Date: 4/17/25 6:33 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) monthly bird walk - 04-17-2025
Tweeters,
This gorgeous, nearly cloud-free day at JBLM Eagle's Pride GC started cool (38degF) but ended at 60degF, although the shady spots still meant most of the 17 of us making the birding round kept our top clothing layer on. A major surprise was that Hodge Lake didn't have ANY birds on/around it - a first for the 12 years we've been birding here. (Three large, imported carp of some kind (possibly black or grass carp) at the 12th hole pond were later reported to a biologist at JBLM. These fish are definitely an invasive species.)
Highlights:
EURASIAN WIGEON - The female was still seen, for the fourth consecutive month, at the 9th hole pond.
BARN, TREE, and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS made their first of season (FOS) appearance.
PURPLE FINCHES were singing in many areas. They're likely here all winter but rarely seen or heard until spring,
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS (FOS) were quite prevalent, with some good views.
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were also in many areas.
BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD - FOS
PINE SISKINS were again uncountable due to their abundance everywhere we roamed. I put 500 down on the list just to give some idea of what we thought was relevant.
The mammals included four black-tailed deer and six Douglas squirrels.
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:
* May 15
* June 19
* July 17
From the eBirdPNW report:
42 species
Wood Duck 4 All at the 12th hole pond.
Eurasian Wigeon 1 Continuing bird (fourth consecutive month) at the 9th hole pond.
American Wigeon 3 9th hole pond
Mallard 6
Ring-necked Duck 2 9th hole pond.
Band-tailed Pigeon 6
Anna's Hummingbird 4
Rufous Hummingbird 1
Great Blue Heron 1 12th hole pond.
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Red-breasted Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 3
Hutton's Vireo 1
Steller's Jay 7
American Crow 4
Black-capped Chickadee 12
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 26
Tree Swallow 21
Violet-green Swallow 7
Barn Swallow 10 Taking up residence at the driving range building.
Bushtit 4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 16
Brown Creeper 4
Pacific Wren 1
Bewick's Wren 4
European Starling 2
American Robin 40
House Finch 6
Purple Finch 24
Red Crossbill 10
Pine Siskin 500 Heard the entire 3.2-mile walk - abundant everywhere.
Dark-eyed Junco 6
White-crowned Sparrow 17
Golden-crowned Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 29 One seen carrying nesting material.
Spotted Towhee 7
Red-winged Blackbird 10 All in the area of the maintenance-building pond.
Date: 4/17/25 4:37 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-04-17
Tweets - It was a gorgeous morning without a cloud in the sky nor a breath of wind. Pre-dawn was stunning. But clear skies overnight mean a cold start; I wasn't really prepared for 36 degrees and frost on the ground. I'd been more worried I'd get too warm - it was 56 degrees when we finished. It's hard to dress for a 20-degree swing. The dawn chorus was loud, varied, and lasted at least an hour after sunrise. At least 20 species were heard singing!
Highlights: Great Blue Heron - Grum-grum-grum-grum calls from the nests indicate young have hatched Bald Eagle - So many sightings, including a juvenile in the heronry. Maybe 7-9 eagles seen today Merlin - A couple of quick fly-bys PURPLE MARTIN - At least one male checking out the gourds. Maybe another one heard to the east. First of Year (FOY) Barn Swallow - One at the East Meadow, two at the lake late (FOY) Bushtit - We now know of at least nests CHIPPING SPARROW - One seen singing just east of the Dog Area portapotties (FOY) Brown-headed Cowbird - Finally confirmed for the survey for the year. Several males seen and heard (FOY) Orange-crowned Warbler - Probably at least three seen singing (FOY)
A late scan of the lake turned up a host of species we hadn't seen earlier: Ring-necked Duck - One pair. Any seen after next week will be notably late Bufflehead - Two males. Might still be around for a couple more weeks AMERICAN COOT - Two under the cabana, first since February Pied-billed Grebe - Only one remaining COMMON LOON - Confirmation of a bird seen far out from the platform on the main survey (FOY)
Both AMERICAN COOT and PIED-BILLED GREBE used to be regular nesting species at Marymoor, but have only rarely been noted during breeding season the last several years.
Misses today included Rock and Band-tailed Pigeon (though two *pigeon sp.* were glimpsed), Double-crested Cormorant, Belted Kingfisher, and Cliff Swallow.
For the day, 61 species. For the year, adding the six species noted above, we're at 94 species for the survey in 2025.
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 4/17/25 9:18 am From: Brian Zinke via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Vaux's Swifts are back in Monroe
Hi Tweets,
Last night Larry Schwitters of Vaux's Happening <https://www.vauxhappening.org/> reported several swifts in the chimney in Monroe. This morning they were still there as of 8am.
We're always looking for some more help counting the swifts around sunset in Monroe during the spring and fall migrations (mid-April to late May; mid-August to late September). If interested, please let me know.
Thanks! Brian Zinke
-- [image: Logo] <https://www.pilchuckaudubon.org/> Brian Zinke Executive Director phone: (425) 232-6811 email: <director...> Pilchuck Audubon Society 1429 Avenue D, PMB 198, Snohomish, WA 98290
Date: 4/16/25 4:30 pm From: Bill Tweit via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Space available on Westport Seabirds pelagic trip THIS FRIDAY
Tweeters,
Sorry for the all caps in the title, but I wanted to call attention to a last minute pelagic trip opportunity. Westport Seabirds has 3 spaces available for the upcoming pelagic trip. It will be on FRIDAY, moved one day earlier than scheduled as the weather is forecast to deteriorate significantly throughout the day on Saturday, and Friday promises to be considerably more favorable. Unfortunately not every one who was signed up for Saturday was able to make the switch, which means that there are 3 openings for the trip. Call Phil and Chris Anderson of Westport Seabirds quickly if you are interested, at 360.268.9141. I suspect these spaces will fill up quickly, so act quickly. April trips are always fun, the last of the over wintering birds, the first of our summer regulars, and the Arctic breeders in mostly breeding plumage. Don't miss it!
Date: 4/16/25 2:26 pm From: Bob Boekelheide via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Question about Arrival Time for BRown PElicans at Westport, WA - April 8th
Hi CJ and Tweeters,
Two days ago (4/16/25), a group of us also saw 40 Brown Pelicans flying low over the waves to the north past Cape Flattery, and other pelicans roosting on Tatoosh Island in the evening. The odd thing is the ones we could see well with scopes looked to be adults, which should be in the middle of nesting right now in Mexico or California.
Here is an article about pelicans having trouble right now with toxic algae blooms and domoic acid in California, causing deaths of adults and and nesting failures this nesting season. Curiously, there may even be a connection to the big wildfires and subsequent mudslides down there, causing run-off of nutrients into coastal waters, adding to the algae bloom.
Maybe a connection to the pelicans showing up early here?
Bob Boekelheide
Dungeness
> On Apr 16, 2025, at 12:03 PM, via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> From: cj flick via Tweeters <tweeters...> <mailto:<tweeters...>> > Subject: [Tweeters] Question about Arrival Time for BRown PElicans at Westport, WA - April 8th
> Date: April 16, 2025 at 10:57:54 AM PDT
> To: <tweeters...> <mailto:<tweeters...> > Reply-To: cj flick <ke7qbi...> <mailto:<ke7qbi...>> >
>
> What is the usual arrival date for BRown PElicans in March or April each Year? We thought our sight record on April 8th was on the early side.
>
> CJ Flick / White Salmon, WA
>
Date: 4/16/25 12:57 pm From: Mark Borden via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] MI Prairie (Merlin?)
Hi Marilynn,
Having a nesting pair of Prairie Falcons on MI is about as close to an impossibility as anything in this world of ours.
A pair of lighter colored Merlins would be possible.
My captive breeding Prairie Falcon laid her third egg (of the usual 4) yesterday, so the timing is right.
Mark Borden
Coupeville, WA.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Apr 16, 2025, at 12:04 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. Prairie falcon (Marilynn Leland via Tweeters)
> 2. Osprey Nest Re: Prairie falcon (Dan Reiff via Tweeters)
> 3. Harlequin ducks on the Wallace River
> (STEVE KOHL M.D. via Tweeters)
> 4. Eastern WA (B B via Tweeters)
> 5. White breasted that hatch-Ridgefield NWR S Loop
> (Marty via Tweeters)
> 6. Question about Arrival Time for BRown PElicans at Westport,
> WA - April 8th (cj flick via Tweeters)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2025 15:43:53 -0700
> From: Marilynn Leland via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Prairie falcon
> Message-ID: <539FFB0E-4D7B-414D-B43E-3631CCCC8A23...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> I?m a novice birder, but believe I saw a nesting pair of prairie falcon at Island Crest Park on Mercer Island. They are on the light standard overlooking the ball field. I was surprised to see them in a forested area, but they appeared to be prairie as opposed to peregrine. Is this unusual. They appeared to enjoy the baseball game!
> Marilynn
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2025 16:10:24 -0700
> From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: Marilynn Leland <mdleland...>
> Cc: <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Osprey Nest Re: Prairie falcon
> Message-ID: <0221691F-10D7-4C43-A903-CAB2BB8C6741...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Apr 15, 2025, at 3:44?PM, Marilynn Leland via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>>
>> ?I?m a novice birder, but believe I saw a nesting pair of prairie falcon at Island Crest Park on Mercer Island. They are on the light standard overlooking the ball field. I was surprised to see them in a forested area, but they appeared to be prairie as opposed to peregrine. Is this unusual. They appeared to enjoy the baseball game!
>> Marilynn
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:38:00 +0000
> From: "STEVE KOHL M.D. via Tweeters" <tweeters...>
> To: "<tweeters...>" <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Harlequin ducks on the Wallace River
> Message-ID:
> <CH3PR11MB846614B83F91ECB35928C029C2BD2...>
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> A pair seen one half mile from trailhead at Wallace Falls State Park. Second time in several years at the same spot
> Steve and Sybil Kohl
> Seatte
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2025 01:02:52 +0000 (UTC)
> From: B B via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Eastern WA
> Message-ID: <1707853136.1238626.1744765372663...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> Thought I would add some reports following others on Eastern WA lately.? All from April 14.
> Cassin's finches are active on Wood Duck Road across from Bullfrog Pond just West of Cle Elum.? Can also find both Purple and House Finches among other species there.? Can be a good place for Chipping Sparrows, Western Bluebirds and Pygmy Nuthatch.? CAUTION:? it is a private road.? Years ago I asked someone there if I could bird there.? "Sure, just don't want anyone camping."? I have gone back every year and many locals have seen me and never a question.? I guess an old fart with bins and a camera isn't threatening.? You can bird from the road.
> Not as plentiful as usual but Pygmy Nuthatches are present and responsive at the usual location (near fenced in area) at the Railroad Ponds in So. Cle Elum.? 3 species of Chickadees there as well. House Wren wasn't there "yet".
> On Durr Road just South of Ellensburg off Umptanum Road, Sage Thrasher, Vesper and Brewer's Sparrows and both Mountain and Western Bluebirds are active.? Lots of Meadowlarks.? No Shrike this visit.
> For anyone who hasn't birded along Old Vantage Highway for a few years? it has changed greatly with much sagebrush lost to fires.? But birds can still be found.? Sage Thrashers and the two sparrows are singing at appropriate remaining sagebrush habitat along Old Vantage Highway...Mountain Bluebirds as well and a Rough Legged Hawk is over staying.? (Did not see Prairie Falcon or Say's Phoebe this trip.)? Sagebrush Sparrows can be found hiking up trail (half mile at most) at the East Entrance to the Quilomene Wildlife area on Old Vantage Highway.? Vesper and Brewer's possible there as well.
> Several Say's Phoebes and Rock Wrens (missed Canyon Wren) along Recreation Road and Gingko Overlook near Vantage.
> White Throated Swifts are back in Yakima Canyon and all swallows (except Bank and Purple Martins) were seen in many areas as were Ospreys - at least a dozen both hunting and on platforms.
> Only focused birding in Yakima County was at Kerry's Pond where my goal was to see a Cackling Goose which would be species #200 for the County.? There were more than 200 Cacklers there.? At least a dozen Black Necked Stilts (in pond and in adjoining field).? Two American Avocets were also in the field.? Both male and female Redheads were present.? A highlight was intersecting with the Pond's namesake while there.? I ran out of time to venture into Grant County.? Maybe tomorrow but if not I won't be free to do any Eastern Washington birding for awhile so glad to get yesterday in.
> Migration is happening.? Love springtime!
> Blair Bernson?
> -------------- next part --------------
> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
> URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20250416/9d0ae0ac/attachment-0001.html> >
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2025 09:16:56 -0700
> From: Marty via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] White breasted that hatch-Ridgefield NWR S Loop
> Message-ID: <CBE78986-1FF1-4B8B-AD59-847BE915FF26...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
> URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20250416/24773b02/attachment-0001.html> >
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:57:54 -0700
> From: cj flick via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Question about Arrival Time for BRown PElicans at
> Westport, WA - April 8th
> Message-ID:
> <CAOq6=3D30qYyjNZ+02QJXHAbPtn9giDDsyTsczVe9Fn=<ycXbsQ...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> What is the usual arrival date for BRown PElicans in March or April each
> Year? We thought our sight record on April 8th was on the early side.
>
> CJ Flick / White Salmon, WA
> -------------- next part --------------
> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
> URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20250416/340d7b10/attachment-0001.html> >
> ------------------------------
>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
> ------------------------------
>
> End of Tweeters Digest, Vol 248, Issue 16
> *****************************************
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/16/25 12:17 pm From: Andy McCormick via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Eastside Audubon Birdathon in May
Hello Tweets,
I want to pass along this one announcement about our Eastside Audubon May Birdathon. Thanks for considering it.
Eastside Audubon's tradition of Birdathon, a month-long fundraising celebration of birds is set for May. Once again, we have a variety of field trips, classes, beer socials, and talks planned. We would love to have you join us this month and help us reach our fundraising goal.
Date: 4/16/25 11:10 am From: cj flick via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Question about Arrival Time for BRown PElicans at Westport, WA - April 8th
What is the usual arrival date for BRown PElicans in March or April each Year? We thought our sight record on April 8th was on the early side.
Date: 4/15/25 6:15 pm From: B B via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Eastern WA
Thought I would add some reports following others on Eastern WA lately. All from April 14.
Cassin's finches are active on Wood Duck Road across from Bullfrog Pond just West of Cle Elum. Can also find both Purple and House Finches among other species there. Can be a good place for Chipping Sparrows, Western Bluebirds and Pygmy Nuthatch. CAUTION: it is a private road. Years ago I asked someone there if I could bird there. "Sure, just don't want anyone camping." I have gone back every year and many locals have seen me and never a question. I guess an old fart with bins and a camera isn't threatening. You can bird from the road.
Not as plentiful as usual but Pygmy Nuthatches are present and responsive at the usual location (near fenced in area) at the Railroad Ponds in So. Cle Elum. 3 species of Chickadees there as well. House Wren wasn't there "yet".
On Durr Road just South of Ellensburg off Umptanum Road, Sage Thrasher, Vesper and Brewer's Sparrows and both Mountain and Western Bluebirds are active. Lots of Meadowlarks. No Shrike this visit.
For anyone who hasn't birded along Old Vantage Highway for a few years it has changed greatly with much sagebrush lost to fires. But birds can still be found. Sage Thrashers and the two sparrows are singing at appropriate remaining sagebrush habitat along Old Vantage Highway...Mountain Bluebirds as well and a Rough Legged Hawk is over staying. (Did not see Prairie Falcon or Say's Phoebe this trip.) Sagebrush Sparrows can be found hiking up trail (half mile at most) at the East Entrance to the Quilomene Wildlife area on Old Vantage Highway. Vesper and Brewer's possible there as well.
Several Say's Phoebes and Rock Wrens (missed Canyon Wren) along Recreation Road and Gingko Overlook near Vantage.
White Throated Swifts are back in Yakima Canyon and all swallows (except Bank and Purple Martins) were seen in many areas as were Ospreys - at least a dozen both hunting and on platforms.
