"
> as he likes to say). But not before we recruited our newest member of
> Tweeters management, Doug Santoni, who it is my pleasure to introduce
> officially. Doug has already become an integral part of managing our
> forum: he has brought his skills and insights to the full range of
> "opportunities" and many satisfactions of administering Tweeters as we
> exchange information and commentary on birds and birding.
>
>
> You may already know Doug from his volunteer work as Board member and
> past Chair of Audubon Washington, or from his forays birding around
> Seattle, especially on Foster Island and in the Arboretum. Doug, we
> thank you for fresh energy and your ample contributions.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
> On Jun 21, 2025, at 11:56 AM, Elaine Chuang via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> Happy Summer Solstice, dear Tweets, on a lovely PNW day!
>
> Long-time subscribers will fondly remember Dan Victor and Hal Opperman as the original masterminds of the Tweeters listserv (launched in approximately 1992). A quarter of a century later, under Hal’s tutelage, I was brought in as a new administrator (in mid-2019). And in October 2024 with deepest thanks to him, we let Hal step down ("out of the wheelhouse" as he likes to say). But not before we recruited our newest member of Tweeters management, Doug Santoni, who it is my pleasure to introduce officially. Doug has already become an integral part of managing our forum: he has brought his skills and insights to the full range of "opportunities" and many satisfactions of administering Tweeters as we exchange information and commentary on birds and birding.
>
> You may already know Doug from his volunteer work as Board member and past Chair of Audubon Washington, or from his forays birding around Seattle, especially on Foster Island and in the Arboretum. Doug, we thank you for fresh energy and your ample contributions.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 6/21/25 3:50 pm From: Bruce LaBar via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Thanks
👏
> On Jun 21, 2025, at 4:25 PM, Jane Hadley via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> Deep thanks to both Elaine Chuang and Doug Santoni for volunteering to manage Tweeters, this most valuable resource of communication of, by and for Washington birders!
>
> Jane Hadley
>
> Seattle, Wa
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 6/21/25 1:37 pm From: Jane Hadley via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Thanks
Deep thanks to both Elaine Chuang and Doug Santoni for volunteering to manage Tweeters, this most valuable resource of communication of, by and for Washington birders!
Happy Summer Solstice, dear Tweets, on a lovely PNW day!
Long-time subscribers will fondly remember Dan Victor and Hal Opperman as the original masterminds of the Tweeters listserv (launched in approximately 1992). A quarter of a century later, under Hal’s tutelage, I was brought in as a new administrator (in mid-2019). And in October 2024 with deepest thanks to him, we let Hal step down ("out of the wheelhouse" as he likes to say). But not before we recruited our newest member of Tweeters management, Doug Santoni, who it is my pleasure to introduce officially. Doug has already become an integral part of managing our forum: he has brought his skills and insights to the full range of "opportunities" and many satisfactions of administering Tweeters as we exchange information and commentary on birds and birding.
You may already know Doug from his volunteer work as Board member and past Chair of Audubon Washington, or from his forays birding around Seattle, especially on Foster Island and in the Arboretum. Doug, we thank you for fresh energy and your ample contributions.
Date: 6/21/25 4:47 am From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: The unlikely comeback of America’s most endangered songbird
Date: 6/20/25 8:42 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) monthly bird walk - 06-19-2025
Tweeters,
While starting out cool, the temperature climbed (51degF-67degF) on a gorgeous day at the JBLM Eagle's Pride GC. For the 20 of us, the primary highlight was the sightings of two species of owls: A begging GREAT HORNED OWL and an adult, and an adult BARRED OWL. We don't sight owls very often, despite the forest, but finding two species of owls on one walk was the first since we started over 12 years ago. Other highlights include the following:
- BULLOCK'S ORIOLE - Two adults feeding at least two young at the nest high up in the Douglas-fir near the driving range. This is the fourth year for this species nesting here.
- WOOD DUCK - Seven (four ducklings) at the 9th hole pond.
- NORTHERN HOUSE WREN - Ten, with two nests in boxes at Hodge Lake.
- TREE SWALLOW - 35 - very few last month with none at Hodge Lake. Several nesting at the Hodge Lake boxes.
- OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER - Four, a high count for here.
- WARBLING VIREO - Five, a high count.
- DOWNY WOODPECKER - At least 2, with young being fed at the nest by an adult.
