Date: 4/22/21 7:59 am From: Gene Revelas <grevelas...> Subject: [Tweeters] Westport Seabirds Trip Report April 17, 2021 – A Winter and Spring Mix
Hi Tweets,
Last Saturday, April 17th, Westport Seabirds enjoyed its second pelagic trip of 2021. We were lucky to run right into the middle of this unseasonably warm and dry April weather. The Monte Carlo, crewed as always by Phil and Chris Anderson, with spotters Scott Mills, Bruce LaBar, and me (Gene Revelas) and 18 very enthusiastic seasoned and rookie seabirders left the dock at 6am and headed out to sea under clear and brightening skies. As had been the pattern all week, the light wind was offshore (more on that later) and the ride over the bar was smooth. The early morning harbor and nearshore birds included numbers of four goose species (White-fronted, Canada, Cackling, and Brant), three loons (Red-throated, Pacific, and Common), all three expected Cormorants, and White-winged and Surf Scoters.
On the transit west across the shelf, we enjoyed good views of Common Murres, hundreds of Sooty Shearwaters, two Ancient Murrelets right in front of the boat, scattered Rhinoceros Auklets and five Tufted Puffin flybys, an unusually high number for a Westport trip. We also enjoyed a nice assortment of winter and spring migrant gulls - Herring, Mew (all immatures), Black-legged Kittiwakes (all immatures), Bonapartes and our first Sabines of the year. Just two hours from the dock, we saw our first of over 50 Black-footed Albatross for the day and a number of Pink-footed Shearwaters (the numbers of both of these birds will build through the spring and summer). We also saw the first of the two Pomarine Jaegers for the day. The offshore wind had apparently moved northbound passerine migrants out over the ocean. By days end, we would identify five land birds well offshore, often circling the boat (sadly looking for a place to rest), these included Northern Flicker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Dark-eyed Junco, and Orange-crowned and Yellow-rumped Warblers (both Myrtle and Audubons). Finally, we had close views of both Gray (2) and Humpbacks (11) Whales.
As we got into deeper water, we added Cassins Auklets and Northern Fulmar. At our chum spot at 125 west, we had close photo op views of many of the species seen on the transit out. We tarried out in deep water but added no new bird species. On the sunny and calm ride home, we crossed paths with a group of about 12 Dalls Porpoise who ran with us in our bow wave for a good 15+ minutes, I actually heard oohs and aahs from the folks on the bow fixated by this spectacular show right at their feet.
Back near and in the harbor, we added Western Grebes, Pigeon Guillemots, both Stellers and California Sea-Lions, Harbor Porpoise, and on the jetty Black-bellied Plover, a few Black Turnstone and one Surfbird. Finally, three late wintering Harlequin Ducks were seen in the Marina. Our 2021 season is off to a great start, please visit the Westport Seabirds website for trip schedules, information, and availability. We hope to see you offshore sometime soon!
Gene Revelas
Olympia, WA
Gene Revelas | Senior Consultant
Tel: 360.939.9618 | Cell: 360.870.4950
1205 West Bay Drive NW | Olympia | WA 98502
<grevelas...> | www.integral-corp.com
Date: 4/22/21 7:59 am From: <mollycvetovac...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Scrub Jay
I feel like I’ve been seeing more around in various areas of Seattle than I would expect but I’m new at birding so I have no idea if that’s unusual.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Apr 22, 2021, at 6:54 AM, Jason Ferleman <jason.ferleman...> wrote:
>
> We had a scrub jay in our backyard in Redmond Ridge yesterday. We have been here six years and it’s a first for us.
>
> It was hanging around the edge of an alder thicket near bird feeders but not actively feeding. Hung around for about ten minutes after I spotted it and then took off.
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/22/21 6:58 am From: Jason Ferleman <jason.ferleman...> Subject: [Tweeters] Scrub Jay
We had a scrub jay in our backyard in Redmond Ridge yesterday. We have been
here six years and it’s a first for us.
It was hanging around the edge of an alder thicket near bird feeders but
not actively feeding. Hung around for about ten minutes after I spotted it
and then took off.
Date: 4/22/21 6:38 am From: <dgrainger...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Purple Martin at Crockett lake
The name was changed about six years ago to be Coupeville Ferry. We live in PT. Also there is a group of nest boxes on tall poles at Point Hudson, where I have gotten photos of the Purple Martins during Covid restrictions because the RV park there was closed. Unfortunately it is open now, limiting the birds ...
On 2021-04-21 21:52, <mcallisters4...> wrote: > Would that be Crockett Lake at Keystone? I don't think I've heard it > referred to as the Coupeville ferry before. > > Kelly McAllister > Olympia > > -----Original Message----- > From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> On Behalf > Of > <davearm...> > Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 6:31 PM > To: <tweeters...> > Subject: [Tweeters] Purple Martin at Crockett lake > > On the way to Coupeville ferry, stopped to view the bird boxes along > the old > puking that cross the lake. Lots of tree swallows and suddenly several > purple martins exploring the boxes. On the water over to Pt Townsend > lots of > common murres, Bonaparte gulls, rhino auklets. > > Sent from my iPhone > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/22/21 6:35 am From: Jeremy Schwartz <jschwartz1124...> Subject: [Tweeters] Always Be Birding COVID-19 Vaccine Edition
Hello Tweeters!
My wife and I were fortunate enough to schedule ourselves for the COVID vaccine at the Evergreen State fairgrounds in Monroe yesterday (Wednesday). The entire thing went as smooth as could be. The volunteers there were super helpful, and the lines moved surprisingly quickly. We didn't even have to get out of our car!
As part of the necessary after-vaccine waiting period, I managed to fit in a little birding around the fairgrounds. I never strayed too far from a well vegetated roadside ditch paralleling Highway 2.
In about 20 minutes, I ended up with seven species, not including what looked like a small shorebird that I spooked out of a flooded area of the ditch.
The biggest surprise was a huge flock of Red Crossbills going to town on a lodgepole pine! Their chattering first caught my ear as I walked underneath the tree, and upon looking up I was just in time to see most of them fly away. I did get great views of a single individual using its namesake bill to pry seeds out of a cone. It was quite the sight!
Long story short: be birding everywhere if you can, as you never know what you'll see!
Keep watching the skies, and the roadside ditches!
Jeremy Lake Forest Park jschwartz1124 AT gmail DOT com
Date: 4/21/21 9:59 pm From: <mcallisters4...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Purple Martin at Crockett lake
Would that be Crockett Lake at Keystone? I don't think I've heard it referred to as the Coupeville ferry before.
Kelly McAllister Olympia
-----Original Message----- From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> On Behalf Of <davearm...> Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 6:31 PM To: <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Purple Martin at Crockett lake
On the way to Coupeville ferry, stopped to view the bird boxes along the old puking that cross the lake. Lots of tree swallows and suddenly several purple martins exploring the boxes. On the water over to Pt Townsend lots of common murres, Bonaparte gulls, rhino auklets.
Date: 4/21/21 6:35 pm From: <davearm...> Subject: [Tweeters] Purple Martin at Crockett lake
On the way to Coupeville ferry, stopped to view the bird boxes along the old puking that cross the lake. Lots of tree swallows and suddenly several purple martins exploring the boxes. On the water over to Pt Townsend lots of common murres, Bonaparte gulls, rhino auklets.
Joseph and I are thinking of driving out to Idaho to see Cassia Crossbills. We would appreciate hearing what advice any of you have about when, where, and how to locate these birds.
Date: 4/21/21 2:46 pm From: Qinglin Ma <qinglineric...> Subject: [Tweeters] Common Loon at Phantom Lake in Bellevue
Hi Tweeters, I saw a Common Loon feeding in the Phantom Lake of Bellevue this morning around 11:00am. There was also a pair of Ring-necked Duck.
An Osprey came and caught a fish with a fishing line attached to it. Shortly the Osprey dropped the fish back to the lake and flew away. I saw that the fishing line was still attached to the bird. Not sure if it got tangled with the feet or the hook was stuck on the bird.
A quick stop at McNeil st trail in DuPont produced a breeding plumage Black-headed Gull, perhaps the same bird as I found in this location in 2018. Viewing is VERY distant, so scopes are essential. It is best located by larger size and hood riding slightly higher in comparison to Bonaparte’s. Best confirmed by black underwing tips in flight.
Date: 4/20/21 9:31 pm From: <byers345...> Subject: [Tweeters] Eastern Washington birding in April
Hello Tweeters,
Since we aren't flying anywhere this year, we are spending more time trying to track down birds in Washington State that we don't see often. In this pursuit we have been to Eastern Washington twice this month mostly looking for birds that other people have reported on ebird. Some birds, like the Lewis's Woodpecker, are easy. If you go to Oak Creek Canyon, you will see them. Others, like Long-billed Curlew, are more challenging. Someone sees a curlew in a field one day and it may be miles away by the next day. We finally found 3 south of Touchet. Then, after all that searching, we randomly saw one flying along the railroad tracks near a grain elevator in Othello.
We looked for birds in Oak Creek Canyon, Bethel Ridge, WE Johnson Park in Richland, several spots around Walla Walla, the sewage treatment ponds near Quincy, and Umptanum Road. One spot we had never visited before was Bennington Lake, a reservoir, right by Walla Wall. The reservoir is almost dry. Not sure if this is normal. While there, we photographed 2 Wilson's Snipe. According to ebird this was the first sighting of snipe there. Ours was certainly the only photo anyone has taken. Later in the day others posted ebird lists, and the snipe were not on them. They must have already left.
I have created a small album here with just a few of our best photos. You can view them through the Flickr link below.
Date: 4/20/21 3:38 pm From: Dan McDougall-Treacy <danmcdt...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Leucistic Golden-Crowned Sparrow or GC/WC hybrid?
Also, GCSP has white on the rear portion of the stripe, near the neck.
Dan McDougall-Treacy
> On Apr 20, 2021, at 9:44 AM, Mike Wagenbach <wagen...> wrote:
>
>
> A couple of times recently I've seen a sparrow in my yard that has a broad medial head strip like a Golden-Crowned Sparrow, but the strip is more-or-less white. Lines near the eye look like a GC, as far as I've been able to notice.
>
> Are Golden-Crowned/White-Crowned hybrids likely, and would they look like this, or is it probably a leucistic GC?
>
> Sorry, no photo yet...
>
> Mike Wagenbach
> Seattle
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/20/21 3:27 pm From: Al Wagar <jalanwagar...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Do eagles eat carp?
Thanks, Denis. Seems reasonable they’d use such an easy source of protein, a bit like cleaning up the spawned-out salmon in Alaska. The spawners I watched seem way to big to carry in flight. But, locally, not much risk to the eagles to dine in place.
Al
> On Apr 20, 2021, at 3:10 PM, Denis DeSilvis <avnacrs4birds...> wrote:
>
> On one of my first ventures out on my own to eastern WA in 1981, I found a Bald Eagle eating a carp in the Frenchman’s Hills Wasteway area south of George. (I had spotted a Long-eared Owl with young nesting in an old magpie nest, and the eagle was munching on the carp in a nearby stream.)
>
> Denis
>
> Avian Acres 🦉
> Roy, WA
> From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of Al Wagar <jalanwagar...>
> Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 2:58:41 PM
> To: <tweeters...> <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Do eagles eat carp?
>
> Carp are spawning in the shallows around Lake Washington & would be easy pickings for eagles. Has anyone observed eagles using carp?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Al Wagar <jalanwagar...> <mailto:<jalanwagar...>
On one of my first ventures out on my own to eastern WA in 1981, I found a Bald Eagle eating a carp in the Frenchman’s Hills Wasteway area south of George. (I had spotted a Long-eared Owl with young nesting in an old magpie nest, and the eagle was munching on the carp in a nearby stream.)
Denis
Avian Acres 🦉
Roy, WA
________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of Al Wagar <jalanwagar...>
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 2:58:41 PM
To: <tweeters...> <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Do eagles eat carp?
Carp are spawning in the shallows around Lake Washington & would be easy pickings for eagles. Has anyone observed eagles using carp?
Date: 4/20/21 3:15 pm From: Al Wagar <jalanwagar...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Do eagles eat carp?
Thanks, Mason,
The spawners look to be 10 or more pounds. I watched an eagle catch a coot and fly off to a nest with it. Not sure they could do so with the large carp. Perhaps they would/could tear off pieces for aerial delivery.
On Tue, Apr 20, 2021, 3:00 PM Al Wagar <jalanwagar...> wrote:
> Carp are spawning in the shallows around Lake Washington & would be easy > pickings for eagles. Has anyone observed eagles using carp? > > Thanks, > > Al Wagar <jalanwagar...> > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/20/21 9:46 am From: Mike Wagenbach <wagen...> Subject: [Tweeters] Leucistic Golden-Crowned Sparrow or GC/WC hybrid?
A couple of times recently I've seen a sparrow in my yard that has a broad medial head strip like a Golden-Crowned Sparrow, but the strip is more-or-less white. Lines near the eye look like a GC, as far as I've been able to notice.
Are Golden-Crowned/White-Crowned hybrids likely, and would they look like this, or is it probably a leucistic GC?
Date: 4/20/21 6:42 am From: Steve Hampton <stevechampton...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Question about crow classification
Yes, Northwestern Crow has been merged with American Crow. eBird has not yet updated their checklists, but birders should use American Crow.
On Sun, Apr 18, 2021 at 9:48 PM Molly Cvetovac <mollycvetovac...> wrote:
> Hi, > > I wanted to clarify something about crows. I thought I heard that > Northwestern Crows and American Crows are being considered the same species > now? I was at Semiahmoo Spit a few days ago and when I was doing my ebird > checklist, it told me the American Crow was a rarity in the area. I > reported the crows as Northwestern Crows instead, but I honestly don't have > the skills to tell the difference. > > I photographed one sitting on a branch with a Bald Eagle. Here is the link > to my flickr if anyone is interested: > > https://flic.kr/ps/3T5Gg6 > > Thanks! > > Molly > Seattle, WA > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/20/21 12:19 am From: Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...> Subject: [Tweeters] Weather radar for ecological forecasting can lessen hazards for migratory birds -- ScienceDaily
Date: 4/20/21 12:15 am From: Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...> Subject: [Tweeters] Confirmed: Island gigantism and dwarfism result of evolutionary island rule -- ScienceDaily
Date: 4/20/21 12:11 am From: Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...> Subject: [Tweeters] Sounds like home: Murrelets choose breeding locations by eavesdropping on other murrelets -- ScienceDaily
Date: 4/19/21 5:43 pm From: Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...> Subject: [Tweeters] BBC NEWS: Redonda: The Caribbean island transformed into an eco haven
Redonda: The Caribbean island transformed into an eco haven
After invasive rats and goats were removed from Redonda, the island's wildlife has been thriving.
Read in BBC News: https://apple.news/AhLpGXJCCSD2xoR3K-XmDZA
Date: 4/19/21 5:23 pm From: Marcus Roening <marcus...> Subject: [Tweeters] Black Oystercatchers at Dune Peninsula Park in Tacoma.
Hi Tweets,
Heather Ballash found a pair of Black Oystercatchers in Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park. The birds were feeding on mussels and barnacles on the small created cove between two small rock jetties. The tide was falling when first spotted around 1:00 pm. Access the park via Yacht Club Road, plenty of parking. You can also follow the walking path up the hill and over the Ferry access road into Point Defiance Park.
The cove is about 75-100 yds towards the water from the restrooms.
A Marbled Murrelet has also been working the area near the jetty rocks, along with Black Turnstones. And Charlie Wright had a Swainson’s Hawk earlier viewed from the top of the path by the giant hillside slides.
For non-birds, there has been a big bull Elephant Seal bobbing around the vicinity of Vashon Island all winter. Looks like the end of a half submerged log with its big flat nose bobbing up and down in the waves.
Date: 4/19/21 5:07 pm From: Samuel Terry <samgterry...> Subject: [Tweeters] Enumclaw Long-billed Curlew
Hi tweeters,
There is a Long-billed Curlew in the field west of 216th just south of Hwy
164. It was with a big group of Greater Yellowlegs that flushed but the
curlew stayed put. It’s hanging out right at the border between of the
plowed field and the grass field.
I’m new at this, but cutting and pasting the coordinates into Google Maps on my phone got me there.
Karen Wosilait
Seattle, WA
<karen.w.mobile...>
> On Apr 19, 2021, at 4:54 PM, Todd Sahl <toddsahl...> wrote:
>
>
> This is the spot if there's still any confusion: Veazie marsh and fields, King County, WA, US - eBird Hotspot
>
> Todd S.
> Bellevue, WA
>
> On Monday, April 19, 2021, 04:25:24 PM PDT, <plkoyama...> wrote:
>
>
> All,
> Veazie isn’t really a town. It’s an area N of Enumclaw and you can get there from Hwy 169 (from Renton/Maple Valley) then east on SE 400th or SE 416. Or take SE 400th all the way across the valley from 167 if you’re coming from Auburn. Or you can just Google Nolte State Park, which is on Veazie-Cumberland Road. The coordinates don’t help if you don’t know how to use them—I don’t! This doesn’t help w exactly where on Veazie the bird is, but check to see if it’s on eBird and click on the map link, which will take you right there, without having to know anything about coordinates!
> Penny Koyama, Bothell, but raised in “The Claw”
>
> From: Richard Walker
> Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 3:34 PM
> To: <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Veazie?
>
> Hi All,
> Where or what is Veazie? I googled it and all I got was a town in Maine.
> I am a relative newcomer to Washington, so many times the names of places are a real puzzle to me.