Only focused birding in Yakima County was at Kerry's Pond where my goal was to see a Cackling Goose which would be species #200 for the County. There were more than 200 Cacklers there. At least a dozen Black Necked Stilts (in pond and in adjoining field). Two American Avocets were also in the field. Both male and female Redheads were present. A highlight was intersecting with the Pond's namesake while there. I ran out of time to venture into Grant County. Maybe tomorrow but if not I won't be free to do any Eastern Washington birding for awhile so glad to get yesterday in.
Migration is happening. Love springtime!
Blair Bernson
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/15/25 4:23 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Osprey Nest Re: Prairie falcon
Sent from my iPhone
> On Apr 15, 2025, at 3:44 PM, Marilynn Leland via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> I’m a novice birder, but believe I saw a nesting pair of prairie falcon at Island Crest Park on Mercer Island. They are on the light standard overlooking the ball field. I was surprised to see them in a forested area, but they appeared to be prairie as opposed to peregrine. Is this unusual. They appeared to enjoy the baseball game!
> Marilynn
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
I’m a novice birder, but believe I saw a nesting pair of prairie falcon at Island Crest Park on Mercer Island. They are on the light standard overlooking the ball field. I was surprised to see them in a forested area, but they appeared to be prairie as opposed to peregrine. Is this unusual. They appeared to enjoy the baseball game!
Marilynn
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/15/25 8:04 am From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan Revision
Tweeters,
Every 10 years, the USFWS requires that states update their State Wildlife Action Plan to qualify for State and Tribal Wildlife Grants (SWG) Program. (Who knows if the current administration will be amenable to doing this.) This latest revision is quite extensive, so if youre interested in checking it out, the following information is relevant.
---
Public invited to learn about 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan revision
OLYMPIA The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will host its second virtual public meeting to discuss the 2025 update to the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) on Monday, May 5, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
This meeting is part of the process of revising and updating Washingtons SWAP every 10 years.
Washington's SWAP is a comprehensive plan for conserving the state's fish and wildlife and the natural habitats they depend on. It is part of a nationwide effort by all 50 states and five U.S. territories to develop conservation action plans and participate in the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants (SWG) Program.
The purpose of the SWG Program is to support state actions that broadly benefit fish and wildlife, and particularly the habitats and landscapes that support those species, as identified by each individual state.
In 2005, the Department completed its first SWAP called the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS). The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service requires these plans be updated every 10 years to remain eligible for SWG funding. The plan was last updated in 2015.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish, wildlife, and recreational and commercial opportunities.
May all your birds be identified,
Denis DeSilvis
avnacrs 4 birds at outlook dot com
Date: 4/14/25 5:51 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] JBLM Eagle's Pride Golf Course Monthly Birdwalk - Thursday, April 17
Hi Tweeters,
The Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) birdwalk is scheduled for Thursday, April 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.
Also, to remind folks that haven't been here before, even though Eagle's Pride is a US Army recreational facility, you don't need any ID to attend these birdwalks. Hope you're able to make it!
Current weather forecast is 44-61degF (48-69 real-feel) during the walk with lots of sun. As always, dress for success!
Date: 4/14/25 4:12 pm From: MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Kent Lesser Goldfinches
Today I observed a pair of LESSER GOLDFINCHES at 204th Street and Frager Road in Kent. The female appeared to be working on a Bushtit nest. After watching for a few minutes it became apparent that she was not adding to the nest. Rather, she was "borrowing" nesting material.
Date: 4/14/25 5:38 am From: Bob Flores via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Para Ponds Othello
I was there before dark. One snow goose, less than 100 cackles, 2 black-neck stilts, 2 ring-necked ducks, one common goldeneye were the highlights
Sent from my iPad
On Apr 14, 2025, at 00:51, Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
After the Snow Goose spectacle we stopped at Potholes State Park. There always is a nice variety of birds there, but nothing unusual this time. From there we headed for the Para Ponds in Othello. On the water and on the meadows around the ponds were several thousand Cackling Geese and also some Canada Geese and a single Greater White-fronted Goose. There was a good variety of duck species, but no Redheads and hundreds of American Coots. Also no Black-necked Stilts had come in yet.
Next we stopped at the County Line Ponds on SR 26. I have never seen the main pond on the southside so quiet! There were barely a dozen ducks there and even they were hard to find. The pond on the northside had a pair of Bufflehead and a pair of Green-winged Teal, but also a pair of Redhead, 7 Black-necked Stilts and a single American Avocet. The last two First-of-Year birds for me.
From there we took B SE road south towards Lower Crab Creek. The hole in the road has been fixed and there are two one lane bridges over the two branches of the creek. A lone male Northern Harrier was patrolling low over the sage brush, He had to climb to let a circling Red-tailed Hawk know that he was not invited. While I was watching them I noticed a small group of Canada Geese landing in a field quite distant. But wait, two large birds kept on flying towards me! They had a different wing beat, flapping and gliding almost like a butterfly! A pair of Sandhill Cranes! My lucky day. We did hear some other cranes trumpeting, but could not locate them.
Date: 4/14/25 1:03 am From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Para Ponds Othello
After the Snow Goose spectacle we stopped at Potholes State Park. There always is a nice variety of birds there, but nothing unusual this time. From there we headed for the Para Ponds in Othello. On the water and on the meadows around the ponds were several thousand Cackling Geese and also some Canada Geese and a single Greater White-fronted Goose. There was a good variety of duck species, but no Redheads and hundreds of American Coots. Also no Black-necked Stilts had come in yet. Next we stopped at the County Line Ponds on SR 26. I have never seen the main pond on the southside so quiet! There were barely a dozen ducks there and even they were hard to find. The pond on the northside had a pair of Bufflehead and a pair of Green-winged Teal, but also a pair of Redhead, 7 Black-necked Stilts and a single American Avocet. The last two First-of-Year birds for me. From there we took B SE road south towards Lower Crab Creek. The hole in the road has been fixed and there are two one lane bridges over the two branches of the creek. A lone male Northern Harrier was patrolling low over the sage brush, He had to climb to let a circling Red-tailed Hawk know that he was not invited. While I was watching them I noticed a small group of Canada Geese landing in a field quite distant. But wait, two large birds kept on flying towards me! They had a different wing beat, flapping and gliding almost like a butterfly! A pair of Sandhill Cranes! My lucky day. We did hear some other cranes trumpeting, but could not locate them.
I hope that I have not bored you too much!
Good Birding!
Hans
-- *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA <thefedderns...>
Date: 4/14/25 12:25 am From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Potholes Snow GeeseHans
The first bird on the second day of our Eastern Washington trip was a Common Loon seen from our lakeshore room in Moses Lake.. A first for me to start a day's birding! The main target on this trip was Sandhill Crane. Since I had not been able to get to Othello any sooner, I thought it was unlikely to still find any cranes, but it was worth a try. - More later- We headed south on SR 17 and took the turn west to Potholes State Park. On the way we stopped at a pull-out on O'Sullivan Dam at Potholes Reservoir. Here we were treated to an amazing spectacle, one only nature can present: East of the bird island(s) and further north on Potholes Reservoir there was a heavy white line on the water. it stretched close to mile from east to west. and consisted of a solid mass of snow geese! Above were several thousand other geese high in the sky circling and waiting for their turn to corkscrew in for a landing. There must have been a ground controller guiding them in for a safe landing! It was fascinating to watch how they managed not to collide and find a spot to land. My conservative estimate would be of at least 30,000 + birds. Actually I had watched the same thing happen last year from the same pull out. That time the Snow Geese were still flying in from the south, while this year they were already high up in the sky over the reservoir.. Last year it was one V-formation and one line after the other. I watched them for half an hour and there were still more coming when I left. My guess is that these geese are wintering in California making a rest stop on their northward migration, but why this large compact concentration on the water?
More later in another post.
Good Birding! -- *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA <thefedderns...>
Date: 4/13/25 10:20 pm From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Birding Eastern Washington
My wife Carole and I went birding in the Wllds of Eastern Washington last Wednesday and Thursday (4/9 - 4/10). We started with a FOY Osprey on the nesting platform just before getting off I-90 at the first Cle Elum exit as expected. It has been a reliable spot for an Osprey for many years.. Continuing on to the Railroad Ponds, we hoped to find a Pygmy Nuthatch, instead we found a pair of lively Red-breasted Nuthatches. Seems they took over the territory. A single FOY Turkey Vulture was patrolling over the ponds. Next we headed east on SR 10 and stopped at the Teanaway River Dipper Bridge where we found the resident pair of American Dippers waiting for us under the bridge on our side of the river. They are always fun to watch and this pair had a bulky nest visible on a beam under the bridge and was actively feeding young. A little further on SR 10 is a rock formation over which 7 Turkey Vultures were circling while a Common Raven showed off his flying skills to them. We passed through Ellensburg and continued on Old Vantage Road with a brief side trip down Parke Creek Road to a pond. There we found our First-Of-Year Yellow-headed Blackbirds, an American Coot, a pair of Killdeer and a single male Common Goldeneye. Next stop was at Ginkgo State Park in Vantage. Other than the resident Say's Phoebe things were still quiet there, except for some Gold - and House Finches and several Yellow-rumped Warblers. We spent the night in Moses Lake. To my surprise, Eurasian Collared-Doves are all over town there. I had yet to find one in the Seattle area this year.Their tooting must be annoying in some neighborhoods!
Good Birding!
Hans
-- *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA <thefedderns...>
Date: 4/13/25 5:09 pm From: Joshua Hayes via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Worried about lack of birds at my feeders
We have two seed feeders and a suet feeder in the back and just suet in the front; we live near North Seattle College. I have not noticed any fall-off in bird activity. It's true they're taking less seed, but I assume this is because insect populations are rising with rising temperatures and increasing degree-days. We do provide water in back by rotating several scrubbed/bleached clay pot-bottoms out daily (that is, scrubbed every day. We have six, so we can always have one out, one scrubbed and bleached, and one drying before filling).
We're seeing the usual numbers of both chickadees, house finches, white-crowned sparrows, song sparrows, towhees, juncos, nuthatches, flickers, downies, and bushtits, although the bushtits have definitely gone from groups of about 20 down to what I presume are close family groups of 2-6.
I'm guessing there may also be birds on eggs, so they're keeping a low profile in general.
Josh Hayes <Joshuaahayes...>
Sent with Proton Mail secure email.
On Sunday, April 13th, 2025 at 12:00 PM, via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
> Send Tweeters mailing list submissions to > <tweeters...> >
> > 1. Re: Worried about lack of birds at my feeders > (Jim Betz via Tweeters) > [snipped]
> > Message: 1 > > Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2025 19:13:30 +0000 > > From: Laura-Mae Baldwin via Tweeters <tweeters...> > > To: "<tweeters...>" <tweeters...> > > Subject: [Tweeters] Worried about lack of birds at my feeders
Date: 4/13/25 12:25 pm From: Martha Jordan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] birds at feeders - numbers
I have heard this from several people up in the Snohomish County area. Yet, at my feeders in south Everett area, abundant birds everyday. The composition has shifted, and I attribute that to the weather/season change. Good numbers of house finch and pine siskin. I also have some juncos, less than in winter but perhaps they are thinking of nesting as I have seen this in their behavior. And the band-tailed pigeons are back...fewer this year, but I did not feed them last year as they can be really messy and voracious eaters. I have seen other species coming and going all day, everyday. I believe people when they say numbers are down, but the bird numbers are likely not down everywhere. Curious.
Date: 4/12/25 12:44 pm From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Worried about lack of birds at my feeders
Laura-mae,
Do you have water out that is suitable for both drinking -and-
bathiing? We have a
"bubbling fountain" and if that is off the birds are not here/very small
numbers and
varieties ... and when it is on we have an entirely different backyard.
The important
water source that is missing may not be in your yard - perhaps at a
neighbor's house?
We all have to be very careful about phrases like "collapse of bird
population in the
area" when we are basing our observations on just one data point such as
our own
backyard.
I am -not- saying that there "is no collapse" (I don't know/can't
answer that
question) ... I'm saying that it takes a lot more data from a -lot- more
sources to
call a local/temporary/this season/this year/in my yard ... noticeable
reduction a
"collapse".
I am also concerned (a recent presentation to the Skagit Audubon
Society made
me also worried) ... but I don't have the data to say "here also".
Have you checked eBird ("explore") for checklists in your area (a
local hotspot?)?
Have you used that in ways that show trends both year-to-year and
month-to-month?
Are you using eBird to log what you see - so you can go back and check
against
previous years?
- Jim in Skagit
> Message: 1
> Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2025 19:13:30 +0000
> From: Laura-Mae Baldwin via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: "<tweeters...>" <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Worried about lack of birds at my feeders
> Message-ID:
> <CO1PR08MB6788E9FA53BD835C11AFAF64C1B62...>
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> I live north of the University in Seattle and near both the Roosevelt reservoir and Ravenna Park. Usually we have a robust showing of chickadees, nuthatches, Bewick's wrens, Stellars jays, and crows and all seem to be largely missing this year. Crows have always been regulars, but I put out peanuts days ago and no one has come to claim them. I fear a collapse of the bird population in this area. Are others experiencing the same?
>
> We have had a Townsend's warbler, goldfinches, yellow-rumped warblers on and off and I did hear a Varied Thrush a few weeks ago. But these are rarities rather than regulars even in good years.
>
> Hoping for reassurance.
> Thank you
> Laura-Mae
Date: 4/11/25 12:26 pm From: Laura-Mae Baldwin via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Worried about lack of birds at my feeders
I live north of the University in Seattle and near both the Roosevelt reservoir and Ravenna Park. Usually we have a robust showing of chickadees, nuthatches, Bewick's wrens, Stellars jays, and crows and all seem to be largely missing this year. Crows have always been regulars, but I put out peanuts days ago and no one has come to claim them. I fear a collapse of the bird population in this area. Are others experiencing the same?
We have had a Townsend's warbler, goldfinches, yellow-rumped warblers on and off and I did hear a Varied Thrush a few weeks ago. But these are rarities rather than regulars even in good years.
Date: 4/10/25 5:54 pm From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for 4/9/2025
Hi Tweets,
Approximately 40 of us had a really nice spring day at the Refuge with
mostly cloudy skies and temperatures in the 40’s to 50’s degrees
Fahrenheit. There was a Low 3’9” Tide at 11:16am and a High 10’9” Tide at
4:38pm. We walked the Twin Barns Loop Trail counter clockwise, backwards
from usual, to relocate a RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD nest.
Highlights included First Of Year AMERICAN BITTERN in the freshwater marsh,
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW flying along McAllister Creek, gorgeous male
AMERICAN GOLDFINCH at the Visitor Center, and BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD. There
is an AMERICAN ROBIN occupied nest in the breezeway above the entrance to
the Visitor Center. We had intriguing looks at displaying BAND-TAILED
PIGEONS over the Orchard. Over the weekend the photographers located
an occupied RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD nest on the east side of the Twin Barns Loop
Trail in a broken vertical branch at eye level over the borough slough just
8 railing planks north of the "beaver deceiver". While enjoying this nest,
James and Leo located two additional nests in the same area. We had a
spectacular display of four RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER males confronting each
other in either territorial or perhaps breeding pair disputes in the large
Maple Tree at the Nisqually River Overlook. SNOW GOOSE and GREATER-WHITE
FRONTED GOOSE continue along the Nisqually Estuary Trail. Out on the
Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail we observed a BLACK SCOTER off Luhr
Beach. Anders spotted a PEREGRINE FALCON which initiated a prolonged hunt
over the mudflats and freshwater marsh in the afternoon on the incoming
tide. We stomached multiple collisions of Peregrine on waterfowl, but did
not observe a successful kill.
For the day we observed 86 species, with FOY American Bittern, American
Goldfinch, Brown-headed Cowbird and Northern Rough-winged Swallow we have
seen 118 species this year. Notable misses included Osprey, Cliff Swallow,
Cinnamon Teal, Great Egret, and Caspian Tern. Cinnamon Teal and Great
Egret have been reported in the last week, but we could not relocate. Many
of these species seem to be late in arriving in comparison to previous
years, not sure why?