Puzzling was the dramatic downturn of the number of PINE SISKINS. The previous three months' counts were 200-1000; today we found only TWO Pine Siskins. We only positively identified two ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, although we had two other unidentified hummingbirds that flew past us.
Mammals included two Douglas squirrels and a black-tailed deer. Also, one herp: a garter snake.
The JBLM Eagle's Pride GC birders meet the third Thursday of each month at 8:00AM except for November to February, when the start time is at 9:00AM. 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:
* July 17
* August 21
* September 18
From the PNW eBird report:
56 species (+1 other taxa)
Wood Duck 7
Mallard 13
Band-tailed Pigeon 5
Anna's Hummingbird 2
hummingbird sp. 2
Pied-billed Grebe 1 At Hodge Lake, calling.
Bald Eagle 4
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Great Horned Owl 2 Owls were being scolded by American Robins and other species. Juvenile was sounding a begging call with adult nearby. Found in forested area near 4th hole of the Green Course.
Barred Owl 1 In forest close to open area on hill past the back side of Hodge Lake. Well seen and photographed.
Red-breasted Sapsucker 4
Downy Woodpecker 2 Adult feeding at least one young in nest.
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 4
Olive-sided Flycatcher 4
Western Wood-Pewee 25
Willow Flycatcher 7
Western Flycatcher 3
Warbling Vireo 5
Steller's Jay 7
Black-capped Chickadee 10
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 17
Tree Swallow 35
Violet-green Swallow 8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 At Hodge Lake.
Barn Swallow 30
Bushtit 15
Golden-crowned Kinglet 4
Red-breasted Nuthatch 23
Brown Creeper 3
Northern House Wren 10
Bewick's Wren 3
European Starling 10
Swainson's Thrush 12
American Robin 40
Cedar Waxwing 13
House Finch 6
Purple Finch 5
Red Crossbill 12
Pine Siskin 2
American Goldfinch 2
Chipping Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 16
White-crowned Sparrow 21
Savannah Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 25
Spotted Towhee 10
Bullock's Oriole 4 Nest about 50ft up in Douglas-fir near the driving range.
Date: 6/20/25 3:03 pm From: Mike Wagenbach via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Anacortes Puffin cruises?
Thanks to all the replies to the puffin question. I will try to get a reservation for my kid and myself for one of those trips, since kayaking out to Smith Island is my idea of fun but not my kid's...
Date: 6/20/25 10:24 am From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Anacortes Puffin cruises?
The Salish Sea School runs regular puffin tours out of Skyline Marina in Anacortes. They are an educational nonprofit – teaching a lot of kids about the local marine environment.
Eric Kraig
Anacortes, WA
<erickraig...>
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> On Behalf Of Mike Wagenbach via Tweeters
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2025 7:30 AM
To: Tweeters Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Anacortes Puffin cruises?
I thought I remembered reading last summer of a whalewatching company out of Anacortes doing a few trips more oriented toward birding with the goal of seeing puffins around Smith Island. A search of the Tweeters archives isn't turning that up. Did I read about this elsewhere? Or am I hopelessly confused???
Date: 6/20/25 10:17 am From: Matt Hucke via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Anacortes Puffin cruises?
Hi Mike
Puget Sound Express is doing 3-hour puffin tours out of Edmonds every
Tuesday at 3pm. I was on last week's sailing, and will probably repeat it
this summer, it's worthwhile.
Here's an ebird list from the most recent trip (their list, my photos):
On Fri, Jun 20, 2025 at 7:30 AM Mike Wagenbach via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> I thought I remembered reading last summer of a whalewatching company out
> of Anacortes doing a few trips more oriented toward birding with the goal
> of seeing puffins around Smith Island. A search of the Tweeters archives
> isn't turning that up. Did I read about this elsewhere? Or am I
> hopelessly confused???
>
> Any tips appreciated...
>
> Mike Wagenbach
> Seattle
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 6/20/25 9:40 am From: Joan Miller via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Anacortes Puffin Cruises
I'll be on the cruise from Edmonds next week! They leave from Edmonds or Port Townsend. Birds Connect Seattle did have a discount deal with them. Maybe it's still on.
Joan Miller West Seattle jemskink at gmail dot com
Doug Santoni
Seattle, WA
Dougsantoni at gmail dot com
> On Jun 20, 2025, at 7:29 AM, Mike Wagenbach via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> I thought I remembered reading last summer of a whalewatching company out of Anacortes doing a few trips more oriented toward birding with the goal of seeing puffins around Smith Island. A search of the Tweeters archives isn't turning that up. Did I read about this elsewhere? Or am I hopelessly confused???