> Thanks,
> Richard
>
>
> Sent from Outlook
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
This is the spot if there's still any confusion: Veazie marsh and fields, King County, WA, US - eBird Hotspot
Todd S.Bellevue, WA
On Monday, April 19, 2021, 04:25:24 PM PDT, <plkoyama...> wrote:
All,Veazie isn’t really a town. It’s an area N of Enumclaw and you can get there from Hwy 169 (from Renton/Maple Valley) then east on SE 400th or SE 416. Or take SE 400th all the way across the valley from 167 if you’re coming from Auburn. Or you can just Google Nolte State Park, which is on Veazie-Cumberland Road. The coordinates don’t help if you don’t know how to use them—I don’t! This doesn’t help w exactly where on Veazie the bird is, but check to see if it’s on eBird and click on the map link, which will take you right there, without having to know anything about coordinates!Penny Koyama, Bothell, but raised in “The Claw” From: Richard Walker Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 3:34 PMTo: <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Veazie? Hi All,Where or what is Veazie? I googled it and all I got was a town in Maine.I am a relative newcomer to Washington, so many times the names of places are a real puzzle to me.Thanks,Richard
Sent from Outlook
All,
Veazie isn’t really a town. It’s an area N of Enumclaw and you can get there from Hwy 169 (from Renton/Maple Valley) then east on SE 400th or SE 416. Or take SE 400th all the way across the valley from 167 if you’re coming from Auburn. Or you can just Google Nolte State Park, which is on Veazie-Cumberland Road. The coordinates don’t help if you don’t know how to use them—I don’t! This doesn’t help w exactly where on Veazie the bird is, but check to see if it’s on eBird and click on the map link, which will take you right there, without having to know anything about coordinates!
Penny Koyama, Bothell, but raised in “The Claw”
From: Richard Walker
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 3:34 PM
To: <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Veazie?
Hi All,
Where or what is Veazie? I googled it and all I got was a town in Maine.
I am a relative newcomer to Washington, so many times the names of places are a real puzzle to me.
Thanks,
Richard
Veazie WA in King county. The latitude longitude coordinates I included will put you on where the bird was. Sorry for the confusion. I usually remember to include the county and nearby sizable town (Enumclaw) and forgot this time.
Carl
On Mon, Apr 19, 2021 at 3:35 PM Richard Walker <RichardAWalker...> wrote:
> Hi All, > Where or what is Veazie? I googled it and all I got was a town in Maine. > I am a relative newcomer to Washington, so many times the names of places > are a real puzzle to me. > Thanks, > Richard > > > Sent from Outlook <http://aka.ms/weboutlook> > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Hi All,
Where or what is Veazie? I googled it and all I got was a town in Maine.
I am a relative newcomer to Washington, so many times the names of places are a real puzzle to me.
Thanks,
Richard
This week’s post is not about a particular bird species. The focus is on nesting. The goal is to make sure everyone knows how to avoid active bird nests.
Spring is certainly here! I can tell because lately I have been spotting a new nest almost every day. It is a wonderful time of year and I certainly hope you are enjoying every moment!
Have great day on Union Bay, where nature lives in the city and Black Birders are welcome!
Date: 4/19/21 2:19 pm From: Hubbell <ldhubbell...> Subject: [Tweeters] Union Bay Watch } On Nesting
Tweeters,
This week’s post is not about a particular bird species. The focus is on nesting. The goal is to make sure everyone knows how to avoid active bird nests.
Spring is certainly here! I can tell because lately I have been spotting a new nest almost every day. It is a wonderful time of year and I certainly hope you are enjoying every moment!
Have great day on Union Bay, where nature lives in the city and Black Birders are welcome!
> On Apr 19, 2021, at 11:20 AM, Carl Haynie <hayncarl...> wrote:
>
> Hi, Tweets,
>
> A BLACK-NECKED STILT continues at Veazie after its discovery earlier this morning. Showing well.
>
> (47.2379061, -121.9634688)
>
> Carl Haynie
> Sammamish, WA
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
I respect the honesty to admit difficulty distinguishing these two forms. Apparently not even the crows make the distinction in the field.
I'll join the parade of migrant _Zonotrichia_ reporters; yesterday in my urban Seattle yard, I had two White-crowned Sparrows and one Golden-crowned Sparrow, both less than annual visitors. Numbers of Yellow-rumped Warblers, but no Black-throated Gray yet.
19 April, 2021,
Alan Grenon Seattle panmail AT mailfence.com
Hi,
I wanted to clarify something about crows. I thought I heard that Northwestern Crows and American Crows are being considered the same species now? I was at Semiahmoo Spit a few days ago and when I was doing my ebird checklist, it told me the American Crow was a rarity in the area. I reported the crows as Northwestern Crows instead, but I honestly don't have the skills to tell the difference.
I photographed one sitting on a branch with a Bald Eagle. Here is the link to my flickr if anyone is interested:
I wanted to clarify something about crows. I thought I heard that Northwestern Crows and American Crows are being considered the same species now? I was at Semiahmoo Spit a few days ago and when I was doing my ebird checklist, it told me the American Crow was a rarity in the area. I reported the crows as Northwestern Crows instead, but I honestly don't have the skills to tell the difference.
I photographed one sitting on a branch with a Bald Eagle. Here is the link to my flickr if anyone is interested:
Date: 4/18/21 7:02 pm From: Steve Hampton <stevechampton...> Subject: [Tweeters] Solitaire, Cackling Geese and other migrants in Port Townsend
One or possibly a series of Townsend's Solitaires have been seen sporadically at Fort Warden the past two weeks-- at the batteries, at the tent cabins, and on the beach below the cliffs. I got pics of an especially confiding one this morning: https://ebird.org/checklist/S85811604
Pt Wilson has produced a scattering of Whimbrels, and today a flyover Caspian Tern, first of the season. Audubon's and Myrtle Warblers, and Orange-cr Warblers are quite vocal around town. Early birds have been one Western Tanager and one Wilson's Warbler. Most interesting have been large flocks (hundreds per flock) of Cackling Geese flying northwest low over town the past three mornings, shortcutting the point by crossing from the Kahtai Lagoon area to North Beach.
Looking forward to more migration in the coming weeks!
Date: 4/18/21 6:03 pm From: Daniel Lipinski <dano135...> Subject: [Tweeters] Purple Martins return Bainbridge Island
Saturday, I observed the Purple Martins back at their gourds in Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island. I did not see them on Friday when I drove by the gourds but theycould have been out and about. Also had a merlin in a fir tree and a pair of white crowned sparrows stop by the yard, and saw the local pileated return to its nest hole in a previously unseen tree. I only see the white crowneds in the yard during migration and not every year - so that was pretty cool. Also,Yellow rumps bouncing through the maples but not big numbers. On the South End of Bainbridge Island.
> > Hello I?m looking for a used Nikon body to replace my broken camera. > I?m a Nikon user. I Want to use with my new Nikkor 80-400 AF lens. I > broke my D200 camera body when I fell on ice in Cle Elum. Any leads > are welcome!
Maggie, best choice is a D500 or Z6/Z6II if you want to stay with APS-C sensor.
Compared to the D200, you will find that lens much more usable at f5.6 than on a D200. High-ISO is your saviour (been there, used that lens on that body... not good in winter!)
You say "new" 80-400, I assume that means if is AF-S, not the original AF (with screw drive AF). If the latter, you need to check the support on the camera for that lens.
-- Richard James From an Island in the Pacific, Victoria, BC
Some bird highlights/delights from 2 stops today. Short eared owl still around Crockett lake near purple Martin boxes at row of pilings that cross the lake. Also western and least sandpipers along edge of tideflats farther east.
Deer Lagoon has a few new birds in last 48 hr. On the saltwater side black bellied plovers and dunlin in breeding plumage, western sandpipers, whimbrels, Ca and mew gulls, lots of greater yellow legs .
On the freshwater side 13 white Pelicans, 100+ caspian terns, 100+ lesser scaup, still pintails,
bufflehead, gadwalls, marsh wrens, Virginia rails....a good collection.
Most interesting behavior was near-vertical launch of a Canada goose off its nest to intercept a threatening ballad Eagle. I’ve never seen such concerted vertical flight by one. The eagle left quickly .
david armstrong
Date: 4/18/21 12:46 pm From: Doug Santoni <dougsantoni...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Townsend’ Solitaire Lake Ballinger Park
Hi Alan — Bob and I both got our second shot two weeks ago. I’m not sure when you and Charles might feel safe getting out and about again, but it would be lovely to see you and it might be warm enough in the coming days to dine outside. I’m glad to see you’re out seeing good birds! Hope you guys are doing OK.
Doug Santoni
Ph 305-962-4226
<DougSantoni...>
> On Apr 18, 2021, at 10:50 AM, Alan Knue <temnurus...> wrote:
>
>
> It’s still here as of 10:50am. The small cottonwood is growing out of an old larger stump by itself in the grassy field. You can see it from the Interurban Trail. The solitaire is rather tame and is busy pouncing on invertebrates in the grass and flying back to the tree before eating them.
>
>
>
>> On Sun, Apr 18, 2021 at 10:07 Alan Knue <temnurus...> wrote:
>> It’s in a small cottonwood in SW corner of the park.
>>
>> Alan Knue
>> Edmonds, WA
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/18/21 12:46 pm From: Ian Paulsen <birdbooker...> Subject: [Tweeters] The Birdbooker Report
HI ALL: This week's titles are:
1) N. Saw-whet Owl 2) A Most Remarkable Creature 3) The Glitter in the Green 4) WA and OR Animal Tracks 5) Peterson Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes 6) The Lost Species
Date: 4/18/21 10:55 am From: Alan Knue <temnurus...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Townsend’ Solitaire Lake Ballinger Park
It’s still here as of 10:50am. The small cottonwood is growing out of an
old larger stump by itself in the grassy field. You can see it from the
Interurban Trail. The solitaire is rather tame and is busy pouncing on
invertebrates in the grass and flying back to the tree before eating them.
On Sun, Apr 18, 2021 at 10:07 Alan Knue <temnurus...> wrote:
> It’s in a small cottonwood in SW corner of the park.
>
> Alan Knue
> Edmonds, WA
>
Date: 4/18/21 10:06 am From: Larry Schwitters <leschwitters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Vaux's Happening needs help in Monroe
Tweeters,
We are short on Vaux’s Swift observers at the Monroe Wagner roost site this migration. When we have the in chimney camera going we can work around that. The camera has always been a load.
Let me know if your would like to be involved in our long running Audubon conservation project.
Date: 4/18/21 6:40 am From: Steve Hampton <stevechampton...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Rails Of The Night -- recording nocturnal flight calls (NFCs)
Last week Andy Birch gave a fascinating webinar on nocturnal flight calls of migrating birds (NFCs) and how to record them from your home, even in an urban area. It was one of the more unusual birding talks I've heard. It's posted online at: https://www.labirders.org/webinars/nocturnal_flight_calls.html
On Sat, Apr 17, 2021 at 11:09 PM Josh Adams <xjoshx...> wrote:
> Hello Tweets, > I started recording avian nocturnal flight calls at my home four years > ago. For those who are not familiar, many of our migratory species migrate > nocturnally and some of those species give audible calls which can be > detected and recorded. > > This week I was doing some work late into the night while listening to my > microphone and managed to hear all three three Washington rail species > (Virginia Rail, Sora, and American Coot) live. > > Since I suspect many of you were not aware that you may be able to detect > rails migrating over your house at night I thought I'd share some > recordings I've made: > > *Sora*: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/322368401 > https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/224295541 > *Virginia Rail 'tick'*: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/224019631 > *Virginia Rail 'keer'*: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/223276741 > *American Coot (presumed)*: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/326880601 > > Unfortunately, most of my detected birds happen between midnight and 4am, > but it isn't too uncommon to get a rail before midnight. > > Josh Adams > Cathcart, WA > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/17/21 11:13 pm From: Josh Adams <xjoshx...> Subject: [Tweeters] Rails Of The Night
Hello Tweets, I started recording avian nocturnal flight calls at my home four years ago. For those who are not familiar, many of our migratory species migrate nocturnally and some of those species give audible calls which can be detected and recorded.
This week I was doing some work late into the night while listening to my microphone and managed to hear all three three Washington rail species (Virginia Rail, Sora, and American Coot) live.
Since I suspect many of you were not aware that you may be able to detect rails migrating over your house at night I thought I'd share some recordings I've made:
Today, April 17 we had 25 to 30 White Crowned Sparrows here in Enumclaw. All in beautiful breeding plumage. I have never seen that many here in the 20 years we have lived here. They were foraging in the bird garden and enjoying the bird bath. Beautiful!
Date: 4/17/21 10:43 pm From: Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...> Subject: [Tweeters] Doppler Radar Now-Now That is a lot of birds!
Tweeters, Heard full songs of Varied Thrush this evening. Major bird migration now and meteor "showers" this weekend. I hope the Swainson's thrushes land tomorrow morning! And sunny days! Now that is outstanding!
And now I will be outstanding on our deck, watching, and listening to the night skies. Dan Reiff Mercer Island
Date: 4/17/21 8:19 pm From: Stan and Irene Willey <steamboatwilleys...> Subject: [Tweeters] Migratories in the Islands
Seen at Spencer Spit SP, Lopez Island yesterday, 4 dunlin in breeding plumage, one greater yellowlegs calling, and the usual plentitude of white-crowned sparrows; at the lagoon. At Sucia Island today, several tree swallows at Ewing Point, plus an assortment of the locals. Of course, wherever there are rip currents, there are a jillion Bonaparte’s gulls, especially off the NE tip of the island.
Stan Willey, Poulsbo (currently afloat in the islands)
Date: 4/17/21 8:13 pm From: B B <birder4184...> Subject: [Tweeters] Southeast Arizona Visit and Blog Post
Cindy Bailey and I spent 6 lovely days in Southeast Arizona last week. Lots of birding although we mixed in lots of other activities. We stayed with friends in Green Valley just south of Tucson and then at the wonderful Casa de San Pedro near Hereford which is close to the Huachucas.
We were able to visit the Sonoran Desert Museum, Madera Canyon, Ramsey Canyon, Ash Canyon and Miller Canyon as well as the Paton Center for Hummingbirds in Patagonia - all great places. Although we were not trying to accumulate species, we still saw about 100 including many Arizona specialties with our favorites being Vermilion Flycatcher, Elf Owl, Greater Roadrunner and 7 species of hummingbirds.
I have a long blog post on the visit with 49 photos at https://blairbirding.com/2021/04/18/return-to-the-casa-a-year-delayed/ We hope to return many times.
Blair BernsonEdmonds
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/17/21 6:06 pm From: Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...> Subject: [Tweeters] PEOPLE: Google Earth Launches New Time-Lapse Feature That Shows Effects of Climate Change Over 37 Years
Google Earth Launches New Time-Lapse Feature That Shows Effects of Climate Change Over 37 Years
The new feature allows users to check in on the progress — or destruction — of any place over the last three decades
Read in People: https://apple.news/AhdBASg6ORL-cf6igehpiUQ
Hello I’m looking for a used Nikon body to replace my broken camera. I’m a Nikon user. I Want to use with my new Nikkor 80-400 AF lens. I broke my D200 camera body when I fell on ice in Cle Elum. Any leads are welcome!
Date: 4/17/21 11:15 am From: pan <panmail...> Subject: [Tweeters] Seattle Brewer's Sparrow continues
Hi, Tweets,
Amazingly, the Brewer's Sparrow continues into its third day at Seattle's Montlake Fill, giving fairly cooperative views near the trail in the shrubs southwest of the central pond. Look for the knot of birders.
Also this morning: continuing early pair of Blue-winged Teal (often hiding in marshy spots), two groups of at least 14 American Pipits in total, pausing in various open areas, a female Wood Duck entering a nest box, and a visible Virginia Rail, always a treat.
I also may have seen European fire ants patrolling the railing of the boardwalk in the woods, so be careful. (They sting.)
Date: 4/17/21 10:14 am From: Wilson Cady <gorgebirds...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] WHITE-CRWNED SPARROWs at White Salmon Apr 16th
We are experiencing the same type of White-crowned Sparrow movement this morning at the west end of the Columbia River Gorge, 45 miles west of Cathy Flick's location in White Salmon. In our 45 plus years at our place here in Skamania County we have never had more than a couple of pair stop at our feeders each Spring. Other sightings included two new for the year birds with 2 male Evening Grosbeak and a pair of Brown-headed Cowbirds. Wilson Cady
Columbia River Gorge, WA
---------- Original Message ----------
From: <flick...>
To: <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] WHITE-CRWNED SPARROWs at White Salmon Apr 16th
Date: Sat, 17 Apr 2021 06:17:47 -0700
White-crowned Sparrows in White Salmon, WA
April 16, 2021 / Cathy FlickLarge number today in migration - 38 in yard; lots of song & calls, bathing, foraging all day, all individuals in full breeding plumage with molt completed.Unusually high number for the yard, typically have less than a handful move thru in spring, do not breed or over winter here. Winter Oregon Junco almost gone from yard - one seen today & Golden-crowned Sparrow still moving thru - 90% of individuals are in full breeding plumage & singing a spring song that adds two trills to the end.
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/17/21 9:43 am From: Brian Zinke <zinke.pilchuck...> Subject: [Tweeters] Lights out alert this weekend
Hi everyone,
Millions of birds are expected to be migrating through Washington this weekend, with an estimated 3.5 million tonight. Please help birds on their long journeys and reduce sky glow by going lights out.
