Date: 7/1/25 1:02 pm From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Purple Martins
Stan,
There is a fairly large "condo village" of Purple Martins at Ship
Harbor on
Fidalgo Island (Anacortes). That village was very active a few weeks ago
but is now "abandoned" (no activity, what so ever). My conclusion is
that the chicks have fledged. If I'm correct - then your timeline for
nesting
has to be modified based upon location, location, location. *g* This group
of nests has been active for a long time.
I don't know of any other Martin colonies here in Skagit County.
It also seems to me that several other swallow species (barn and
tree) are
no longer at their nests ... I can state that the ones at Wylie have all
stopped
going to cavity nests along the dike (at least 3 weeks ago).
We have violet greens nesting at our house and they are still coming and
going from the nests ... I have not seen the chicks yet. In past years the
chicks would come out of the nest and explore the roof about a week
before they fledged.
Date: 7/1/25 9:44 am From: stan Kostka lynn Schmidt via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Counting Purple Martins
Hello Tweets, hope everyone is enjoying the weather .
There is currently an effort underway to organize and conduct a search, survey, and count of the number of breeding pairs of Purple Martins in Washington State. If you are interested in being involved, please let me know. If you know anyone you think may be interested, please let them know.
Martin abundance in any region, is generally (always) defined by the known number of breeding pairs, also known as active nests. British Columbia, Oregon, and California have already done this to some extent, but it’s never been done in Washington. There have been estimates in the past, but the fact is that currently nobody really knows.
The earliest nesting Purple Martins in Washington State are now tending to young that are about one week old. Soon, in another couple weeks or so, will be the best time to observe the height of activity at a martin colony, when adults will be busy feeding rapidly growing young, many of which by then will be making an appearance being fed at the nest cavity entrance.
Counting breeding pairs involves identifying active nests. Some people will be looking into nest cavities to confirm the presence of eggs or young. However, at most sites, nests will not be accessible, so counting will be done by observing and recording bird behaviours. Birds entering nest holes in July and August, especially when carrying food, and removing fecal sacs, are how we determine an active nest without looking inside. Later when young appear at the entrance, that observation alone confirms an active nest. Later in the season after young are fledging, they are often visible returning to their natal cavities at dusk, for a week or more before they begin migration.
Covering all of Western Washington over the next couple seasons is going to be a big project, and so the more eyes in the field the better. So, if you are interested in looking for and counting Purple Martins anywhere in Western Washington, please let me know.
Date: 6/30/25 10:13 am From: Olivia V. Sanderfoot via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Project Phoenix: Investigating Bird Responses to Smoke
***Finally, a quick note to all the amazing eBird reviewers out there: Our team recognizes that by generating hundreds of additional eBird checklists, our program adds to the workload of local reviewers. We greatly appreciate all of the time and energy you invest in reviewing local checklists – our research is strengthened by your efforts. Although we work very hard to ensure that our volunteers are collecting high quality data (and we provide many resources and opportunities to support beginner birders), we do recognize that our volunteers sometimes make mistakes or rely too heavily on apps like Merlin Bird ID. If there are any common species identification errors you would like us to address among our volunteers or messages/tips and tricks you would like to pass on, please do reach out. I collaborated directly with eBird reviewers while running the COVID-19 lockdown birding study <https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-16406-w> in the PNW, and that was enormously helpful.***
Wishing you all safe and happy birding this summer! Thank you for all you do for our feathered friends. :)
~ Olivia
P.S. Please feel free to forward this note to friends, family, colleagues, and any other list_servs who might like to know about our community science initiative!
***
Olivia V. Sanderfoot, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Postdoctoral Researcher
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Research Associate
La Kretz Center for California Conservation Science
Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
University of California, Los Angeles
Date: 6/30/25 12:50 am From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] My Puffin Quest
My quest to see Tufted Puffins is a bit out of state. I try to make a yearly pilgrimage to the Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Oregon. My wife and I went there last week Tuesday through Friday (6/24 - 6/27) and we saw Tufted Puffins everyday. On the day of arrival we walked south on the beach, but even less than half a mile from the rock, we had not seen a single bird. I was starting to worry that we were too late this year, but then we saw a flying Common Murre. The closer we got, the more birds were seen. Now we all know about "finding a needle in a haystack", but finding a Tufted Puffin on Haystack Rock is a lot easier. Since they nest in burrows in the grassy areas, they are not that easy to spot with only heads showing, but with a little searching, you will find them. Sometimes one may be out in the open in a bare spot, even most open areas are occupied by hundreds of formally dressed Common Murres. With luck you may even find one of the chunky puffins flying around the rock. If you can't find one, there are lots of scopes there and somebody will let you look at one! Also nesting on Haystack Rock are Western Gulls, Pelagic Cormorants and Pigeon Guillemots. Harlequin Ducks - and in our case a single Black Oystercatcher - can be found on the smaller rocks south of the main rock. Just north of the rock, at Ecola Creek and on the beach, we saw 400 and maybe even 500 + Brown Pelicans every day. They are bathing and drinking in the creek. Another bonus were elks walking on the beach ( without surf boards !)
Good Birding!
Hans -- *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA <thefedderns...>
Date: 6/29/25 2:16 am From: Doug Santoni via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Tennis Bird
Dan — I also noticed that fun NY Times picture of the White Wagtail at Wimbledon! I looked it up, and it's probably the subspecies of the White Wagtail that’s called the “Pied Wagtail,” which is the resident and most common type of White Wagtail in Britain and Ireland.
Doug Santoni
Seattle, WA
Dougsantoni at gmail dot dom
> On Jun 28, 2025, at 11:36 PM, Dan McDougall-Treacy via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> A bit off topic, but nice pic…
> In case you use the New York Times app I’ll call your attention to a striking photo of a White Wagtail standing on the chalk line of a grass court at Wimbledon.
> Find it in The Athletic section.
>
> Dan McDougall-Treacy
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 6/28/25 11:49 pm From: Dan McDougall-Treacy via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Tennis Bird
A bit off topic, but nice pic…
In case you use the New York Times app I’ll call your attention to a striking photo of a White Wagtail standing on the chalk line of a grass court at Wimbledon.
Find it in The Athletic section.
Date: 6/28/25 1:36 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] As Birds Decline, High-Precision eBird Models Offer a Vision of Hope | All About Birds
Date: 6/28/25 1:32 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Scientists Are Tracking Worrying Declines in Insects—and the Birds That Feast on Them. Here's What's Being Done to Save Them Both
Date: 6/27/25 6:28 pm From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Shorebird Southbound Migration Begins
Hi Michael,
Many thanks for that interesting information from another shorebird junkie!
I always think of the last week of June as the beginning of “fall” shorebird arrival. I think it is mostly the adults that either had a failed nest or weren’t involved in the later parental care.
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
> On Jun 25, 2025, at 11:57 PM, Michael Price via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Hi tweets
>
> As a shorebird junkie, June 26 is a personally significant day for me as it is the average arrival date of the first species, Western Sandpiper, in the southbound shorebird migration in Vancouver BC.
>
> In the Eighties and Nineties I worked out average arrival and departure dates for most of the shorebirds here, then tested them against observation at a number of hotspots such as Iona Island (settling ponds and jetties), Boundary Bay, Reifel Refuge Robert's Bank. In particular I paid attention to the individuals present during the hiatus between the north– and southbound migrations so that when the first returning birds appeared, there'd be no mistaking them for the loitering layabouts.
>
> And one year, I was there at the exact moment of the first return Westerns at Iona Island. And about eight in the evening, I spotted them in a tight incoming flock in the northwest, a small flock of twenty birds weaving back and forth before finally arriving at the pond and eventually setting down.
>
> Ironically, they're the last migrant species to leave, with Nov 01 as their average departure of the last flock of 10+ birds. The singleton Westerns which remain to overwinter are almost exclusively First-year males with short icepick bills.
>
> Michael Price
> Vancouver BC Canada
> <loblollyboy...> <mailto:<loblollyboy...> >
> Every answer deepens the mystery.
> -- E.O. Wilson
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 6/27/25 1:24 pm From: Zora Monster via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Bird ID
It looks like a female sooty grouse to me.
Kind regards,
Zora Dermer
Seattle
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jun 27, 2025, at 12:34 PM, Eric Hoffman via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> I've just returned from a great birding trip to Okanogan Co. Can someone identify the bird in this photo? It was taken on Cameron Lake Rd.
> Eric Hoffman
> Bainbridge Island
> <54617706096_28cd5ae399_q.jpg>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 6/27/25 12:46 pm From: Eric Hoffman via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Bird ID
I've just returned from a great birding trip to Okanogan Co. Can someone identify the bird in this photo? It was taken on Cameron Lake Rd. Eric Hoffman Bainbridge Island
Date: 6/26/25 2:06 pm From: Hubbell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Union Bay Watch } On a Wing and a Prayer
Tweeters,
Thank you to all my friends, new and old, who have helped me with this post. Not only have they helped me find and track these young owls they have supplied the most of the critical observations and descriptions. As my friend Jack said, It takes a village!
Date: 6/26/25 11:49 am From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-06-26
Tweets - A morning with a solid overcast, but no precipitation and seldom any wind. Late June often starts the "doldrums" that usually continue through July. These are characterized by a paucity of surprises, coupled with the tailing off of bird songs and the departure of some of our breeding birds; it can sometimes get quite dull. But apparently that hasn't started yet. Today had several unexpected species, and we still had songs from pretty much all of the expected birds.
Highlights: BLUE-WINGED TEAL - Female in slough. Luckily we had several looks to be sure of the ID Gadwall - Still two around; they tend to get scarce starting in late-June MOURNING DOVE - One flying around the south end of the East Meadow. First of Year (FOY) for us Spotted Sandpiper - Adult at the weir Caspian Tern - One high flyby, calling, (FOY) for us Green Heron - One on the beaver lodge across from Dog Central MERLIN - One streaked towards the lake; Tree Swallow calls alerted us to its passage Western Flycatcher - One heard at the Rowing Club, only our 2nd of the year and first since May Lazuli Bunting - I had one when I first arrived in the park, and again on my way out, in the NW corner of the park where we don't usually bird. Our only Laz of the day
BLUE-WINGED TEAL, MOURNING DOVE, and MERLIN were all species that we've only had once each in the last 30 years of visits for Week 26.
The heronry is substantially emptier. The dead tree that has several nests had just 5 juveniles on nests today, where we had 20 two weeks ago. At the weir, however, in a very small area we found at least 15 juveniles standing in the water, waiting for fish to jump into their mouths. Another juvenile was low in a cottonwood, looking up, since up is where fish have always appeared...
For the day, 58 species. Adding MODO and Caspian Tern, I believe we're at 121 species for the year.