>
> Any tips appreciated...
>
> Mike Wagenbach
> Seattle
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
On Fri, Jun 20, 2025 at 7:30 AM Mike Wagenbach via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> I thought I remembered reading last summer of a whalewatching company out
> of Anacortes doing a few trips more oriented toward birding with the goal
> of seeing puffins around Smith Island. A search of the Tweeters archives
> isn't turning that up. Did I read about this elsewhere? Or am I
> hopelessly confused???
>
> Any tips appreciated...
>
> Mike Wagenbach
> Seattle
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 6/20/25 7:42 am From: Mike Wagenbach via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Anacortes Puffin cruises?
I thought I remembered reading last summer of a whalewatching company out of Anacortes doing a few trips more oriented toward birding with the goal of seeing puffins around Smith Island. A search of the Tweeters archives isn't turning that up. Did I read about this elsewhere? Or am I hopelessly confused???
Date: 6/19/25 6:59 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-06-19
Tweets - We had a wonderful morning at Marymoor, with just about perfect conditions: mostly sunny, mostly windless, comfortable temperatures. Lots of singing, and lots and lots of evidence of nesting and nesting success. Our group was the largest in a long time, boosted by out-of-town visitors and people who got Juneteenth off from work.
Highlights: Spotted Sandpiper - Two below the weir, and we were able to see both Green Heron - Two adults flew south past the weir, landed, and then flew north again a few minutes later, calling both times Great Blue Heron - Many young have fledged and were attempting to hunt around the park. Many are still at the heronry
Speaking of baby birds, juveniles were noted for at least these species: Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Great Blue Heron, Northern Flicker, American Crow,Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bushtit, European Starling, American Robin, Dark-eyed Junco, White-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Common Yellowthroat, and Black-headed Grosbeak. There may well have been juveniles of other species that I didn't notice as such. But we also had many occupied nests, plus signs of on-going nest building by several species, so breeding is very much in-progress and not wrapping up.
Oh, we also had a plethora of Eastern Cottontails.
Missing species included Hooded and Common Mergansers, Caspian Tern, Red-eyed Vireo, Cliff Swallow, Bullock's Oriole, and Lazuli Bunting. The merganser, vireo, and Cliff Swallow used to nest every year in the park, but no longer.
For the day, 55 species.
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 6/18/25 7:50 pm From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk for Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for 6/18/2025
Dear Tweets,
Approximately 30 of us started out for a wet Wednesday with Cloudy skies
and light rain, but by late morning the sprinkles subsided and we had
partly Sunny skies in the afternoon. Temperatures were in the 50's to 60's
degrees Fahrenheit. There was a High 9'0" Tide at 11:18am, so we did our
regular route. Highlights included BLACK PHOEBE in the Visitor Center Pond
by the first twin bench overlook before the Access Road seen by Steve and
Mary at 7am, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE at the nest in the Cottonwood Trees on the
outside of the Twin Barns Loop Trail approximately 100 feet south of the
Twin Barns cut-off, WILSON'S SNIPE in the freshwater marsh, and both
FRANKLIN'S GULL and WHIMBREL on the mudflats west of Leschi Slough and
north of the Nisqually Estuary Trail or new dike. We also had wonderful
views of nesting YELLOW WARBLER and WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE on the Riparian
Forest Overlook Trail six railing planks from the entrance with the YEWA
nest on the left twenty feet out and twenty feet high and the WEWP fifty
feet high above the right side of the trail.
For the day we observed 71 species, with Black Phoebe being FOY we have
observed 158 species this year. See our eBird report pasted below with
additional details.
We also observed Muskrat, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Columbian
Black-tailed Deer, Harbor Seal, Townsend's Chipmunk, Eastern Gray Squirrel,
American Bullfrog and Northern Red-legged Frog.
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
Jun 18, 2025 6:09 AM - 4:10 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.259 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Cloudy with light rain in the
morning. Partly sunny in the afternoon. Temperatures between 50’s to 60’s
degrees Fahrenheit. A High 9’0”Tide at 11:18am. Others seen Muskrat,
Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Harbor Seal,
Townsend’s Chipmunk, and Eastern Gray Squirrel. Others seen, American
Bullfrog and Northern Red-legged Frog.