Date: 4/17/21 9:23 am From: Jim Danzenbaker <jdanzenbaker...> Subject: [Tweeters] Shillapoo Lake, Vancouver Lowlands, Clark County shorebirds
Hi Tweeters,
Yesterday morning, one of our local birders found 3 black-necked Stilts at Shillapoo Lake which is about a mile northwest of Vancouver Lake in Clark County. Randy Hill and I went down to see them without success. However, it was great to see shorebirds there:
Black-bellied Plover: 7 (an unusually high number for this county) Greater Yellowlegs: 10 Lesser Yellowlegs: 1 BAIRD'S SANDPIPER: 1 photos attached to ebird report Least Sandpiper: 75 Wilson's Snipe: 1
The Baird's which appeared to be a 2020 hatch year bird transitioning to adult plumage (IMHO) was about 30 feet away from where one showed up on April 4, 2018. It was interesting to see that 2 Baird's were seen in Okanogan County today or yesterday.
Keep your eyes and ears .... skyward.
Jim -- Jim Danzenbaker Battle Ground, WA 360-702-9395 <jdanzenbaker...>
Date: 4/17/21 6:25 am From: <flick...> Subject: [Tweeters] WHITE-CRWNED SPARROWs at White Salmon Apr 16th
White-crowned Sparrows in White Salmon, WA
April 16, 2021 / Cathy Flick
Large number today in migration - 38 in yard; lots of song & calls, bathing, foraging all day, all individuals in full breeding plumage with molt completed.
Unusually high number for the yard, typically have less than a handful move thru in spring, do not breed or over winter here.
Winter Oregon Junco almost gone from yard - one seen today & Golden-crowned Sparrow still moving thru - 90% of individuals are in full breeding plumage & singing a spring song that adds two trills to the end.
Date: 4/16/21 3:10 pm From: Carol Riddell <cariddellwa...> Subject: [Tweeters] A Good Morning at Edmonds Marsh
Hi Tweets,
I saw my first 2021 peeps for the Edmonds marsh this morning, sixteen Least Sandpipers. They are the expected first arrivals any time on or around April 20th. (Typically a few Westerns appear within several days.) There were also three Greater Yellowlegs and an intermittently continuing single Dunlin that is now showing its breeding plumage. Two Savannah Sparrows and an American Pipit could be seen in the mud. Aerialists included three Violet-green Swallows and two Tree Swallows. The Violet-greens were paying attention to the nest box that that species has used each year since we installed five boxes throughout the marsh.
Date: 4/15/21 6:37 pm From: Andrew Jacobson <andjake19...> Subject: [Tweeters] Brewer’s Sparrow at Montlake Fill, Seattle
The endearing Brewer’s Sparrow found by Connie Sidles this am is still present at previously reported spot SW of Main pond now just south of trail, coming out to feed frequently.
I spotted the ruff soon after arriving at Wylie. Won a dollar bet on who could spot it first! Now it is sleeping on an island in the marshy mudflat area just across from the pumphouse.
Date: 4/15/21 2:36 pm From: <birdmarymoor...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2021-04-15
Tweets – A gorgeous day at Marymoor this morning; not a cloud in the sky, just a few puffs of wind, and while the morning started at just 37 degrees at 6:30, temps rose to 62 degrees before we were done. Mt. Rainier stood shining to the south. Jupiter was a bright orb to the east before sunrise. It was good. Though this will sound rather strange given the list of species, it wasn’t really that birdy today. There were quite a few one-offs, and the skies were often empty.
We did, again, split into two groups, with Jordan leading the second reverse-direction group.
Highlights:
a.. Cackling Goose – probably at least 2000 streamed by heading NW around 6:00 a.m.
b.. American Wigeon – small flock overhead, with more at the lake. Uncommon at this time of year at Marymoor
c.. Band-tailed Pigeon – just one for my group, but our best look of the year so far
d.. Great Blue Heron – heronry is expanding into additional nearby trees
e.. Cooper’s Hawk – my group had a brief look of one at the south end of the Dog Meadow. First in a month
f.. PURPLE MARTIN – probably at least 6, with some in snags south of the Rowing Club, more at the Lake Platform gourds. First of Year (FOY)
g.. American Pipit – my group had three, Fields 7-8-9
h.. RED CROSSBILL – Jordan’s group had 20 near the mansion; my group only heard them (FOY)
i.. Lincoln’s Sparrow – my group had two separate sightings of single birds. Only our 3rd record for the year
j.. WHITE-THROATED SPARROW – Jordan’s group had one at the south end of the Dog Meadow. 5th latest spring sighting ever
k.. BREWER’S BLACKBIRD – at least 21 on the grass soccer fields next to where we park. This is a new High Count for the park. FOY for us.
l.. BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER – one SW of the windmill, another heard near the park entrance. FOY, and 3rd earliest spring sighting ever
In a late scan of the lake, I found a pair of NORTHERN SHOVELER (FOY)
This was our 3rd earliest sighting for PURPLE MARTIN.
Based on my experience at Discovery Park on Tuesday, I had anticipated we’d have many Orange-crowned Warblers and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. But we completely dipped on Orange-crowns, and had just a single RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET. I had found two Black-throated Gray Warblers at Disco on Tuesday, and was very happy to have a repeat of that today at Marymoor.
Big misses today were limited to just Rock Pigeon and Orange-crowned Warbler, as we managed 71 species between the two groups!
Date: 4/15/21 11:03 am From: Constance Sidles <constancesidles...> Subject: [Tweeters] BREWER'S SPARROW at Montlake Fill
Hey Tweets, Connie Sidles just now found -- at 10:20 am on Thursday, April 15, 2021 -- a BREWERS SPARROW at Montlake Fill. It's foraging on the verge of the Loop Trail, southwest of Main Pond, about 30 feet west of a WASHDOT "Wetlands" sign.
(This message posted by husband John Sidles, for an excited Connie)
Date: 4/15/21 7:38 am From: Eric Ellingson <abriteway...> Subject: [Tweeters] Salish Sea School marine bird survey volunteers wanted, Anacortes.
The Salish Sea School is on a mission to create student leaders in marine conservation through outdoor educational programs, research initiatives, and advocacy efforts.
We are seeking volunteers to help with our monthly marine bird survey from Cap Sante Marina (Anacortes, WA) to Smith Island and back. This volunteer slot would be a substitute position to fill in when regular volunteers cannot participate. The average time is about 4-5 hours per outing. Volunteers should be experts at marine bird IDs, willing to share photographs (with credit), and don't get easily seasick! We will be on a 22' Hewescraft.
Tim Brennan
Douglas County Birding<http://www.douglascountybirding.blogspot.com/> A dozen or so birding trips to Douglas County in Washington State in 2021, featuring stunning landscapes, decent pictures of food, and forgettable images of birds.
www.douglascountybirding.blogspot.com
Date: 4/14/21 8:04 pm From: Molly Cvetovac <mollycvetovac...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Black billed magpie? Chief Sealth Trail in Seattle
There is a Black-billed magpie in Beacon Hill area that has been there a while.
On Wed, Apr 14, 2021 at 7:08 PM Andrew Kaplan <ank7by...> wrote:
> I haven't submitted anything like this before, but I think I saw a Black > billed magpie on the Chief Sealth Trail just south of Graham St. in Seattle > just after 6 pm today. I am a relatively novice birder (of just a few > years) but it looked pretty distinctive. Don't have the means to get a good > photo but I will check back in the area to see if it reappears tomorrow. > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/14/21 7:11 pm From: Andrew Kaplan <ank7by...> Subject: [Tweeters] Black billed magpie? Chief Sealth Trail in Seattle
I haven't submitted anything like this before, but I think I saw a Black billed magpie on the Chief Sealth Trail just south of Graham St. in Seattle just after 6 pm today. I am a relatively novice birder (of just a few years) but it looked pretty distinctive. Don't have the means to get a good photo but I will check back in the area to see if it reappears tomorrow.
Thanks Derek. Window strikes were a major issue at my old house.
Fortunately, I found a solution thanks to good advice from a birder; I
needed something moving in front of the window. As indicated on your
webpage (https://www.birdvancouver.com/window-strikes-2021-main/), simple
falcon decals were not working. Birds wouldn't see them and would hit
within inches of them.
> VARC is making bird window strikes a focused campaign for 2021.
>
>
>
> We have made this short-animated video (with sound please!) to launch the
> campaign which will be followed up with actions encouraging people to take
> immediate action to make their homes bird safe!
>
>
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM13CY7A6k0 >
>
>
> Window strikes are a catastrophic cause of bird mortality despite being
> easily preventable and we’re hoping that everyone will do their part to
> help raise awareness by forwarding this post and encouraging people to take
> action.
>
>
>
> Thanks Tweeters!
>
>
>
> Derek
>
>
>
> Derek Matthews
> Vancouver Avian Research Centre
> Vancouver, BC, Canada
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
VARC is making bird window strikes a focused campaign for 2021.
We have made this short-animated video (with sound please!) to launch the campaign which will be followed up with actions encouraging people to take immediate action to make their homes bird safe!
Window strikes are a catastrophic cause of bird mortality despite being easily preventable and we're hoping that everyone will do their part to help raise awareness by forwarding this post and encouraging people to take action.
Thanks Tweeters!
Derek
Derek Matthews Vancouver Avian Research Centre Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date: 4/14/21 1:21 pm From: Marv Breece <marvbreece...> Subject: [Tweeters] Skagit County Wylie Slough
Yesterday, 04.13.21, was a good day at Wylie Slough (The Game Range). The RUFF was in view for many for a long time. As I spotted it, a PEREGRINE FALCON flew overhead chasing a duck. Later, a MERLIN strafed the collection of GREATER YELLOWLEGS & LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS. The GREAT HORNED OWL family posed for all. I took a few videos: https://flic.kr/ps/376fhN
Date: 4/14/21 8:28 am From: Leah Lang <leahalang...> Subject: [Tweeters] Osprey Kirkland
The Osprey has returned to the nest atop the tower near the Kirkland Subaru, visible from I-405. I pass this site every morning and was thrilled to see their return to the nest this spring!
Date: 4/14/21 7:14 am From: John Puschock <g_g_allin...> Subject: [Tweeters] American White Pelicans at Discovery Park Seattle
There are nine American White Pelicans on the water south of West Point, Discovery Park right now (7:10 AM). They are drifting northwest and getting closer. First spotted by Eric Hope.
The camp robber: after longitudinal sojourns, perhaps flying directly home? (to Gray Wolf Ridge) only to find seed caches still deeply buried under La Nina snows (240% above normal, Dungeness Basin, 4010 feet, 13 April, USDA Snotel).
Thinking where else in the state all corvids might be recorded
Ledbetter Point?
We found a pair of Lesser Goldfinches in East Puyallup at about 11:30 am today. They were feeding on dandelion at a small pond in the back of the Farm 12 Restaurant - Van Lierop Bulb farm complex at 3303 SE 8th St in East Puayallup. This is near the E. Puyallup Foothills Trailhead.
Hans -- *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA <thefedderns...>
Date: 4/13/21 9:22 pm From: <flick...> Subject: [Tweeters] Vaux's Swift & Brown-headed Cowbird - White Salmon, WA 4/12 & 13
White Salmon, WA
April 12 & 13, 2021
Vaux's Swift-2 on April 12th evening 19:45 to 19:52 aerial forage; NONE seen/heard on April 13th 19:45 to 19:58 so assume in migration on 12th.
Several Brown-headed Cowbird males heard April 12th in late afternoon. At same location on April 13th, 12 Brown-headed Cowbird males seen & heard in a regular spring-arrival tree. Full-throttle song not delivered by males today or yesterday - in years past, males' full-song given when females arrive so should be any day now.
Date: 4/13/21 7:24 pm From: Al n Donna <alndonna...> Subject: [Tweeters] Great Grays in NE OR
When a few years younger, we spent springs in Arizona, driving the RV thru La Grande, OR back home. Hearing Great Grays could be found in the mountains, we drove Spring Creek rd. About the 3rd try, we met a birder who said he was to meet a ranger who would take us to a GG.
Most helpful of all was the young woman ranger who met us at the beginning of I-84, exit 248, about 40 miles south of Pendleton and 12 miles north of Lagrande, OR. We drove west, road 21 maybe 3 miles (bumpy), turned left on 2155 road, then kept right immediately at a Y to stay on 2155, then right on 50 rd for 1/4 mile, where we parked, then we walked 75 feet to the left, where the owl was. I didn't see a platform.
The woman said that she accompanied small groups of birders to the bird about twice a week during May. I was there May 25, 2017-she said that we were a little late in the month, but the fledglings were still there on the ground.
She works at the LaGrande ranger station, phone number in the brochure. I forget her name-common name like Debbie or Michelle or something. She was most helpful.
Most helpful of all was the young woman ranger who met us at the beginning of I-84, exit 248, about 40 miles south of Pendleton and 12 miles north of Lagrande, OR. We drove west, road 21 maybe 3 miles (bumpy), turned left on 2155 road, then kept right immediately at a Y to stay on 2155, then right on 50 rd for 1/4 mile, where we parked, then we walked 75 feet to the left, where the owl was. I didn't see a platform.
The woman said that she accompanied small groups of birders to the bird about twice a week during May. I was there May 25, 2017-she said that we were a little late in the month, but the fledglings were still there on the ground.
She works at the LaGrande ranger station, phone number in the brochure. I forget her name-common name like Debbie or Michelle or something. She was most helpful.
If you are serious about going there, I'd phone them early May, hopefully able to talk to her.
Some of this may be out of date. I saw the GG on 5-25-2017
From: Steven Dammer
Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2021 4:40 PM
To: Dan Reiff
Cc: Tweeters
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Two Requests for information regarding Oregon GreatGray owl locations
Ooo please CC me on this with responses! Would be very interested in locating a GGOW
On Tue, Apr 13, 2021, 15:58 Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...> wrote:
Hello Tweeters,
To requests:
1. I would appreciate it if you would send me any information regarding Great Gray owl locations in northeast Oregon or Southeast Washington.
2. A few months ago someone posted an Oregon Bird conference that included a talk by a biologist who specializes in the Great Gray owls in Northeast Oregon. I am unable to find that Tweeters posting at this time.
I would very much appreciate if someone could send me that information or Tweeters posting.
Thank you,
Dan Reiff
MI
Date: 4/13/21 7:13 pm From: Al n Donna <alndonna...> Subject: [Tweeters] FW: Two Requests for information regarding OregonGreatGray owl locations
Al in Tacoma
From: Al n Donna
Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2021 6:58 PM
To: <n.owl.reiff...>; Steven Dammer; Tweeters
Subject: FW: [Tweeters] Two Requests for information regarding OregonGreatGray owl locations
When a few years younger, we spent springs in Arizona, driving the RV thru La Grande, OR. Hearing Great Grays could be found in the mountains, we drove Spring Creek rd. About the 3rd try, we met a birder who said he was to meet a ranger who would take us to a GG.
Most helpful of all was the young woman ranger who met us at the beginning of I-84, exit 248, about 40 miles south of Pendleton and 12 miles north of Lagrande, OR. We drove west, road 21 maybe 3 miles (bumpy), turned left on 2155 road, then kept right immediately at a Y to stay on 2155, then right on 50 rd for 1/4 mile, where we parked, then we walked 75 feet to the left, where the owl was. I didn't see a platform.
The woman said that she accompanied small groups of birders to the bird about twice a week during May. I was there May 25, 2017-she said that we were a little late in the month, but the fledglings were still there on the ground.
She works at the LaGrande ranger station, phone number in the brochure. I forget her name-common name like Debbie or Michelle or something. She was most helpful.
Most helpful of all was the young woman ranger who met us at the beginning of I-84, exit 248, about 40 miles south of Pendleton and 12 miles north of Lagrande, OR. We drove west, road 21 maybe 3 miles (bumpy), turned left on 2155 road, then kept right immediately at a Y to stay on 2155, then right on 50 rd for 1/4 mile, where we parked, then we walked 75 feet to the left, where the owl was. I didn't see a platform.
The woman said that she accompanied small groups of birders to the bird about twice a week during May. I was there May 25, 2017-she said that we were a little late in the month, but the fledglings were still there on the ground.
She works at the Lagrande ranger station, phone number in the brochure. I forget her name-common name like Debbie or Michelle or something. She was most helpful.
If you are serious about going there, I'd phone them early May, hopefully able to talk to her.
Some of this may be out of date. I saw the GG on 5-25-2017
From: Steven Dammer
Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2021 4:40 PM
To: Dan Reiff
Cc: Tweeters
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Two Requests for information regarding Oregon GreatGray owl locations
Ooo please CC me on this with responses! Would be very interested in locating a GGOW
On Tue, Apr 13, 2021, 15:58 Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...> wrote:
Hello Tweeters,
To requests:
1. I would appreciate it if you would send me any information regarding Great Gray owl locations in northeast Oregon or Southeast Washington.
2. A few months ago someone posted an Oregon Bird conference that included a talk by a biologist who specializes in the Great Gray owls in Northeast Oregon. I am unable to find that Tweeters posting at this time.
I would very much appreciate if someone could send me that information or Tweeters posting.
Thank you,
Dan Reiff
MI
Date: 4/13/21 7:02 pm From: Al n Donna <alndonna...> Subject: [Tweeters] FW: Two Requests for information regarding Oregon GreatGray owl locations
When a few years younger, we spent springs in Arizona, driving the RV thru La Grande, OR. Hearing Great Grays could be found in the mountains, we drove Spring Creek rd. About the 3rd try, we met a birder who said he was to meet a ranger who would take us to a GG.