Mammals seen include Townsend's Chipmunk, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit,
Eastern Gray Squirrel, Harbor Seal, Muskrat, and Mary spotted a River Otter
in McAllister Creek. Others seen include NW Salamander Egg Masses and
Puget Sound Garter Snake.
See our eBird report below for additional information and photos. Until
next week, when we meet again at 8am, happy birding!
Be well,
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
<do-not-reply...>
10:19 AM (6 hours ago)
to me
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Apr 9, 2025 7:10 AM - 5:33 PM
Protocol: Traveling
7.788 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Mostly cloudy with temperatures in
the 40’s to 50’s degrees Fahrenheit. A Low 3’9” Tide at 11:16am and a High
10’9” Tide at 4:38pm. Mammals seen Townsend’s Chipmunk, Eastern
Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Eastern Gray Squirrel, Harbor Seal, River Otter,
Muskrat, Puget Sound Garter Snake, NW Salamander egg mass.
86 species (+8 other taxa)
Snow Goose 1 Freshwater marsh.
Greater White-fronted Goose (Western) 29 Nisqually Estuary Trail.
Brant (Black) 90 Observed at 3pm from Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk
Trail at mouth of Leschi Slough with scopes.
Cackling Goose (minima) 750
Cackling Goose (Taverner's) 35
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 40
Wood Duck 12
Northern Shoveler 100
Gadwall 25
Eurasian Wigeon 2 Flooded field south of Twin Barns. Fresh water marsh.
American Wigeon 400
Mallard 110
Northern Pintail 300
Green-winged Teal (American) 1000
Ring-necked Duck 20
Greater Scaup 80 Observed from Puget Sound Observatory Platform with
scopes off Luhr Beach.
Surf Scoter 20
White-winged Scoter 100 Observed from Puget Sound Observatory Platform
with scopes on Nisqually Reach.
Black Scoter 1 Seen from Puget Sound Observatory Platform with scopes
off Luhr Beach. Male.
Bufflehead 100
Common Goldeneye 30
Hooded Merganser 10
Common Merganser 2 Nisqually River Overlook.
Red-breasted Merganser 12
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 14
Band-tailed Pigeon (Northern) 12 Visitor Center, Education Center and
Orchard.
Mourning Dove 4
Rufous Hummingbird 8 Nest observed on inside of east side of Twin
Barns Loop Trail 40-80 feet north of Beaver Deceiver at eye level on
precariously located vertical branch over borough slough. Two other nests
see just north of Beaver Deceiver.
Virginia Rail 2 Calling from Visitor Center Pond.
American Coot (Red-shielded) 150
Killdeer 2
Wilson's Snipe 4
Spotted Sandpiper 1 West Bank of McAllister Creek.
Greater Yellowlegs 20
Dunlin 500
Least Sandpiper 20
Short-billed Gull 175
Ring-billed Gull 20
California Gull 2
Glaucous-winged Gull 5
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 15
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 100
gull sp. 100
Pied-billed Grebe 3
Horned Grebe 1 Nisqually Reach.
Brandt's Cormorant 4 Nisqually River channel marker.
Double-crested Cormorant 4
American Bittern 1 FOY! Great looks from Nisqually Estuary Trail
between Willow “bush” Tree on inside of trail and entrance to Nisqually
Estuary Boardwalk Trail hunting in Freshwater Marsh.
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 20
Accipitrine hawk sp. (former Accipiter sp.) 1
Northern Harrier 1
Bald Eagle 16 Occupied nest West Bank of Nisqually River north of
Nisqually River Observatory Platform and West Bank of McAllister Creek
across from Puget Sound Observation Platform.
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Belted Kingfisher 3
Red-breasted Sapsucker 6 One bird seen in nest snag right of Visitor
Center entrance, four males seen displaying in Maple on west side of
Nisqually River Observatory Platform, and one bird seen in Twin Barns
Picnic Area.
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 4
Hairy Woodpecker (Pacific) 3
Pileated Woodpecker 1 Heard only from West Bank of McAllister Creek
from Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail.
Northern Flicker 3
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 3
Peregrine Falcon 1 Actively hunting entire Refuge.
American Crow 8
Common Raven 2
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 2
Tree Swallow 60
Violet-green Swallow 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Barn Swallow (American) 10
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 6
Brown Creeper 8
Pacific Wren (pacificus Group) 1
Marsh Wren 16
Bewick's Wren 8
European Starling 50
Varied Thrush 1
Hermit Thrush 1 Seen by Steve from Nisqually River Overlook.
American Robin (migratorius Group) 30
Purple Finch (Western) 6
Pine Siskin 30
American Goldfinch 1
Fox Sparrow (Sooty) 1
White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis) 1
Golden-crowned Sparrow 15
Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 2
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 32
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 2
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 30
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
Common Yellowthroat 4
Yellow-rumped Warbler 20
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 6
Townsend's Warbler 3
Date: 4/10/25 4:55 pm From: Matt Bartels via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-04-10
Hi Tweets-
Michael was out today, so 4 of us filled in at the weekly Marymoor walk - It was a beautiful day while we were there, but our hopes to make Michael jealous by finding a rarity weren’t fulfilled.
Purple Finch and Yellow-rumped Warblers were constantly singing throughout the day, but overall the numbers of birds seen seemed low.
Highlights:
Common Yellowthroat - first of yer for the walk - we _thought_ we heard several, but finally in the east meadow had a male singing and sesn for sure.
Osprey - after a single high-flying bird was our only signting last week, this week it seemed as if they were moved in - we heard and saw them several times throughout the day, though the Canada Geese are still clinging to the two Osprey nest platforms for now.
Wilson’s Snipe - several below the weir still
Only one Fox Sparrow heard today, and we got close to missing Ruby-crowned Kinglet -
Misses included Common Goldeneye, Rock Pigeon, Hairy Woodpecker, Violet-green Swallow, Barn Swallow, American Goldfinch.
> On Mar 25, 2025, at 17:46, Alan Knue via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Hello Tweets,
>
> I have a Swarovski 10x25 CL Pocket Mountain Binoculars (Anthracite, Mountain Accessory Package) for sale. I’ve had them for about 10 months and they have been very lightly used and are like new with original box and accessories including ocular lens rain cover, field bag, microfiber cloth, and carrying strap. They are a great size for carrying just about everywhere. It normally retails for $989 plus tax, and I am asking $850 (and no sales tax).
>
> If interested or if you have questions, send me a private message at podoces <at> iCloud dot com.
>
> Best, Alan
>
> Alan J. Knue
> Edmonds, WA
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/8/25 7:42 am From: Kathleen Snyder via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Raptor Quest – Thursday April 10th 7 pm via Zoom
Scott Harris, an award-winning and best-selling author, will discuss
*RaptorQuest:
Chasing America’s Raptors*, the story of his year-long adventure tracking
down every species of raptor in the lower 48 states. We’ll learn about
his adventures, misadventures, successes and failures. To view via Zoom,
registration is required:
This free program is sponsored by Black Hills Audubon Society. You can
also join us at Temple Beth Hatfiloh for refreshments and social time
starting at 6:30, 201 8th Ave SE Olympia. We will then view the program on
a big screen.
Date: 4/7/25 7:08 pm From: Ann Kramer via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Birds and Climate Change tomorrow night on Zoom
Skagit Audubon Society presents Birds and Climate Change: The Changes that are already happening with a special focus on the Pacific Northwest" presented by Steve Hampton. Steve will present the results of studies showing how birds are adapting to the climate shifts and resulting implications. The Zoom program begins @ 7:00 PM on April 8, 2025. Preregistration is required and you can preregister on this link:
Date: 4/7/25 9:29 am From: Kathleen Snyder via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] RAPTOR QUEST – Thursday April 10th 7 pm via Zoom
Scott Harris, an award-winning and best-selling author, will discuss
*RaptorQuest:
Chasing America’s Raptors*, the story of his year-long adventure tracking
down every species of raptor in the lower 48 states. We’ll learn about
his adventures, misadventures, successes and failures. To view via Zoom,
registration is required:
This free program is sponsored by Black Hills Audubon Society. You can
also join us at Temple Beth Hatfiloh for refreshments and social time
starting at 6:30, 201 8th Ave SE Olympia. We will then view the program on
a big screen.
Date: 4/6/25 6:35 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Home birding - Roy WA
Tweeters,
I took some time out to walk around our property before the rains settled in. The weather was mild (54degF). Light rain started to fall about 11:10. Highlight was the WHITE-THROATED SPARROW singing from the hedgerow to the west of the house. Have heard it for the last week and I finally managed to record it. This is likely the same bird that has been here since early November 2024.
From the eBirdPNW report.
41 species
Mallard 4
California Quail 2
Band-tailed Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 6
Anna's Hummingbird 1
Rufous Hummingbird 1 Persistently displaying near the red currant patch to the east of the house.
Virginia Rail 1 In wetland to the east of house.
Killdeer 1 Overhead calling.
Turkey Vulture 1
Bald Eagle 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Red-breasted Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 3
Steller's Jay 6
California Scrub-Jay 2
American Crow 2
Common Raven 2
Black-capped Chickadee 8
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 6
Tree Swallow 22
Violet-green Swallow 2
Bushtit 10
Red-breasted Nuthatch 4
Marsh Wren 1
Bewick's Wren 2
European Starling 6
American Robin 7
House Sparrow 6
Evening Grosbeak 4
House Finch 11
Purple Finch 3
Pine Siskin 15
Dark-eyed Junco 12
White-crowned Sparrow 1
Golden-crowned Sparrow 6
White-throated Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 14
Spotted Towhee 5
Red-winged Blackbird 9
Date: 4/6/25 3:37 pm From: Carol Riddell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Edmonds Roundup - March 2025 Second Addition
Hi Tweeters,
It hasn’t been the best month for the roundups. I see I also neglected to include in my original post:
Wood Duck (code 3), 1 at Pine Ridge Park, 3-21-25.
Although there is a Wood Duck nest box on the private portion of the park’s Goodhope Pond, this species is becoming more challenging to see at Pine Ridge Park. Cattails have overtaken most of the public section of the pond and the growth of vegetation along the park path makes it almost impossible to see into the private portion of the pond.
Neither the Rufous Hummingbird nor the Wood Duck, both of which I omitted from my original post, affects our year number. It remains at 121 species, including all March sightings.
Date: 4/6/25 9:39 am From: Carol Riddell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Edmonds Roundup - March 2025
Hi Tweeters,
With March additions we have reached 121 species for our 2025 year list. In taxonomic order, the new species are:
Northern Pintail (code 3), 1 drake at Edmonds marsh (ID photos), 3-5-25.
Sora (code 5), 1, maybe 2, at Edmonds marsh (ker-wee calls described), 3-13-25.
American Kestrel (code 4), 1 at Edmonds-Woodway High School ball fields, 3-30-25.
Say’s Phoebe (code 4), 1 in the Edmonds Lake Ballinger neighborhood (ID photos), 3-28-25.
Violet-green Swallow (code 1), 1 at Edmonds marsh and 1 in Pine Ridge neighborhood, 3-25-25.
Barn Swallow (code 1), 1 or 2 at Edmonds marsh, 3-27-25.
Brown-headed Cowbird (code 2), 1 adult male on Puget Drive, 3-29-25.
Brewer’s Blackbird (code 3), 1 adult female on Puget Drive (ID photos), 3-19-25.
There were a couple code 3 or rarer species reported in eBird with no or inadequate documentation. We will wait to review any subsequent reports that are evidence based. These include American Herring Gull (code 4) and Peregrine Falcon (code 3).
As always, I appreciate it when birders get in touch with me to share sightings, photos, or recordings. It helps us build our collective year list. If you would like a copy of our 2025 city checklist, with 283 species, please request it from checklistedmonds at gmail dot com. The 2025 checklist, with sightings through March, is in the bird information box at the Olympic Beach Visitor Station at the base of the public pier.
Good birding,
Carol Riddell
Edmonds, WA
cariddellwa at gmail dot com
Abundance codes: (1) Common, (2) Uncommon, (3) Harder to find, usually seen annually, (4) Rare, 5+ records, (5) Fewer than 5 records
Date: 4/5/25 4:52 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] A hit of dopamine tells baby birds when their song practice is paying off | ScienceDaily
Date: 4/5/25 1:43 pm From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] REMINDER: WOS Monthly Meeting, April 7, 2025
The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) is pleased to announce our next Monthly Meeting: on Monday, April 7, Kim Thorburn will present, "Biodiversity Conservation and the Endangered Species Act."
At 50 years+, the Endangered Species Act is considered one of our most successful conservation policies. More than 200 species’ extinctions have been prevented to date, which is 99% of species that have been listed as endangered. Yet, as the earth faces the sixth great extinction, the Act’s imperfections require a shift in the approach to conservation and management with more focus on ecosystems than individual species. In this presentation, Kim will draw from her experience with wildlife conservation work to discuss contemporary conservation strategies and challenges.
Kim Thorburn is a retired public health physician. Her love of animals and the outdoors dates from her childhood farm life in the Central Valley of California. Upon retirement from medicine, she turned to these avocations full time. Kim was drawn to birding by way of a class given by the Spokane Audubon Society, and by a certain Canyon Wren in the Santa Rosa mountains of Nevada. She played an important role volunteering in Washington Fish and Wildlife Department Prairie Grouse recovery efforts, and served for eight years as a Fish and Wildlife Commissioner. She has served on the Board of the WOS as Treasurer and for two terms, as Trustee. Kim’s habitat is in Washington's sagebrush country.
This meeting will be conducted virtually, via Zoom (no in-person attendance). Sign-in will begin at 7:15 pm, and the meeting commences at 7:30 pm. Please go to the WOS Monthly Meetings page: https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/ for instructions on participation and to get the Zoom link.
When joining the meeting, we ask that you mute your device and make certain that your camera is turned off.
This meeting is open to all as WOS invites everyone in the wider birding community to attend. Thanks to the generosity of our presenters, recordings of past programs are available at the following link to the WOS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonornithologicalso7839/videos
If you are not yet a member of WOS, we hope you will consider becoming one at https://wos.org
Date: 4/4/25 4:11 pm From: Ronda Stark via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] First Osprey?
The female Osprey is now at the nest near the tennis courts at Magnuson!
On Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 3:04 PM Kevin Lucas <vikingcove...> wrote:
> I saw my first of year bicycling Yakima County Osprey today.
> Kevin Lucas
> Yakima County, WA
>
> Sent with AquaMail for Android
> http://www.aqua-mail.com >
> On April 4, 2025 2:54:51 PM Steve Loitz via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>> I got my FOY WA Osprey near Yakima one week ago on March 28. I saw one on
>> a nest platform at Helen McCabe Lake south of Eburg a couple days ago.
>>
>> --
>> Steve Loitz
>> Ellensburg, WA
>> <steveloitz...>
>>
>> On Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 10:34 AM Ronda Stark via Tweeters <
>> <tweeters...> wrote:
>>
>>> That's great news! I checked the nest near the tennis courts yesterday
>>> and I didn't see any Osprey.
>>>
>>> Ronda
>>>
>>> On Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 10:24 AM Jack Nolan via Tweeters <
>>> <tweeters...> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Greetings,
>>>> My friend Tom Gelatt who works at NOAA and hopefully will for a while,
>>>> has reported that the Osprey nest nearby has new nesting material on it.
>>>> I was just thinking about the Osprey as I rose my bike across 520
>>>> yesterday.
>>>>
>>>> Always good to see them.
>>>>
>>>> Jack Nolan
>>>> Shoreline,wa.
>>>> Sent from my iPhone. Pardon my brevity and typos.
>>>>
>>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>
>>
On April 4, 2025 2:54:51 PM Steve Loitz via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
> I got my FOY WA Osprey near Yakima one week ago on March 28. I saw one on a > nest platform at Helen McCabe Lake south of Eburg a couple days ago. > > -- > Steve Loitz > Ellensburg, WA > <steveloitz...> > > On Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 10:34 AM Ronda Stark via Tweeters < > <tweeters...> wrote: > >> That's great news! I checked the nest near the tennis courts yesterday and >> I didn't see any Osprey. >> >> Ronda >> >> On Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 10:24 AM Jack Nolan via Tweeters < >> <tweeters...> wrote: >> >>> Greetings, >>> My friend Tom Gelatt who works at NOAA and hopefully will for a while, >>> has reported that the Osprey nest nearby has new nesting material on it. >>> I was just thinking about the Osprey as I rose my bike across 520 >>> yesterday. >>> >>> Always good to see them. >>> >>> Jack Nolan >>> Shoreline,wa. >>> Sent from my iPhone. Pardon my brevity and typos. >>> >> > > > > ---------- > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/4/25 2:47 pm From: Steve Loitz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] First Osprey?