As an aside, Eastside Audubon has put out a video highlighting the Marymoor Bird Loop. I was interviewed for the video, and it's very obvious from my appearance that the interview was filmed at 5:30 a.m., with me having rushed over early before last week's survey. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-hdUIf8GLk&ab_channel=EastsideAudubonSociety
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 6/26/25 12:10 am From: Michael Price via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Shorebird Southbound Migration Begins
Hi tweets
As a shorebird junkie, June 26 is a personally significant day for me as it
is the *average* arrival date of the first species, Western Sandpiper, in
the southbound shorebird migration in Vancouver BC.
In the Eighties and Nineties I worked out average arrival and departure
dates for most of the shorebirds here, then tested them against observation
at a number of hotspots such as Iona Island (settling ponds and jetties),
Boundary Bay, Reifel Refuge Robert's Bank. In particular I paid attention
to the individuals present during the hiatus between the north– and
southbound migrations so that when the first returning birds appeared,
there'd be no mistaking them for the loitering layabouts.
And one year, I was there at the exact moment of the first return Westerns
at Iona Island. And about eight in the evening, I spotted them in a tight
incoming flock in the northwest, a small flock of twenty birds weaving back
and forth before finally arriving at the pond and eventually setting down.
Ironically, they're the last migrant species to leave, with Nov 01 as their
average departure of the last flock of 10+ birds. The singleton Westerns
which remain to overwinter are almost exclusively First-year males with
short icepick bills.
Michael Price
Vancouver BC Canada
<loblollyboy...>
Date: 6/25/25 9:36 pm From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for June 25th.
Dear Tweets,
Approximately 43 of us enjoyed our first walk of Summer with mostly cloudy
skies and temperatures in the 50's-60's degrees Fahrenheit. There was a
Low -4' Tide at 12:08pm, so we decided to do the Twin Barns Loop Trail in
reverse or counterclockwise. Highlights included PURPLE FINCH in the
Orchard, both juvenile DOWNY WOODPECKER and HAIRY WOODPECKER on the
Riparian Forest Trail, juvenile COMMON MERGANSER in the Nisqually River,
SORA in the freshwater marsh, and WOOD DUCK ducklings in the Visitor Center
Pond. Other fun sightings included differentiating juvenile CLIFF SWALLOW
and BARN SWALLOW, and a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE on the nest along the Riparian
Forest Trail.
For the day, we observed 62 species, and had no new species for the year
(158 seen so far). See our eBird Report below.
We had a good mammal day with reported sightings of American Beaver,
Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Townsend's
Chipmunk, Long-tailed Weasel, Muskrat, Eastern Gray Squirrel, River Otter,
Harbor Seal and Coyote.
Until next week when we meet again at 8am at the Visitor Center, happy
birding!
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Jun 25, 2025 5:56 AM - 10:52 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.19 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Mostly cloudy with temperatures in
the 50’s to 60’s degrees Fahrenheit. There was a Low -4’ Tide at 12:08pm.
Mammals seen include American Beaver, River Otter, Eastern Cotton-tailed
Rabbit, Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Townsend’s Chipmunk, Muskrat, Eastern
Gray Squirrel, and Harbor Seal. Others seen Pacific Tree Frog and Puget
Sound Garter Snake.
62 species (+2 other taxa)
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 75
Wood Duck 12
Mallard 30
Hooded Merganser 1
Common Merganser (North American) 3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 28
Band-tailed Pigeon 8
Mourning Dove 2
Vaux's Swift 1
Anna's Hummingbird 3
Rufous Hummingbird 4
Virginia Rail 3
Sora 1
Killdeer 6
Wilson's Snipe 2
Short-billed Gull 1 Observed from the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk
Trail with spotting scopes at 1/4 mile. Adjacent to RBGU and CAGU, small,
dark mantled gull with small thin green bill with black tip. Yellow-green
legs.
Ring-billed Gull 50
California Gull 75
Glaucous-winged Gull 1
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 5
Larus sp. 300
Caspian Tern 8
Double-crested Cormorant 10
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 12
Osprey (American) 1
Bald Eagle 54 Counted individually over the Reach and Refuge.
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-breasted Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 6
Hairy Woodpecker (Pacific) 2
Northern Flicker 1
Western Wood-Pewee 4 Occupied nest. On Riparian Forest Overlook
Trail, from dike, 6 railing planks, 50 feet above right side of trail in
smaller Maple Tree.
Willow Flycatcher 4
Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope) 1
American Crow 16
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 4
Bank Swallow 3
Tree Swallow 35
Purple Martin 2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Barn Swallow (American) 40
Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group) 60
Brown Creeper 4
Marsh Wren 14
Bewick's Wren 4
European Starling 100
Swainson's Thrush 27
American Robin (migratorius Group) 25
Cedar Waxwing 15
House Finch 1
Purple Finch 6
Pine Siskin (Northern) 3
American Goldfinch 20
Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 6
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 33
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 2
Bullock's Oriole 2
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 50
Brown-headed Cowbird 30
Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens) 2
Common Yellowthroat 8
Yellow Warbler 30
Black-headed Grosbeak 4
Date: 6/24/25 11:35 pm From: pan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] banded Caspian Tern, Discovery Park (Seattle)
Tweets,
Before the walker followed her uncontrollable urge to walk to the end of the point and flush all the birds, I was able to get details of the leg bands of one of the eight Caspian Terns' with all the gulls at West Point in Seattle's Discovery Park this morning. Less than 12 hours after my report, I got the details:
"HATCHED IN 2007 OR EARLIER," banded "NEAR CHINOOK, CLATSOP COUNTY, OREGON, USA (COORDINATES: LAT: 46.25833; LON: -123.975 )"
So at least 18 years old. The response time is a far cry from the months such took in the old days. Longevity is one of the reasons we still have Caspian Terns despite many years of low breeding success.
Date: 6/24/25 2:19 pm From: Emily Birchman via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] RFI Sawmill Creek Burn
Hi all,
I’m hoping to go birding at Sawmill Creek Burn/ Government Meadows (2
hotspots on eBird that appear to be off of forest service roads in King co)
soon with a friend and wanted to know if anyone could give me some intel on
road conditions up there? Like do you need a truck or something with a lot
of ground clearance or could an SUV be ok?
Date: 6/24/25 11:46 am From: Matt Hucke via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Horned Puffin at burrow on Smith Island
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S253228754 - ebird list, photos, and video. > > On June 22nd, five others and I headed out from the Anacortes Marina > aboard the 20' HughesCraft operated by the Salish Sea School > <https://www.thesalishseaschool.org/.> The goal was to find, count, and > record the Tufted Puffins on and around Smith Island. We ended up finding > about a dozen. >
Amazing! I was on the Puget Sound Express puffin tour out of Edmonds last week, but it's a big boat, so you don't get that close to them. Your photos show that you can get a lot closer on a small boat, so now I've booked a "Research Expedition" ticket with the Salish Sea School for July.
Note that the Salish Sea School has two types of tours, big boat with 40 people for $119 or small boat with 6 people for $270. I signed up for the wrong one at first but they helped me get that fixed.
On June 22nd, five others and I headed out from the Anacortes Marina aboard the 20' HughesCraft operated by the Salish Sea School <https://www.thesalishseaschool.org/.> The goal was to find, count, and record the Tufted Puffins on and around Smith Island. We ended up finding about a dozen.
This was my first time seeing the Tufted Puffin decoys up on the ridge just above the nesting holes. There were about eight that I could see. A couple of times we watched a puffin come and land near the decoys.
Partway into the puffin observations, I saw a different-looking puffin fly from the water up into a burrow on the island. With a camera photo zoomed in, we could see it was a Horned Puffin. It wasn't there long. If took off and headed straight at us and over us. It then turned a bit and landed in the water a bit just out from the kelp bed. We looked for quite some time, but never saw it again.
Also unusual were two Brown Pelicans and a lone female Long-tailed Duck on or near the island.
Other great viewings were a Sea Otter eating, and an Orca on the way back.
All in all, it was a great day to be out on the water.
Date: 6/22/25 10:34 am From: Gene Beall via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Tweeters ADMINISTRATIVE: Doug Santoni
Indeed, a huge "thank you!" to both Elaine and Doug, and to those who led the way before them!! We have all enjoyed the benefits of your many hours of dedicated effort and your vision! Thank you!
Gene Beall
On 6/21/25 11:56 AM, Elaine Chuang via Tweeters wrote: > Happy Summer Solstice, dear Tweets, on a lovely PNW day! > > Long-time subscribers will fondly remember Dan Victor and Hal Opperman > as the original masterminds of the Tweeters listserv (launched in > approximately 1992). A quarter of a century later, under Hal’s > tutelage, I was brought in as a new administrator (in mid-2019). And > in October 2024 with deepest thanks to him, we let Hal step down ("out > of the wheelhouse" as he likes to say). But not before we recruited > our newest member of Tweeters management, Doug Santoni, who it is my > pleasure to introduce officially. Doug has already become an integral > part of managing our forum: he has brought his skills and insights to > the full range of "opportunities" and many satisfactions of > administering Tweeters as we exchange information and commentary on > birds and birding. > > You may already know Doug from his volunteer work as Board member and > past Chair of Audubon Washington, or from his forays birding around > Seattle, especially on Foster Island and in the Arboretum. Doug, we > thank you for fresh energy and your ample contributions. > > > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 6/22/25 10:27 am From: Stephen Elston via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Tweeters ADMINISTRATIVE: Doug Santoni
Elaine and Doug, your efforts keeping this forum running are greatly
appreciated!!! Steve
On Sat, Jun 21, 2025 at 11:57 AM Elaine Chuang via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Happy Summer Solstice, dear Tweets, on a lovely PNW day!
>
> Long-time subscribers will fondly remember Dan Victor and Hal Opperman as
> the original masterminds of the Tweeters listserv (launched in
> approximately 1992). A quarter of a century later, under Hal’s tutelage, I
> was brought in as a new administrator (in mid-2019). And in October 2024
> with deepest thanks to him, we let Hal step down ("out of the wheelhouse"
> as he likes to say). But not before we recruited our newest member of
> Tweeters management, Doug Santoni, who it is my pleasure to introduce
> officially. Doug has already become an integral part of managing our
> forum: he has brought his skills and insights to the full range of
> "opportunities" and many satisfactions of administering Tweeters as we
> exchange information and commentary on birds and birding.
>
>
> You may already know Doug from his volunteer work as Board member and
> past Chair of Audubon Washington, or from his forays birding around
> Seattle, especially on Foster Island and in the Arboretum. Doug, we
> thank you for fresh energy and your ample contributions.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
> On Jun 21, 2025, at 11:56 AM, Elaine Chuang via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> Happy Summer Solstice, dear Tweets, on a lovely PNW day!