Most helpful of all was the young woman ranger who met us at the beginning of I-84, exit 248, about 40 miles south of Pendleton and 12 miles north of Lagrande, OR. We drove west, road 21 maybe 3 miles (bumpy), turned left on 2155 road, then kept right immediately at a Y to stay on 2155, then right on 50 rd for 1/4 mile, where we parked, then we walked 75 feet to the left, where the owl was. I didn't see a platform.
The woman said that she accompanied small groups of birders to the bird about twice a week during May. I was there May 25, 2017-she said that we were a little late in the month, but the fledglings were still there on the ground.
She works at the LaGrande ranger station, phone number in the brochure. I forget her name-common name like Debbie or Michelle or something. She was most helpful.
Most helpful of all was the young woman ranger who met us at the beginning of I-84, exit 248, about 40 miles south of Pendleton and 12 miles north of Lagrande, OR. We drove west, road 21 maybe 3 miles (bumpy), turned left on 2155 road, then kept right immediately at a Y to stay on 2155, then right on 50 rd for 1/4 mile, where we parked, then we walked 75 feet to the left, where the owl was. I didn't see a platform.
The woman said that she accompanied small groups of birders to the bird about twice a week during May. I was there May 25, 2017-she said that we were a little late in the month, but the fledglings were still there on the ground.
She works at the Lagrande ranger station, phone number in the brochure. I forget her name-common name like Debbie or Michelle or something. She was most helpful.
If you are serious about going there, I'd phone them early May, hopefully able to talk to her.
Some of this may be out of date. I saw the GG on 5-25-2017
From: Steven Dammer
Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2021 4:40 PM
To: Dan Reiff
Cc: Tweeters
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Two Requests for information regarding Oregon GreatGray owl locations
Ooo please CC me on this with responses! Would be very interested in locating a GGOW
On Tue, Apr 13, 2021, 15:58 Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...> wrote:
Hello Tweeters,
To requests:
1. I would appreciate it if you would send me any information regarding Great Gray owl locations in northeast Oregon or Southeast Washington.
2. A few months ago someone posted an Oregon Bird conference that included a talk by a biologist who specializes in the Great Gray owls in Northeast Oregon. I am unable to find that Tweeters posting at this time.
I would very much appreciate if someone could send me that information or Tweeters posting.
Thank you,
Dan Reiff
MI
Date: 4/13/21 4:59 pm From: Tim Brennan <tsbrennan...> Subject: [Tweeters] Douglas County Birding
Hello!
Just got back from two days plus in Douglas County. I'll be posting to my blog during the week, but wanted to throw out some highlights:
Geese: I had hoped to time this well enough to add some goose species, and it was just good enough with a flyover of five Snow Geese while in East Wenatchee, and three Greater White-fronted Geese at Porter's Pond along the Apple Capital Loop Trail in East Wenatchee.
I'd also gone a little early in hopes of catching Dunlin, and I did have a half-dozen or so of them at the pond on the West side of Highway 17 just south of St Andrews. Some of these little ponds/flooded fields between Highway 17 and Atkins Lake were a little dead on Sunday, so I tried again on Monday. The pond at 6th and N had 5 Black-necked Stilts and 6 Greater Yellowlegs on the return trip, as well as a FOY Savannah Sparrow.
Banks lake touches Douglas County right where highway 2 meets it. I've been making it a point to go down there each month and have found it to be nearly birdless every time! But it's not far out of the way, so I gave it another try. As I was coming down 2, I saw a large white bird leave a pothole lake south of the freeway, and fly for the little slice of Douglas. I pulled over and got binoculars on it - Great Egret!? I definitely considered American White Pelican but there was absolutely no black in the wings, and the general shape of the bird felt right for GREG. I thought it was a little early to have them, but there appear to be other sightings further South on the Columbia.
C road in the Southeast corner was good for most of the sage-y birds (Brewer's, Vesper, and Sagebrush Sparrows, as well as Sage Thrasher).
That's most of what I can remember off of the top of my head, but more will be posted at www.douglascountybirding.blogspot.com<http://www.douglascountybirding.blogspot.com> when I get a chance.
Cheers,
Tim Brennan
Renton
OH! and the consensus seems to be Swainson's Hawk on the bird I'd asked about on Tweeters. Thanks to all who took the time to share their thoughts.
Douglas County Birding<http://www.douglascountybirding.blogspot.com/> A dozen or so birding trips to Douglas County in Washington State in 2021, featuring stunning landscapes, decent pictures of food, and forgettable images of birds.
www.douglascountybirding.blogspot.com
Date: 4/13/21 4:42 pm From: Steven Dammer <dammerecologist1990...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Two Requests for information regarding Oregon Great Gray owl locations
Ooo please CC me on this with responses! Would be very interested in locating a GGOW
On Tue, Apr 13, 2021, 15:58 Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...> wrote:
> Hello Tweeters, > To requests: > 1. I would appreciate it if you would send me any information regarding > Great Gray owl locations in northeast Oregon or Southeast Washington. > > 2. A few months ago someone posted an Oregon Bird conference that included > a talk by a biologist who specializes in the Great Gray owls in Northeast > Oregon. I am unable to find that Tweeters posting at this time. > I would very much appreciate if someone could send me that information or > Tweeters posting. > Thank you, > Dan Reiff > MI > > Sent from my iPhone > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
I'm viewing this on my phone, which isn't the best for zooming, but the
first thing to note is FEHA have feathered tarsi, with short feathers all
the way to their feet. This buteo appears to have naked tarsi.
Cheers,
Devon Comstock
Cashmere, WA
On Tue, Apr 13, 2021, 15:01 Tim Brennan <tsbrennan...> wrote:
> Hey Tweets,
>
> I just got back from my April trip to Douglas County - great trip with
> highlights coming later - but in looking over pictures, I came across a
> photo of a Buteo that I might be considering as a dark morph Ferruginous
> Hawk, based on nearly no experience with FEHA, a general lack of skill with
> Buteos in general, and a single picture I found on Google. My heart won't
> be broken if it's a Red-tailed Hawk... everything else is, right? 😄
>
> eBird Checklist - 13 Apr 2021 - Road C SE - 10 species (+1 other taxa)
> <https://ebird.org/checklist/S85478796> >
> The picture is up in this checklist only for expediency, but it was
> sighted in the SE corner of Douglas County.
>
> Thanks in advance for the help, and happy birding!
>
> Tim Brennan
> Renton
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/13/21 4:03 pm From: Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...> Subject: [Tweeters] Two Requests for information regarding Oregon Great Gray owl locations
Hello Tweeters, To requests: 1. I would appreciate it if you would send me any information regarding Great Gray owl locations in northeast Oregon or Southeast Washington.
2. A few months ago someone posted an Oregon Bird conference that included a talk by a biologist who specializes in the Great Gray owls in Northeast Oregon. I am unable to find that Tweeters posting at this time. I would very much appreciate if someone could send me that information or Tweeters posting. Thank you, Dan Reiff MI
Date: 4/13/21 3:07 pm From: Tim Brennan <tsbrennan...> Subject: [Tweeters] Buteo help
Hey Tweets,
I just got back from my April trip to Douglas County - great trip with highlights coming later - but in looking over pictures, I came across a photo of a Buteo that I might be considering as a dark morph Ferruginous Hawk, based on nearly no experience with FEHA, a general lack of skill with Buteos in general, and a single picture I found on Google. My heart won't be broken if it's a Red-tailed Hawk... everything else is, right? 😄
Date: 4/13/21 12:54 pm From: pan <panmail...> Subject: [Tweeters] Discovery Park shorebirds (King Cty.)
Tweets,
A few big shorebirds moved past West Point in Seattle's Discovery Park this morning. John P. had a Sanderling, a couple Long-billed Curlews, and a Whimbrel early (while I was enroute), then we saw another Whimbrel. After he left, I saw another group of three Whimbrels, then a Dunlin (with Penny R.). Also Marbled Murrelet, Caspian Tern, Osprey, harbor seal, California and Steller's sea lions. The show may continue.
Date: 4/12/21 9:38 pm From: Kevin Lucas <vikingcove...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] VASW April 12th White Salmon, WA
VASW is Vaux's Swift -- VA from Vaux's, and SW from Swift. There's no snarkiness or anything of the kind intended. I'm simply trying to help by answering Beth's question.
On Mon, Apr 12, 2021 at 9:00 PM ELIZABETH THOMPSON <calliopehb...> wrote:
> if you could please remember not everyone goes by the abbreviated > terminology for bird names. What is a VASW? > thank you > Beth Thompson > Arlington WA > > > On Apr 12, 2021, at 8:23 PM, <flick...> wrote: > > > > April 12, 2021 White Salmon, WA > > > > VASW-2 aerial foraging 19:45-19:56. > > > > Cathy Flick > > _______________________________________________ > > Tweeters mailing list > > <Tweeters...> > > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/12/21 8:55 pm From: Steve Loitz <steveloitz...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Clark's Nutcracker, Discovery Park, Seattle
Matt,
Black-billed Magpie recorded in Discovery Park? When did that happen?
Steve Loitz
Ellensburg, WA
On Mon, Apr 12, 2021 at 3:46 PM Matt Dufort <matt.dufort...> wrote:
> Both species have a handful of records from
> Discovery Park. I’m aware of 5 Northern Mockingbirds and 3 previous
> Clark’s Nutcrackers. Nutcracker was seen in the park as recently as 2019.
> West Point in particular seems to attract corvids, with Steller’s Jays
> often massing there, Scrub-Jays occasionally joining them, and a
> Black-billed Magpie in 2013.
>
> In thinking about this, I realized that Discovery Park has records of all
> corvid species that regularly occur in Washington (not accidental Pinyon
> Jay or Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay). I know that’s also true of Neah Bay. Is
> there anywhere else in the state where all of the regular corvids have been
> found?
>
> Good birding,
> Matt Dufort
>
> On Mon, Apr 12, 2021 at 11:16 THOMAS BENEDICT <benedict.t...>
> wrote:
>
>> Any chance it could have been a Northern Mockingbird? I only ask because
>> Clark's Nutcracker is so out of habitat and NOMO has been reported at
>> Discovery Park in the past.
>>
>> They have similar shape and color.
>>
>> Tom Benedict
>> Seahurst, WA
>>
>> On 04/12/2021 10:10 AM John Puschock <g_g_allin...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> A single Clark's Nutcracker was flying around the West Point area of
>> Discovery Park and 10 AM. Last seen flying around the eastern part of the
>> point. Not sure if it's still here or not.
>>
>> John Puschock
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/12/21 6:38 pm From: Carol Riddell <cariddellwa...> Subject: [Tweeters] Edmonds Roundup - March 2021
Hi Tweets,
We ended February with 106 well documented species for our Edmonds 2021 collective year list. We added six species in March. A California Quail (code 3) was reported from Edmonds marsh on 3-3, as was a Greater Yellowlegs (code 3). A single Evening Grosbeak (code 3) was heard calling and then seen in flight ion 3-4 n the Lake Ballinger neighborhood of Edmonds. The first Rufous Hummingbird (code 2) was reported from the Perrinville neighborhood on 3-9. Tree Swallows pushed through the marsh on 3-23 and are continuing. The first Osprey (code 2) arrived at the Hwy 99 cell tower nest on 3-31. Its mate has not yet been seen at the nest site.
Our big misses so far are American Coot (code 2) and Western Meadowlark (code 3), both of which are usually reported by now. Expect peeps to arrive in the marsh around April 20th. It is interesting that they are reported in more northern parts of Snohomish County before they arrive in our local mud.
We are at 112 species for the year. As always, I appreciate it when birders get in touch with me to share sightings, photos, or audio. It helps us build our collective year list. If you would like a copy of our 2021 city checklist, please request it at checklistedmonds at gmail dot com. If you bird in Edmonds, I would encourage you to get the checklist so that you can see which birds are less likely to be seen here than in other parts of Snohomish County. It can help you decide when it might be appropriate to add documentation or to let me know about your observation. The 2021 checklist is posted in the bird information box at the Olympic Beach Visitor Station at the base of the public pier. I will update it periodically.
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 _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/12/21 6:22 pm From: Jeff Gilligan <jeffgilligan10...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Willapa Bay birding spots?
Hi
I live on the bay (mainly).
Check the following places: north jetty area of the Columbia, while the tide is partly out - but not too far out, check the mud flats near the boat basin at Illwaco. Look to sea from the North Head light house, at Ledbetter SP - check the flats near high tide or after the flats re-appear on the falling tide, check the boat basin area at Nachotta - including the floating oyster cages south of the jetty at high tide.
Jeff Gilligan
> On Apr 12, 2021, at 10:24 AM, Alice Rubin <alicerubin...> wrote: > > Calling all tweeters! What are good spots around Willapa Bay for birding? Looking to make a day of it. > > Thanks for your suggestions! > Alice > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/12/21 6:08 pm From: Matt Dufort <matt.dufort...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Clark's Nutcracker, Discovery Park, Seattle
Per Gene Hunn’s book on the birds of Seattle and King County, Canada Jay
was seen in the park on April 24 and May 22, 1976. That’s the only
record(s) I’m aware of.
Matt
On Mon, Apr 12, 2021 at 17:31 Dennis Paulson <dennispaulson...>
wrote:
> Canada Jay has been seen at Discovery Park, but I don’t know if there is
> more than one record.
>
> Dennis Paulson
> Seattle
>
> On Apr 12, 2021, at 4:17 PM, Mason Maron <mmaron101...> wrote:
>
> Are there any records of Canada Jay from Discovery? I don't see any on
> eBird. That would be a regular Washington corvid that it's missing, if it
> doesn't.
>
> Mason Maron
>
> On Mon, Apr 12, 2021 at 3:45 PM Matt Dufort <matt.dufort...> wrote:
>
>> Both species have a handful of records from
>> Discovery Park. I’m aware of 5 Northern Mockingbirds and 3 previous
>> Clark’s Nutcrackers. Nutcracker was seen in the park as recently as 2019.
>> West Point in particular seems to attract corvids, with Steller’s Jays
>> often massing there, Scrub-Jays occasionally joining them, and a
>> Black-billed Magpie in 2013.
>>
>> In thinking about this, I realized that Discovery Park has records of all
>> corvid species that regularly occur in Washington (not accidental Pinyon
>> Jay or Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay). I know that’s also true of Neah Bay. Is
>> there anywhere else in the state where all of the regular corvids have been
>> found?
>>
>> Good birding,
>> Matt Dufort
>>
>> On Mon, Apr 12, 2021 at 11:16 THOMAS BENEDICT <benedict.t...>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Any chance it could have been a Northern Mockingbird? I only ask because
>>> Clark's Nutcracker is so out of habitat and NOMO has been reported at
>>> Discovery Park in the past.
>>>
>>> They have similar shape and color.
>>>
>>> Tom Benedict
>>> Seahurst, WA
>>>
>>> On 04/12/2021 10:10 AM John Puschock <g_g_allin...> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> A single Clark's Nutcracker was flying around the West Point area of
>>> Discovery Park and 10 AM. Last seen flying around the eastern part of the
>>> point. Not sure if it's still here or not.
>>>
>>> John Puschock
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Tweeters mailing list
>>> <Tweeters...>
>>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Tweeters mailing list
>>> <Tweeters...>
>>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
>
>
Date: 4/12/21 5:37 pm From: Dennis Paulson <dennispaulson...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Clark's Nutcracker, Discovery Park, Seattle
Canada Jay has been seen at Discovery Park, but I don’t know if there is more than one record.
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
> On Apr 12, 2021, at 4:17 PM, Mason Maron <mmaron101...> wrote:
>
> Are there any records of Canada Jay from Discovery? I don't see any on eBird. That would be a regular Washington corvid that it's missing, if it doesn't.
>
> Mason Maron
>
> On Mon, Apr 12, 2021 at 3:45 PM Matt Dufort <matt.dufort...> <mailto:<matt.dufort...>> wrote:
> Both species have a handful of records from
> Discovery Park. I’m aware of 5 Northern Mockingbirds and 3 previous Clark’s Nutcrackers. Nutcracker was seen in the park as recently as 2019. West Point in particular seems to attract corvids, with Steller’s Jays often massing there, Scrub-Jays occasionally joining them, and a Black-billed Magpie in 2013.
>
> In thinking about this, I realized that Discovery Park has records of all corvid species that regularly occur in Washington (not accidental Pinyon Jay or Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay). I know that’s also true of Neah Bay. Is there anywhere else in the state where all of the regular corvids have been found?
>
> Good birding,
> Matt Dufort
>
> On Mon, Apr 12, 2021 at 11:16 THOMAS BENEDICT <benedict.t...> <mailto:<benedict.t...>> wrote:
> Any chance it could have been a Northern Mockingbird? I only ask because Clark's Nutcracker is so out of habitat and NOMO has been reported at Discovery Park in the past.
>
> They have similar shape and color.
>
> Tom Benedict
> Seahurst, WA
>> On 04/12/2021 10:10 AM John Puschock <g_g_allin...> <mailto:<g_g_allin...>> wrote:
>>
>>
>> A single Clark's Nutcracker was flying around the West Point area of Discovery Park and 10 AM. Last seen flying around the eastern part of the point. Not sure if it's still here or not.
>>
>> John Puschock
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...> <mailto:<Tweeters...> >> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters>_______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...> <mailto:<Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters> > _______________________________________________
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Are there any records of Canada Jay from Discovery? I don't see any on
eBird. That would be a regular Washington corvid that it's missing, if it
doesn't.
Mason Maron
On Mon, Apr 12, 2021 at 3:45 PM Matt Dufort <matt.dufort...> wrote:
> Both species have a handful of records from
> Discovery Park. I’m aware of 5 Northern Mockingbirds and 3 previous
> Clark’s Nutcrackers. Nutcracker was seen in the park as recently as 2019.