I got my FOY WA Osprey near Yakima one week ago on March 28. I saw one on a
nest platform at Helen McCabe Lake south of Eburg a couple days ago.
--
Steve Loitz
Ellensburg, WA
<steveloitz...>
On Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 10:34 AM Ronda Stark via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> That's great news! I checked the nest near the tennis courts yesterday and
> I didn't see any Osprey.
>
> Ronda
>
> On Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 10:24 AM Jack Nolan via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>> Greetings,
>> My friend Tom Gelatt who works at NOAA and hopefully will for a while,
>> has reported that the Osprey nest nearby has new nesting material on it.
>> I was just thinking about the Osprey as I rose my bike across 520
>> yesterday.
>>
>> Always good to see them.
>>
>> Jack Nolan
>> Shoreline,wa.
>> Sent from my iPhone. Pardon my brevity and typos.
>>
>
Date: 4/4/25 10:46 am From: Ronda Stark via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] First Osprey?
That's great news! I checked the nest near the tennis courts yesterday and
I didn't see any Osprey.
Ronda
On Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 10:24 AM Jack Nolan via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Greetings,
> My friend Tom Gelatt who works at NOAA and hopefully will for a while, has
> reported that the Osprey nest nearby has new nesting material on it.
> I was just thinking about the Osprey as I rose my bike across 520
> yesterday.
>
> Always good to see them.
>
> Jack Nolan
> Shoreline,wa.
> Sent from my iPhone. Pardon my brevity and typos.
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/4/25 10:17 am From: Jack Nolan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] First Osprey?
Greetings, My friend Tom Gelatt who works at NOAA and hopefully will for a while, has reported that the Osprey nest nearby has new nesting material on it. I was just thinking about the Osprey as I rose my bike across 520 yesterday.
Date: 4/3/25 6:35 pm From: Doug Santoni via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] 2nd Request: Please unsubscribe me from Tweeters
Hi Peggy — I’m one of the administrators for Tweeters, and just unsubscribed you. Please let us know if there are any problems, but you should be set with the “unsubscribe” now.
Doug Santoni — <Tweeters...>
> On Apr 3, 2025, at 6:18 PM, Peggy Willis via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Please unsubscribe me from Tweeters.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Peggy Willis
> 206 601-6773
> Sent from my iPhone
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/3/25 6:01 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-04-03
Tweets - We had a really good day at Marymoor today. Temps in the 40's, overcast shifting to partly sunny, no wind, lots of birds.
Highlights: Cackling Goose - A flock of 20 flew south just before 7:00 Eurasian Collared-Dove - One near the slough, First of Year (FOY) Green Heron - One flying fairly high towards the lake, (FOY), though Mason thought he might have glimpsed one last week Osprey - Jordan spotted one way high up, way far away, but it gave good-though-distant views (FOY) Sharpie/Cooper's - NE of mansion, being chased by a crow. Thinking Sharpie on this one, but couldn't be positive Bald Eagle - A total of at least 7, I figure, with one in a nest Red-breasted Sapsucker - Again several, with much drumming Five Woodpecker Day American Goldfinch - Three near the park office (FOY)
The best highlight was a BOBCAT just south of the windmill on the Clise Mansion lawn.
The dawn chorus was very loud.
Misses today were Common Goldeneye, American Coot, Belted Kingfisher, Brown-headed Cowbird (might have heard), and Common Yellowthroat. The latter two will be present next week, or I'll eat my hat.
For the day, 63 species, our highest total so far this year. Adding EUCD, GRHE, OSPR, and AMGO, we're at 87 species for the survey in 2025.
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 4/3/25 5:51 pm From: Tom Benedict via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] New Location for Birds Connect
As far as I can tell, the report of BCS’s planned move to downtown Seattle is legit. It’s detailed on their website <https://birdsconnectsea.org/news/>. However, the report of their name “un-change” appears to have been an April Fool’s prank. Nothing on their website mentions a name other than Birds Connect Seattle.
HTH,
Tom Benedict
> On Apr 3, 2025, at 16:01, Carolyn Heberlein via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> The new location is in Pacific Place in downtown Seattle?
> Why is this a good location?
>
> And what the hell with the name change? Again?!
> Either stick with the anti-Audubon theme or not.
> As you can tell, this upsets me very much.
> I will continue my bird watching with Pilchuck Audubon or Seward Park Audubon.
>
> Carolyn
And just want to clarify that Birds Connect Seattle will not be selling bird seed at our new downtown location.
Josh
________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of Carlos Andersen via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Wednesday, April 2, 2025 7:55 AM
To: TWEETERS tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] The Nature Shop - Birds Connect Seattle
Looks like they are doing a trial run with a delivery van delivering goods (seeds) to local neighborhoods! Very nice! Carlos
Date: 4/3/25 5:13 pm From: Carolyn Heberlein via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] New Location for Birds Connect
Thanks for the info.
On Thu, Apr 3, 2025 at 4:43 PM Teresa Michelsen <teresa...>
wrote:
> Wild Birds Unlimited also delivers and they have stores all over the place…
>
> Teresa M.
>
>
>
> *From:* Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> *On Behalf
> Of *Carolyn Heberlein via Tweeters
> *Sent:* Thursday, April 3, 2025 4:02 PM
> *To:* <tweeters...>
> *Subject:* [Tweeters] New Location for Birds Connect
>
>
>
> The new location is in Pacific Place in downtown Seattle?
>
> Why is this a good location?
>
> Oh yeah, lots of public transportation there?
>
> I can hardly lift 50 pounds of birdseed.
>
> Even 25 pounds will be difficult if I have to carry it to my light rail or
> metro bus. And then a few blocks to my home.
>
> Oh well, there is always Wild Birds Unlimited and Fred Meyer where I can
> park my car next to the store.
>
> Probably Amazon for seed delivery will also work. I never thought of it,
> but I'm sure it is an option.
>
> Oh yeah, lots of birders in downtown high-rise Seattle?
> Maybe all of the fans of the Peregrine Falcons at the 1201 Third Avenue
> Building?
>
> https://1201third.info/main.cfm?sid=oservices&pid=falcons >
>
>
> And what the hell with the name change? Again?!
>
> Either stick with the anti-Audubon theme or not.
>
> As you can tell, this upsets me very much.
>
> I will continue my bird watching with Pilchuck Audubon or Seward Park
> Audubon.
>
> Carolyn
>
>
>
>
>
> -
> - *Carolyn Heberlein*
> - *Seattle Washington USA*
> - *Fremont Neighborhood*
> - *coheberlein at yahoo dot com*
>
>
Date: 4/3/25 4:56 pm From: Teresa Michelsen via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] New Location for Birds Connect
Wild Birds Unlimited also delivers and they have stores all over the place…
Teresa M.
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> On Behalf Of Carolyn Heberlein via Tweeters
Sent: Thursday, April 3, 2025 4:02 PM
To: <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] New Location for Birds Connect
The new location is in Pacific Place in downtown Seattle?
Why is this a good location?
Oh yeah, lots of public transportation there?
I can hardly lift 50 pounds of birdseed.
Even 25 pounds will be difficult if I have to carry it to my light rail or metro bus. And then a few blocks to my home.
Oh well, there is always Wild Birds Unlimited and Fred Meyer where I can park my car next to the store.
Probably Amazon for seed delivery will also work. I never thought of it, but I'm sure it is an option.
Oh yeah, lots of birders in downtown high-rise Seattle?
Maybe all of the fans of the Peregrine Falcons at the 1201 Third Avenue Building?
And what the hell with the name change? Again?!
Either stick with the anti-Audubon theme or not.
As you can tell, this upsets me very much.
I will continue my bird watching with Pilchuck Audubon or Seward Park Audubon.
Carolyn
*
* Carolyn Heberlein
* Seattle Washington USA
* Fremont Neighborhood
* coheberlein at yahoo dot com
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/3/25 4:14 pm From: Carolyn Heberlein via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] New Location for Birds Connect
The new location is in Pacific Place in downtown Seattle? Why is this a good location?
Oh yeah, lots of public transportation there? I can hardly lift 50 pounds of birdseed. Even 25 pounds will be difficult if I have to carry it to my light rail or metro bus. And then a few blocks to my home. Oh well, there is always Wild Birds Unlimited and Fred Meyer where I can park my car next to the store. Probably Amazon for seed delivery will also work. I never thought of it, but I'm sure it is an option.
Oh yeah, lots of birders in downtown high-rise Seattle? Maybe all of the fans of the Peregrine Falcons at the 1201 Third Avenue Building?
And what the hell with the name change? Again?! Either stick with the anti-Audubon theme or not. As you can tell, this upsets me very much. I will continue my bird watching with Pilchuck Audubon or Seward Park Audubon.
Carolyn
- - *Carolyn Heberlein* - *Seattle Washington USA* - *Fremont Neighborhood* - *coheberlein at yahoo dot com*
Date: 4/2/25 9:07 pm From: jimullrich via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] “A Terrible Place for Audubon Seattle”
To Pamela Okano you can get bird seed delivered free to your home by ordering from the locally owned Wild Birds Unlimited stores in greater Seattle area. Go online and order: https://www.wildbirdsunlimited.com Hope this helps Jim Ullrich Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/2/25 8:10 pm From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk for Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR on 4/2/2025
Hi Tweets,
Fourty of us enjoyed a nice Spring day at the Refuge with mostly cloudy
skies, intermittent light rain and temperatures in the 40's to 50's degrees
Fahrenheit. There was a High 13'9" Tide at 8:20am, so we skipped the
Orchard and Access Roads in the morning to make the most of the falling
tide. Highlights included First Of Year COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, both
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER and HAIRY WOODPECKER working on nest cavities in the
snag to the right of the Visitor Center entrance, continuing hybrid
AMERICAN X EURASIAN WIGEON in the flooded field south of the Twin Barns,
continuing SNOW GOOSE and GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE on the Nisqually
Estuary Trail, two occupied BALD EAGLE nests one on the Nisqually River and
the other on the McAllister Creek, and upwards of three Mink seen on the
west side of the Twin Barns Loop Trail.
For the day we observed 72 species, and with FOY Common Yellowthroat and
EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE, we now have seen 114 species this year. See our
eBird Report with details pasted below.
Additional observations included the increase in numbers of female
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS in the freshwater marsh. As well, we still have not
observed Cinnamon Teal or Osprey this spring which seems late to me.
Other sightings included Townsend's Chipmunk, Puget Sound Garter Snake,
Pacific Tree Frog and Harbor Seal.
Until next week when we meet again at 8am at the Visitor Center Pond
Overlook, happy birding.
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Apr 2, 2025 7:18 AM - 4:35 PM
Protocol: Traveling
6.953 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Mostly cloudy with intermittent
light rain and temperatures in the 40’s to 50’s degrees Fahrenheit. There
was a High 13’9” Tide at 8:20am. Mammals seen included Townsend’s Chipmunk,
Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Mink x 3, Eastern Gray Squirrel, and Harbor
Seal. Others seen included Puget Sound Garter Snake, Pacific Tree Frog, and
Northwest Salamander Egg Mass.
72 species (+8 other taxa)
Snow Goose 1 Continues in fresh water marsh.
Greater White-fronted Goose (Western) 29 Nisqually Estuary Trail.
Brant (Black) 100 Nisqually Reach.
Cackling Goose (minima) 600
Cackling Goose (Taverner's) 18
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 30
Wood Duck 4
Northern Shoveler 100
Gadwall 40
Eurasian Wigeon 3 Twin Barns Overlook, Fresh Water marsh along
Nisqually Estuary Trail, and McAllister Observation Platform.
American Wigeon 700
Eurasian x American Wigeon (hybrid) 1 Flooded field south of Twin
Barns.
Mallard 150
Northern Pintail 360
Green-winged Teal (American) 1000
Ring-necked Duck 9
Surf Scoter 30
Bufflehead 125
Common Goldeneye 20
Hooded Merganser 10
Common Merganser (North American) 12
Red-breasted Merganser 30
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 3
Band-tailed Pigeon (Northern) 5
Eurasian Collared-Dove 1
Mourning Dove 3
Rufous Hummingbird 4
hummingbird sp. 1
American Coot (Red-shielded) 150
Wilson's Snipe 5
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Greater Yellowlegs 30
Dunlin 600
Least Sandpiper 40
Short-billed Gull 200
Ring-billed Gull 30
Glaucous-winged Gull 1
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 15
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 30
Pied-billed Grebe 4
Brandt's Cormorant 12
Double-crested Cormorant 3
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 15
Northern Harrier 1
Bald Eagle 30 Occupied nests: 1) Large Cottonwood west side of
Nisqually River north of Nisqually Estuary Trail, 2) West Bank of
McAllister Creek across from Puget Sound Observation Platform.
Belted Kingfisher 3
Red-breasted Sapsucker 2 Left of entrance to Visitor Center and Twin
Barns Picnic Area.
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 4
Hairy Woodpecker (Pacific) 1 Left of entrance to Visitor Center
Northern Flicker 3
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 1
American Crow 10
Common Raven 2
Black-capped Chickadee 15
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 6
Tree Swallow 76
Violet-green Swallow 4
Barn Swallow 2
Bushtit (Pacific) 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 10
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 Heard
Brown Creeper 15
Pacific Wren 1
Marsh Wren 11
Bewick's Wren (spilurus Group) 10
European Starling 35
American Robin 40
Purple Finch (Western) 5
Pine Siskin 25
Fox Sparrow (Sooty) 1
Golden-crowned Sparrow 18
Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 1 Nisqually Estuary Trail.
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 34
Lincoln's Sparrow 1
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 1
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 200
Common Yellowthroat 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 20
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 4
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 15
Date: 4/1/25 10:19 pm From: Kevin Lucas via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Terrible Place for the Audubon Society of Seattle
Pamela,
I've no delusion this will be helpful, but being helpful is genuinely my intent.
Perhaps the Birds Connect folks will, or could, or have already set up an online "store" that provides delivery by low carbon or "no carbon" (yes, there's no such thing as no carbon vehicles) vehicles. Even my bicycle 'costs' carbon and more.
Amazon delivery vans, here in Podunk Yakima, are to my aged, yet still very sensitive ears, and to our dog's extremely sensitive ears, electric.
While I cannot visit the Birds Connect store/center over there on the 'dark side', I ask you to contact them and ask them to arrange for a low-impact delivery service of seed to you. For years here in Yakima I scrounged tons of bird seed that was destined to a landfill, and delivered it to folks using my gas-hog van, compact pickup, and later fuel-'efficient' 33 mpg Corolla, and, even better, had folks come get at our home in Selah using their often 'fuel efficient' vehicles. Where there's a will, there's a pretty good way. When people gave me money in thanks, I gave that to Cowiche Canyon Conservancy in their names.
If you wish to visit the Birds Connect store in person, and want/need to use a low cost and/or low carbon method, please ask them for advice, and ask them to advertise and promote it.
Perhaps a Tweeters reader can offer advice to all of us on public transportation transport of 25 pound cargo, or help you with that more directly, as my family similarly did with others for years, both giving and receiving, where I grew up in southern New Jersey over 50 years ago. That wheel has already been invented.
I intend none of this to come across to you as being in any way chiding. It's my asking you for help to work towards sharing good and lessening harm. If I've pissed you off, please accept my sincere apology, then re-read this to understand my good intent.
Perhaps Birds Connect Seattle being downtown is a problem for some in some ways, but I think it's not taking coals to Newcastle. I hope they'll reach and connect with folks there in need.