>
> Long-time subscribers will fondly remember Dan Victor and Hal Opperman as the original masterminds of the Tweeters listserv (launched in approximately 1992). A quarter of a century later, under Hal’s tutelage, I was brought in as a new administrator (in mid-2019). And in October 2024 with deepest thanks to him, we let Hal step down ("out of the wheelhouse" as he likes to say). But not before we recruited our newest member of Tweeters management, Doug Santoni, who it is my pleasure to introduce officially. Doug has already become an integral part of managing our forum: he has brought his skills and insights to the full range of "opportunities" and many satisfactions of administering Tweeters as we exchange information and commentary on birds and birding.
>
> You may already know Doug from his volunteer work as Board member and past Chair of Audubon Washington, or from his forays birding around Seattle, especially on Foster Island and in the Arboretum. Doug, we thank you for fresh energy and your ample contributions.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 6/21/25 3:50 pm From: Bruce LaBar via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Thanks
👏
> On Jun 21, 2025, at 4:25 PM, Jane Hadley via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> Deep thanks to both Elaine Chuang and Doug Santoni for volunteering to manage Tweeters, this most valuable resource of communication of, by and for Washington birders!
>
> Jane Hadley
>
> Seattle, Wa
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 6/21/25 1:37 pm From: Jane Hadley via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Thanks
Deep thanks to both Elaine Chuang and Doug Santoni for volunteering to manage Tweeters, this most valuable resource of communication of, by and for Washington birders!
Happy Summer Solstice, dear Tweets, on a lovely PNW day!
Long-time subscribers will fondly remember Dan Victor and Hal Opperman as the original masterminds of the Tweeters listserv (launched in approximately 1992). A quarter of a century later, under Hal’s tutelage, I was brought in as a new administrator (in mid-2019). And in October 2024 with deepest thanks to him, we let Hal step down ("out of the wheelhouse" as he likes to say). But not before we recruited our newest member of Tweeters management, Doug Santoni, who it is my pleasure to introduce officially. Doug has already become an integral part of managing our forum: he has brought his skills and insights to the full range of "opportunities" and many satisfactions of administering Tweeters as we exchange information and commentary on birds and birding.
You may already know Doug from his volunteer work as Board member and past Chair of Audubon Washington, or from his forays birding around Seattle, especially on Foster Island and in the Arboretum. Doug, we thank you for fresh energy and your ample contributions.
Date: 6/21/25 4:47 am From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: The unlikely comeback of America’s most endangered songbird
Date: 6/20/25 8:42 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) monthly bird walk - 06-19-2025
Tweeters,
While starting out cool, the temperature climbed (51degF-67degF) on a gorgeous day at the JBLM Eagle's Pride GC. For the 20 of us, the primary highlight was the sightings of two species of owls: A begging GREAT HORNED OWL and an adult, and an adult BARRED OWL. We don't sight owls very often, despite the forest, but finding two species of owls on one walk was the first since we started over 12 years ago. Other highlights include the following:
- BULLOCK'S ORIOLE - Two adults feeding at least two young at the nest high up in the Douglas-fir near the driving range. This is the fourth year for this species nesting here.
- WOOD DUCK - Seven (four ducklings) at the 9th hole pond.
- NORTHERN HOUSE WREN - Ten, with two nests in boxes at Hodge Lake.
- TREE SWALLOW - 35 - very few last month with none at Hodge Lake. Several nesting at the Hodge Lake boxes.
- OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER - Four, a high count for here.
- WARBLING VIREO - Five, a high count.
- DOWNY WOODPECKER - At least 2, with young being fed at the nest by an adult.
Puzzling was the dramatic downturn of the number of PINE SISKINS. The previous three months' counts were 200-1000; today we found only TWO Pine Siskins. We only positively identified two ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, although we had two other unidentified hummingbirds that flew past us.
Mammals included two Douglas squirrels and a black-tailed deer. Also, one herp: a garter snake.
The JBLM Eagle's Pride GC birders meet the third Thursday of each month at 8:00AM except for November to February, when the start time is at 9:00AM. Starting point is the Driving Range building, Eagle's Pride Golf Course, I-5 Exit 116, Mounts Road Exit. (Turn left immediately after entering the parking lot to take the road leading to the driving range building.) Upcoming walks include the following:
* July 17
* August 21
* September 18
From the PNW eBird report:
56 species (+1 other taxa)
Wood Duck 7
Mallard 13
Band-tailed Pigeon 5
Anna's Hummingbird 2
hummingbird sp. 2
Pied-billed Grebe 1 At Hodge Lake, calling.
Bald Eagle 4
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Great Horned Owl 2 Owls were being scolded by American Robins and other species. Juvenile was sounding a begging call with adult nearby. Found in forested area near 4th hole of the Green Course.
Barred Owl 1 In forest close to open area on hill past the back side of Hodge Lake. Well seen and photographed.
Red-breasted Sapsucker 4
Downy Woodpecker 2 Adult feeding at least one young in nest.
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 4
Olive-sided Flycatcher 4
Western Wood-Pewee 25
Willow Flycatcher 7
Western Flycatcher 3
Warbling Vireo 5
Steller's Jay 7
Black-capped Chickadee 10
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 17
Tree Swallow 35
Violet-green Swallow 8
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 At Hodge Lake.
Barn Swallow 30
Bushtit 15
Golden-crowned Kinglet 4
Red-breasted Nuthatch 23
Brown Creeper 3
Northern House Wren 10
Bewick's Wren 3
European Starling 10
Swainson's Thrush 12
American Robin 40
Cedar Waxwing 13
House Finch 6
Purple Finch 5
Red Crossbill 12
Pine Siskin 2
American Goldfinch 2
Chipping Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 16
White-crowned Sparrow 21
Savannah Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 25
Spotted Towhee 10
Bullock's Oriole 4 Nest about 50ft up in Douglas-fir near the driving range.
Date: 6/20/25 3:03 pm From: Mike Wagenbach via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Anacortes Puffin cruises?
Thanks to all the replies to the puffin question. I will try to get a reservation for my kid and myself for one of those trips, since kayaking out to Smith Island is my idea of fun but not my kid's...
Date: 6/20/25 10:24 am From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Anacortes Puffin cruises?
The Salish Sea School runs regular puffin tours out of Skyline Marina in Anacortes. They are an educational nonprofit – teaching a lot of kids about the local marine environment.
Eric Kraig
Anacortes, WA
<erickraig...>
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> On Behalf Of Mike Wagenbach via Tweeters
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2025 7:30 AM
To: Tweeters Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Anacortes Puffin cruises?
I thought I remembered reading last summer of a whalewatching company out of Anacortes doing a few trips more oriented toward birding with the goal of seeing puffins around Smith Island. A search of the Tweeters archives isn't turning that up. Did I read about this elsewhere? Or am I hopelessly confused???
Date: 6/20/25 10:17 am From: Matt Hucke via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Anacortes Puffin cruises?
Hi Mike
Puget Sound Express is doing 3-hour puffin tours out of Edmonds every
Tuesday at 3pm. I was on last week's sailing, and will probably repeat it
this summer, it's worthwhile.
Here's an ebird list from the most recent trip (their list, my photos):
On Fri, Jun 20, 2025 at 7:30 AM Mike Wagenbach via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> I thought I remembered reading last summer of a whalewatching company out
> of Anacortes doing a few trips more oriented toward birding with the goal
> of seeing puffins around Smith Island. A search of the Tweeters archives
> isn't turning that up. Did I read about this elsewhere? Or am I
> hopelessly confused???
>
> Any tips appreciated...
>
> Mike Wagenbach
> Seattle
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 6/20/25 9:40 am From: Joan Miller via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Anacortes Puffin Cruises
I'll be on the cruise from Edmonds next week! They leave from Edmonds or Port Townsend. Birds Connect Seattle did have a discount deal with them. Maybe it's still on.
Joan Miller West Seattle jemskink at gmail dot com
Doug Santoni
Seattle, WA
Dougsantoni at gmail dot com
> On Jun 20, 2025, at 7:29 AM, Mike Wagenbach via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> I thought I remembered reading last summer of a whalewatching company out of Anacortes doing a few trips more oriented toward birding with the goal of seeing puffins around Smith Island. A search of the Tweeters archives isn't turning that up. Did I read about this elsewhere? Or am I hopelessly confused???
>
> Any tips appreciated...
>
> Mike Wagenbach
> Seattle
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
On Fri, Jun 20, 2025 at 7:30 AM Mike Wagenbach via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> I thought I remembered reading last summer of a whalewatching company out
> of Anacortes doing a few trips more oriented toward birding with the goal
> of seeing puffins around Smith Island. A search of the Tweeters archives
> isn't turning that up. Did I read about this elsewhere? Or am I
> hopelessly confused???
>
> Any tips appreciated...
>
> Mike Wagenbach
> Seattle
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 6/20/25 7:42 am From: Mike Wagenbach via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Anacortes Puffin cruises?
I thought I remembered reading last summer of a whalewatching company out of Anacortes doing a few trips more oriented toward birding with the goal of seeing puffins around Smith Island. A search of the Tweeters archives isn't turning that up. Did I read about this elsewhere? Or am I hopelessly confused???
Date: 6/19/25 6:59 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-06-19
Tweets - We had a wonderful morning at Marymoor, with just about perfect conditions: mostly sunny, mostly windless, comfortable temperatures. Lots of singing, and lots and lots of evidence of nesting and nesting success. Our group was the largest in a long time, boosted by out-of-town visitors and people who got Juneteenth off from work.
Highlights: Spotted Sandpiper - Two below the weir, and we were able to see both Green Heron - Two adults flew south past the weir, landed, and then flew north again a few minutes later, calling both times Great Blue Heron - Many young have fledged and were attempting to hunt around the park. Many are still at the heronry
Speaking of baby birds, juveniles were noted for at least these species: Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Great Blue Heron, Northern Flicker, American Crow,Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bushtit, European Starling, American Robin, Dark-eyed Junco, White-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Common Yellowthroat, and Black-headed Grosbeak. There may well have been juveniles of other species that I didn't notice as such. But we also had many occupied nests, plus signs of on-going nest building by several species, so breeding is very much in-progress and not wrapping up.
Oh, we also had a plethora of Eastern Cottontails.
Missing species included Hooded and Common Mergansers, Caspian Tern, Red-eyed Vireo, Cliff Swallow, Bullock's Oriole, and Lazuli Bunting. The merganser, vireo, and Cliff Swallow used to nest every year in the park, but no longer.
For the day, 55 species.