71 species (+2 other taxa)
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 75
Wood Duck 6
Blue-winged Teal 4
Mallard 30
Hooded Merganser 1
Common Merganser 13
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 12
Band-tailed Pigeon (Northern) 2
Mourning Dove 1
Anna's Hummingbird 2
Rufous Hummingbird 6
Virginia Rail 3
Sora 1
Killdeer 1
Whimbrel 1 Large shorebird foraging on mudflats west of Leschi Slough
and north of Nisqually Estuary Trail. Photo.
Wilson's Snipe 3
Spotted Sandpiper 1 Female
Franklin's Gull 1 Observed with other gulls on mudflats north of
Nisqually Estuary Trail. Roosting on mudflats. Dark mantled gull with
black head and split white eye arcs. Black wing tips, dark to black and red
bill and legs. Pink wash to breast. Photos.
Ring-billed Gull 75
California Gull 75
Glaucous-winged Gull 1
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 2
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 10
Caspian Tern 40
Pied-billed Grebe 3
Brandt's Cormorant 7
Pelagic Cormorant 1
Double-crested Cormorant 75
Great Blue Heron 90
Bald Eagle 20
Belted Kingfisher 5
Red-breasted Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 3
Pileated Woodpecker 1 Spotted by Rob in Twin Barns Picnic Area.
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 1
Western Wood-Pewee 6 Nest on Riparian Forest Overlook Trail 50 feet
high and 6 railing planks from entrance over right side of trail. Across
the trail from Yellow Warbler Nest.
Willow Flycatcher 4
Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope) 1
Black Phoebe 1 Spotted by Steve Meyers and Mary on the west side of
the Twin Barns Loop Trail near the first double bench overlook before the
access road. Seen at 7am. Black Flycatcher with white belly, distinctive.
Warbling Vireo (Western) 3
American Crow 8
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 4
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 4
Bank Swallow 5
Tree Swallow 25
Violet-green Swallow 10
Purple Martin 2 Luhr Beach gourds.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 5
Barn Swallow (American) 40 Occupied nests Visitor Center.
Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group) 50 Occupied nests Visitor Center,
Observation Tower, and McAllister Creek Viewing Platform.
Brown Creeper 2
Marsh Wren 11
Bewick's Wren (spilurus Group) 2
European Starling 20
Swainson's Thrush 22
American Robin 25
Cedar Waxwing 20
House Finch 2
Purple Finch (Western) 4
Red Crossbill 5 Heard and seen by Janelle at 7:30am from Nisqually
River Overlook.
Pine Siskin 2 Seen by Janelle at Twin Barns Overlook.
American Goldfinch 35
Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 6
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 35
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 1
Bullock's Oriole 2
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 150
Brown-headed Cowbird 50
Common Yellowthroat 10
Yellow Warbler (Northern) 27 Occupied nest with young on Riparian
Forest Overlook Trail, 6 railing planks from entrance on left side of trail
20 feet back and 20 feet high on a drooped branch off the right side of a
Red Alder, across the trail from Western Wood-pewee nest.
Wilson's Warbler 2 Heard only
Black-headed Grosbeak 4
Date: 6/18/25 5:42 pm From: Anderson, Christopher D \(DFW\) via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Falconry in WA State
Hi Tweets,
Been some time here since posting - always appreciate the forum and camaraderie of this group!
It was brought to WDFW attention from outside parties that there was a recent request for location information regarding the prospect of legal acquisition of falconry raptors by area permitted falconers. Certain raptors can be legally captured per issued state falconry permits, etc. The legality of falconry in WA was/is the concern of the requesting parties regarding the recent Tweeters post. I relayed I would post a bit of educational information.
WDFW wants to emphasize that permitted falconers can capture specific raptors per the stipulations of their falconry permits and any other applicable state, federal, or local regulations. Falconers are required to go through much training/apprenticeship and personal investment in the bird(s) in order to be issued permits and retain "falconer" status.
Chris Anderson (he, him, his)
District Wildlife Biologist
District 12, King County
WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife - Region 4
16018 Mill Creek Blvd.<x-apple-data-detectors://4/0>
Mill Creek, WA 98012<x-apple-data-detectors://4/0>
Desk: 425-341-2054
<Christopher.Anderson...><mailto:<Christopher.Anderson...> http://wdfw.wa.gov<http://wdfw.wa.gov/> __________________________________________________