> West Point in particular seems to attract corvids, with Steller’s Jays
> often massing there, Scrub-Jays occasionally joining them, and a
> Black-billed Magpie in 2013.
>
> In thinking about this, I realized that Discovery Park has records of all
> corvid species that regularly occur in Washington (not accidental Pinyon
> Jay or Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay). I know that’s also true of Neah Bay. Is
> there anywhere else in the state where all of the regular corvids have been
> found?
>
> Good birding,
> Matt Dufort
>
> On Mon, Apr 12, 2021 at 11:16 THOMAS BENEDICT <benedict.t...>
> wrote:
>
>> Any chance it could have been a Northern Mockingbird? I only ask because
>> Clark's Nutcracker is so out of habitat and NOMO has been reported at
>> Discovery Park in the past.
>>
>> They have similar shape and color.
>>
>> Tom Benedict
>> Seahurst, WA
>>
>> On 04/12/2021 10:10 AM John Puschock <g_g_allin...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> A single Clark's Nutcracker was flying around the West Point area of
>> Discovery Park and 10 AM. Last seen flying around the eastern part of the
>> point. Not sure if it's still here or not.
>>
>> John Puschock
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/12/21 4:11 pm From: Jane Hadley <hadleyj1725...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Willapa Bay birding spots?
Alice Rubin asked in a recent Tweeters post what are good birding spots around Willapa Bay.
A Birder's Guide to Washington, Second Edition, is available free online. The 613-page guide describes the best birding spots around the state, what you can expect to find at the spots, how to get there, etc.
Date: 4/12/21 3:51 pm From: Matt Dufort <matt.dufort...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Clark's Nutcracker, Discovery Park, Seattle
Both species have a handful of records from
Discovery Park. I’m aware of 5 Northern Mockingbirds and 3 previous Clark’s
Nutcrackers. Nutcracker was seen in the park as recently as 2019. West
Point in particular seems to attract corvids, with Steller’s Jays often
massing there, Scrub-Jays occasionally joining them, and a Black-billed
Magpie in 2013.
In thinking about this, I realized that Discovery Park has records of all
corvid species that regularly occur in Washington (not accidental Pinyon
Jay or Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay). I know that’s also true of Neah Bay. Is
there anywhere else in the state where all of the regular corvids have been
found?
Good birding,
Matt Dufort
On Mon, Apr 12, 2021 at 11:16 THOMAS BENEDICT <benedict.t...>
wrote:
> Any chance it could have been a Northern Mockingbird? I only ask because
> Clark's Nutcracker is so out of habitat and NOMO has been reported at
> Discovery Park in the past.
>
> They have similar shape and color.
>
> Tom Benedict
> Seahurst, WA
>
> On 04/12/2021 10:10 AM John Puschock <g_g_allin...> wrote:
>
>
> A single Clark's Nutcracker was flying around the West Point area of
> Discovery Park and 10 AM. Last seen flying around the eastern part of the
> point. Not sure if it's still here or not.
>
> John Puschock
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/12/21 3:22 pm From: Alan Knue <temnurus...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] A Park that Discovers Birds
Hello Tom et al,
Clark's Nutcracker can be highly irruptive and shows up relatively frequently in places where one would not normally expect them. Because it relies heavily (but not exclusively) on mast seed crops, the uneven seasonal nature of those crops inevitably mean that the species must be ready to move from areas with little or no food to areas where food is more readily found. For example, I have birded around the Leavenworth area frequently and although I consistently find nutcrackers around the city, they are by no means predictable from year to year and can be hard to find even in years when the Ponderosa Pine crop seems good. Over several autumns, I found them abundant in 2017, absent in 2018, just a few in 2019, and slightly more abundant in 2020 but not anything like 2017.
The nutcracker's bill is well equipped for getting at pine seeds in green cones, but is also well suited for prying and tearing in general. It is considered an opportunistic forager and is known to regularly feed on insects and spiders, small vertebrates, seed from bird feeders, suet, and carrion.
Best, Alan
Alan Knue Edmonds, WA
On Mon, Apr 12, 2021 at 2:41 PM THOMAS BENEDICT <benedict.t...> wrote:
> Given that there have been at least two independent reports now, I'm happy > to surrender to the world of possibility. My birding skills are at the low > to medium level, so I mis-identify birds all the time. Especially ones that > are mostly gray. > > I wish the bird well. Not many pine nuts around here. Hope they happened > to have a full throat pouch before getting "blown off" the mountain. Given > that CLNU don't migrate much, I wonder where that they could get diverted > from the peaks to the shore. > > Tom Benedict > Seahurst, WA > > > On 04/12/2021 2:12 PM David Hutchinson <florafaunabooks...> > wrote: > > > A kindly response to the suggestion that a Clark's Nutcracker might > be too rare for Discovery Park. When riding shot-gun for Mrs. Kevin Li one > day, I remember seeing one at the Historic District a couple > of years ago? was the same day we saw a Clark's Grebe at the > West Point Lighthouse. And somewhere in my mental fog, did not a > Smith's Longspur occur at Marymoor Park? Let's all just surrender to > the world of possibility. > > David Hutchinson > F & F, 206-499-7305 > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Hi Tom et al, I managed to resight the CLNU at 10.54am. 30 mins after the notification from John. No chance it was a NOMO. Good question though! This bird had a terminal white band on it's secondaries and tertials, and white outer rectrices that all sharply contrasted with it's black wings and grey head. Incredible to see a Nutcracker at sea!! It's behavior was very interesting. It flew in low to shore towards me, and hung out with the gulls a bit about 20 feet above sea level and then it flew up into the poplars. Then it flew out to sea very high, and after a minute it came back to the trees. It hung around another 30 seconds and then it flew up super high - and across the sound heading west to Bainbridge island going higher and higher until it was a speck and then I couldn't resolve it any longer. Was it heading to Bainbridge? It certainly looked like it was fighting the wind to get across and maybe that's why it was trying to gain height. It was an incredible sight. I have only really seen them in mountains, so they were a great county first for me. I think I was the last person to see it but I left Kathy and Arn Slattebak at the Lighthouse so maybe they caught it later? I hung around another hour hoping it might come back, but had to compensate with good views of two Marbled Murrelets instead. No photos from me because I cannot carry my camera at this time, but I think JOPU (John Puschock) Carl, and Raphael got photos and the shots are clearly CLNU on Raphael's camera. I had great looks though with my 10x42 Nikons for several minutes. Wow!
Nadine
Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2021 11:15:02 -0700 (PDT) From: THOMAS BENEDICT <benedict.t...> To: John Puschock <g_g_allin...>,
Any chance it could have been a Northern Mockingbird? I only ask because Clark's Nutcracker is so out of habitat and NOMO has been reported at Discovery Park in the past.
Date: 4/12/21 2:45 pm From: THOMAS BENEDICT <benedict.t...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] A Park that Discovers Birds
Given that there have been at least two independent reports now, I'm happy to surrender to the world of possibility. My birding skills are at the low to medium level, so I mis-identify birds all the time. Especially ones that are mostly gray.
I wish the bird well. Not many pine nuts around here. Hope they happened to have a full throat pouch before getting "blown off" the mountain. Given that CLNU don't migrate much, I wonder where that they could get diverted from the peaks to the shore.
Tom Benedict Seahurst, WA
> On 04/12/2021 2:12 PM David Hutchinson <florafaunabooks...> wrote: > > > A kindly response to the suggestion that a Clark's Nutcracker might > be too rare for Discovery Park. When riding shot-gun for Mrs. Kevin Li one > day, I remember seeing one at the Historic District a couple > of years ago? was the same day we saw a Clark's Grebe at the > West Point Lighthouse. And somewhere in my mental fog, did not a > Smith's Longspur occur at Marymoor Park? Let's all just surrender to > the world of possibility. > > David Hutchinson > F & F, 206-499-7305 > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/12/21 2:19 pm From: David Hutchinson <florafaunabooks...> Subject: [Tweeters] A Park that Discovers Birds
A kindly response to the suggestion that a Clark's Nutcracker might
be too rare for Discovery Park. When riding shot-gun for Mrs. Kevin Li one
day, I remember seeing one at the Historic District a couple
of years ago? was the same day we saw a Clark's Grebe at the
West Point Lighthouse. And somewhere in my mental fog, did not a
Smith's Longspur occur at Marymoor Park? Let's all just surrender to
the world of possibility.
The Phoebe continues in much the same location as prior reports, at the Brig (bldg 406). Perching on the roof and occasionally sallying out for food. Eventually flew to east side of building.
Date: 4/12/21 2:02 pm From: D R <somegum2...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] CLNU?
I received this from Nadine D:
“I was the last person to see it at 11:05<x-apple-data-detectors://0>. Feel free to update Tweeters as I cannot do it from my phone and am out all day”
Thanks Nadine!
Dave
On Apr 12, 2021, at 11:49 AM, D R <somegum2...> wrote:
Date: 4/12/21 12:22 pm From: ANDREA BENNETT <bennetts10...> Subject: [Tweeters] leucistic crow, Commodore Park, King County, WA
Yesterday there was a leucistic crow at Commodore Park, King County, WA. At first glance it looked like an immature gull, a large laridae, it was gray except for the bill which was darker. The photo is posted here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S85366076
Date: 4/12/21 11:52 am From: Doug Santoni <dougsantoni...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] New eBird Policy
Fellow Tweeters — Seeing the message below, I wanted to remind folks that eBird is just one of the many great things that’s being done by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Please keep them in mind when you're considering charitable giving!
Doug Santoni
Doug Santoni at gmail dot com
Seattle, WA
> On Apr 12, 2021, at 10:07 AM, Robert O'Brien <baro...> wrote:
>
> Recently I've been forced occasionally to log in to eBird in order to use some features. I queried eBird about the situation. Here is the response.
>
> Thanks for reaching out to eBird with your question.
>
> Over the past year, the eBird website has experienced unusually high server loads as bird enthusiasts around the world contribute to and explore eBird data. This increased web activity has caused us to exceed the limits of the Google Maps platform used by some of our Explore tools. To reduce this unanticipated burden on our map-based features, it was necessary to restrict access to some parts of the Explore page to users with registered eBird accounts.
>
> This action allows us to keep eBird observations safe and accessible, so we can continue to provide fully functional data exploration tools completely for free.
>
> Fortunately, creating an eBird account is 100% free and easy. To get started, go to the eBird homepage <https://ebird.org/home>, and click on the green 'Create account' button in the top right corner of the page. You will be asked to provide your first and last name, your email address, and to create a username and password (8 characters or more).
>
> Thanks again for getting in touch! eBird.
>
> I guess success has its price. My original concern was that birders who don't like to sign up for anything might be prevented from using , getting used to, and eventually joining eBird. Such is life. Bob OBrien Carver OR
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/12/21 11:18 am From: THOMAS BENEDICT <benedict.t...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Clark's Nutcracker, Discovery Park, Seattle
Any chance it could have been a Northern Mockingbird? I only ask because Clark's Nutcracker is so out of habitat and NOMO has been reported at Discovery Park in the past.
They have similar shape and color.
Tom Benedict Seahurst, WA
> On 04/12/2021 10:10 AM John Puschock <g_g_allin...> wrote: > > > A single Clark's Nutcracker was flying around the West Point area of Discovery Park and 10 AM. Last seen flying around the eastern part of the point. Not sure if it's still here or not. > > John Puschock > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/12/21 10:26 am From: Steve Loitz <steveloitz...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Clark's Nutcracker, Discovery Park, Seattle
Wow! We frequently see CLNUs in our mountain travels, always near Whitebark Pines. This individual was way out of his neighborhood. Do you have a theory? Is it an Olympic Mountains resident that was blown off course during a recent storm? I hope it finds its way home -- or at least to a place with plenty of pine nuts.
On Mon, Apr 12, 2021 at 10:10 AM John Puschock <g_g_allin...> wrote:
> A single Clark's Nutcracker was flying around the West Point area of > Discovery Park and 10 AM. Last seen flying around the eastern part of the > point. Not sure if it's still here or not. > > John Puschock > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/12/21 10:15 am From: John Puschock <g_g_allin...> Subject: [Tweeters] Clark's Nutcracker, Discovery Park, Seattle
A single Clark's Nutcracker was flying around the West Point area of Discovery Park and 10 AM. Last seen flying around the eastern part of the point. Not sure if it's still here or not.
Date: 4/12/21 10:03 am From: Denis DeSilvis <avnacrs4birds...> Subject: [Tweeters] JBLM Eagles Pride April Birdwalk
Hi Tweeters,
The Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagles Pride Golf Course (GC) birdwalk is scheduled for this coming Thursday, April 15. The JBLM Eagles Pride GC birders meet the third Thursday of each month at 8:00AM<outlook-data-detector://2>. Starting point is Bldg # 1514, Driving Range Tee, Eagles Pride Golf Course, I-5 Exit 116, Mounts Road Exit. This will be the 8th anniversary of this monthly birdwalk, which is supported by JBLM Eagles Pride GC; JBLM Morale, Welfare, and Recreation organization; and the US Army command at JBLM.
Unfortunately, I have another engagement this week, and won't be able to attend. In my place, the kilted wonder, Jon A, will lead this month, so look for him when you get to the meeting place.
Also, to remind folks that haven't been here before, you don't need any ID to attend these birdwalks.
We must follow the prescribed rules:
1. Maintain social distancing throughout the walk.
2. Don't share birding or other gear, including scopes, binoculars, etc.
3. Wear a cloth mask. Don't put others or yourself at risk by not wearing one.
Hope you're able to make it - the weather portends to be gorgeous.
Date: 4/11/21 2:59 pm From: Barbara B. Mandula <barbaramandula...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor birding with Michael Hobbs
I'd like to join the Marymoor birding group this Thursday, April 15, but don't know how to contact Michael Hobbs directly by phone or e-mail. Can you help?
Date: 4/11/21 12:35 pm From: Ellen Blackstone <ellenblackstone...> Subject: [Tweeters] BirdNote, last week and the week of April 11, 2021
Hello, Tweeters,
Heard last week on BirdNote:
* High Island, Texas -- Migrant Fallout
http://bit.ly/migration-fallout-on-high-island * The Color of Birds' Eyes -- Changing over Time
http://bit.ly/2J7Fh97 * Kinglets in Winter -- Survivors!
https://bit.ly/3s1rNkE * Tanagers - Shade-Coffee Birds
http://bit.ly/2uySzse * A Nuthatch That Uses Tools?
https://bit.ly/32gEE8l * Tricolored Blackbirds Face the Future
http://bit.ly/Tricolored-Blackbirds * What's Inside a Woodpecker's Nest Hole?
http://bit.ly/2Hhgfao =========================
Next week on BirdNote:
Wandering Albatross Molt + Snipe Hunt!
Thieving Magpie, What's an Alula?
And... Chickadee Toddlers
https://bit.ly/3g1aSMz --------------------------------------
Did you have a favorite story this week? Another comment?
Please let us know.mailto:<ellenb...> ------------------------------------------------
Sign up for the podcast:https://birdnote.org/get-podcasts-rss
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resources on the website.https://www.birdnote.org You'll find 1700+
episodes and more than 1200 videos in the archive.
Date: 4/11/21 8:58 am From: <dgrainger...> Subject: [Tweeters] Nikon 80-400 lens for sale
On Saturday, I bought the Nikon 200-500 lens that Alan Knue had offered on this forum, which makes my 80-400 available for anybody interested in good birding lens. The advantage of the 80-400 is that it is light weight for use walking around. Many of the images on my website, birdsbydave.com were made with it. Anyone interested, drop me a private e-mail for details. This lens would be a very affordable way for someone to upgrade into BIF photography without breaking the bank. _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/11/21 2:58 am From: Greg Baker <gregbaker.birder...> Subject: [Tweeters] Greg Baker seeking 1-2 birding companions/drivers for week-long birding road trip, Milwaukee WI to Vancouver, WA
All,
I have a full-month of birding planned from mid-April to mid-May this year circling the western two-thirds of the US.
I am looking for 1-2 (covid-vaccinated) birders (like me) to share driving duties for an ambitious birding schedule on the return stretch from Racine, Wisconsin to Vancouver, WA/Portland, OR.
Planned birding stops include Bowdoin NWR, Montana; Yellowstone NP; Jackson Hole and Boise Idaho. Bird every morning for dawn chorus at these stops and along the way while in route. Some car and campground camping; periodic hotel stays.
I have been birding and fiddling since age 10, that's 57 years, so some campfire fiddling is likely, some evenings. I will be searching out a few specific target species for better photos (e.g., Baird's Sparrow, Sprague's Pipit. Thick-billed Longspur, Gray Gray Owl).
Depart Racine Wisconsin for Minneapolis on Monday May 10th.
The identification of the first photos last week were seriously questioned and the bird was moved from "confirmed" to "unconfirmed" on eBird. Is there more information or more photos?
thanks,
On Sat, Apr 10, 2021 at 9:08 PM Roger Moyer <rogermoyer1...> wrote:
> The EURASIAN HOBBY that was reported earlier this week on Ebird near the > town of Rainier was observed again this afternoon around 6 pm. It was near > the corners of Military Rd. SE and 138th. > > Roger Moyer > Chehalis, WA > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/10/21 9:13 pm From: Kevin Lucas <vikingcove...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] A sky full of Swallows and Swifts
Inspired by Larry Schwitters' emails to Tweeters and to Vaux Happening
subscribers, I headed out on this chilly and breezy night to look for
Vaux's Swifts at the Johnson Auto Glass roost chimney in downtown Yakima.