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 6/18/25 7:50 pm From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk for Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for 6/18/2025
Dear Tweets,
Approximately 30 of us started out for a wet Wednesday with Cloudy skies
and light rain, but by late morning the sprinkles subsided and we had
partly Sunny skies in the afternoon. Temperatures were in the 50's to 60's
degrees Fahrenheit. There was a High 9'0" Tide at 11:18am, so we did our
regular route. Highlights included BLACK PHOEBE in the Visitor Center Pond
by the first twin bench overlook before the Access Road seen by Steve and
Mary at 7am, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE at the nest in the Cottonwood Trees on the
outside of the Twin Barns Loop Trail approximately 100 feet south of the
Twin Barns cut-off, WILSON'S SNIPE in the freshwater marsh, and both
FRANKLIN'S GULL and WHIMBREL on the mudflats west of Leschi Slough and
north of the Nisqually Estuary Trail or new dike. We also had wonderful
views of nesting YELLOW WARBLER and WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE on the Riparian
Forest Overlook Trail six railing planks from the entrance with the YEWA
nest on the left twenty feet out and twenty feet high and the WEWP fifty
feet high above the right side of the trail.
For the day we observed 71 species, with Black Phoebe being FOY we have
observed 158 species this year. See our eBird report pasted below with
additional details.
We also observed Muskrat, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Columbian
Black-tailed Deer, Harbor Seal, Townsend's Chipmunk, Eastern Gray Squirrel,
American Bullfrog and Northern Red-legged Frog.
Until next week when we meet again at 8am at the Visitor Center Pond
Overlook, happy birding,
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Jun 18, 2025 6:09 AM - 4:10 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.259 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Cloudy with light rain in the
morning. Partly sunny in the afternoon. Temperatures between 50’s to 60’s
degrees Fahrenheit. A High 9’0”Tide at 11:18am. Others seen Muskrat,
Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Harbor Seal,
Townsend’s Chipmunk, and Eastern Gray Squirrel. Others seen, American
Bullfrog and Northern Red-legged Frog.
71 species (+2 other taxa)
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 75
Wood Duck 6
Blue-winged Teal 4
Mallard 30
Hooded Merganser 1
Common Merganser 13
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 12
Band-tailed Pigeon (Northern) 2
Mourning Dove 1
Anna's Hummingbird 2
Rufous Hummingbird 6
Virginia Rail 3
Sora 1
Killdeer 1
Whimbrel 1 Large shorebird foraging on mudflats west of Leschi Slough
and north of Nisqually Estuary Trail. Photo.
Wilson's Snipe 3
Spotted Sandpiper 1 Female
Franklin's Gull 1 Observed with other gulls on mudflats north of
Nisqually Estuary Trail. Roosting on mudflats. Dark mantled gull with
black head and split white eye arcs. Black wing tips, dark to black and red
bill and legs. Pink wash to breast. Photos.
Ring-billed Gull 75
California Gull 75
Glaucous-winged Gull 1
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 2
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 10
Caspian Tern 40
Pied-billed Grebe 3
Brandt's Cormorant 7
Pelagic Cormorant 1
Double-crested Cormorant 75
Great Blue Heron 90
Bald Eagle 20
Belted Kingfisher 5
Red-breasted Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 3
Pileated Woodpecker 1 Spotted by Rob in Twin Barns Picnic Area.
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 1
Western Wood-Pewee 6 Nest on Riparian Forest Overlook Trail 50 feet
high and 6 railing planks from entrance over right side of trail. Across
the trail from Yellow Warbler Nest.
Willow Flycatcher 4
Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope) 1
Black Phoebe 1 Spotted by Steve Meyers and Mary on the west side of
the Twin Barns Loop Trail near the first double bench overlook before the
access road. Seen at 7am. Black Flycatcher with white belly, distinctive.
Warbling Vireo (Western) 3
American Crow 8
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 4
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 4
Bank Swallow 5
Tree Swallow 25
Violet-green Swallow 10
Purple Martin 2 Luhr Beach gourds.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 5
Barn Swallow (American) 40 Occupied nests Visitor Center.
Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group) 50 Occupied nests Visitor Center,
Observation Tower, and McAllister Creek Viewing Platform.
Brown Creeper 2
Marsh Wren 11
Bewick's Wren (spilurus Group) 2
European Starling 20
Swainson's Thrush 22
American Robin 25
Cedar Waxwing 20
House Finch 2
Purple Finch (Western) 4
Red Crossbill 5 Heard and seen by Janelle at 7:30am from Nisqually
River Overlook.
Pine Siskin 2 Seen by Janelle at Twin Barns Overlook.
American Goldfinch 35
Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 6
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 35
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 1
Bullock's Oriole 2
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 150
Brown-headed Cowbird 50
Common Yellowthroat 10
Yellow Warbler (Northern) 27 Occupied nest with young on Riparian
Forest Overlook Trail, 6 railing planks from entrance on left side of trail
20 feet back and 20 feet high on a drooped branch off the right side of a
Red Alder, across the trail from Western Wood-pewee nest.
Wilson's Warbler 2 Heard only
Black-headed Grosbeak 4
Date: 6/18/25 5:42 pm From: Anderson, Christopher D \(DFW\) via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Falconry in WA State
Hi Tweets,
Been some time here since posting - always appreciate the forum and camaraderie of this group!
It was brought to WDFW attention from outside parties that there was a recent request for location information regarding the prospect of legal acquisition of falconry raptors by area permitted falconers. Certain raptors can be legally captured per issued state falconry permits, etc. The legality of falconry in WA was/is the concern of the requesting parties regarding the recent Tweeters post. I relayed I would post a bit of educational information.
WDFW wants to emphasize that permitted falconers can capture specific raptors per the stipulations of their falconry permits and any other applicable state, federal, or local regulations. Falconers are required to go through much training/apprenticeship and personal investment in the bird(s) in order to be issued permits and retain "falconer" status.
Chris Anderson (he, him, his)
District Wildlife Biologist
District 12, King County
WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife - Region 4
16018 Mill Creek Blvd.<x-apple-data-detectors://4/0>
Mill Creek, WA 98012<x-apple-data-detectors://4/0>
Desk: 425-341-2054
<Christopher.Anderson...><mailto:<Christopher.Anderson...> http://wdfw.wa.gov<http://wdfw.wa.gov/> __________________________________________________
Date: 6/17/25 7:56 am From: Claudia Turner via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Nighthawks
I’ve been hearing Nighthawks this month here in Shoreline. Just before sunset. I live near the Community College. I’ve also noticed many dragonflies in my yard, so I’m thinking there’s been lots of bugs for the Nighthawks.
Date: 6/17/25 7:42 am From: Rob Faucett via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlin errors
I’m not sure if there is a formal mechanism but I can pass mis-IDs along to the Merlin Team.
Likely better to send the metadata directly to me as opposed to the list.
Call anytime.
Rob
—
Rob Faucett
+1(206) 619-5569
<robfaucett...>
Seattle, WA 98105
> On Jun 16, 2025, at 9:28 PM, Louise via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> Is there a way to tell Merlin that it's wrong? It keeps trying to convince me that there's a chipping sparrow at my house when I'm looking at a dark eyed junco throwing its head back and churring. I would very much like to help educate the app, but I've tried all the menu options I can find from both the recording session and that specific sound ID, and I can't find a way to say 'no you're wrong, it's a junco'.
>
> Louise Rutter
> Kirkland
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 6/16/25 9:41 pm From: Louise via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Merlin errors
Is there a way to tell Merlin that it's wrong? It keeps trying to convince me that there's a chipping sparrow at my house when I'm looking at a dark eyed junco throwing its head back and churring. I would very much like to help educate the app, but I've tried all the menu options I can find from both the recording session and that specific sound ID, and I can't find a way to say 'no you're wrong, it's a junco'.
Date: 6/16/25 8:39 pm From: Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Merlin agrees with you
Months ago I posted a question about a buzzy double bzzz-buzz call. I couldn't get a recording for Merlin, but Tweeters suggested it was a Dark-eyed Junco. I've heard it again today and just got a recording that Merlin identifies as DE Junco. No visual, so it's probable, not a certainty, but Merlin agrees with the wisdom of Tweeters.
Date: 6/16/25 4:49 pm From: B B via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Last Blog Post before Leaving for Colombia - Migration, a Flammulated Owl and the 12 Birds Remaining to Be Photographed in Washington
Date: 6/16/25 3:18 pm From: Kersti Muul via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] NightHawks discussion nas Merlins
Carol - quid pro quo.
Where were the Merlins? There's a nesting pair in gatewood that I monitor, and also a pair in north West Seattle, which I don't think are nesting this year. An individual from the north pair has been seen and heard a few times lately. Would be good to confirm which area you heard them. I heard the gatewood pair do a prey exchange yesterday, right above my car, it momentarily drowned out the Mariners game...such a problem to have.
'my' Nighthawks have been heard just up from beach drive - between Beach drive and Morgan junction area. I have also had them reported to me off Graham and 46th, as well as California and 98th in Arbor Heights. I mentioned last year on here that I have great luck with them at the north fork of the Snoqualmie river. Good numbers around, detected visually - as well as buzzing and courtship booms. It's wonderful to just stand there in the moonlight listening to them. I have a fond memory of photographing C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) in 2020 while surrounded by Nighthawks, mosquitos and foxglove.
I also hear them on Tiger Mountain cruising through the hi-line corridor before dawn. There are a lot of birds there in general!
Last summer it was fun to watch a nest on a roof In Bremerton via updates online. 2 fledged.
Date: 6/16/25 1:35 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] JBLM Eagle's Pride Golf Course Monthly Birdwalk -Thursday, June 19
Hi Tweeters,
The Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) birdwalk is scheduled for Thursday, June 19.
The JBLM Eagle's Pride GC birders meet the third Thursday of each month at 8:00AM<outlook-data-detector://2> March-Oct. (Starting time changes to 9:00AM Nov-Feb).
Starting point is the Driving Range Tee, Eagle's Pride Golf Course, I-5 Exit 116, Mounts Road Exit. When you turn into the course entrance, take an immediate left onto the road to the driving range - that's where we meet. Please park reasonably close to other vehicles as this is a busy time of the year for both golfers and birders. ;>)
Also, to remind folks that haven't been here before, even though Eagle's Pride is a US Army recreation facility, you don't need any ID to attend these birdwalks. Hope you're able to make it!
Current weather forecast is 54-65degF (60-72 real-feel) and mostly cloudy during the walk. As always, dress for success!
Date: 6/16/25 1:32 pm From: Mark Borden via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Barred owl Nest Location Needed
Hello Tweeters,
Does anyone know of an active Barred Owl nest? I have/had two here on
Whidbey, but one is not active this season, and the other was cleaned out
by the local Great Horned Pair.
I would like to train a Barred Owl or two to include in a chapter in my
coming book; The Great Horned Owl and Her Falconry.” Initially the book was
to only cover the GHO, but I feel compelled to act as an advocate for a
species that has a lot of potential as a falconry (recreational) and
educational bird. The Barred Owl needs a “friend” at this point, as well
as some promotion.