Kevin Lucas A tall, strong, large, white, overfed, ambulatory male in Yakima County, WA Who loves birds
On April 1, 2025 5:54:28 PM Pamela Okano via Tweeters < <tweeters...> wrote:
> I cannot think of a worse place for the new Audubon office. How am I, a 90 > lb woman, supposed to get 25 lb of bird seed onto light rail from > downtown???? > > Pamela A Okano > Seattle, WA 98105 > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > >
Date: 4/1/25 10:09 pm From: Kevin Lucas via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] A (maybe) bird question
Carol
We've a 40 ft Doug Fir in our front yard, and I hear a sound like what I understand you to describe, from juncos in it, as well as from juncos in our arbor vitae. I'll try for a recording if I get the opportunity. Merlin misses many birds I hear, and mis-identifies plenty (recently Black-backed Chickadees misidentified repeatedly as if they were Mountain Chickadees). I'm not at all convinced that's what you're hearing. I'd love to hear what others suggest and what you think later on.
On April 1, 2025 12:43:46 PM Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
> I'm hoping for a hint from the combined wisdom/experience of the Tweeters > community to resolve this mystery. For the past month or so, I've been > hearing a soft buzz-buzz from high in tall Douglas Firs along California > Ave. near the base of Gatewood Hill in West Seattle. Today I tried Merlin > to see if it could identify the sound. No joy. The pair of buzzes repeats > every 4 - 5 seconds. > > Any hints or suggestions about what this might be or resources to check? > > Thanks-- > Carol Stoner > > > > ---------- > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/1/25 9:27 pm From: Jon Houghton via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Pelagic trip April 19??
Hi Tweeterdom! Anybirdy out there who is on the April 19 Westport Seabirds pelagic trip who would like to carpool from the (north?) Seattle area?? I plan to leave Edmonds fairly early (7ish) on April 18 and make several birding stops through the day on my way out to Westport (Brady Loop, Tokeland, Grayland, Bottle Beach, etc.) and would return to the Seattle area after the trip on Saturday. I'm booked at the (luxurious!?) Ocean Avenue Inn for Friday night and would provide transport to Dock 10 in the morning. If interested, please contact me off-line at <jonbirder...> mailto:<jonbirder...> - Jon Houghton, Edmonds _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/1/25 8:48 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] A (maybe) bird question
Tweets - I'm pretty sure I've heard juncos do that sound at this time of
year. They seem to have FAR more vocalizations than we give them credit
for.
- Michael Hobbs
On Tue, Apr 1, 2025, 8:18 PM Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> I hope somebody answers, Carol. I heard it today just as you described,
> tall fir trees.. But my phone's battery was dead so no chance for Merlin.
> Hopefully I'll hear it again tomorrow with charged batteries. But, no, you
> said Merlin could not iD it. A mystery to be solved.. Bob OBrien rural
> Portland.
>
> On Tue, Apr 1, 2025 at 12:43 PM Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>> I'm hoping for a hint from the combined wisdom/experience of the Tweeters
>> community to resolve this mystery. For the past month or so, I've been
>> hearing a soft buzz-buzz from high in tall Douglas Firs along California
>> Ave. near the base of Gatewood Hill in West Seattle. Today I tried Merlin
>> to see if it could identify the sound. No joy. The pair of buzzes repeats
>> every 4 - 5 seconds.
>>
>> Any hints or suggestions about what this might be or resources to check?
>>
>> Thanks--
>> Carol Stoner
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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: 4/1/25 8:30 pm From: Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] A (maybe) bird question
I hope somebody answers, Carol. I heard it today just as you described,
tall fir trees.. But my phone's battery was dead so no chance for Merlin.
Hopefully I'll hear it again tomorrow with charged batteries. But, no, you
said Merlin could not iD it. A mystery to be solved.. Bob OBrien rural
Portland.
On Tue, Apr 1, 2025 at 12:43 PM Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> I'm hoping for a hint from the combined wisdom/experience of the Tweeters
> community to resolve this mystery. For the past month or so, I've been
> hearing a soft buzz-buzz from high in tall Douglas Firs along California
> Ave. near the base of Gatewood Hill in West Seattle. Today I tried Merlin
> to see if it could identify the sound. No joy. The pair of buzzes repeats
> every 4 - 5 seconds.
>
> Any hints or suggestions about what this might be or resources to check?
>
> Thanks--
> Carol Stoner
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/1/25 6:05 pm From: Pamela Okano via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Terrible Place for the Audubon Society of Seattle
I cannot think of a worse place for the new Audubon office. How am I, a 90 lb woman, supposed to get 25 lb of bird seed onto light rail from downtown????
Date: 4/1/25 1:28 pm From: Barbara Mandula via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] April 1: Tweeters?
I hope that the April 2nd and following Tweeters will let us know how much of today's messages are real. Carrying 50-pounds of birdseed on public transportation seems like a challenge-however handy that transportation may be.
Date: 4/1/25 12:55 pm From: Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] A (maybe) bird question
I'm hoping for a hint from the combined wisdom/experience of the Tweeters community to resolve this mystery. For the past month or so, I've been hearing a soft buzz-buzz from high in tall Douglas Firs along California Ave. near the base of Gatewood Hill in West Seattle. Today I tried Merlin to see if it could identify the sound. No joy. The pair of buzzes repeats every 4 - 5 seconds.
Any hints or suggestions about what this might be or resources to check?
Date: 4/1/25 10:14 am From: Tom Benedict via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Birds Connects Seattle Re-embraces Audubon Name
Happy April 1st!
Tom Benedict
Seahurst, WA
> On Apr 1, 2025, at 08:32, Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> The day after revealing their new downtown location, Birds Connect Seattle announced that they will be changing their name back to include the Audubon name that everyone knows.
>
> The 'Birds Connect Seattle' name has drawn reactions ranging from bewilderment to scorn, forcing the organization to re-think the change. Legal complications mean they cannot merely revert to their old name of Seattle Audubon Society, so they have chosen a new name, Audubon Society of Seattle.
>
> 'Birds Connect Seattle' will remain as their slogan, despite those who have wondered how birds connect Ballard to Beacon Hill, or Seattle to Spanaway.
>
> The name change will become official upon the opening of their new physical location this summer in the heart of downtown Seattle at 616 Olive Way. The new space will be a hub for members, bird enthusiasts, shoppers, and visitors. They will host exhibits on local birds and conservation, offer optics and gifts for purchase from their Nature Shop, and community spaces will welcome attendees for classes and events.
>
> The siting of that new location is excellent because of good access to buses, light rail, and especially the South Lake Union Trolley, which will make it very easy for people to pick up 50 lb. bags of birdseed and take them home without needing to drive a car and park near the store. Which is good, because there is very limited parking near the store.
>
> They also announced that they have hired the firm of Thor, Majestic, and Hulk to provide security for those wanting to try out optics while looking at pigeons and starlings from the sidewalk outside the store.
>
> You can learn more about Audubon Society of Seattle their new location near the South Lake Union Trolley line at: https://ASS.org <https://ass.org/>
Date: 4/1/25 10:11 am From: Samara Hoag via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Birds Connects Seattle Re-embraces Audubon Name
Michael
I think a lot of your email is “tongue in beak” but…
As a 30-year member of Seattle Audubon I must say that this
difficult-to-say name birding organization got a F grade in transparency in
fully explaining the name change choice and location rationale to the
members..It is baffling.
I just don’t recall reading about the reason that Birds Connect Seattle
name was chosen and if a name that had the word “Alliance” was ever
considered. Many Audubon groups adopted Alliance in their new name which is
easy to understand.
Black Hills Audubon implemented a systematic, thorough process in its quest
to change their name. Members got frequent communication and education
emails before the vote. We will know of the new name soon and I felt very
included and informed during this process. I applaud their board and
President for this process.
As for the new location, I was surprised that a place in Rainier valley
wasn’t chosen. I wish we could have learned about their thought process
during this venture. How can Seattle afford the rent on a place downtown? I
wonder how mobility -challenged people will get there. How much money was
made in selling the prior property? Do they think people are going to hop
on busses to go to classes downtown after work? Will there be security
doors so that the homeless will stay on the sidewalk? Will volunteers get
training to handle mentally ill and substance users who come in?
Sami Hoag
On Tue, Apr 1, 2025 at 8:33 AM Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> The day after revealing their new downtown location, Birds Connect Seattle
> announced that they will be changing their name back to include the Audubon
> name that everyone knows.
>
> The 'Birds Connect Seattle' name has drawn reactions ranging from
> bewilderment to scorn, forcing the organization to re-think the change.
> Legal complications mean they cannot merely revert to their old name of
> Seattle Audubon Society, so they have chosen a new name, Audubon Society of
> Seattle.
>
> 'Birds Connect Seattle' will remain as their slogan, despite those who
> have wondered how birds connect Ballard to Beacon Hill, or Seattle to
> Spanaway.
>
> The name change will become official upon the opening of their new
> physical location this summer in the heart of downtown Seattle at 616
> Olive Way
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/616+Olive+Way?entry=gmail&source=g>.
> The new space will be a hub for members, bird enthusiasts, shoppers, and
> visitors. They will host exhibits on local birds and conservation, offer
> optics and gifts for purchase from their Nature Shop, and community spaces
> will welcome attendees for classes and events.
>
> The siting of that new location is excellent because of good access to
> buses, light rail, and especially the South Lake Union Trolley, which will
> make it very easy for people to pick up 50 lb. bags of birdseed and take
> them home without needing to drive a car and park near the store. Which
> is good, because there is very limited parking near the store.
>
> They also announced that they have hired the firm of Thor, Majestic, and
> Hulk to provide security for those wanting to try out optics while looking
> at pigeons and starlings from the sidewalk outside the store.
>
> You can learn more about Audubon Society of Seattle their new location
> near the South Lake Union Trolley line at: https://ASS.org >
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/1/25 10:08 am From: Tom Benedict via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] A New Development in Birding
Happy April 1st!
Tom Benedict
Seahurst, WA
> On Apr 1, 2025, at 08:51, Kevin Black via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> A surprising new partnership has been developed between eBird and Draft Kings. Ebird has flown to new heights (or some may say stooped to new lows) to raise funds for conservation through FANTASY birding and annual bird species prop betting. Prop bets include whether or not a birder will break the ABA big year record in a specific calendar year, how many new ABA species there will be and the over under on which new ABA-area species will be added. Prop bets such as how many reports there be of Hermit Thrushes being reported as Swainson’s Thrush before April 1st will be of particular interest to some salty birding veterans.
>
> Cut-off dates of bets and fantasy team creations will prevent coordinating with birders to try to manipulate the bet or birder fantasy points. Of course you can’t bet or draft yourself as a birder on your own fantasy team.
>
> Needless to say, the world of birding has taken an interesting turn enmeshing with the world of gambling and fantasy sports.
>
> Cheers!
>
> Kevin Black
> Vancouver, WA
Date: 4/1/25 9:03 am From: Kevin Black via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] A New Development in Birding
Hi All,
A surprising new partnership has been developed between eBird and Draft
Kings. Ebird has flown to new heights (or some may say stooped to new lows)
to raise funds for conservation through FANTASY birding and annual bird
species prop betting. Prop bets include whether or not a birder will break
the ABA big year record in a specific calendar year, how many new ABA
species there will be and the over under on which new ABA-area species will
be added. Prop bets such as how many reports there be of Hermit Thrushes
being reported as Swainson’s Thrush before April 1st will be of particular
interest to some salty birding veterans.
Cut-off dates of bets and fantasy team creations will prevent coordinating
with birders to try to manipulate the bet or birder fantasy points. Of
course you can’t bet or draft yourself as a birder on your own fantasy
team.
Needless to say, the world of birding has taken an interesting turn
enmeshing with the world of gambling and fantasy sports.
Date: 4/1/25 8:45 am From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Birds Connects Seattle Re-embraces Audubon Name
The day after revealing their new downtown location, Birds Connect Seattle announced that they will be changing their name back to include the Audubon name that everyone knows.
The 'Birds Connect Seattle' name has drawn reactions ranging from bewilderment to scorn, forcing the organization to re-think the change. Legal complications mean they cannot merely revert to their old name of Seattle Audubon Society, so they have chosen a new name, Audubon Society of Seattle.
'Birds Connect Seattle' will remain as their slogan, despite those who have wondered how birds connect Ballard to Beacon Hill, or Seattle to Spanaway.
The name change will become official upon the opening of their new physical location this summer in the heart of downtown Seattle at 616 Olive Way. The new space will be a hub for members, bird enthusiasts, shoppers, and visitors. They will host exhibits on local birds and conservation, offer optics and gifts for purchase from their Nature Shop, and community spaces will welcome attendees for classes and events.
The siting of that new location is excellent because of good access to buses, light rail, and especially the South Lake Union Trolley, which will make it very easy for people to pick up 50 lb. bags of birdseed and take them home without needing to drive a car and park near the store. Which is good, because there is very limited parking near the store.
They also announced that they have hired the firm of Thor, Majestic, and Hulk to provide security for those wanting to try out optics while looking at pigeons and starlings from the sidewalk outside the store.
You can learn more about Audubon Society of Seattle their new location near the South Lake Union Trolley line at: https://ASS.org
Date: 4/1/25 8:10 am From: David B. Williams via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] ian and the birdbooker report
Ian,
Thanks for mentioning my new book, Wild in Seattle: Stories at the Crossroads of People and Nature, on your blog. Though the book isn’t about birding per se, I do have a couple of essays about birds, including pigeons, gulls, and terra cotta eagles. Plus, the book is about observation and paying attention to the natural world around us, certainly two key attributes of birders.
Cheers,
David
p.s. Sorry if this goes through twice. I got a bounce back from Tweeters and couldn’t tell if the original was blocked or not.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
David B. Williams
www.geologywriter.com
Free newsletter: https://streetsmartnaturalist.substack.com/ I live and work on the land of the Coast Salish peoples and am trying to honor with gratitude the land and those who have inhabited it since time immemorial. I know that I have much more to learn and hope to continue that journey.
Date: 3/31/25 6:10 pm From: Mary Bond via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Discovery Pond Cabin near PT
Hi all, the cabin where the Heibergs stayed is part of the Chevy Chase Beach Cabins, our neighbors and a wonderful place to stay. Dog friendly. Beach access on the east shore of Discovery Bay. https://www.chevychasebeachcabins.com/
Lots of birding on site. 20+ pairs of Pigeon Guillemots will be nesting in the bluffs just to the north starting in May.
Mary Bond Discovery Bay, Port Townsend Marybond11 at gmail
One additional observation, long tail, thin and no white outer tail feathers (it fanned its tail as it flItted away)
AKopitov
AMK17 -----Original Message----- From: AMK17 <amk17...> Sent: Mar 31, 2025 1:27 PM To: <Tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Virginias warbler Phinney Ridge
Around noon, I had stunning, yet surprising and brief views, of a Virginia's Warbler in yard birdbath here in Phinney Ridge. Solid Plain gray upper, yellow rump/upper tail coverts pale under, with no streaking, rusty bit of crown feathers.I did not have looks at at covert Or eye ring. did see sides and no streaking., solid.
Been searching for 20 min with no luck after it disappeared into hedgerow and no pics.
Date: 3/31/25 2:31 pm From: Josh Morris via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] New headquarters for Birds Connect Seattle
HI Tweets,
Just wanted to share that Birds Connect Seattle announced the location of its new headquarters. We will be reopening our physical space this summer in the heart of downtown Seattle at 616 Olive Way.
The new space will be hub for members, bird enthusiasts, shoppers, and visitors. We will host exhibits on local birds and conservation, offer optics and gifts for purchase from our Nature Shop, and community spaces will welcome attendees for classes and events.
Date: 3/31/25 1:57 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] WDFW Public notice and request for info
Tweeters,
Please see the info below from the WDFW requesting input. The Johns River unit is extensive and includes the Oyhut Unit, which contains, I believe, Bottle Beach. Please take a moment to respond to the survey, which will help define usage.
Thanks,
Denis
NEWS RELEASE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
March 19, 2025
Contact: Nick Bechtold<mailto:<nick.bechtold...> Media contact: Ben Anderson<mailto:<benjamin.anderson...>, 360-902-0045
WDFW seeks public input on recreation at Olympic, Johns River, and Chehalis wildlife areas
Public meeting scheduled April 23
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is asking for public input to inform a 15-year management plan for the Olympic-Willapa Hills Wildlife Area Complex, which consists of the Olympic<https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/wildlife-areas/olympic-wildlife-area>, Johns River<https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/wildlife-areas/johns-river-wildlife-area>, and Chehalis<https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/wildlife-areas/chehalis-wildlife-area> wildlife areas across Grays Harbor, Clallam and Pacific counties.