At 7:53 p.m., 8 minutes after local sunset, a pair came twittering over and
allowed me to take some photos before they continued on to the northwest. I
think this is one of my earliest sightings of Vaux's Swifts here in Yakima
County. Early is becoming more and more normal. It was 41° at sunset. I
hope they found a warm roost.
I submitted a report on Larry's website at https://www.vauxhappening.org/ using the "Contact Us" >> "Submit a Report" drop-down menu.
On Sat, Apr 10, 2021 at 6:34 PM Catherine Alexander <cma...>
wrote:
> Sitting on my back porch this morning, I was treated to a huge mixed flock
> of Violet-green Swallows and Vaux Swifts. I haven’t seen such a flock from
> the yard in many years.
>
> I noticed Violet-green Swallows playing over the shoreline of Lake
> Washington yesterday, again way more than have been present there for a
> good number of years.
>
> It was a good day.
>
> Catherine Alexander
> Lakewood neighborhood
> South Seattle
>
>
> Sent from my telegraph machine
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
The EURASIAN HOBBY that was reported earlier this week on Ebird near the town of Rainier was observed again this afternoon around 6 pm. It was near the corners of Military Rd. SE and 138th.
Date: 4/10/21 6:39 pm From: Catherine Alexander <cma...> Subject: [Tweeters] A sky full of Swallows and Swifts
Sitting on my back porch this morning, I was treated to a huge mixed flock of Violet-green Swallows and Vaux Swifts. I haven’t seen such a flock from the yard in many years.
I noticed Violet-green Swallows playing over the shoreline of Lake Washington yesterday, again way more than have been present there for a good number of years.
It was a good day.
Catherine Alexander
Lakewood neighborhood
South Seattle
Date: 4/10/21 5:20 pm From: ANDREA BENNETT <bennetts10...> Subject: [Tweeters] Osprey, Meadowbrook Pond, King County, WA
The first Osprey I've seen this season was visiting Meadowbrook pond this afternoon, perched in a tree. As soon as it left it's perch and started circling the pond, 2 Canada Geese chased it off, it flew east toward Lake Washington (King County, WA) _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/10/21 9:33 am From: Larry Schwitters <leschwitters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Vaux's Happening
Thursday our Vaux’s Happening project documented 43 of the wee birds going to roost at sunset in Agate Hall, the historic communal migratory roost in Eugene. They were still there last night.
This is the 27th consecutive migration we've kept track of the Vaux’s Swifts, over 16 million of them. Contact me if you would like to be involved.
Date: 4/10/21 6:20 am From: Cathy Scott <catsbow...> Subject: [Tweeters] American White Pelicans
Five American White Pelicans in the Samish River 4.9.21. The earliest sited arrival since they started coming here in 2016. The initial arrivals stop in at Samish each year before going to Padilla Bay. Awhile back, I started a Facebook page for them (in 2017 or so) which has their history of showing up a few years ago along with member photos and sitings. It’s American White Pelicans of Padilla Bay.
Cathy Scott
Sent from my iPhone
> On Apr 6, 2021, at 12:03 PM, <tweeters-request...> wrote:
>
> Send Tweeters mailing list submissions to
> <tweeters...>
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> <tweeters-request...>
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
> <tweeters-owner...>
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of Tweeters digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Mandarin Duck at Juanita Beach Park (<plkoyama...>)
> 2. Re: Mandarin Duck at Juanita Beach Park (HAL MICHAEL)
> 3. Fwd: Mandarin Duck at Juanita Beach Park (Marv Breece)
> 4. FOYs (Greg Pluth)
> 5. Okanogan Co. Ospreys (Ron McCluskey)
> 6. Snohomish Say's Phoebe (Josh Adams)
> 7. Say's Phoebe at Mercer Slough Nature Park, Bellevue (Megan Lyden)
> 8. Hermit Thrush on Orcas (Jakob Ledbetter)
> 9. THE NEW YORKER: The Joy of Watching the Ospreys Return (Dan Reiff)
> 10. Sparrows (Jeff Gibson)
> 11. Re: THE NEW YORKER: The Joy of Watching the Ospreys Return
> (Dianna Moore)
> 12. Say?s Phoebe Marblemount (Gary Bletsch)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Mon, 5 Apr 2021 12:53:53 -0700
> From: <plkoyama...>
> To: "Tweeters" <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Mandarin Duck at Juanita Beach Park
> Message-ID: <2D7B0B1279AD455DAC797CD4434F1039@KoyamaHP>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> Tweets,
> Yesterday on eBird, a male Mandarin Duck was posted at Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland, first on the sand in front of the condos, then after flying, near the mouth of Juanita Creek. It was still there late this a.m., sitting on the far edge of the creek in the sawdust, then walking around a bit. A photographer reported that it had also been at the lake edge in the same area. The spot where it was sitting this morning is best accessed by heading for the beach where most of the gulls hang out, past the volleyball area, then taking the short ?dry land? trail to the creek edge.
>
> Not that I think it flew in from Japan, but it had no leg bands. Where ever he came from, he?s a beauty!
> Penny Koyama, Bothell
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> Message: 2
> Date: Mon, 5 Apr 2021 13:29:44 -0700 (PDT)
> From: HAL MICHAEL <ucd880...>
> To: <plkoyama...>, Tweeters <tweeters...>
> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Mandarin Duck at Juanita Beach Park
> Message-ID: <842226487.290049.1617654584807...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> At least when I was raising waterfowl, all that was required was marking. A band could be used but one could also remove that tiny toe on the back of the leg. That would be sufficient to meet the requirement. Plus, while a commercial breeder/dealer would mark the birds a person who just "had a pair" might not be aware of the rule and might not mark ducklings and then they escape.
>
> Hal Michael
>
> Olympia WA
> 360-459-4005
> 360-791-7702 (C)
> <ucd880...>
>
>> On 04/05/2021 12:53 PM <plkoyama...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Tweets,
>> Yesterday on eBird, a male Mandarin Duck was posted at Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland, first on the sand in front of the condos, then after flying, near the mouth of Juanita Creek. It was still there late this a.m., sitting on the far edge of the creek in the sawdust, then walking around a bit. A photographer reported that it had also been at the lake edge in the same area. The spot where it was sitting this morning is best accessed by heading for the beach where most of the gulls hang out, past the volleyball area, then taking the short ?dry land? trail to the creek edge.
>>
>> Not that I think it flew in from Japan, but it had no leg bands. Where ever he came from, he?s a beauty!
>> Penny Koyama, Bothell
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>
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>
> Message: 3
> Date: Mon, 5 Apr 2021 17:07:49 -0400 (EDT)
> From: Marv Breece <marvbreece...>
> To: Tweeters <Tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Fwd: Mandarin Duck at Juanita Beach Park
> Message-ID: <1756245911.26812465.1617656869354.JavaMail.zimbra...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> In the same ebird report that Penny refers to below is an image of a male WOOD DUCK. The female with that male WOOD DUCK looks an awful lot like a female MANDARIN DUCK to me.
>
> For what it's worth, some years ago MANDARIN DUCKS were breeding in Auburn. On June 21, 2005, I saw a female MANDARIN DUCK with 6 ducklings on the Green River.
>
> Marv Breece
> Tukwila, WA
> <marvbreece...>
>
> From: "Penny Koyama" <plkoyama...>
> To: "Tweeters" <tweeters...>
> Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 12:53:53 PM
> Subject: [Tweeters] Mandarin Duck at Juanita Beach Park
>
> Tweets,
> Yesterday on eBird, a male Mandarin Duck was posted at Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland, first on the sand in front of the condos, then after flying, near the mouth of Juanita Creek. It was still there late this a.m., sitting on the far edge of the creek in the sawdust, then walking around a bit. A photographer reported that it had also been at the lake edge in the same area. The spot where it was sitting this morning is best accessed by heading for the beach where most of the gulls hang out, past the volleyball area, then taking the short ?dry land? trail to the creek edge.
> Not that I think it flew in from Japan, but it had no leg bands. Where ever he came from, he?s a beauty!
> Penny Koyama, Bothell
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
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>
> Message: 4
> Date: Mon, 5 Apr 2021 15:40:56 -0700
> From: Greg Pluth <gjpluth...>
> To: tweeters <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] FOYs
> Message-ID:
> <CA+p-6uAMf_53w4g6mp=epVDmbPSM-JqiW+<48LfcHqNCOH8UKPQ...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> It's spring again but I've been remiss in reporting my FOYs.
> Seven days ago we saw two Turkey Vultures winging north mid-afternoon over
> University Place. Six days ago Ospreys had arrived at the nesting areas at
> Charles Wright Academy and also near the dam of lower Chambers Creek,
> Steilacoom. Today we had a Orange-crowned Warbler at Tahoma Audubon!
>
> keep ticking them off...
>
> Greg Pluth
> University Place
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Mon, 5 Apr 2021 17:27:21 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
> From: Ron McCluskey <rmcclsky...>
> To: <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Okanogan Co. Ospreys
> Message-ID:
> <1914956355.7969.1617668842077...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
>
> There were multiple Ospreys between Bridgeport and Omak today standing on or near nests.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Mon, 5 Apr 2021 18:08:30 -0700
> From: Josh Adams <xjoshx...>
> To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Snohomish Say's Phoebe
> Message-ID:
> <CAFOenNETgH8VuTWjQgZEgNyuvU8ULTaXtRnM5bH6N7wW==<XTLA...>
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>
> Hello Tweets,
> There's currently a Say's Phoebe working the radio tower field along Shorts
> School Rd. I'm watching it from my house across the river. I had a Say's
> near here a couple weeks back as well, but I highly suspect this is a
> different individual.
>
> Josh Adams
> Cathcart, WA
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>
> Message: 7
> Date: Tue, 6 Apr 2021 03:03:24 +0000
> From: Megan Lyden <meganlyden...>
> To: "<tweeters...>" <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Say's Phoebe at Mercer Slough Nature Park,
> Bellevue
> Message-ID:
> <MWHPR2001MB1918151653AF05A3831693E3DF769...>
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> Hi Tweeters,
>
> Had great looks at a Say's Phoebe today (5 PM) at Mercer Slough Nature Park. There is a bridge that crosses the slough near the blueberry field; the Phoebe was just north of the bridge, flycatching fence on the boundary of the blueberry field, and then from some nearby trees across the trail, right next to the slough.
>
> Megan Lyden
> Bellevue, WA
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>
> Message: 8
> Date: Mon, 5 Apr 2021 20:48:53 -0700
> From: Jakob Ledbetter <jakobledbetter...>
> To: <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Hermit Thrush on Orcas
> Message-ID: <CAF4A0D0-3773-4B37-A879-33AFEA6A7D4D...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> Two hermit thrushes contact calling above Judd Cove on Orcas Island yesterday.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 9
> Date: Mon, 5 Apr 2021 22:53:21 -0700
> From: Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...>
> To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] THE NEW YORKER: The Joy of Watching the Ospreys
> Return
> Message-ID: <1C6A73BC-B2DC-4A67-8E86-1D158DDACA7C...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> I too have always enjoyed the return of the Osprey.
> Dan Reiff
> MI
>
> The Joy of Watching the Ospreys Return
> Last year was a difficult one for them, too.
> Read in The New Yorker: https://apple.news/AjPQgq25ZTFKLEfgR5FLb6Q >
>
> Shared from Apple News
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
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>
> Message: 10
> Date: Tue, 6 Apr 2021 11:21:54 -0700
> From: Jeff Gibson <gibsondesign15...>
> To: <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Sparrows
> Message-ID: <BFA83889-7ED9-4B79-B0E8-2687FAB4F419...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> At 8 o?clock this morning I suddenly realized that I hadn?t checked the mailbox for several days. My late mother, in her dementia , rabidly accused me of stealing her mail so I?ve got to update my habits. I hope she has too.
>
> Anyhoo, checking the mailbox paid off big time because I got to hear two ?new? bird songs. They were ?new? to me since I never hear too much from them around here, so I forget. At this stage in life I?ve probably forgotten more info than I still remember, but that?s still plenty for me.
>
> The two new birdsongs were Golden-Crowned Sparrow , and Fox Sparrow , The Fox Sparrow is particularly variable in song. Two Golden-Crowns, one Fox.
>
> Have been watching the slo-mo switcheroo from winter plumage to breeding plumage in both Golden and White-crowned Sparrows this Spring. It takes a while.
>
> Jeff Gibson
> Port Townsend WA
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 11
> Date: Tue, 6 Apr 2021 11:41:06 -0700
> From: Dianna Moore <osdlm1945...>
> To: Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...>
> Cc: Tweeters <tweeters...>
> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] THE NEW YORKER: The Joy of Watching the
> Ospreys Return
> Message-ID:
> <CA+<P8rUJHu97ZhoO7H3jrjt2hgEyXqNnUAWNimAr3Qd3jGbjCcw...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> I have been anxiously awaiting the return of the osprey pair to the nest
> atop a light standard along Paulson Rd. in Hoquiam. Yesterday, Monday the
> 5th I found one bird on the pole...a male.
> Dianna Moore
> Ocean Shores
>
>> On Mon, Apr 5, 2021 at 10:53 PM Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...> wrote:
>>
>> I too have always enjoyed the return of the Osprey.
>> Dan Reiff
>> MI
>>
>> *The Joy of Watching the Ospreys Return*
>> Last year was a difficult one for them, too.
>>
>> Read in The New Yorker: https://apple.news/AjPQgq25ZTFKLEfgR5FLb6Q >>
>>
>> Shared from Apple News <https://www.apple.com/news> >>
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>
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> Message: 12
> Date: Tue, 6 Apr 2021 11:45:01 -0700
> From: Gary Bletsch <garybletsch...>
> To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Say?s Phoebe Marblemount
> Message-ID: <A0779441-2302-40A8-BCB1-15B60EECBEE3...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> In pasture now, across road from parking area of Marblemount Boat Launch. Scope would be almost a necessity.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
> ------------------------------
>
> End of Tweeters Digest, Vol 200, Issue 6
> ****************************************
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/9/21 7:23 pm From: David Parent <dpdvm...> Subject: [Tweeters] Fwd: Ferruginous Hawks over Ancient Lakes.
>
> 2 engaged in courtship flight over Ancient Lakes near Quincy, WA. Seen at noon 4/9/21.
> Dave Parent, <dpdvm...>, Freeland WA.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
Date: 4/9/21 6:26 pm From: Gary Bletsch <garybletsch...> Subject: [Tweeters] worst bird pun ever
Dear Tweeters, What did Dennis say to his spouse after being disappointed by the kitsch of a Hirundine bulletin board? Yours truly, Gary Bletsch Scroll down for Anser.
That would be Snow Goose. Scroll down for answer.
"Tacky sign, Netta!" Sorry in advance. It occurred to me as I viewed all the Tree and Violet-green Swallows at Northern State Recreation Area this morning.
Date: 4/9/21 3:39 pm From: Jeff Gibson <gibsondesign15...> Subject: [Tweeters] Kah Tai Prairie, Port Townsend
This time of year it's a good bet to check the Kah Tai prairie for new wildflowers once a week, or every ten days or so as upcoming flowers are coming on at a rapid pace.
Five days after my last visit on April 4th, I noted more blooming Lithophragma , a dainty white flower, more blooming Geum triflorum, the first Western Buttercups (a well behaved native unlike the horrendous invasive European Ranunculus repens) and also the first Chocolate Lily budding out.
Alex S. showed me a female Mountain Bluebird along the shore of Lake Washington at Seattle's Montlake Fill early this morning. It moved to the U. W. farm on the north side, where many birders gathered to watch it. It may still be there, for all I know. (I had to leave around 9:30.)
Louis K. also found a Chipping Sparrow at the farm then, which at least a few of us got to see.
The crows haven't figured out to not bother the newly returned Osprey yet, and one of the nesting Cooper's Hawks made the huge size difference obvious as he (presumably) harassed a passing Bald Eagle. I also saw a couple of Pied-billed Grebe flights, something I pretty much only see during migration periods (as now). One made a long flight along the lake shore, then rose slightly to fly to the central pond. So that's how they get in there.
Date: 4/9/21 9:38 am From: Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...> Subject: [Tweeters] Rare Yellow Penguin Photographed for the First Time | Smart News | Smithsonian Magazine
Wouldn't normally post this but given recent thought I would. Waiting at the local Starbuck's waiting for an eldercare medical appt. to wrap up, I decided to take a walk along the Clear Creek trail around 8am this morning. Next to the Best Western I was rewarded by close views of a gorgeous Greater Yellowlegs - eating and a full on preen session. Made my day! Greater Yellowlegs seem to be having a western WA moment...
Date: 4/8/21 3:03 pm From: <birdmarymoor...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2021-04-08
Tweets – The rain let up before 6:00 a.m., and the drizzle let up before our 6:30 start time. We had only periods of mist for the next hour or so, mixed with dramatic sunshine. Then a light breeze came in and stuck with us under partly cloudy skies. It was a good day of birding, with much to look at. Measured by the number of species, it was a great day. By number of birds, it was fairly quiet. But there were lots of...