Please reply directly to me at <Markbordenmd...> or call/text
360-632-7484.
Date: 6/15/25 6:14 pm From: His via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Night Hawks
Same here. I grew up in central Michigan next to a hospital. Nighthawks nested on top for years and I had them tagged as coming back around May 24 and leaving around August 24. As a kid I learned a lot about science and research thanks to Nighthawk behavior.
On a bad note, I too remember chasing the spraying trucks during mosquito season. Good example of what you don’t know could kill you … or make you really sick decades later.
Bill Whitacre
Alexandria, VA
---
> On Jun 15, 2025, at 8:28 PM, Jack Nolan via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> When I was a kid in the Midwest (ancient history) I heard NHs all the time. Then they started spraying for mosquitoes. We used to chase the trucks on our bikes!
> But I heard some on Orcas Island last weekend and it immediately took me back. What a great summer sound.
>
> Jack Nolan
> Shoreline, WA.
> Sent from my iPhone. Pardon my brevity and typos.
Date: 6/15/25 5:41 pm From: Jack Nolan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Night Hawks
When I was a kid in the Midwest (ancient history) I heard NHs all the time. Then they started spraying for mosquitoes. We used to chase the trucks on our bikes! But I heard some on Orcas Island last weekend and it immediately took me back. What a great summer sound.
Date: 6/15/25 3:48 pm From: Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Question about the Nighthawks
Kersti, where did you hear the nighthawks? I grew up here and remember hearing them every summer, but I haven't heard them in the Seattle area for years. Your post was positive news.
Date: 6/15/25 3:45 pm From: Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Merlin
This morning I was hearing the Merlin's "kee-kee-kee" call and when I looked for it, it was jetting after a Bald Eagle. The eagle was paying attention to the tiny threat.
Date: 6/15/25 1:47 pm From: <heapbigdoc...> via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Croatia list
Try going to "Explore Region", entering "Croatia", then going to "Target list". You can set this up for July and choose from World or Croatia life, year, or month list.- Roy Myers _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 6/15/25 12:06 pm From: Fleckenstein via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Printable list from EBird
Friends, I’m going to be in Croatia in July. I would like to extract from Ebird a list of birds known from there at that time. I’ve only been able to find a list of all years, of this year, and of this month.
I'd also like to extract a list from a geographic area, including a number of hotspots. Is this possible?
Date: 6/13/25 2:51 pm From: Judith A. Howard via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] audiologist recommendation
This is in response to Charles Hesselein’s request for audiologist recommendations. Sandra Ellis of Seattle Hearing and Balance Center, is just terrific. She is the audiologist for the Seattle Symphony, among many other clients.
Date: 6/12/25 2:43 pm From: <jmyb...> via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Reply to Recommended audiologists in Seattle/Kitsap area?
I am very pleased with Miracle Ear in Gig Harbor. I had enough hearing loss in one ear so I could not locate the direction of a bird song. Mathew made a very complete digital evaluation. Now I can properly detect the direction of sounds.
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 6/12/25 1:27 pm From: MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Kent Valley birding 6.12.25
This morning the REDHEAD pair continued at the M Street Marsh in Auburn. There was also an AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN and all 3 teal species. These birds were at the Mill Creek overflow between the main pond and Emerald Downs.
There were also several LAZULI BUNTINGS. A single GREATER YELLOWLEGS was at the main pond.
....that the elected might never form to themselves an interest separate from the electors ...
- Thomas Paine, from Common Sense
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Date: 6/12/25 12:48 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-06-12
Tweets - It was a cool, gray morning with little wind and few bird sightings. We were doing a lot of birding-by-ear, and were able to at least detect most of the expected birds. Nothing particularly unusual popped up.
Highlights: Canada Goose - Close-up views of adults and juveniles in the slough Wood Duck - Two clutches of ducklings Mallard - Several clutches of ducklings Spotted Sandpiper - One heard below the weir Green Heron - One flying north up the slough Merlin - One streaked east south of the Viewing Mound Pine Siskin - One in the edge of the Dog Meadow Yellow-rumped Warbler - One near gate to Clise Mansion Wilson's Warbler - One heard just south of the windmill
There were many baby birds of many species. We heard BUSHTITS in a tree, and managed to glimpse a couple. Moments later, a stream of fifteen Bushtits flew out of the bush. We had a similar experience with BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, though that was more like seven birds. Baby JUNCOS and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were seen. There were many, many ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, at least some of which appeared to be likely juvies.
Mammal highlights included a DEER and a COYOTE, both just before 6:00 a.m.
Misses for today included Common Merganser, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Cliff Swallow, and Bullock's Oriole.
For the day, 57 species, with nothing new for the year (still at 119 for 2025 for the survey).
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 6/12/25 11:42 am From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for 6/12/2025
Hi Tweets,
Approximately 35 of us had a quick start to a cool and breezy Spring day at
the Refuge with temperatures in the 50's to 60's degrees Fahrenheit and Low
-2'2" Tide at 12:28pm. The big highlight of the morning was a very
cooperative HUDSONIAN GODWIT on the mudflats north of the Nisqually Estuary
Trail or new dike and just west of Leschi Slough where gulls and shorebirds
tend to congregate. I was out scouting before the walk and spotted the
Hudsonian Godwit around 7am. A Godwit with gray head, dark eyeline, rusty
gray breast and belly, and black underwing with white rump and black tail
in flight. I posted the sighting in Thurston/Mason RBA WhatsApp Chats and
coordinated with regular Wednesday Walkers to prepare an alternate route
for the morning to get others on the bird. I think this may be the first
sighting for Thurston County, although I could be wrong. They're reports
it is being seen today, Thursday 6/12. It was an exciting morning for the
Wednesday Walkers. We also enjoyed nice looks at upwards of three WILSON'S
PHALAROPE, juvenile PIED-BILLED GREBE, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, CINNAMON TEAL, and
WILSON'S SNIPE in the freshwater marsh. Ken Brown spotted a funky
BONAPARTE'S GULL along the dike. With all the excitement I tried to turn
it into a Black-headed Gull as this subadult bird had molt and a big bulky
bill. Thanks to Raphael's underwing photo and the help of several
excellent birders who twitched the godwit sighting, we could confirm BOGU.
Other nice sightings included a SHORT-BILLED GULL on the Nisqually Estuary
Boardwalk Trail, and a YELLOW WARBLER on the nest on the north side of the
Riparian Forest Overlook Trail two railing planks west of the first
overlook approximately 25' high on the right hand side of a thin deciduous
tree found by Bill and Carol Langford.
For the day we observed 66 species. With the Hudsonian Godwit being First
of Year, we have observed 157 species for 2025. First of Yard/Patch, we
have observed 218 species since 2016 when we started our eBird account
Nisqually Birdwatch.
Please see our eBird Report posted below, photos being added.
Until next week when we meet again at 8am at the Visitor Center Pond
Overlook, happy birding.
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Jun 11, 2025 6:02 AM - 3:02 PM
Protocol: Traveling
6.0 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Cloudy with temperatures in the
50’s to 70’s degrees Fahrenheit. A Low -2’2” Tide at 12:28pm. Mammals seen
Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Townsend’s Chipmunk, Muskrat, Eastern Gray
Squirrel, and Harbor Seal. Others seen include Red-eared Slider, juvenile
Coho salmon in Riparian Forest Overlook channels.
66 species (+5 other taxa)
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 30
Wood Duck 12
Blue-winged Teal 2
Cinnamon Teal 1
Blue-winged/Cinnamon Teal 1
Gadwall 2
Mallard 40
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 5
Band-tailed Pigeon (Northern) 9
Mourning Dove 2
Vaux's Swift 2
Anna's Hummingbird 1
Rufous Hummingbird 2
hummingbird sp. 1
Virginia Rail 2
Sora 2
Killdeer 3
Hudsonian Godwit 1 Photo. Seen from Nisqually Estuary Trail or new
Dike on mudflats north of trail and west of Leschi Slough. Foraging on
mudflats, large shorebird - godwit with gray head and red-gray breast and
belly. Black bar on tail with dark underwing and long wing-stripe. Observed
through out the day.
Wilson's Snipe 2
Wilson's Phalarope 3 Two females and one male observed in freshwater
marsh south of Nisqually Estuary Trail or new dike.
Bonaparte's Gull 1 Immature bird with large bill. Light underwing
consistent species.
Short-billed Gull 1 Photo. Immature bird, likely a second or third
cycle. Small danty bill.
Ring-billed Gull 30
California Gull 40
Glaucous-winged Gull 5
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 2
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 10
Larus sp. 100
Caspian Tern 2
Pied-billed Grebe 2 Juveniles
Brandt's Cormorant 10 Nisqually River channel marker.
Double-crested Cormorant 50
Great Blue Heron 45
Bald Eagle 30 Nest on West Bank of McAllister Hill across from Puget
Sound Observation Platform.
Belted Kingfisher 4
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 2
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 3
Western Wood-Pewee 4
Willow Flycatcher 3
Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope) 1
Warbling Vireo (Western) 2
Steller's Jay (Coastal) 2
American Crow 8
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 11
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 2
Bank Swallow 5
Tree Swallow 20
Violet-green Swallow 2
Purple Martin 18 Luhr Beach Martin Gourds.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3
Barn Swallow (American) 40
Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group) 40
Brown Creeper 2
Marsh Wren 10
Bewick's Wren (spilurus Group) 3
European Starling 400
Swainson's Thrush 37
American Robin (migratorius Group) 36
Cedar Waxwing 16
Purple Finch 4
American Goldfinch 25
Savannah Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 20
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 1
Bullock's Oriole 1
Red-winged Blackbird 60
Brown-headed Cowbird 15
Common Yellowthroat 10
Yellow Warbler (Northern) 30 Occupied nest Riparian Forest Overlook,
two railing planks west of first observation platform on left side of
trail. Above eye level15-20 feet high in branch on right side of trail.
Black-headed Grosbeak 10
Date: 6/12/25 9:25 am From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] WDFW seeks applicants for Wildlife Diversity Advisory Council positions
Hello Tweeters,
If youre at all interested in non-game wildlife in Washington, please consider applying for a position on this advisory council. Its one of the most active and respected advisory councils working with the WDFW. (The Diversity Division in WDFW is involved with all non-game wildlife including invertebrates, amphibians, birds, mammals, etc. The current council members include folks from a diverse set of backgrounds, including academia, Audubon (and those renamed orgs) societies, Conservation Northwest, etc., as well as others not affiliated with any one particular organization.)