Visit the survey<https://publicinput.com/wohrecreation> to provide input on current and potential recreation opportunities on these wildlife areas, which include 20 wildlife area units across nearly 14,000 acres. The survey is open through October 2025.
WDFW wants to better understand what recreational activities visitors currently enjoy at these wildlife areas, and what kinds of opportunities or infrastructure improvements (such as parking, restrooms, or other facilities) they would like to see in the future.
WDFW also will hold a public meeting to discuss broader planning goals for the wildlife area complex on April 23 from 6-8 p.m. at the Willapa Harbor Chamber of Commerce, located at 916 West 1st St. in South Bend, Washington.
The Olympic Wildlife Area spans about 1,500 acres primarily in Grays Harbor County, with one unit located in Clallam County. The Johns River Wildlife Area is located in Grays Harbor County and Pacific County and covers about 11,200 acres, mostly in Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay near the coast of the Pacific Ocean on the Olympic Peninsula. The Chehalis Wildlife Area is found in the Chehalis River Valley in Grays Harbor County and covers approximately 1,230 acres.
These areas offer a wide array of recreation opportunities, including hunting for big- and small-game species and waterfowl, fishing for salmon and other species, hiking, and wildlife viewing. These units provide critical habitat for many salmon species such as coho, chinook and chum. Many of the coastal units were purchased to provide wintering and foraging habitat for waterfowl as well as allowing for hunting opportunities.
Conservation efforts across the region include improving winter forage for elk, along with enhancing and restoring waterfowl habitat. The wildlife areas’ habitats also support federally endangered fish populations and a variety of other species. Wildlife area management is focused primarily on the estuary and wetland habitats that support a diversity of wildlife, from big and small game species to songbirds, as well as native fish populations.
All members of the public are invited to share their perspectives and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability.
Date: 3/31/25 1:49 pm From: Rob Faucett via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Virginias warbler Phinney Ridge
Cool. Did you look closely at Orange-crowned Warbler?
Rob
--
Rob Faucett
Seattle, WA
(206) 619-5569
> On Mar 31, 2025, at 1:26 PM, AMK17 via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Around noon, I had stunning, yet surprising and brief views, of a Virginia's Warbler in yard birdbath here in Phinney Ridge. Solid Plain gray upper, yellow rump/upper tail coverts pale under, with no streaking, rusty bit of crown feathers.I did not have looks at at covert Or eye ring. did see sides and no streaking., solid.
>
> Been searching for 20 min with no luck after it disappeared into hedgerow and no pics.
>
> AKopitov
> Seattle, WA
>
>
>
>
> AMK17
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Around noon, I had stunning, yet surprising and brief views, of a Virginia's Warbler in yard birdbath here in Phinney Ridge. Solid Plain gray upper, yellow rump/upper tail coverts pale under, with no streaking, rusty bit of crown feathers.I did not have looks at at covert Or eye ring. did see sides and no streaking., solid.
Been searching for 20 min with no luck after it disappeared into hedgerow and no pics.
Date: 3/30/25 6:05 pm From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Port Townsend Trip
Thanks for the good information, Hank. That area really is a special one for all who love looking for and looking at (and maybe even photographing) a wide variety of birds. And this is a wonderful time of year. Netta and I are between trips to Florida and southern Arizona, and we’re appreciating being in Seattle, especially with today’s good weather.
Date: 3/30/25 5:53 pm From: Hank Heiberg via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Port Townsend Trip
We recently returned from a 3 day trip with our daughter celebrating Karen’s 80th birthday. We stayed at a cabin overlooking Discovery Road Pond in the Port Townsend area.
Date: 3/30/25 12:41 pm From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Birding near San Jose Ca
Hi,
Small(?) corrections the places we birded at in the Central Valley were
San Luis NWR and Los Banos Wildlife Area ... at least that is what I'm
finding
using Google Earth.
- Jim
> Message: 1
> Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2025 13:02:49 -0700
> From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: <tweeters...>,
> <tweeters-request...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Birding near Sa Jose Ca
> Message-ID: <E80500B8-E3BA-4F11-960F-853314356A98...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> I found some good birding this week. Moss Landing jetty - South was better than North (this time). Elkhorn Slough has a nice walk along the east side. Merced and San Joaquin NWRs both near Los Banos have nice driving trails where you will get close views of whatever birds are there that day. Questions?
> Sent from my iPhone
Date: 3/29/25 1:15 pm From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Birding near Sa Jose Ca
I found some good birding this week. Moss Landing jetty - South was better than North (this time). Elkhorn Slough has a nice walk along the east side. Merced and San Joaquin NWRs both near Los Banos have nice driving trails where you will get close views of whatever birds are there that day. Questions?
Sent from my iPhone
> On Mar 29, 2025, at 12:04 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. Birding Hotspots help requested (Edward Pullen via Tweeters)
> 2. Vultures in North Bend, Wa (CHRISTINE Larkin via Tweeters)
> 3. Golden-Crown Sparrows (Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters)
> 4. Golden-Crowned Sparrows (Joan Miller via Tweeters)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 15:46:54 -0700
> From: Edward Pullen via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Birding Hotspots help requested
> Message-ID:
> <CAA29tR4tvDBQuqHsV5yrarmMNX9pjrksK1w3tuGxzpdoea9eng...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> This is a notification of an opportunity for birders to contribute to the
> community by giving details and helpful hints about how to bird at any
> eBird hotspot. You can help without being an expert birder. It?s more
> helpful to be familiar with the hotspot itself. The website
> https://birdinghotspots.org/region/US-WA is a site being adopted by Cornell
> and eBird as an adjunct to eBird. eBird is a great resource about what
> birds are seen when and where, but not very helpful as to how to actually
> bird at a given location. This BirdingHotspots.org is a crowd-sourced site
> where you can share helpful information about places you know well with the
> wider birding community. It?s easy.
>
> When you are at a site, consider opening the website on your smartphone,
> navigate to the ebird hotspot, upload photos of the site (not birds, but
> photos that show helpful details, like parking, trailheads, habitats, etc).
> The first time you do this you?ll need to enter an email address so the
> editor can know who is submitting the photo and text suggestions. I find
> it easiest to click upload photos, then scroll down to browse, then click
> take photo. If you like the photo you took, click upload photo, then save
> photo at the bottom.
>
> Then consider taking a couple of minutes to click on Edit Hotspot, and add
> to the ?tips for birding, birds of interest, and about this location
> sections. When you are done you just click ?save hotspot? and the info will
> go to a state editor to review. In the case of Washington at this point
> that is me.
>
> If you have any questions please reach out to me by email.
> <edwardpullen...>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Ed
>
> --
> Ed Pullen
> Listen to my podcast at The Bird Banter Podcast
> <https://birdbanter.podbean.com/e/the-bird-banter-podcast-episode-2-with-ken-brown/> > available
> on iTunes podcast store and other feeds.
> -------------- next part --------------
> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
> URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20250328/135ac15d/attachment-0001.html> >
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 23:28:16 +0000
> From: CHRISTINE Larkin via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: "<Tweeters...>" <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Vultures in North Bend, Wa
> Message-ID:
> <EA2PR22MB5234BA35674A0B2A9175C2D2A9A02...>
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> 20 or so vultures soaring and circling over Safeway parking lot at Mt Si Blvd in North Bend, WA around 3:30 pm today. Great to see!
>
> Sent via the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone
> Get Outlook for Android<https://aka.ms/AAb9ysg> > -------------- next part --------------
> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
> URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20250328/e5d303ee/attachment-0001.html> >
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 17:04:13 -0700
> From: Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: <Tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Golden-Crown Sparrows
> Message-ID:
> <CAOVv5LxOKrorBSFSSxTCuOg7aqAPX45Fq15ApcyHw_ZFB349=<A...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> Tweets,
> Our Golden-Crown Sparrows must have moved on yesterday. The area where we
> always see them had not a one for the last 2 days. However, I may have
> spotted a Pacific Wren pair in nest building mode.
> Carol Stoner
> West Seattle
> -------------- next part --------------
> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
> URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20250328/44e6e34a/attachment-0001.html> >
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 18:14:15 -0700
> From: Joan Miller via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Golden-Crowned Sparrows
> Message-ID:
> <CAG7a_8TKV_neuSUP0MfnQpG6Q+gOApiJ5vfHc7xZ+<eyeOttUnQ...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> I am in West Seattle too and still have Golden Crowns and at least one Fox
> Sparrow, seen yesterday. They usually are around a bit longer.
>
> A flicker is frequently drumming somewhere on or near my house. My poor cat
> gets very concerned! I am also seeing a crow with nest material and I
> think I have discovered that it's using my neighbor's huge conifer across
> the street. It will be fun to watch a nesting pair.
>
> Joan Miller
> West Seattle
> jemskink at gmail dot com
> -------------- next part --------------
> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
> URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20250328/9936af22/attachment-0001.html> >
> ------------------------------
>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
> ------------------------------
>
> End of Tweeters Digest, Vol 247, Issue 27
> *****************************************
Date: 3/28/25 6:26 pm From: Joan Miller via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Golden-Crowned Sparrows
I am in West Seattle too and still have Golden Crowns and at least one Fox Sparrow, seen yesterday. They usually are around a bit longer.
A flicker is frequently drumming somewhere on or near my house. My poor cat gets very concerned! I am also seeing a crow with nest material and I think I have discovered that it's using my neighbor's huge conifer across the street. It will be fun to watch a nesting pair.
Joan Miller West Seattle jemskink at gmail dot com
Date: 3/28/25 5:17 pm From: Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Golden-Crown Sparrows
Tweets, Our Golden-Crown Sparrows must have moved on yesterday. The area where we always see them had not a one for the last 2 days. However, I may have spotted a Pacific Wren pair in nest building mode. Carol Stoner West Seattle
Date: 3/28/25 3:59 pm From: Edward Pullen via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Birding Hotspots help requested
This is a notification of an opportunity for birders to contribute to the
community by giving details and helpful hints about how to bird at any
eBird hotspot. You can help without being an expert birder. It’s more
helpful to be familiar with the hotspot itself. The website
https://birdinghotspots.org/region/US-WA is a site being adopted by Cornell
and eBird as an adjunct to eBird. eBird is a great resource about what
birds are seen when and where, but not very helpful as to how to actually
bird at a given location. This BirdingHotspots.org is a crowd-sourced site
where you can share helpful information about places you know well with the
wider birding community. It’s easy.
When you are at a site, consider opening the website on your smartphone,
navigate to the ebird hotspot, upload photos of the site (not birds, but
photos that show helpful details, like parking, trailheads, habitats, etc).
The first time you do this you’ll need to enter an email address so the
editor can know who is submitting the photo and text suggestions. I find
it easiest to click upload photos, then scroll down to browse, then click
take photo. If you like the photo you took, click upload photo, then save
photo at the bottom.
Then consider taking a couple of minutes to click on Edit Hotspot, and add
to the “tips for birding, birds of interest, and about this location
sections. When you are done you just click “save hotspot” and the info will
go to a state editor to review. In the case of Washington at this point
that is me.
If you have any questions please reach out to me by email.
<edwardpullen...>
Date: 3/27/25 10:47 pm From: Tim Brennan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Walla Walla and Columbia - February posts and a goose challenge
It's 30ish pictures of a flock of Snow Geese - shot rapidly in hopes of going back and finding a Ross's Goose hiding in the bunch. What. . . Have I done to my sanity? If Where's Waldo is definitely your cup of Kool-Aid, feel free to jump in and help me find this lifer. I'm committed to finding the darn thing, or determining that no goose in there looks convincingly like a Ross's Goose. . . In a flock of I don't know how many thousands of geese.
Enjoy the posts and... Enjoy (??) sorting through pics if you're that type!
Date: 3/27/25 7:24 pm From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for 3/26/2025
Hi Tweets,
Over thirty of us enjoyed a nice Spring Day at the Refuge before the 'big'
thunderstorm arrived in the evening. Temperatures were in the 50's to 60's
with partly cloudy skies. There was a Low 5'11" Tide at 10:49am, so we did
our usual walk. We had a nice mix of winter visitors, spring
time arrivals, and breeding action. Highlights included HAIRY WOODPECKER
nest building in a snag just to the right of the Visitor Center entrance,
continuing TOWNSEND'S WARBLER in the Orchard, displaying BAND-TAILED PIGEON
over the Orchard, numerous WILSON SNIPE in the flooded fields, both hybrid
AMERICAN X EURASIAN WIGEON and very funky looking BARN SWALLOW from the
Twin Barns Overlook, four occupied BALD EAGLE nests, EURASIAN WIGEON in the
freshwater marsh, EURASIAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL seen from the McAllister Creek
Viewing Platform in the confluence of Shannon Slough and McAllister Creek,
and both BLACK BRANT GEESE and first of year GREATER SCAUP seen from the
Puget Sound Viewing Platform. Finally, we had upwards of four MINK working
the west side of the Twin Barns Loop Trail from the twin bench overlook
adjacent to the access road cut-through to the Twin Barns cut-off and a
flushed SOUTHERN RED-BACKED VOLE swimming across the pond.
For the day we observed 77 species, and with FOY Greater Scaup we have seen
112 species this year. Mammals seen included Columbian Black-tailed Deer,
Townsend's Chipmunk, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, four Mink, Southern
Red-backed Vole, Eastern Gray Squirrel and Harbor Seal. Others seen
included Red-eared Slider, Pacific Tree Frog, Puget Sound Garter Snake, and
Northwest Salamander egg masses. See our eBird report below for details
and numerous embedded photos.
Until next week when we meet again at 8am.
Happy birding,
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Mar 26, 2025 7:32 AM - 5:13 PM
Protocol: Traveling
6.539 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Partly cloudy with temperatures in
the 50’s to 60’s. A Low 5’11” Tide at 10:49am. Mammals seen Columbian
Black-tailed Deer, Townsend’s Chipmunk, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit,
Mink-four individuals seen, Southern Red-backed Vole, Eastern Gray
Squirrel, and Harbor Seal. Others seen Red-eared Slider, Pacific Tree Frog,
Northwest Salamander egg mass.
77 species (+7 other taxa)
Snow Goose 1 Fresh water marsh.
Greater White-fronted Goose 29 Nisqually Estuary Trail.
Brant 52 Nisqually Reach
Cackling Goose (minima) 300
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 35 Occupied nest in Visitor Center Pond
and in old Great Horned Owl nest tree on the inside of the north section of
Twin Barns Loop Trail.
Wood Duck 8
Northern Shoveler 125
Gadwall 12
Eurasian Wigeon 1 Fresh water marsh.
American Wigeon 750
Eurasian x American Wigeon (hybrid) 1 Twin Barns Observation Platform.
Mallard 125
Northern Pintail 250
Green-winged Teal (Eurasian) 1 Observed from the McAllister Creek
Viewing Platform in confluence of Shannon Slough and McAllister Creek. Seen
displaying and foraging with other American Green-winged Teal and in the
area of other waterfowl including American Wigeon, Mallards and Northern
Pintail. Photos taken. A male with no obvious vertical white stripe on the
side and a broad white horizontal white stripe. Enhanced white lines around
green eye patch. This individual appears to be a different bird then the
intergrade reported and photographed one week previously.
Green-winged Teal (American) 1000
Ring-necked Duck 12
Greater Scaup 100 Off Luhr Beach
Surf Scoter 100
White-winged Scoter 6
Bufflehead 100
Common Goldeneye 75
Hooded Merganser 8
Common Merganser 5 Nisqually River Overlook.
Red-breasted Merganser 6 McAllister Creek
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 36
Band-tailed Pigeon 6
Mourning Dove 2
Anna's Hummingbird 1
Rufous Hummingbird 3
American Coot 150
Killdeer 1
Wilson's Snipe 7
Greater Yellowlegs 20
Least Sandpiper 60
Short-billed Gull 300
Ring-billed Gull 50
Glaucous-winged Gull 3
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 20
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 30
Pied-billed Grebe 2
Horned Grebe 8
Common Loon 1
Brandt's Cormorant 5 Nisqually River Channel Marker.