Highlights:
a.. Greater White-fronted Goose – one flying with a few Canadas
b.. Wood Duck – at least 4 total. A pair kept landing in cottonwood trees
c.. CINNAMON TEAL – pair flew up the slough to the lake. First of Year (FOY)
d.. Eleven species of duck, total, including a few American Wigeon
e.. Wilson’s Snipe – notably many, with notably many good looks along the slough
f.. OSPREY – pairs at/near both nests. FOY for us (but first sighting for the park was April 3)
g.. Pileated Woodpecker – male landed right next to us, below the weir
h.. Merlin – two sightings, probably the same bird
i.. CLIFF SWALLOW – one or two. 6th earliest spring sighting ever for us (FOY)
j.. Bushtit – watched a pair working on their nest at Dog Central
k.. Cedar Waxwing – six at the Rowing Club
l.. Fox Sparrow – lots of singing. They should be around for two more weeks
m.. Western Meadowlark – one in East Meadow
n.. BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD – about three (FOY)
o.. ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER – Matt and Brian heard one from near the Mysterious Thicket (FOY)
p.. Common Yellowthroat – heard predawn
q.. Yellow-rumped Warbler – mostly male Audubon’s, but at least 1 female, and at least 1 male Myrtle at the Rowing Club
The only later spring sightings of GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE have been of large flocks flying overhead, and that only twice.
While we’ve had CEDAR WAXWING every week of the year, our sightings from January->third week of April are almost all from 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2021. This year is challenging 2012 for the most pre-May sightings. We’ve only had Cedars at all in 10 of 27 years, during that period.
Several “winter” species were either missing or were in notably smaller numbers than in the last couple of weeks. No Cackling Geese, Northern Shrike, or Pacific Wren, and only a very few Common Goldeneye, Pied-billed Grebe, and Double-crested Cormorant.
A late scan of the lake turned up a female BELTED KINGFISHER and our earliest spring sighting ever of a CASPIAN TERN (FOY). Both were right at the mouth of the slough.
Notable misses today were limited to just Rock Pigeon and Lincoln’s Sparrow.
For the day, 70 species, with 5 new for the year for us.
Date: 4/8/21 9:56 am From: <dgrainger...> Subject: [Tweeters] still seeing Brant in Port Townsend
Although smaller numbers, we still see Brant close to edge of water at the Point Hudson area, between the spit of shingle and sand and the beach opposite the RV parking area.
Also, I have a Nikon lens that is available, it is a Nikkor AF VR 80-400mm 4.5-5.6D for FX Nikon DSLRs - (mounts also on DX) Included is a tripod collar for use on Wimberley Gimbal or other Arca mount heads. Nice size and weight for hand held birding photography. Send private email for info if interested. Dave Grainger _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/7/21 9:52 pm From: john dantoni <dantonijohn...> Subject: [Tweeters] My Birthday Bird was.....
Hi Tweeters,The last time I saw a Red Crossbill was when I chased one I had read about on Tweeters during an irruption in 2008...Red Crossbill (my Birthday Bird!)
| | | | | |
|
| | | | Red Crossbill (my Birthday Bird!)
My birthday bird! I've only seen one other one and that was on March 3, 2008 at Stephen's Pass in Washington. ... |
Date: 4/7/21 7:18 pm From: Kevin Lucas <vikingcove...> Subject: [Tweeters] Sometimes everything really is black & white, mostly
I returned to the Sunnyside State Wildlife Recreation Area today on my continuing quest to see Tricolored Blackbirds reported there recently and the migrating shorebirds. On the walk in I was passed in the opposite direction by a tight flock of four Blue-winged Teal -- drakes & hens. (I presume the hens weren't Cinnamon Teal.) Once at the rice paddies south of Giffin Lake, I tried hard to look at all the blackbirds to find an odd one, but was hugely distracted. On my visit last Friday I'd stood in one spot in awe as I counted 145 Black-necked Stilts. Many more were in adjacent paddies and hidden behind cattail clumps. Today I counted 264. It was truly amazing. I saw the same number of Dunlin as before, forty-two, with again a Least Sandpiper and a Western Sandpiper. Three Greater Yellowlegs, many Killdeer, and a vocalizing Long-billed Dowitcher rounded out today's sure bird shorebird sights. I'd seen the dowitcher before, but today was the first time I heard its call distinctly while I watched it. I was able to see and photograph its alternate plumage greater coverts' tips - simple concave dark, not the convex > concave S of Short-billed. Soras also joined today's chorus.
A couple of Benton County Mosquito Control employees turned out to be crowd control. Loads of birds flushed, but most of the shorebirds stuck around.
Later I went over to the "Mabton boat launch" flooded fields to see if some of the stilts or the Blue-winged Teal had gone there, but only saw 10 stilts. A couple of Ring-billed Gulls dropped in then left, as Ma Great Horned Owl once again watched from her nest above. There's a metal & wood waterfowl hunting blind that gives a nice vantage, but it's approach is quite exposed. Bring your own chair.
Please, please -- fill out the day use ticket & carry your stub with you until you're done for the day, then drop your stub in the box slot. It's required. For all users. There's a tick box for bird watching. If the managers see how much it's being used for bird watching, perhaps more accommodations will be made for us, not just for hunters. I saw a birder there today who didn't fill out a ticket. That seems a wasted opportunity, and a chance for ill will toward the bird watching community if he's caught.
I again dipped on Tricolored Blackbirds, but had an excellent day.
Date: 4/7/21 7:06 pm From: Kevin Lucas <vikingcove...> Subject: [Tweeters] White-headed Woodpeckers - April is Citizen Science Month
It's April -- Global Citizen Science Month.
If you're in Yakima or Kittitas Counties, please keep an eye out for color banded White-headed Woodpeckers. Share your finds with biologist Jeff Kozma at <kozj...>
Your White-headed Woodpecker eBird entry with a note that you didn't look for leg bands, or looked for but weren't able to see leg bands, or saw colors on just one leg helps too. But Jeff doesn't get eBird information magically, so send him a link to your lists. Pictures of birds with leg bands are great!
I used to search for White-headed Woodpecker eBird sightings, and read the descriptions and look for leg bands in the photos and on Flickr, but have not been up for that for a while. Late this winter my wife & I found a female White-headed Woodpecker that was missing last year & sent Jeff photos and her location. Jeff tracked her and her mate down soon after. We had banded her in 2015. She's at least eight years old!
They have two bands on each leg. Leg band colors include silver (aluminum), white, red, mauve (pale purple), orange, green, light green, pink, yellow, and blue. When reporting colors, please list right leg first, then left leg. For example, the right leg was Orange over Metal and the left leg was Yellow over Blue. In this case, Orange is closest to the body and Metal closest to the foot, and Yellow closest to the body and Blue closest to the foot. Please note, right and left are the birds right and left legs, not your right and left as you perceive the bird.
Jeff really cares for the birds and his study has been fruitful. Kudos to him for becoming the lead author and updating the Birds of the World White-headed Woodpecker species account.
Date: 4/7/21 6:15 pm From: pan <panmail...> Subject: [Tweeters] migration last night (and ebird) - King Cty.
Tweets,
I've seen four sparrow species plus a Hermit Thrush today (April 7, 2021) in Seattle situations where they are not expected. There must have been considerable movement last night. [The sparrows were Chipping, Savannah, White-crowned, and Lincoln's.]
Hank sent me several good images of the duck in question, and it looks like a female Wood Duck.
Marv Breece Tukwila, WA <marvbreece...>
----- Original Message ----- From: "Hank Heiberg" <hank.heiberg...> To: "Tweeters" <tweeters...> Sent: Wednesday, April 7, 2021 12:30:21 PM Subject: [Tweeters] Mandarin Duck p.s.
It appears that I have a photo of a female Mandarin Duck that was hanging out with a male Wood Duck. Thanks to Marv Breece for alerting me to the possibility.
Date: 4/7/21 1:25 pm From: Hubbell <ldhubbell...> Subject: [Tweeters] Union Bay Watch } On Raptors - COHA
Tweeters,
This week’s post focuses on the various hunting styles utilized by raptors. Many may be considered variations on a theme. However, some styles are a bit more unique. I hope you enjoy the post!
It appears that I have a photo of a female Mandarin Duck that was hanging out with a male Wood Duck. Thanks to Marv Breece for alerting me to the possibility.
Date: 4/7/21 10:32 am From: Steve Hampton <stevechampton...> Subject: [Tweeters] migration and spring in Port Townsend
A few signs of migration and spring are underway here in Port Townsend. At Point Wilson, RHINOCEROS AUKLETS (hundreds to thousands; scope needed) in breeding plumage are usually present, either in the water or flying past. MARBLED MURRELETS (dozens) likewise, with most of them just now coming into breeding plumage. COMMON MURRES are limited to a small fraction of the RHAU, and all in basic plumage.
The only grebes I've encountered are RED-NECKED (including an impressive scattered raft of 170 last week) and HORNED (nearly all in breeding plumage). Echoing an earlier caution on identification, of hundreds of Horned Grebes I've seen in the area the last few weeks, I've yet to see any I would call an Eared; they are quite scarce now. Last week there was a raft of 50 WESTERN GREBES off Cape George. There have been few loons, mostly COMMON LOON.
Around the Pt Wilson lighthouse, a KILLDEER is on eggs. Other birders have reported WHIMBREL, CHIPPING SPARROW, and CALIF QUAIL from the Point in the last week.
In town, "AUDUBON'S" YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, and a few TREE SWALLOWS arrived a week or so ago, with the warblers singing quite a bit. No Barn Swallows yet; I saw one early CLIFF SWALLOW south of town at the end of March. As of yesterday, ORANGE-CR WARBLERS seemed to arrive in numbers, with several in song this morning around town despite the drizzle. (pic of one at my backyard pond here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S84958849 ).
Pugetensis WHITE-CR SPARROWS are in song everywhere, even from chimneys. SAVANNAH SPARROWS started singing yesterday from every open field. RUFOUS HUMMERS arrived a couple weeks ago and are pretty regular in open suburban contexts.
RED CROSSBILLS are quite limited now, I think only Type 3 around Fort Warden; Type 4's seem to be more prevalent at Fort Flagler. PINE SISKINS are thinning out and PURPLE FINCHES have really thinned out, at least in town.
Finally, my yard has been blessed with two apparent fuliginosa SOOTY FOX SPARROWS this winter; at least one is still present. Pics contrasting it with a paler, grayer northern Sooty are here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S84958849. I suspect fuliginosa is quite rare away from the outer coast, even in winter.
Date: 4/7/21 9:10 am From: AMK17 <amk17...> Subject: [Tweeters] Varied thrush and other songsters
It's been surreal to have varied thrush singing outside of my office window this past week. Think at least two singing back and forth in the yard.
Late last week swallows chirped over the Phinney Ridge which was also a treat. And the golden crowned sparrows singing away most days but the Bewick's wren songs are by far the loudest and most complex melodies.
We had a "drive-by" Greater Yellowlegs in a large puddle in a field on S. 277/272 Street in Kent this morning. It is on the northside of the highway just before the Carpilato Brothers farm (formerly Smith Bros)..
Hans
On Tue, Apr 6, 2021 at 6:12 PM <merdave...> wrote:
> > Today I saw 4 Greater Yellowlegs at a small pond in Doug. Co.; the > earliest I have ever seen them. I also had my first Yellow-headed > Blackbirds. Meredith Spencer, Bridgeport > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
-- *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA <thefedderns...>
Date: 4/6/21 7:44 pm From: <flick...> Subject: [Tweeters] Finches on the Move 4/6/2021 White Salmon, WA
April 6, 2021
White Salmon, WA finch movement today with songs & visuals
Cassin's and Purple finches sing today with lucky visuals of both species and sexes at feeder same time
Purple Finch song is a traditional westside rich, warble & Cassin's song is a bit faster paced than PUFI & slightly abbreviated at the end with other bird note phrases added in like the 'gyp-gyp-gyp...' of Red Crossbill
Date: 4/6/21 6:53 pm From: Dennis Paulson <dennispaulson...> Subject: [Tweeters] shorebird auditory treats at Wylie Slough
Hello tweets,
Netta and I tried to find the Ruff at Wylie Slough this morning and failed. We had seen it at a distance on Saturday and even got one halfway decent photo, but we thought we might get a closer look today. Nope.
But the high point of the visit was the number of Greater Yellowlegs, must have been 30 or more of them there, many in breeding plumage. They were constantly calling and chasing one another and—best of all—singing their breeding song. We heard the mellow whistles wheedle-oo-wheedle-oo-wheedle-oo again and again, more times than I had heard this song in my entire life. I have heard it in the spring on occasion in Washington but never like this. This was early in the morning, and by midday most of this action had petered out, with birds just feeding and occasionally calling.
More surprising yet to me, the Long-billed Dowitchers that were there were singing. I have heard Short-billed Dowitchers singing in May out at the ocean as they were migrating north, but these birds were still in nonbreeding plumage. Their hormones must have been running strong as they sang their burry song, just as those of the yellowlegs were. If you like shorebirds, check out Wylie Slough in the morning. Even if the Ruff doesn’t show, what you hear makes the trip worthwhile. As a bonus, a Black Phoebe was actively feeding near the parking lot.
Another high point is very likely running into someone you know, if you can recognize them with mask on!
Today I saw 4 Greater Yellowlegs at a small pond in Doug. Co.; the earliest I have ever seen them. I also had my first Yellow-headed Blackbirds. Meredith Spencer, Bridgeport
This morning I searched from Seattle's Colman Park south to the Sayres Pits area in Lake Washington: 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 2 Red-necked Grebes, 1 Horned Grebe, all mostly in breeding color; no other grebes.
Date: 4/6/21 11:46 am From: Dianna Moore <osdlm1945...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] THE NEW YORKER: The Joy of Watching the Ospreys Return
I have been anxiously awaiting the return of the osprey pair to the nest atop a light standard along Paulson Rd. in Hoquiam. Yesterday, Monday the 5th I found one bird on the pole...a male. Dianna Moore Ocean Shores
On Mon, Apr 5, 2021 at 10:53 PM Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...> wrote:
Date: 4/6/21 11:28 am From: Jeff Gibson <gibsondesign15...> Subject: [Tweeters] Sparrows
At 8 o’clock this morning I suddenly realized that I hadn’t checked the mailbox for several days. My late mother, in her dementia , rabidly accused me of stealing her mail so I’ve got to update my habits. I hope she has too.
Anyhoo, checking the mailbox paid off big time because I got to hear two “new’ bird songs. They were “new” to me since I never hear too much from them around here, so I forget. At this stage in life I’ve probably forgotten more info than I still remember, but that’s still plenty for me.
The two new birdsongs were Golden-Crowned Sparrow , and Fox Sparrow , The Fox Sparrow is particularly variable in song. Two Golden-Crowns, one Fox.
Have been watching the slo-mo switcheroo from winter plumage to breeding plumage in both Golden and White-crowned Sparrows this Spring. It takes a while.
Date: 4/5/21 8:07 pm From: Megan Lyden <meganlyden...> Subject: [Tweeters] Say's Phoebe at Mercer Slough Nature Park, Bellevue
Hi Tweeters,
Had great looks at a Say's Phoebe today (5 PM) at Mercer Slough Nature Park. There is a bridge that crosses the slough near the blueberry field; the Phoebe was just north of the bridge, flycatching fence on the boundary of the blueberry field, and then from some nearby trees across the trail, right next to the slough.
Hello Tweets, There's currently a Say's Phoebe working the radio tower field along Shorts School Rd. I'm watching it from my house across the river. I had a Say's near here a couple weeks back as well, but I highly suspect this is a different individual.
It's spring again but I've been remiss in reporting my FOYs. Seven days ago we saw two Turkey Vultures winging north mid-afternoon over University Place. Six days ago Ospreys had arrived at the nesting areas at Charles Wright Academy and also near the dam of lower Chambers Creek, Steilacoom. Today we had a Orange-crowned Warbler at Tahoma Audubon!
Date: 4/5/21 2:11 pm From: Marv Breece <marvbreece...> Subject: [Tweeters] Fwd: Mandarin Duck at Juanita Beach Park
In the same ebird report that Penny refers to below is an image of a male WOOD DUCK. The female with that male WOOD DUCK looks an awful lot like a female MANDARIN DUCK to me.
For what it's worth, some years ago MANDARIN DUCKS were breeding in Auburn. On June 21, 2005, I saw a female MANDARIN DUCK with 6 ducklings on the Green River.
Marv Breece
Tukwila, WA
<marvbreece...>
From: "Penny Koyama" <plkoyama...>
To: "Tweeters" <tweeters...>
Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 12:53:53 PM
Subject: [Tweeters] Mandarin Duck at Juanita Beach Park
Tweets,
Yesterday on eBird, a male Mandarin Duck was posted at Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland, first on the sand in front of the condos, then after flying, near the mouth of Juanita Creek. It was still there late this a.m., sitting on the far edge of the creek in the sawdust, then walking around a bit. A photographer reported that it had also been at the lake edge in the same area. The spot where it was sitting this morning is best accessed by heading for the beach where most of the gulls hang out, past the volleyball area, then taking the short “dry land” trail to the creek edge.
Not that I think it flew in from Japan, but it had no leg bands. Where ever he came from, he’s a beauty!
Penny Koyama, Bothell
Date: 4/5/21 1:34 pm From: HAL MICHAEL <ucd880...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Mandarin Duck at Juanita Beach Park
At least when I was raising waterfowl, all that was required was marking. A band could be used but one could also remove that tiny toe on the back of the leg. That would be sufficient to meet the requirement. Plus, while a commercial breeder/dealer would mark the birds a person who just "had a pair" might not be aware of the rule and might not mark ducklings and then they escape.
Hal Michael
Olympia WA
360-459-4005
360-791-7702 (C)
<ucd880...>
> On 04/05/2021 12:53 PM <plkoyama...> wrote:
>
>
> Tweets,
> Yesterday on eBird, a male Mandarin Duck was posted at Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland, first on the sand in front of the condos, then after flying, near the mouth of Juanita Creek. It was still there late this a.m., sitting on the far edge of the creek in the sawdust, then walking around a bit. A photographer reported that it had also been at the lake edge in the same area. The spot where it was sitting this morning is best accessed by heading for the beach where most of the gulls hang out, past the volleyball area, then taking the short “dry land” trail to the creek edge.