May all your birds be identified,
Denis DeSilvis
avnacrs 4 birds at outlook dot com
________________________________
From: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife <WDFW...>
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2025 08:46
To: <royhome...> <royhome...>
Subject: WDFW seeks applicants for Wildlife Diversity Advisory Council positions
WDFW Director Kelly Susewind will appoint or re-appoint up to 20 members to the advisory council, with the intent for at least one third of the appointees to be new members. Appointments are based on applicants interests regarding wildlife and their ability to productively communicate their perspectives to the Department and stakeholders. WDAC members serve a three-year term, and prospective applicants should be available for advisory council meetings beginning as early as September 2025.
The Department is seeking applicants to represent a broad range of members with a demonstrated interest in wildlife diversity. All members of the public are invited to apply 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.
To ensure the council represents a diversity of views, WDFW especially encourages applicants who can represent tribes, urban and rural communities, agricultural and timbered landscapes, eastern and western Washington, land trusts, hunters, anglers, wildlife enthusiasts, academia, and conservation organizations. Applicants can be affiliated with an organized group, but affiliation is not required.
To apply, applicants must submit a letter of interest that provides the following information:
* Applicants name, address, telephone number, and email address.
* Reason(s) for wanting to serve as a member of the advisory council.
* A summary of relevant experience, skills, and other qualifications.
* Confirmation of ability to attend weekday meetings in person and virtually.
Email your application to <WDAC...><mailto:<WDAC...> no later than July 15, 2025.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
This email was sent to <royhome...> using govDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife 1111 Washington St. SE Olympia, WA 98501
Date: 6/11/25 4:30 pm From: Charles Hesselein via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Recommended audiologists in Seattle/Kitsap area?
Hey All,
I’m looking for a recommendation for an audiologist or audiology clinic in within 25-30 miles of my Port Orchard home that you’ve been happy with for resolving your high frequency hearing loss issues especially as they relate to birding. I need a new pair of hearing aids and would like to try a different provider than I currently have.
Date: 6/10/25 2:59 pm From: Scott Ramos via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Columbia journey, update
Tweets,
The second part of our trip to Colombia is now published. It includes the accounts of our time in La Guajira department and the mountains above Santa Marta. Not surprising that there is very little overlap of avifauna between these two habitats.
The first few days were at the coast in a region of dry scrub, followed by several days at 1500+ m in dense montane and tropical forest. Of particular interest to birders, there are 28 species of birds that are endemic to the Santa Marta mountains. We saw most of them.
Date: 6/8/25 11:05 am From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Fwd: Watch "This Genius Drone has Feathers!! #breakthrough #science #drone" on YouTube
This may only be a 0.5 on the birding Richter scale, but hopefully this will be of interest to some members of Tweeters. Over the years we have seen thousands of American Crows. Recently the lighting was right and the crow was stationary enough that we saw one with blue eyes.
Date: 6/6/25 4:35 pm From: Ellen Blackstone via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Caitlyn C and the Sequalitchew Creek issue
I couldn't find an address for Caitlyn, so I'll send this to Tweeters at large.
The Sequalitchew Creek project sounds like a real environmental disaster. But it needs to be clarified that this is the EDMOND Marsh as opposed to the EDMONDS Marsh north of Seattle.
The subject line said Edmonds. Yikes!
Cheers, Ellen Blackstone ellenblackstone AT gmail DOT COM EdmondS, WA
Date: 6/6/25 4:27 pm From: Odette James via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Blue-winged Teal
Today at the Cedar River Delta, a trio of Blue-winged Teal - two males and a female. Not exactly a rare bird, but very unusual at this location.
Odette James, Lakeshore Retirement Community
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Date: 6/6/25 1:47 pm From: Carol Riddell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Edmonds Roundup - May 2025
Hi Tweeters,
With May additions we have reached 161 species for the 2025 Edmonds city year list. In chronological order the new species are:
Black-headed Grosbeak (code 2), 1 at Southwest County Park, 5-2-25.
Western Kingbird (code 4), 1 at Edmonds marsh, 5-3-25.
Yellow Warbler (code 2), 1 at Edmonds marsh, 5-4-23.
Olive-sided Flycatcher (code 3), 1 at Edmonds marsh (recording), 5-5-25.
Black Oystercatcher (code 4), 2 at the waterfront (ID photo), 5-6-25.
Yellow-headed Blackbird (code 3), 1 at Edmonds marsh (ID photo), 5-7-25.
Swainson’s Thrush (code 2), 1 each at Maplewood and Yost Parks, 5-7-25.
Northern Harrier (code 3), 1 at Edmonds marsh (described), 5-8-25.
Western Wood-Pewee (code 2), 1 at Yost Park, 5-8-25.
Semipalmated Plover (code 3), 1 at Edmonds marsh (ID photo), 5-9-25.
Parasitic Jaeger (code 3), 1 at waterfront (described), 5-11-25.
Lazuli Bunting (code 5), 1 male at a Sierra Park neighborhood yard (ID photo), 5-12-25.
Brown Pelican (code 4), 1 at waterfront (ID photo), 5-17-25.
Red-necked Phalarope (code 3), 3 at waterfront (described), 5-18-25.
Spotted Sandpiper (code 3), 1 at waterfront, 5-24-25.
Green Heron (code 3), 2 in a flyby seen from Point Edwards, 5-27-25.
There were a number of rarer species for Edmonds reported in eBird but had no or inadequate documentation. That made it impossible to add these species to the city’s year list with any confidence. They include Black Swift (code 4), Black-bellied Plover (code 4), Bank Swallow (code 4), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (code 3), Northern House Wren (code 4), Nashville Warbler (code 4), and MacGillivray’s Warbler (code 4).
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 May, 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
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Date: 6/6/25 11:29 am From: Caitlyn C via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Help protect Edmonds Marsh from gravel mine expansion activities!
Pioneer Aggregates seeks to destroy over 180 acres of forest and wetlands along Sequalitchew Creek in present day Dupont to expand their mine. In addition, they are requesting to drain the Vashon Aquifer in a four mile radius to achieve deeper dry-mining conditions.
The final EIS released on May 22nd reveals disastrous consequences. The groundwater flow to nearby Sequalitchew Creek will nearly be eliminated. Edmond Marsh will be dried up and the Kettle Marsh will be destroyed in its entirety. Sequalitchew Creek, which once flowed from Sequalitchew Lake to Puget Sound will likely never recover to its once abundant salmon-bearing state, threatening orca recovery as well.
Please help oppose this project. Send a letter to the Hearing Examiner today: tinyurl.com/SaveSequalitchew
Date: 6/5/25 3:59 pm From: Bob Flores via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Lesser Nighthawk seen today?
I am thinking of heading that way would be great to hear it’s been seen today, Thursday.
Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 6/5/25 12:02 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-06-05
Tweets - It was a very pleasant 53 degrees to start, and a very pleasant one-layer-less 65 by the end, under mostly sunny skies with no wind. Really ideal for walking around. It was pretty birdy, but we have entered into the main breeding season, so surprise species are uncommon.
Highlights: Canada Goose - Many juveniles, some nearly fully feathered. Flock stayed on the lake and in the slough today Common Merganser - One on the lake, our first in four weeks Virginia Rail - One called spontaneously from across the slough, our first in three weeks Red-tailed Hawk - One soaring slowly over the Rowing Club, our first in three weeks Chestnut-backed Chickadee - Adults feeding a juvenile Northern Rough-winged Swallow - Two at the Lake Platform Dark-eyed Junco - Juveniles seen White-crowned Sparrow - Adult with very young fledgling in the Pea Patch Orange-crowned Warbler - A couple heard singing pre-dawn, and one heard singing at the Rowing Club Western Tanager - Male at Rowing Club was seen eating a large, green caterpillar Lazuli Bunting - Male singing near Viewing Mound
The confusing situation continues at the Purple Martin gourds at the Lake Platform. Pre-dawn, Tree Swallows seemed to be owning them. Later, both species were at both gourds, going in and out, but Purple Martins dominating. Not sure which species has/have eggs in there... We're hoping to see juvenile heads sticking out soon. I also saw some indication that Purple Martins may again be nesting in the snags south of the Rowing Club. Martins in natural cavities is a treat.
Missing species today included Rock Pigeon Vaux's Swift, Glaucous-winged Gull, Green Heron, Steller's Jay, Violet-green Swallow, and Barn Swallow.
I did see a Coyote, and we had an American Beaver in the slough. Bunnies and squirrels as well, of course.
For the day, 55 species. Nothing new for the year for the 2nd-straight week.
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 6/5/25 11:32 am From: Cara Borre via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Westport Seabirds Trip Report Friday May 30th
Westport Seabirds had a fantastic outing on Friday, May 30th despite a
couple of challenges we overcame. This trip was originally scheduled for
Saturday, but the predicted weekend winds forced a shift to Friday. We
lost a few participants who weren’t available on Friday, and picked up a
couple lucky birders who were able to make last minute plans to join us on
what ended up being a very memorable journey.
The weather on Friday was perfect, clear skies, calm seas, and smooth
sailing once we crossed the bar. We had the usual complement of nearshore
birds on the way out including all 3 cormorant species, Common and Pacific
Loons, Common Murre, Rhinoceros Auklet, and Pigeon Guillemot.
Our plan was to intersect some shrimp boats about 15 miles offshore. As we
motored out we encountered an area with more than a few deadhead logs which
forced us to slow our progress. We felt a small thud at our stern while
Phil was navigating the obstacles, but the Monte Carlo appeared unfazed and
it was full steam ahead as we proceeded westward.
Within a couple of hours we arrived at the fleet of 5 shrimpers. We were
rewarded with huge flocks of birds trailing the boats. We had only
encountered 5 Sooty Shearwater and no Pink-footed Shearwater on the way
out, so we were thrilled to find 20,000 and 2,000 respectively of these
species attending the boats. As we had veteran and newbie pelagic birders
onboard, this was a great opportunity to show off the differences between
our two most common shearwaters side-by-side. Our most common albatross
did not disappoint either. We counted 25 Black-footed Albatross at these
boats and got great looks at these giants on the water as well as in
flight. Also near the boats we discovered a Smart Car-sized Ocean Sunfish
and took the time to examine its odd features in the clear water.
Under way again and heading west to deeper water, we noticed a distant
South Polar Skua on our starboard side circling close to the water. We
called the participants' attention to this bird hoping it would approach or
that we might approach it. While that was going on, a couple of us
happened to look at our port side and saw a Laysan Albatross bobbing
strangely in the water in front of us. We redirected everyone’s attention
to this bird and watched it bob in the water like a buoy a few seconds
longer before lifting off and taking flight. We saw it glide back and
forth a few times from the stern, and like the skua, it eventually
disappeared from view.