Double-crested Cormorant 5
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 20
Northern Harrier 1
Bald Eagle 14 Four occupied nests: Twin Barns, Cottonwood on Nisqually
River just north of Nisqually Estuary Trail, West Bank of McAllister Creek
south of McAllister Creek Viewing Platform, West Bank of McAllister Creek
across from Puget Sound Observation Platform.
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Belted Kingfisher 3
Red-breasted Sapsucker 1 Seen by Steve in Maple Trees around Twin
Barns picnic area.
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 4
Hairy Woodpecker (Pacific) 3 Nest hole in snag 50 feet east of
entrance to Visitor Center.
Northern Flicker 3
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 3 Nest in riparian forest on the inside
of the west side Twin Barns Loop Trail just north of the access road
cut-through.
American Crow 10
Common Raven 2
Black-capped Chickadee 15 Nest in snag on outside of west side Twin
Barns Loop Trail 100 feet south of Twin Barns cut off.
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 3
Tree Swallow 50
Violet-green Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 1 Observed at Twin Barns Overlook. Photos taken.
Initially I identified this bird as a Barn Swallow, but Ken correctly
pointed out the light rump and nape markings more consistent with Cliff
Swallow. We even considered Cave Swallow as possible ID. Seen perched on
Tree Swallow nest box for 3 minutes at 50 feet. Brown forehead, light brown
throat, rufous on sides on neck, light rump and under tail covert chevrons.
Our best guess is subadult and/or non-breeding Cliff Swallow as this
individual lacked a dark throat and white forehead. Will reach out to local
experts for confirmation. Convinced: very worn Barn Swallow by GISS,
shape, and markings. Thanks to All. -Shep
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 15
Golden-crowned Kinglet 5
Brown Creeper 2
Pacific Wren 4
Marsh Wren 20
Bewick's Wren 8
European Starling 30
Varied Thrush 1
American Robin 40
Purple Finch 2
Pine Siskin 40
Fox Sparrow (Sooty) 2
White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis) 1
Golden-crowned Sparrow 6
Savannah Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 34
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 35
Lincoln's Sparrow 2
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 3
Red-winged Blackbird 40
Yellow-rumped Warbler 8
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 3
Townsend's Warbler 2
Date: 3/27/25 6:49 pm From: Lin Stern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] BHAS Field Trip to Ridgefield NWR
Hello all! I'm leading a field trip to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge on April 6th. I have quite a few spots available for anyone interested. There is a huge diversity of species there this time of year.
We will be covering the auto-tour route, so there will be minimal walking. Last year, we had a great and relaxing time, finding 45 species. I would imagine that we will have even more this year since we're going there in Spring.
Please email me at lindseysarahstern AT gmail dot com if you are interested in registering or have any questions. Hope to see you there!
Date: 3/27/25 2:24 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-03-27
Tweets - Despite the fierce weather last night, today's weather was quite good. We did have a little fog for the first hour of the survey, and about 3 minutes of mizzle (of course, that exactly coincided with our time at the Lake Platform), but the rest of the morning was cloudy at worst, and sometimes it was sunny. Pretty birdy too.
I believe today's walk is the 31st Anniversary for the survey.
Highlights: Cackling Goose - About 20 flying south in a perfect V at 6:45 a.m. First in 3 weeks Canada Goose - Seem to be planning to nest on one or more of the Osprey nests Band-tailed Pigeon - One seen twice, or two. First of Year (FOY) Rufous Hummingbird - Quite a few males - maybe 6 total - scattered around the park Five Woodpecker Day - All of the expected ones Hutton's Vireo - One heard faintly southwest of the mansion Northern Shrike - One across the slough. Should be heading north very soon Savannah Sparrow - Maybe five or so, including one singing, north end of the East Meadow (FOY) Lincoln's Sparrow - One with the Savannahs made for an 8 sparrow day
At the heronry, several nests have been started in the next cottonwood south of the existing heronry. About 1/3 of the existing nests were lost in the bomb cyclone this winter when three trunks came down, so I was expecting this southern expansion. Also, a few heron egg shells are on the ground under the nests. Not positive if these indicate hatching already, but they do confirm egg laying has already begun.
Nesting of other species is underway. Brown Creeper and American Crow were both seen carrying nest materials.
As I left the park, I saw three WESTERN MEADOWLARKS at the model airplane field.
Just as we had last week, we again saw a MINK swimming and climbing around the large beaver lodge complex across the slough from Dog Central. Again, we saw the mink squirm into the pile of sticks. Definitely could indicate a den there.
Misses today included American Coot, Wilson's Snipe, Cooper's Hawk, Violet-green Swallow, and American Goldfinch (may have heard one).
For the day, 61 species. Adding BTPI and SAVS, we're at 83 species for the survey for 2025.
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 3/27/25 11:04 am From: Odette James via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Rufous Hummingird
For Christmas, my daughter-in-law bought me a hummer feeder with a digital camera. A Bird Buddy. The device is wonderful, but the app is not - took me a lot of correspondence with their support team before I could figure out how to do what I wanted with it. But I was happy to get the feeder, as I thought it was the only way I would ever get to see if any Rufous hummers ever visited my feeder. I've had a hummer feeder up at my current location since November 2020 and had never seen a Rufous visit it. Happily, my goal was realized on March 22, when I had a 35 second visit from a female Rufous. That was the only visit so far. But the videos I now have of the Anna's that are my regular clients are just lovely.
Odette James
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 3/27/25 1:16 am From: Tim Brennan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Walla Walla and Columbia Counties
Heya Tweets!
I just got back today from a few days in the Southeast corner of the state. I've been focusing on Columbia County, but have been adding stops in Walla Walla, hoping to piece together 150 species for the year in both.
A Ross's Goose at Burbank Slough was the target of my first stop. It would be a lifer for me, so I was pretty excited. . . Until I saw how far away the geese were! I was unable to pick out the goose (seen both before and after my visit) through my scope, but they did take flight, so there's a chance that I'll be able to find it in one of the pictures I snapped.
I also stopped at the Tyson Blood Ponds (Eurasian Wigeon) and 9-mile Canyon (Ferruginous Hawk) on the way through Walla Walla County.
The Columbia birding was great. Waterfowl are often tough in Columbia, but I've found a few productive spots. A field viewed from Timpey Road (next to Lewis and Clark State Park) has been flooded on all of my visits, and gave me Green-winged Teal on this stop. Pittman Road dead ends at a pond that has had some good ducks and geese (including my first Ring-necked Ducks of the year on this visit). The signage around the spot is pretty foreboding, but one of the residents passed me and confirmed that I was fine parked and birding as I was.
The final, and best, spot for waterfowl has been the Tucannon HMU trail that can be taken out to the mouth of the river, where it empties into the Snake. At the mouth, there are scads of ducks and geese to pick through. The addition this time was Northern Pintail, along with a handful of other passerines along the walk. Farther up Tucannon Road, I had a flyover Ferruginous Hawk.
I also hit higher elevations. Yesterday afternoon, I took Tucannon Road to Patrick Grade Road (FR 4620), and was able to find Clark's Nutcrackers. This morning I took Eckler Mountain Road to Kendall Skyline Road adding quite a few new birds, including American Goshawk, and a quite unexpected Barred Owl! 97 Species for Columbia County so far this year!
A bit behind on blogging, but I'll post here once I'm caught up.
Date: 3/26/25 1:29 pm From: Marcy D'Addio via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] East 90
Tomorrow I plan to visit East 90, Satish Flats near Edison. Hoping to see Short-eared Owls, Northern Harriers and usual birds. Are the Shorties still being seen and is after noon still a good time to find them? Thank you, Marcy D'Addio Marcydaddio eightynine at gmail Use the numbers
Date: 3/26/25 12:15 pm From: Vicki via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Early Rufous and 1 Band Tailed Pigeon, Lesser Goldfinch pairs
I had one Rufous hummingbird at a feeder late Friday, and today a Band
Tailed Pigeon. Because I get such huge flocks, I’ve decided to not feed
them.
So, my tray feeders remain empty but my sunflower chips are in full
supply(small Squirrel Buster feeder) for the 2 pairs of Lesser Goldfinch
that have been showing up. And lots of regulars are pairing up as well.
Happy Birding,
Vicki Biltz
Buckley WA
<Vickibiltz...>
Date: 3/25/25 5:58 pm From: Alan Knue via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Swarovski 10x25 CL Pocket Mountain Binoculars For Sale
Hello Tweets,
I have a Swarovski 10x25 CL Pocket Mountain Binoculars (Anthracite, Mountain Accessory Package) for sale. I’ve had them for about 10 months and they have been very lightly used and are like new with original box and accessories including ocular lens rain cover, field bag, microfiber cloth, and carrying strap. They are a great size for carrying just about everywhere. It normally retails for $989 plus tax, and I am asking $850 (and no sales tax).
If interested or if you have questions, send me a private message at podoces <at> iCloud dot com.
Date: 3/25/25 1:00 pm From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] WOS Monthly Meeting, April 7, 2025
The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) is pleased to announce our next Monthly Meeting: on Monday, April 7, Kim Thorburn will present, "Biodiversity Conservation and the Endangered Species Act"
At 50 years+, the Endangered Species Act is considered one of our most successful conservation policies. More than 200 species’ extinctions have been prevented to date: which is 99% of species that have been listed as endangered. Yet, as the earth faces the sixth great extinction, the Act’s imperfections require a shift in the approach to conservation and management with more focus on ecosystems than individual species. In this presentation, Kim will draw from her experience with wildlife conservation work to discuss contemporary conservation strategies and challenges.
Kim Thorburn is a retired public health physician. Her love of animals and the outdoors dates from her childhood farm life in the Central Valley of California. Upon retirement from medicine, she turned to these avocations full time. Kim was drawn to birding by way of a class given by the Spokane Audubon Society, and by a certain Canyon Wren in the Santa Rosa mountains of Nevada. She played an important role volunteering in Washington Fish and Wildlife Department Prairie Grouse recovery efforts, and served for eight years as a Fish and Wildlife Commissioner. She has served on the Board of the WOS as Treasurer and for two terms, as Trustee. Kim’s habitat is in Washington's sagebrush country.
This meeting will be conducted virtually, via Zoom (no in-person attendance). Sign-in will begin at 7:15 pm, and the meeting commences at 7:30 pm. Please go to the WOS Monthly Meetings page: https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/ for instructions on participation and to get the Zoom link.
When joining the meeting, we ask that you mute your device and make certain that your camera is turned off.
This meeting is open to all as WOS invites everyone in the wider birding community to attend. Thanks to the generosity of our presenters, recordings of past programs are available at the following link to the WOS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonornithologicalso7839/videos
If you are not yet a member of WOS, we hope you will consider becoming one at https://wos.org
Date: 3/25/25 3:14 am From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Great Review Article-“What is a bird strike? How concerned you need to be when flying | The Independent”
Date: 3/24/25 8:03 am From: Randy Hill via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Northbound Snow Geese? over Burien
Yesterday about 11 a.m. at the Sandhill Crane Festival in Othello we had a flock of 30,000 Snow Geese on one field at Columbia NWR.
Randy Hill
Ridgefield
On Mon, 24 Mar, 2025 at 7:40 AM, THOMAS BENEDICT via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
To: <tweeters...>
On Saturday, March 22, evening around 9:00pm I was outside and heard geese approaching from the south. The sounds were not the familiar honking of Canada Geese but a busier range of vocalizations. The weather was overcast and drizzle but I could make out a large flock of several hundred birds in a wavy V formation high overhead.
I listened to flocks of various geese ant Cornell and Snow Goose matched best.
Date: 3/23/25 6:42 pm From: Matt Bartels via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] County Year List Project update for Jan/Feb 2025, up at WA Birder
Hi all -
Here’s the first bi-monthly update of the 2025 county year list project. We’re received updates from almost all county compilers to get a snapshot of the birds seen in WA in the first two months of the year.
The state total [263] was one lower than the total last year [2024], but 14 above the 2023 total at this point.
Overall, I think we are pretty much right in line with last year at this point - perhaps some of the highlight birds so far would be the Whooper Swan in Whatcom County, the Arctic Loon in Clallam County, and the Summer Tanager in King County.
The Western WA total [233] came in three higher than last year, and 11 higher than 2023
The Eastern WA total [203] was also three higher than last year’s total, 12 higher than 2023.
22 counties are coming in higher than they were at this point last year.
If you'd like to take a look at where things stand, the list and many other interesting files are at the Washington Birder website:
Date: 3/23/25 6:40 pm From: Darwin A. via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Gulf Coast spring migration
In my youth I spent a fair amount of time in Mexico, mostly the Pacific Coast side. I've never done the South Padre Island spring migration, but of course I've heard wonderful stories about it.. Looking at the map, the area just south of the border, SE of Matamorros, MX, looks like it has potential for birding. I would love to hear any personal experience. If this is too sensitive to broadcast, <dovalonso...> .
Date: 3/23/25 3:10 pm From: E Kress via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] The Flock of Seven
Hi,
I lived in Friendly Village for almost 10 years (2004-2014). My mobile home was right on Bear Creek, about 12 units up from the covered bridge.
We had a belted kingfisher that nested across the creek from my place. I loved hearing their calls! There was a river otter that showed up occasionally, and a beaver now and then. After the salmon spawned, there were Pacific Northwest crayfish that cleaned up the bodies that drifted downstream. The crayfish were about as big as a woman's clenched fist (fingers only).
Date: 3/23/25 12:42 pm From: Debbie Mcleod via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] The Flock of Seven
My Big Backyard is Friendly Village in Redmond. Bear Creek runs through the community, alongside mature trees and grassy open spaces. Canada Geese love it here, and it pays to pay attention to them. I have learned to watch for the Greater White-fronted Geese that sometimes show up. There are always exactly seven of them! I assume that I am observing the same little flock that is occasionally mentioned in the weekly Marymoor report. I love the feeling of having a personal connection to them. _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 3/23/25 11:53 am From: Douglas Brown via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Off topic .... Costa Rica
Chirp,
In February, Marion Hill and I enjoyed a two week birding tour of Costa Rica. My first visit to the country. This was a guided, photography oriented package offered by Costa Rica Focus. A very well planned tour, we visited several habitats and identified 248 species. Our guide and driver were outstanding. Accommodations and food were excellent. Anyone interested in this sort of tour should consider this outfit. Here are our Flickr albums of photos from this tour…...
Date: 3/20/25 9:39 pm From: Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Bufflehead x Common Goldeneye Hybrid
I agree with Diane that these ?2? birds are very similar. But to double
check, I did a side by side comparison in a very old version of MS Paint.
Sorry for the clumsy display.. I could have done a better job had i gone
to photoshop on another computer. However I think it's sufficient to state
they are different birds. Look closely at the coloration around the eye.
They are consistently different between Potlatch on the Right and Heron on
the Left. Another potential factor of these being different birds in spite
of their overall rarity, as John as documented. They could well be
siblings from the same pairing/same brood.
Bob OBrien Portland
https://www.flickr.com/photos/159695762@N07/ P.S. Sorry but another chance to whine about uploading photos directly to
Tweeters as we do on OBOL in Oregon.
On Thu, Mar 20, 2025 at 8:42 PM Diane Yorgason-Quinn via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
Date: 3/20/25 9:32 pm From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk for Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR 3/19/2025
Dear Tweets,
Approximately 35 of us had a really nice Winter Walk at the Refuge with
cloudy skies and temperatures in the 40's to 50's degrees Fahrenheit.
There was a High 12'5" Tide at 8:42am, so we did our usual route.
Highlights included continuing SNOW GOOSE seen multiple times flying around
the Refuge with a group of CANADA GEESE, great looks of RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD
males establishing territories in the Orchard and on the Nisqually Estuary
Trail, First of Year WOOD DUCKS in the flooded fields south of the Twin
Barns, First of Year TURKEY VULTURE soaring over the Refuge, a hybrid
AMERICAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL X EURASIAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL in McAllister
Creek, and a WILSON'S SNIPE in the freshwater marsh. Other
noteworthy sightings included great looks at FOX SPARROW, LINCOLN'S
SPARROW, EURASIAN WIGEON X 4, leucistic TREE SWALLOW, and continuing WHITE
WINGED SCOTER immature male in McAllister Creek.