After the Laysan’s exit, Phil joined us at the stern with some
unanticipated news. He explained that the thing we hit earlier in the trip
had likely wrapped around our propellers and was now impairing our ability
to move efficiently. The Monte Carlo, like most boats of its size, is
equipped with two engines and propellers. Phil worked the engines forward
and in reverse in an attempt to clear the props. We noticed blue filaments
in the water and finally a short length of frayed line. Eventually he
regained sufficient power, apparently freeing one propeller, but the other
remained locked up tight. Down a prop, we were forced to abort our journey
into deeper waters and made an early departure bound for Westport.
On the way back, we did manage a few flybys of Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, a
species we typically see well at our chum stop in deeper water. We
considered ourselves lucky that everyone saw this species on a day we had
to skip the chumming. We also paused for a small pod of Pacific
white-sided dolphin with good close views. Other mammals included humpback
whales and nice close looks at several gray whales feeding near the mouth
of Grays Harbor.
Though fate sent winds and pesky stray crabbing rope (that’s what the diver
removed from our props) to complicate our plans, we managed a very
successful trip to everyone’s delight. Captain Phil Anderson, Firstmate
Chris Anderson, spotters Bill Shelmerdine, Scott Mills, and I want to
extend a big thank you to all who accompanied us on this most memorable
voyage. Kudos to Captain Phil for great decision making, troubleshooting,
and as always, giving us an opportunity to explore the sea.
Owing to climate change, insect populations are collapsing even in pristine areas untouched by pesticides, with related declines in insect-eating birds.
Date: 6/5/25 9:15 am From: Mike Wagenbach via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] San Juan Island bluebirds?
I understand there are a couple of dozen bluebird nest boxes on San Juan Island. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Preservation Trust does not seem very willing to publicize a list of them. Can anyone tip me to the location of one or two that are scope-able from a public location?
Date: 6/5/25 7:33 am From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for 6/4/2025
Hi Tweets,
Approximately 30 of us had a very fine day at the Refuge with mostly cloudy
skies and light intermittent rain in the morning. Temperatures were in the
50's to 60's degrees Fahrenheit. There was a Low 3'4" Tide at 8:39am and a
High 8'6" Tide at 2:00pm so we followed our usual route. Highlights
included ten WOOD DUCK ducklings with a hen in the Visitor Center Pond,
great looks of RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD in the Orchard, late comers heard the
AMERICAN BITTERN booming in the flooded field south of the Twin Barns,
patient birders saw the BULLOCK'S ORIOLE return to the nest on the outside
of the west side Twin Barns Loop Trail 100 feet south of the Twin Barns
cut-off, great looks of two PIED-BILLED GREBE chicks in the freshwater
marsh, and First of Year FRANKLIN'S GULL on the mudflats around the
McAllister Creek Viewing Platform on the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail.
For the day we observed 71 species with decreasing numbers of waterfowl and
shorebirds. We have observed 156 species so far this year with FOY
Franklin's Gull and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER.
Others seen included a fawn Columbian Black-tailed Deer from the Twin Barns
Overlook, Townsend's Chipmunk, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Eastern Gray
Squirrel, Harbor Seal, Muskrat (along Twin Barns Loop Trail), and juvenile
Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon Fry in the freshwater tidal channels of the
Riparian Forest Overlook).
The Refuge Ranger and Volunteers have observed American Crow destroying
Barn Swallow nests in the Visitor Center breezeway, we suspect predating on
eggs and chicks.
See our eBird report below.
Until next week, when we meet again at 8am at the Visitor Center, happy
birding. I look forward to seeing some of you at the WFO-WOS Conference in
Yakima this weekend.
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Jun 4, 2025 7:33 AM - 4:42 PM
Protocol: Traveling
6.584 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Cloudy with light rain in the
morning and partly sunny skies in the afternoon. A Low 3’4” Tide at 8:39am
and a High 8’6” Tide at 2:00pm. Mammals seen Townsend’s Chipmunk, Eastern
Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Muskrat, Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Eastern Gray
Squirrel, and Harbor Seal. Others seen American Bullfrog and Red-eared
Slider.
71 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 60
Wood Duck 12
Blue-winged Teal 3
Cinnamon Teal 2
Gadwall 2
Mallard 30
Hooded Merganser 2
Common Merganser 4
Band-tailed Pigeon 12
Eurasian Collared-Dove 1
Mourning Dove 5
Rufous Hummingbird 5
Virginia Rail 2
Killdeer 1
Franklin's Gull 1 Observed foraging and flying on mudflats with bins
and spotting scopes from the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail in the area
around the McAllister Creek Viewing Platform at 100 feet to 1/4 mile. Bird
was adjacent to RBGU and CAGU. Photos taken. Black headed gull with red
bill, split eye ring, rose wash to breast. Mantle darker then area gulls.
White crescent on open wing between gray back and black tips to wing.
Short-billed Gull 1 Spotted by Ken on Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk
Trail north of the McAllister Creek Viewing Platform. Small yellow legged
dark eyed gull with small danty dark tipped bill and darker mantle then
area RBGU. Photos taken. Unusual mark right face.
Ring-billed Gull 75
California Gull 8
Glaucous-winged Gull 15
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 20
Caspian Tern 15
Pied-billed Grebe 3
Brandt's Cormorant 3
Double-crested Cormorant 80
American Bittern 1
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 60
Osprey 1
Bald Eagle 20
Belted Kingfisher 2
Red-breasted Sapsucker 2
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 2
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Olive-sided Flycatcher 1 West Bank of McAllister Creek.
Western Wood-Pewee 6
Willow Flycatcher 4
Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope) 2
Warbling Vireo (Western) 8
Steller's Jay 2
American Crow 11
Common Raven 2
Black-capped Chickadee 9
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 8
Bank Swallow 5
Tree Swallow 30
Violet-green Swallow 8
Purple Martin 4
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3
Barn Swallow (American) 50
Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group) 60
Bushtit (Pacific) 10
Brown Creeper 3
Pacific Wren 1
Marsh Wren 12
Bewick's Wren 3
European Starling 30
Swainson's Thrush 28
American Robin 25
Cedar Waxwing 45
Purple Finch 4
Pine Siskin 6
American Goldfinch 15
Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 4
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 45
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 2
Bullock's Oriole 1
Red-winged Blackbird 40
Brown-headed Cowbird 20
Common Yellowthroat 8
Yellow Warbler 30
Wilson's Warbler 1
Black-headed Grosbeak 10
Date: 6/4/25 5:58 am From: Matt Bartels via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] WBRC SPRING 2025 MEETING RESULT
WBRC Spring 2025 MEETING RESULTS
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, the Washington Bird Records Committee met via zoom for its spring meeting.
A summary of our results:
21 reports were accepted as valid new records.
2 additional records were accepted as continuing sightings of records previously accepted at earlier meetings.
10 reports were not accepted.
2 reports were tabled for further review
The state checklist remains at 528 species, including 515 species fully accredited (supported by specimen, photograph, or recording) and 13 species which are sight-only records (supported only by written documentation).
Key: Votes in parentheses (# accepted – # not accepted – # abstain)
[Notations: p=photo, v = video, a = audio, s = sketch]
ACCEPTED RECORDS:
BESW-2024-2, “Bewick's” Tundra Swan – 15 December 2024 - 8 March 2025, Polson Rd./Fir Island, Skagit County. Joshua Bassett [p], Sandy Pringle [p], Eric Ray [p] (7-0-0).
BESW-2025-1, “Bewick's” Tundra Swan – 8 January - 12 February 2025, Field's Riffle, Snohomish, Snohomish County. Charlotte Byers [p], Peter Erickson [p], Joey McCracken [p], Maxine Reid [p], Kellie Sagen [p] (7-0-0).
BESW-2025-2, “Bewick's” Tundra Swan – 19 January, 22-25 March 2025, W. Badger Road and Loomis Trail Road, Lynden, Whatcom County. RJ Baltierra [p], Stephen Chase [p], Phil Wegener [p] (7-0-0).
WHOS-2024-2, Whooper Swan – 11 December 2024 - 17 January 2025, Jones Rd., Sumas, Whatcom County. Stephen Chase [p], Sia McGown [p], Carol Riddell [p], Valentina Roumi [p], Darchelle Worley [p] (7-0-0).
KIEI-2024-1, King Eider – 24-30 November 2024, Ocean Shores STP, Ocean Shores, Grays Harbor County. Liam Hutcheson [w, p], Maxine Reid [p], Alexander Sowers [p] (7-0-0).
UPSA-2024-2, Upland Sandpiper – 1 November 2024, Roosevelt Beach, Ocean Grove, Grays Harbor County. Brandon Prim [p] (7-0-0).
LIGU-2024-2, Little Gull – 28 October 2024, Deadman's Bay, San Juan Island, San Juan County. Ross Lockwood [w, p] (7-0-0).
SLBG-2024-3, Slaty-backed Gull – 20 October 2024, Neah Bay, Clallam County. Ryan Merrill [p] (7-0-0).
ARLO-2024-1, Arctic Loon – 28 December 2024 - 30 January 2025, Port Angeles waterfront, Clallam County. Bill Byers [p], Charlotte Byers [p], Dasha Gudalewicz [p], Steve Hampton [p], Ali Kasperzak [p], Barry McKenzie [p], Toby Ross [p], Lin Stern [p] (7-0-0).
YBSA-2024-2, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker – 25 November 2024, 121 Raven Rd., Port Townsend, Jefferson County. Andrew Palmer [w, p] (7-0-0).
YBSA-2025-1, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker – 12 January - 24 March 2025, Eirinikos Grove, Puget Island, Wahkiakum County. Andrew Emlen [w, p], Jake Bonello [p], Liam Hutcheson [p], Darchelle Worley [p] (7-0-0).
WIWR-2024-1, Winter Wren – 3-30 November 2024, Sentinel Bluffs, Grant County. Jef Blake [p], Vic Hubbard [p], Liam Hutcheson [p, a], Andrew Thomas [p], Matt Yawney [p] (7-0-0). First Eastern Washington record.
BRAM-2024-2, Brambling – 6 November 2024, Cowgill Ave., Bellingham, Whatcom County. Joy Haertig [p], DJ Jones [w] (7-0-0).
BRAM-2025-1, Brambling – 28 January - 24 March 2025, Lakeness Rd., Poulsbo, Kitsap County. Brad Waggoner [w, p], Bruce Youngberg [w, p], James Halsch [p], Ian Paulsen [p] (7-0-0).
SOSP-2025-1, “Eastern” Song Sparrow – 1 January - 27 March 2025, Marymoor Park, Redmond, King County. Raphael Fennimore [p], Carl Haynie [p], Ryan Merrill [p], Emilie Reynolds [p], Jordan Roderick [p], Nathan Wall [p] (6-1-0).