For the day we observed 81 species. With FOY Wood Duck, Turkey Vulture,
and Red-throated Loon, we have now observed 111 species this year. Please
see our eBird list below for details and photos. Others seen include
Muskrat, Townsend's Chipmunk, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Harbor Seal and
Pacific Tree 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
Mar 19, 2025 6:30 AM - 4:55 PM
Protocol: Traveling
8.45 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Cloudy skies with temperatures in
the 40’s to 50’s degrees Fahrenheit. A High 12’5” Tide at 8:42am. Mammals
seen Muskrat, Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit,
Townsend’s Chipmunk, Harbor Seal, and Eastern Gray Squirrel. Others seen
include Pacific Tree Frog and Northwest Salamander Egg Mass.
81 species (+7 other taxa)
Snow Goose 1
Brant (Black) 70
Cackling Goose (minima) 200
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 40
Wood Duck 4
Northern Shoveler 150
Gadwall 50
Eurasian Wigeon 4 Two in flooded fields, two in fresh water marsh, one
in McAllister Creek.
American Wigeon 1500
Eurasian x American Wigeon (hybrid) 1 Seen at dawn from Twin Barns
Observation Platform. Male. Light red face with slight white markings on
cheek. Blended pink-gray sides.
Mallard 200
Northern Pintail 1000
Green-winged Teal (American) 1200
Green-winged Teal (Eurasian x American) 1 Observed in McAllister Creek
with other Green-winged Teal foraging on waters edge. Observed for 5-10
minutes, digiscoped photos taken. Male bird missing a strong white vertical
bar from folded wing to water line. Horizontal bar between folded wing and
side. More prominent white lines around green eye patch.
Ring-necked Duck 14
Surf Scoter 75
White-winged Scoter 15 McAllister Creek and Nisqually Reach.
Bufflehead 300
Common Goldeneye 40
Hooded Merganser 12
Common Merganser 11
Red-breasted Merganser 10
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 40
Band-tailed Pigeon (Northern) 2
Mourning Dove 3
Rufous Hummingbird 4 Orchard and Nisqually Estuary Trail.
hummingbird sp. 1
American Coot (Red-shielded) 125
Killdeer 2
Wilson's Snipe 1 Spotted by Jon in the fresh water marsh.
Spotted Sandpiper 3
Greater Yellowlegs 12
Dunlin 1000
Least Sandpiper 40
Short-billed Gull 125
Ring-billed Gull 40
California Gull 1
Glaucous-winged Gull 2
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 30
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 40
Pied-billed Grebe 3
Horned Grebe 18
Red-throated Loon 1
Common Loon 2
Brandt's Cormorant 2 Nisqually River channel marker.
Double-crested Cormorant 12
Great Blue Heron 30
Turkey Vulture 1
Northern Harrier 1
Bald Eagle 28 Occupied nest in Cottonwwod West Bank of Nisqually River
north of Nisqually Estuary Trail.
Red-tailed Hawk 1 Spotted by Matt at the end of the walk from the
Visitor Center Overlook.
Belted Kingfisher 2
Red-breasted Sapsucker 1 Spotted by Laurie at the Access Road gate
across from the entrance to the Education Center parking lot.
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 5
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 3
Steller's Jay 1 West Bank of McAllister Creek with
American Crow 10
Common Raven 2
Black-capped Chickadee 13
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 3
Tree Swallow 150
Violet-green Swallow 8
Barn Swallow 1 Spotted by Jon foraging over the freshwater marsh. A
dark throated swallow with a dark back and forked tail.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 10
Golden-crowned Kinglet 24
Brown Creeper 3
Pacific Wren (pacificus Group) 4
Marsh Wren 25
Bewick's Wren 8
European Starling 50
Varied Thrush 3
American Robin 40
Purple Finch 1 Spotted by Miles and Lisa in the Orchard.
Pine Siskin 20
Fox Sparrow (Sooty) 5
Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 1 Spotted by Ken in the Orchard.
White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis) 1
Golden-crowned Sparrow 24
Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 2
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 23
Lincoln's Sparrow 4
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 3
Red-winged Blackbird 60
Yellow-rumped Warbler 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 12
Townsend's Warbler 2
Date: 3/20/25 8:55 pm From: Diane Yorgason-Quinn via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Bufflehead x Common Goldeneye Hybrid
The Potlatch and Herron Is birds look pretty identical to me. The eye color leaps out at me, making me think it's the same bird, as at least one of the CA birds identified in the paper has a true golden eye, and this one has a russet eye, looking halfway between COGO and BUFF.
So I vote for same individual.
Diane
________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of John Riegsecker via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2025 2:27 PM
To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Bufflehead x Common Goldeneye Hybrid
A Bufflehead x Common Goldeneye hybrid has been reported at Potlatch
State Park since 2018. In 2024 another hybrid was reported at Herron
Island, about 17.5 miles distant overland. My first question was if
this is one or two birds. eBird shows 385 reports in the United States,
however many of these are of the same bird. For example the Potlatch
bird has been reported 47 times, and there is a bird in California that
has been reported even more often. I also came across a paper on the
subject:
If these are two distinct birds, then if they are independent events
this would be an unusual event. On the other hand, perhaps they are not
independent and if you have one bird, the odds are improved to have a
second. Reading up on the breeding and nesting habits of both breeds I
don't see any reason to suspect they would stick together.
I contacted one of the authors of the paper (who contacted one of his
coauthors) and I now have their opinions if this is one or two different
birds. Below are links to eBird lists for each bird. If any of you are
so inclined, I would like hearing your thoughts. One bird or two? Feel
free to reply to me off list and I will report back.
Date: 3/20/25 7:25 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-03-20
Tweets - Our Spring Equinox survey turned out better than we expected. The weather immediately before the walk was *W*E*T*, and we mostly expected that to continue. But just in time for our 7:00 a.m. start time, the rain stopped and we had cloudy skies with occasional bits of sunshine until just after the survey completed. Especially the first hour and a half were very birdy, as was the Rowing Club at the end.
Highlights: Ten species of duck - Everything we would expect except Green-winged Teal Rufous Hummingbird - Got good looks at the Rowing Club near the only blooming Salmonberry we saw all morning. First of Year (FOY) for the survey Virginia Rail - Again, spontaneous "song" Kiddick-kiddick-kiddick from several spots on the far side of the slough Wilson's Snipe - Two on the far side of the slough below the weir, after a 3-week absence Double-crested Cormorant - Notable today because more than 30 were seen flying south towards the lake American Kestrel - A female flew over the Viewing Mound right after the survey as I was leaving the park (FOY) Hutton's Vireo - One near the windmill, near where I heard one on Tuesday Northern Shrike - Very sharp looking bird in the East Meadow
No sign of the SAY'S PHOEBE or RED CROSSBILLS that I saw on Tuesday.
Our best bird wasn't a bird, it was a MINK at the beaver lodge opposite Dog Central. The Mink was on the lodge, jumped into the water, came out again onto the lodge, and then appeared to squirm down inside the lodge. Our first Mink since 2018.
Misses today included Green-winged Teal, American Coot (first miss ever for Week 12), Short-billed Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Cooper's Hawk, Purple Finch, and Western Meadowlark.
For the day, 56 species. For the year, adding Rufous Hummingbird and American Kestrel, we're at 80 species for the Thursday surveys.
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 3/20/25 6:25 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) monthly bird walk - 03-20-2025
Tweeters,
A baker's dozen of us braved the chilly (40-46degF - 30-38degF real-feel) and rainy (at times) day at JBLM Eagle's Pride GC. Despite the weather, we managed to glean some interesting sightings on our usual route.
EURASIAN WIGEON - the female continues to hang out at the 9th hole pond (Jan-Mar).
RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD (FOS) - female gathering "fluff" from a cattail at the maintenance pond.
GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL - flyover. We rarely have gulls of any kind on our birdwalks.
HUTTON'S VIREO - two very well seen about a hundred yards from where we found one last month.
Note: Although we listed 300 Pine Siskins, that was merely an estimate. As with last month, they were noisily chattering and singing all along our route. The number could well be in the high hundreds or even more.
Mammals included several Douglas squirrels, a Townsend's chipmunk, two Columbian black-tailed deer, and the first Eastern gray squirrel we found on our route. (They are found around the clubhouse and in the Dupont housing area.)
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:
* April 17
* May 15
* June 19
From the eBirdPNW report:
39 species
Canada Goose 1
Eurasian Wigeon 1 Continues (Jan-Mar) at the 9th hole pond
American Wigeon 5
Mallard 14
Ring-necked Duck 8
Bufflehead 17 2 at the 9th hole pond; 15 at Hodge Lake
Hooded Merganser 3 12th hole pond.
Mourning Dove 4
Anna's Hummingbird 2
Rufous Hummingbird 1 Gathering "fluff" from cattail
Glaucous-winged Gull 1
Pied-billed Grebe 1 Hodge Lake
Great Blue Heron 1 12th hole pond
Bald Eagle 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 5
Hutton's Vireo 2
Steller's Jay 6
California Scrub-Jay 1
American Crow 13
Black-capped Chickadee 15
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 7
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet 6
Red-breasted Nuthatch 16
Brown Creeper 2
Pacific Wren 2
Bewick's Wren 3
European Starling 3
Varied Thrush 6
American Robin 45
House Finch 8
Red Crossbill 5
Pine Siskin 300
Dark-eyed Junco 20
Song Sparrow 17
Spotted Towhee 9
Red-winged Blackbird 4
Date: 3/20/25 2:39 pm From: John Riegsecker via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Bufflehead x Common Goldeneye Hybrid
A Bufflehead x Common Goldeneye hybrid has been reported at Potlatch State Park since 2018. In 2024 another hybrid was reported at Herron Island, about 17.5 miles distant overland. My first question was if this is one or two birds. eBird shows 385 reports in the United States, however many of these are of the same bird. For example the Potlatch bird has been reported 47 times, and there is a bird in California that has been reported even more often. I also came across a paper on the subject:
If these are two distinct birds, then if they are independent events this would be an unusual event. On the other hand, perhaps they are not independent and if you have one bird, the odds are improved to have a second. Reading up on the breeding and nesting habits of both breeds I don't see any reason to suspect they would stick together.
I contacted one of the authors of the paper (who contacted one of his coauthors) and I now have their opinions if this is one or two different birds. Below are links to eBird lists for each bird. If any of you are so inclined, I would like hearing your thoughts. One bird or two? Feel free to reply to me off list and I will report back.
Date: 3/19/25 3:32 pm From: Christine Scheele via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] "Bird University" courses with Seattle nonprofit - spaces available
Wanted to share about some upcoming Bird University courses Birds Connect Seattle is hosting that might be of interest to folks around the state. The courses pair online lectures with in-person field trips, and engaging participants in bird conservation is a key objective of the program. Feel free to share with others if you think they'd be interested.
Bird University registration is open now!
For those eager to deepen their knowledge about birds in Washington, looking to meet others who enjoy birding and learning, and looking to explore new places to bird, Birds Connect Seattle offers Bird University<https://birdsconnectsea.org/learn/classes/?nvep=&hmac=&emci=4b262d34-e6f2-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&emdi=ea000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&ceid=>. This course series is structured to cover the birds of Washington and their habitats with online classes and in-person field trips. Click on the course listings below for the course description and to register. Learn and bird with some of the most wonderful and experienced instructors around.
Western Field Ornithologists (WFO) and Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) are teaming up for the 2025 Annual Conference.
Nestled between the majestic Cascade Mountains and the serene Columbia River, Yakima Valley offers an unparalleled diversity of habitats perfect for birding enthusiasts. From alpine tundra and evergreen forests to desert canyons, grasslands, and riparian woodlands, this region is a haven for avian species and their admirers. Whether you are drawn to the open pine forest or marsh wetlands, Yakima and its neighboring counties provide ideal conditions for seeing a wide range of birdlife in action.
The 2025 program will combine the best of both organizations including:
* Stump the Experts: Bird Quiz Night with Dennis Paulson and Shep Thorp * Sound Identification Team Challenge with Nathan Pieplow * Educational workshops and presentations of original scientific research * Full-day and half-day birding field trips will cover a diverse range of habitats from the wetlands and shrub-steppe of lower elevations to the open forests on the eastern slopes of the Cascades * Over 190 species of breeding birds and migrants are possible through various trips * Woodpeckers are a particular highlight, with 11 of 12 of breeding woodpeckers possible in Washington on field trips * Yakima and Kittitas Counties have a high diversity of owls; up to nine owl species could be possible on various field trips
REGISTRATION IS OPEN AND YOU CAN SECURE YOUR HOTEL ROOMS TODAY! VISIT THE WOS CONFERENCE HOTEL INFORMATION PAGE FOR HOTEL RATES AND RESERVATION INFORMATION.
Date: 3/18/25 10:34 pm From: Scott Ramos via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] American Crow as a duck-herder
At Magnuson Park yesterday morning, just after dawn, a single American Crow was exhibiting what might be characterized as a herding behavior. Groups of American Wigeon and Mallards can often be seen on the lawn by the swim beach. As I approached the beach I observed a crow flying toward a group of ~30 wigeon and a handful of Mallards. The ducks were annoyed and scattered a little, some heading from the lawn to the rocky beach while others simply moved away, still on the lawn. The crow made a quick circle and came back from the opposite direction and a few more of the ducks headed toward the water. At first I thought the crow was just being annoying, but then it repeated the maneuver 3 or 4 more times until all the ducks were now in the water. This seemed more than random as the crow's moves were deliberate and precise. Was it trying to shoo them away from a food morsel? Once all the ducks were off the grass and in the water, the crow flew down to the cobble beach, paused for a moment, then flew out to the swim platform to join a few other crows and the typical contingent of gulls. I inspected the area where the ducks had originally congregated but could find no obvious food or other attractant.
Date: 3/18/25 7:59 pm From: Wakx Uy via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Sage Grouse lek viewing?
Hello,
Does anyone know of any groups organizing trips for safe and ethical Sage
Grouse lek viewing in Washington?
I know a few years ago, the Yakima Training Center had sponsored a few
trips to observe their unique mating rituals. Haven’t heard about any ones
this year though.
Date: 3/18/25 4:36 pm From: Rob Faucett via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Baja and eBird help
Hi Dorothy - I’m happy to help. And patient. And available.
True for anybody.
Let me know what works.
Rob
—
Rob Faucett
+1(206) 619-5569
<robfaucett...>
Seattle, WA 98105
> On Mar 18, 2025, at 1:46 PM, Dorothy Jacobsen via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> I’m looking for a patient person to help me with using eBird before my trip.
> I live near Meadowbrook Pond , NE Seattle. Maybe meet up for 40 min. I’m flexible. Thanks a lot. Dorothy
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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: 3/18/25 1:58 pm From: Dorothy Jacobsen via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Baja and eBird help
I’m looking for a patient person to help me with using eBird before my trip.
I live near Meadowbrook Pond , NE Seattle. Maybe meet up for 40 min. I’m flexible. Thanks a lot. Dorothy
Date: 3/18/25 1:21 pm From: Jim Ullrich via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Othello Sandhill Crane Festival 03/20-22
Hello Tweets: If not too busy, consider joining us at this year's Othello Sandhill Crane Festival 03/20-22. Trips may be full, but we always have a handful of cancellations. Talks and discussions galore to enrich our Birdy Brains. Visit: https://www.othellosandhillcranefestival.org Yours for the Birds n' the Bees
Jim Ullrich "The Bears, Inc." Swarovski Optiks 7075 Corfu Blvd NE Bremerton, WA 98311
Date: 3/18/25 12:39 pm From: Hubbell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Union Bay Watch } The Down Low - DEJU
Tweeters,
This post focuses primarily on Dark-eyed Juncos. They seem to be always underfoot and easily overlooked. However, they are amazing little birds who have adapted fairly well to most of the changes we have made to the environment.