OROR-2024-4, Orchard Oriole – 30 November - 8 December 2024, 15-18 February 2025, Bayside Place, then 10th Street, Bellingham, Whatcom County. Jefferson Ashby [w, p], Robert Blenk [w, p, v], Marion Hill [w, p] (7-0-0).
BTNW-2024-1, Black-throated Green Warbler – 8-15 November 2024, Normandy Park, King County. Raphael Fennimore [w, p, v, a], Lin Stern [w, p], Nadine Drisseq [p], Kevin Waggoner [p] (7-0-0). First Western Washington record.
PARE-2024-1, Painted Redstart – 8 December 2024, Spruce Rd., Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, San Juan County. Susan Key [w] (7-0-0).
SUTA-2025-1, Summer Tanager – 1-6 January 2025, West Seattle, King County. Charlotte Byers [p], Greg Harrington [p], Liam Hutcheson [p], Ryan Merrill [p], Sandy Pringle [p], Jordan Roderick [p] (7-0-0).
INBU-2025-1, Indigo Bunting – 27 March - 5 April 2025, Issaquah, King County. James D Cotton [w, v], Raphael Fennimore [p], Greg Harrington [p], Eric Hope [p], Liam Wallace [p] (7-0-0).
RECORDS ACCEPTED AS CONTINUING SIGHTINGS OF PREVIOUSLY-ACCEPTED RECORDS:
Slaty-backed Gull in Eastern Washington: The committee agreed that the November 2024 – March 2025 record of a Slaty-backed Gull in Benton and Franklin counties (formerly treated as SBGU-2024-4) is best treated as a returning instance of SBGU-2016-1, the prior sighting of this species in the area the previous seven winters. The two records are merged and treated as SBGU-2016-1.
Dates and observation info for November 2024 – March 2025 occurrence: Slaty-backed Gull – 2 November 2024 – 2 March 2025, Pasco, Franklin County and Richland, Benton County. Phil Bartley [p], Jef Blake [p], Nathaniel Cooley [p], Elke Davis [p], Christopher Lindsey [p], Andy Stepniewski [p] (7-0-0).
Great-tailed Grackle in Moses Lake: The committee agreed that the January – April 2025 record of a Great-tailed Grackle in Moses Lake, Grant County (formerly treated as GTGR-2025-1) is best treated as a returning instance of GTGR-2023-1. The two records are merged and treated as GTGR-2023-1.
Dates and observation info for January – April 2025 occurrence: Great-tailed Grackle – 15 January - 5 April 2025, Moses Lake, Grant County. Alexander Sowers [p], Andy Stepniewski [p], Darchelle Worley [p], (7-0-0).
REPORTS NOT ACCEPTED
BESW-2024-1, “Bewick's” Tundra Swan – 22 January 2024, Norman Road, Stanwood, Snohomish County (2-5-0).
BTGU-2009-3, Black-tailed Gull – 11 October 2009, Fishhook Park, Walla Walla County (0-7-0).
VEGU-2022-2, “Vega” Herring Gull – 5 December 2022, Cedar River Mouth, Renton, King County (0-7-0).
STSE-2022-1, Steller's Sea-Eagle – April 2022, unincorporated Snohomish, Snohomish County (0-5-2).
PHVI-2023-2, Philadelphia Vireo – 19 May 2023, Sehome Hill Arboretum, Bellingham, Whatcom County (0-7-0).
EABL-2025-1, Eastern Bluebird [2] – 17 February 2025, Cape Disappointment SP, Pacific County (0-7-0).
GCTH-2023-1, Gray-cheeked Thrush – 23 September 2023, Doan Creek WA, College Place, Walla Walla County (0-7-0).
EYTH-2025-1, Eyebrowed Thrush – 4 March 2025, Pekin Rd., Woodland, Cowlitz County (0-6-1).
SOSP-2024-1, “Eastern” Song Sparrow – 28 April 2024, Klipsap Beach, Long Beach Peninsula, Pacific County (0-7-0).
VIWA-2024-1, Virginia's Warbler – 3 August 2024, Horn Rapids County Park, Benton County (2-5-0).
REPORTS TABLED:
The following reports will be reviewed after additional input is received:
Date: 6/4/25 1:23 am From: Tim Brennan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Walla Walla and Columbia County blog updates
Howdy!
I am getting closer, after a long day of sorting through notes and photos, and getting down to writing. Here are two posts from my May trip to the Southeast corner of the state:
Date: 6/2/25 11:28 pm From: Tim Brennan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Columbia County 6/2
Howdy!
I made a quick one day run over to Columbia County to try my luck on some higher elevation birds for my Columbia year list. I started the day up on Jasper Mountain, where I got my only owl of the day - Great Horned - three new flycatchers for the year (Dusky, Olive-sided, and Willow), and two new thrushes (Hermit and Swainson's).
Down to Dayton, and then up North Touchet Road. It was a good warbler day in general - Orange-crowned, MacGillivray's, Yellow, Yellow-rumped and Townsend's were heard and seen at many stops. This was also the only place I have had Wilson's Warblers (at least three of them at the Middle Point Trailhead), and the entrance to Bluewood had Varied Thrush and Pacific Wren. I also had Ruffed Grouse drumming at multiple stops, as well as Veery singing.
Down to Dayton, and then up Eckler Mountain Road, which becomes Kendall Skyline Road. This was such a gorgeous drive! I picked up Calliope Hummingbird, Nashville Warbler, as well as Green-tailed Towhee, a tough one in the county! Near Godman CG, I had Williamson's and Red-naped Sapsuckers.
It's been fun to take all of these different roads up into the Blues! The views were stunning, and there were lots of other things to see, including wildflowers and ground squirrels (so many ground squirrels).
The additions today have put me at 145 for the year in Columbia (I think. . . But I'm still bleary from a long drive back!).
No April trip, but there will be posts to cover my May and June trips soon! There are two other birders who have been giving Columbia a lot of attention this year too, so there are plenty of eBird reports out there with breadcrumbs for you to follow as well.
Date: 6/2/25 4:27 pm From: Ethan Whitney Smith via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Black-capped chickadee behavior question
I have plenty of guesses about what I witnessed, but no educated ones. I saw two black-capped chickadees flutter to the ground in my back garden. One was immature and the other an adult. The adult was pushing on and pecking at the immature. The immature chickadee lowered its head and rapidly flapped its wings. The adult pecked at the immature chickadee's head repeatedly until the immature was dead. The whole thing took maybe 15-20 seconds. Anyone have an educated guess about why this happened?
Date: 6/2/25 10:16 am From: Ronda Stark via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] The Steller's Sea-Eagle was in a similar plumage to this
I hope you will find the Steller's and update. I would have been on the
Washington side looking for the Eagle yesterday, but I have a procedure
scheduled for my right knee today.
On Mon, Jun 2, 2025 at 8:51 AM Jeff Gilligan <jeffgilligan90...>
wrote:
> Ronda
>
> I have not heard any reports or anyone looking for it. I won’t be back in
> the area for a few days, but I plan to look and have my camera with me
> then. I will look at places on both sides of the Columbia River.
>
> Jeff
>
>
>
> On Jun 2, 2025, at 8:31 AM, Ronda Stark <rondastark18...> wrote:
>
> Hi Jeff,
>
> Is there any chance the Eagle was seen again?
>
> Thank you,
> Ronda
>
> On Sat, May 31, 2025 at 9:09 PM Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>> Here is a discussion down here on OBOl, not too long ago, about a similar
>> situation. No further comments.by me.
>> https://www.freelists.org/post/obol/Mystery-eagle,5#google_vignette >> Bob OBrien Portland
>>
>> On Sat, May 31, 2025 at 8:02 PM Jeff Gilligan via Tweeters <
>> <tweeters...> wrote:
>>
>>> Steller's Sea-Eagle <https://ebird.org/species/stseag> >>> ebird.org <https://ebird.org/species/stseag> >>> <https://ebird.org/species/stseag> >>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Tweeters mailing list
>>> <Tweeters...>
>>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>
>
>
Date: 6/2/25 9:03 am From: Jeff Gilligan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] The Steller's Sea-Eagle was in a similar plumage to this
Ronda
I have not heard any reports or anyone looking for it. I won’t be back in the area for a few days, but I plan to look and have my camera with me then. I will look at places on both sides of the Columbia River.
Date: 6/2/25 7:18 am From: Marie and Craig via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Rainier Audubon's 2025 Nature Festival
Save the date! Saturday June 7th, 9am to 4pm at Flaming Geyser State Park, near Auburn. It is FREE state park entry day. Fun for the whole family and the festival is FREE. Bring the kids, bring the grand kids and have an unforgettable FREE day. There will be a falconer with live hawks and owls, bird and nature walks through the park, children's craft table, birding presentations, park geology and history, solar telescope viewing, and wildlife conservation.
visit: http://www.rainieraudubon.orgfor more information.Marie from Rainier Audubon
Date: 6/1/25 1:30 pm From: Stephen Elston via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Greater Prairie Chicken Lek
Thank you for sharing this video, Ray.
I am curious what type of camera, lense, microphone, etc. you used.
Regards, Steve
On Sun, Jun 1, 2025 at 10:34 AM RW Hamlyn via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> I recently finished the first video from a birding trip to Nebraska in
> March. This one is on a visit to a Greater Prairie Chicken Lek, one of
> several highlights from the trip. We’ve been to Sage Grouse Leks in
> Washington and Oregon, but never close enough to get good photographs or
> video.
>
> Here is the link: https://youtu.be/MEckJpmSiQg >
> If you like it, feel free to share this video.
>
> Ray Hamlyn
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 6/1/25 10:45 am From: RW Hamlyn via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Greater Prairie Chicken Lek
I recently finished the first video from a birding trip to Nebraska in March. This one is on a visit to a Greater Prairie Chicken Lek, one of several highlights from the trip. We’ve been to Sage Grouse Leks in Washington and Oregon, but never close enough to get good photographs or video.
Date: 6/1/25 9:41 am From: Gary Bletsch via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Yugoslavia birding question
Dear Tweeters,
A trip to the former Yugoslavia may soon be on my horizon.
It came as a surprise to me, when I dusted off my old copy of John Gooders' Where to Watch Birds in Eastern Europe, that the book did not cover Yugoslavia. Neither did his book on Europe in general.
So, I have a small list of possible lifers to seek, including the Rock Partridge, Sombre Tit, Melodious Warbler, Eastern Bonelli's Warbler, and Eastern Subalpine Warbler. Oh, and Baillon's Crake and Little Crake (if Lady Luck decides to perch on my shoulder).
The itinerary will presumably stick to Slovenia and Croatia. The very popular tourist spot of Split will probably not be on the itinerary.
Any birding suggestions would be most welcome.
Yours truly,
Gary Bletsch
<garybletsch...>
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