>
> Not that I think it flew in from Japan, but it had no leg bands. Where ever he came from, he’s a beauty!
> Penny Koyama, Bothell
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/5/21 12:59 pm From: <plkoyama...> Subject: [Tweeters] Mandarin Duck at Juanita Beach Park
Tweets,
Yesterday on eBird, a male Mandarin Duck was posted at Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland, first on the sand in front of the condos, then after flying, near the mouth of Juanita Creek. It was still there late this a.m., sitting on the far edge of the creek in the sawdust, then walking around a bit. A photographer reported that it had also been at the lake edge in the same area. The spot where it was sitting this morning is best accessed by heading for the beach where most of the gulls hang out, past the volleyball area, then taking the short “dry land” trail to the creek edge.
Not that I think it flew in from Japan, but it had no leg bands. Where ever he came from, he’s a beauty!
Penny Koyama, Bothell
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/5/21 9:51 am From: Conniebear Shellhouse <conniebearshellhouse...> Subject: [Tweeters] Hat found at Wylie Slough/Skagit Valley WR
If you lost your hat on April 1 at Skagit Valley Wildlife Refuge, email me with its description. I'll be happy to mail it to you. Whomever it is, I bet you're missing it...
Date: 4/5/21 8:23 am From: Kathleen Snyder <ksnyder75...> Subject: [Tweeters] Burrowing Owls of Eastern WA – Zoom Thursday April 8th
Jason Fidorra, state biologist, will discuss the WDFW project to install and maintain artificial nesting burrows for Burrowing Owls. The project includes nest monitoring, banding, and tracking owls over their migration with GPS backpacks. Jason will share some of the results and stories from this project. This free program from Black Hills Audubon starts at 7 pm on Zoom. Register at https://blackhills-audubon.org/
Date: 4/4/21 1:58 pm From: Denis DeSilvis <avnacrs4birds...> Subject: [Tweeters] Position open for Pollinator Biologist - Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)
Tweeters,
I think some of you in Xerces Society may know the biologist who is retiring. She's been a great asset to both recovering endangered butterflies as well as maintaining habitat for inverts in the south-Sound area. Please send this note out to folks you know who might be interested. From the WDFW:
---
Our long-term and expert invertebrate biologist is retiring and we're recruiting for her replacement. Please share this announcement widely with your networks and help us find someone excellent.
---
Sent: Thursday, April 1, 2021 5:12 PM
Subject: Hi WDFW! Check out this Recruitment! Pollinator Biologist (F&W BIO 4) - Perm - Thurston - Req # 2021-02888
Good evening all,
Please take a look at this recruitment - we encourage you to share this great opportunity with your friends and business networks!
Date: 4/4/21 12:19 pm From: Ian Paulsen <birdbooker...> Subject: [Tweeters] The Birdbooker Report
HI ALL: This week's titles are:
1) Birds of Colombia 2) Birds of the Indonesian Archipelago (2nd edition) 3) NAS Birds of North Ameirca 4) Falocns of North America (2nd edition) 5) NAS Trees of North America
Date: 4/3/21 8:52 pm From: Pat <pcoddin...> Subject: [Tweeters] Pacific Slope Flycatcher in Fife
Seems a little bit early, but there was a Pacific Slope Flycatcher calling
this morning at Brookville Gardens in Fife. It’s a city park next to the
Fed Ex facility at the intersection of Valley Avenue and 70th Avenue.
Date: 4/3/21 2:26 pm From: Steven Dammer <dammerecologist1990...> Subject: [Tweeters] Ruff not found today
Hey Tweets,
I headed up to Wylie this morning hoping to catch a glimpse of the Ruff, many birders present. Sadly no sight of the GRYE pile ideally hiding the Ruff, but there was a female Great Horned Owl spotted near a nest. Kept a safe distance so as not to disturb her, but good to know she may be dealing with some fledglings.
Plenty of Tree Swallows present, so spring is in full swing, and all the remaining common species seemed to be paired up.
Date: 4/3/21 2:23 pm From: Alan Knue <temnurus...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Zeiss binoculars and Nikon camera lens for sale
Hello Tweeters,
I wanted folks to know the Zeiss binoculars have been sold. The Nikon lens is still available.
Thanks, Alan
On Fri, Apr 2, 2021 at 17:55 Alan Knue <temnurus...> wrote:
> Hello All, > > I have been spring cleaning and I wanted to put the word out about a > couple of items for sale. > > > First, I have a Zeiss 8x32 Terra ED Binoculars (2017 Edition) in excellent > condition with original box, neck strap, case, ocular lens rainguard, and > tethered objective lens cover for $275. > > > I also have a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Lens, in like-new > condition in original box (includes original lens cap, lens hood, and lens > bag), with Breakthrough Photography 95mm X2 UV Filter, and LensCoat > Camouflage Neoprene Camera Lens Protection Sleeve (Forest Green Camo) for > Nikon 200-500mm all together for $1200. > > > Send me a private message if you are interested or have questions. > > > Best, Alan > > > Alan Knue > > temnurus at gmail.com > > Edmonds, WA >
Date: 4/3/21 2:23 pm From: Jeff Gibson <gibsondesign15...> Subject: [Tweeters] Springing Along In Port Townsend
While domesticated flowering garden plants are rapidly transforming the landscape in PT (Mother Nature is a bit more subtle). Some of this is due to shopping frenzies and impulse buying of blooming nursery plants in spring after one of those somewhat depressing gray winters we typically have. I used to recommend to landscape customers to try and stick to a plan that includes spring, summer, fall, and winter flowers. Like, don’t go food shopping when your’e really hungry.
Oh well.
Nature has patience and things move along at traditional pace. This week I returned to some of my regular hangouts and noted a few changes. First, before leaving home, I watched the neighborhood Bald Eagles flying around their home fir grove, one closely following the other, up down and all around. Pheromones I presumed were involved. The travelin' Red-wing blackbird made at least 4 trips to the feeder today, flying up the hill from down on the waterfront - which seemed like quite a long trip, but in truth only took the bird 15 to 20 seconds.
Stopping by the dunes near Pt. Wilson I noted an increase in “tiny dune plants” like the bright blue Collinsia (blue-eyed Mary), a very small ruddy brown Claytonia exigua in bloom, and the widespread and super tiny import Draba verna. These are all annuals.
Also the first Cakile blooming - also an import, but seemingly not too disruptive.
I was somewhat shocked to find big changes at North Beach, where last summer I jokingly called it the “Soopollalie Shore” because of a number of large (the largest I've seen at the park so far) Soopollalie shrubs I found growing at base of the sandy cliffs. Now they’re all gone! A lot of erosion has occurred, probably winter storms. I did manage to find two Soopollalie (the high-priced name is Shepherdia canadensis, but I like Soopollalie better). This time of year the whole shrub is sort of a rusty color since the undersides of the still opening leaves are covered with rusty nodules, as are the branches. If they’re blooming now (probably are, but couldn’t see with binoculars) they have tiny green flowers. All in all an interesting plant. “ Soap Berry” is another name for this plant which Native Americans whipped into a sort of “Indian Ice Cream”, and for other uses.
Not too birds, but did see a Common Loon near shore, some DC Cormorants, 4 Red-necked Grebe, and a few RB Mergansers. One of a pair of Herring Gulls manage to vigorously yank a Kelp crab off some floating algae and then hauled it to shore and began delaminating it. In the beach wrack at the high tide mark were loads of dead Kelp crabs more signs of stormy weather.
Stopping off at Kah Tai prairie I noted a few more flowers besides the Spring Gold (lomatium) and increasing numbers of Satin Flower (Olsynium) which are a bright reddish purple, but I did find one white one among the hundreds of normies. I also found a white one last year, in a different spot. New flowers this week were pink flowered Geum triflorum (up by the rocks) and a few Lithophragma. What looks like new dark green grass coming up will soon be a sea of blue Camas.
Right now I’m having a re-run of Decembers Siskin invasion, on a somewhat lesser scale.
Hello tweets, I just had at least seven Mountain Bluebirds along the north end of Shorts School Road near Snohomish. They were moving around pretty well, crossing the road etc. so they may not stick in that spot.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet call and song in backyard, White Salmon, WA this afternoon
Golden-crowned Kinglet call in east end (Alder Cr), Klicktiat County, WA this morning
Date: 4/2/21 5:59 pm From: Alan Knue <temnurus...> Subject: [Tweeters] Zeiss binoculars and Nikon camera lens for sale
Hello All,
I have been spring cleaning and I wanted to put the word out about a couple of items for sale.
First, I have a Zeiss 8x32 Terra ED Binoculars (2017 Edition) in excellent condition with original box, neck strap, case, ocular lens rainguard, and tethered objective lens cover for $275.
I also have a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Lens, in like-new condition in original box (includes original lens cap, lens hood, and lens bag), with Breakthrough Photography 95mm X2 UV Filter, and LensCoat Camouflage Neoprene Camera Lens Protection Sleeve (Forest Green Camo) for Nikon 200-500mm all together for $1200.
Send me a private message if you are interested or have questions.
Date: 4/2/21 3:03 pm From: Al n Donna <alndonna...> Subject: [Tweeters] Barred Owl sure thing
I’ve gone to Dash Point State Park 4 times in the past week. Each visit I’ve seen a Barred Owl on the same limb of the same tree. If you go there, turn right at the first stop sign and park in front of the park office. Walk on the road towards the picnic area. On your left are a few fir trees, before a marshy area. On the very last tree, up 60 feet, is the owl.
To view the owl, stand in the road opposite a white Keep Out sign. If you can’t see it, ask one of the rangers to point it out to you. While you are close, continue south on 509 a mile, and follow the signs to Geno’s at the point, to the Dash Point pier.
3/31 Bev Osband-- Rufous hummingbird (male) Ravenna/Roosevelt feeding at a red currant bush
-----Original Message----- >From: <tweeters-request...> >Sent: Apr 2, 2021 12:03 PM >To: <tweeters...> >Subject: Tweeters Digest, Vol 200, Issue 2 > >Send Tweeters mailing list submissions to > <tweeters...> > >To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > <tweeters-request...> > >You can reach the person managing the list at > <tweeters-owner...> > >When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific >than "Re: Contents of Tweeters digest..." > > >Today's Topics: > > 1. COHA (Diann MacRae) > 2. Re: long-billed syndrome question - tangent (Peter H Wimberger) > 3. Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2021-04-01 > (<birdmarymoor...>) > 4. April Fool's Day birds -- for real, and an eBird help > request. (Kevin Lucas) > 5. CNN: Salmonella infections in 8 states could be tied to wild > songbirds, CDC says (Dan Reiff) > 6. Costal Spring Migration (Roger Moyer) > 7. Re: Bird Names for Birds runs into an obstacle > (NANCY AND EUGENE HUNN) > > >---------------------------------------------------------------------- > >Message: 1 >Date: Thu, 1 Apr 2021 22:40:40 +0200 >From: Diann MacRae <tvulture...> >To: tweeters t <tweeters...> >Subject: [Tweeters] COHA >Message-ID: > <trinity-14adc540-d025-436e-a771-181fe3de70e1-1617309640561@3c-app-mailcom-bs13> > >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > >An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20210401/9c1608cb/attachment-0001.html> > >------------------------------ > >Message: 2 >Date: Thu, 1 Apr 2021 20:51:22 +0000 >From: Peter H Wimberger <phwimberger...> >To: "<tweeters...>" <tweeters...> >Subject: Re: [Tweeters] long-billed syndrome question - tangent >Message-ID: <fc0d852c348c49bb9251e6616f2b0e5c...> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > >Hi Tweets, >A Caroline van Hemert tangent. If you like tales of adventure written by natural historians/birders, Caroline van Hemert wrote wonderful account of her and her husband's 4000 mile human-powered journey from Bellingham to the Arctic Ocean. She does a really nice job of blending observations of the world around her with describing the rewards and challenges of that kind of epic undertaking. And without the over-blown histrionics of a lot of adventure books. > >Peter Wimberger >Tacoma, WA > >-------------- next part -------------- >An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20210401/8db801a1/attachment-0001.html> > >------------------------------ > >Message: 3 >Date: Thu, 1 Apr 2021 15:00:01 -0700 >From: <birdmarymoor...> >To: "Tweeters" <tweeters...> >Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2021-04-01 >Message-ID: <EBE46353B8AB4D91A7C66CCD11F3208F@DESKTOPER2GUVC> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > >Tweets ? we had a really good day at Marymoor, and that?s no fooling. It was a crisp 35 degrees to start, but the sun made its way through the thin overcast and by 9:00 we were too warm. Lots to look at today. Listening to birds was hampered by the American Robin Tabernacle Choir belting out all of their famous hits at full volume. We were a big group, and Jordan again volunteered to lead a group going the other direction around the loop. > >Highlights: > a.. Greater White-fronted Goose ? Jordan?s group had one with a flock of Canadas. We?ve only ever had 4 later spring sightings > b.. Cackling Goose ? Also with that flock of Canadas. Jordan said that these had extra large areas of white on the neck > c.. Ten species of duck ? again > d.. CALIFORNIA QUAIL ? predawn, Matt and I heard and then saw a male along the southwest edge of the East Meadow. First of Year (FOY) > e.. TURKEY VULTURE ? Jordan?s group had one over the Lake Platform. Hours later, my group had one over the Rowing Club. (FOY) > f.. Sharp-shinned Hawk ? My group saw one over the Pea Patch. Some people from Jordan?s group had one too. > g.. Varied Thrush ? Jordan?s group had one > h.. Cedar Waxwing ? my group had a small flock > i.. AMERICAN PIPIT ? my group had one on the grass in the Dog Meadow. (FOY) > j.. American Goldfinch ? after a 3-week absence, we had these in several locations, including some singing. Males are turning bright > k.. Savannah Sparrow ? several birds in East Meadow, one in Pea Patch. First songs > l.. WHITE-THROATED SPARROW ? my group had 2 birds (I think, with one being very drab) next to Dog Central > m.. White-crowned Sparrow ? Pea Patch, among other places. Jordan?s group heard both Pugetensis and Gambeli songs > n.. Yellow-rumped Warbler ? some singing, some nice Audubon?s males > o.. Townsend?s Warbler ? two singing near stage ? got looks at one. Songs sounded weak, and more like Black-throated Gray >Misses today included Virginia Rail, Cooper?s Hawk, Northern Shrike*, and Western Meadowlark. > >Jordan?s group had 56 species, my group had 61 species though several were heard-only. Combined, we had 70 species. > >*Yesterday, I was there in the afternoon, and picked up three additional species: One BAND-TAILED PIGEON (FOY), one MERLIN, and one NORTHERN SHRIKE, to make 73 species for the week! > >I think we?re at 96 species for the year. > >= Michael Hobbs >= www.marymoor.org/birding.htm >= <BirdMarymoor...> > >-------------- next part -------------- >An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20210401/f3ad940a/attachment-0001.html> > >------------------------------ > >Message: 4 >Date: Thu, 1 Apr 2021 21:08:01 -0700 >From: Kevin Lucas <vikingcove...> >To: Tweeters <tweeters...> >Subject: [Tweeters] April Fool's Day birds -- for real, and an eBird > help request. >Message-ID: > <CA+YY600Y7Ayq+Q3mTDQumo5H=hufF+<d31tha9FUg5nWbqzXewg...> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > >Today I was treated with several April Fool's Day birds in the lower Yakima >Valley. The first was a Eurasian Green-winged Teal with the boldest white >facial markings I've seen on a Green-winged Teal. I didn't see the >horizontal white line on its sides until I reviewed my photos. It >April-fooled me into thinking it didn't have any white side marks. > >With American vs Eurasian Green-winged Teal, I see lots of eBird "complete" >checklists here that list only Green-winged Teal (American). I can only >identify drake (male) Green-winged Teal to American vs Eurasian vs American >x Eurasian. Is there some trick that experts are using, other than >assumption, to distinguish female Green-winged Teal here to be American and >not Eurasian? Even when female Green-winged Teal flush and show their >speculums, I think it would be tough to make the distinction on every hen >based on field observation. I enter drakes as Green-winged Teal (American), >and hens as simply Green-winged Teal, choosing accuracy over precision >lumping. Perhaps there's a hen Green-winged Teal field mark I'm missing. > >The second treat today was a drake Blue-winged Teal. I watched him fly >across in front of me and didn't even think to try for a photo until he'd >flown out of view, when I realized my report would be disbelieved by the >usual suspects. But I'd gotten a great view, and that's what it's about for >me. It's a bit early for Blue-winged Teal here. My wife & I had seen a >couple of Blue-winged Teal drakes on a Solstice bird count near Toppenish >Creek in December some years back, but our sighting was dismissed by the >local experts -- portending a pattern of such disbelief. Fortunately today, >I got another sighting of a drake Blue-winged Teal, probably the same >individual, and had capable cameras ready. He gave me plenty of time to >admire him in the scope too. > >The third treat today was a Western Sandpiper in a flock of forty-two >Dunlin with a Least Sandpiper. The Western Sandpiper is a bit early, and is >flagged by eBird. The Dunlin aren't early. I've found them here in winter. >But forty-two set off the eBird alarm. Anyway it was great to watch the dun >ones pretty close in great light on a balmy day, and to keep seeing and >hearing the two peeps here and there among them. > >Today I tried using an eBird link I'd created a few years ago. It would >give me a list of the "earliest arrival dates" for each species in the >county. I know that didn't show sightings not entered, nor reports not >"confirmed", and it showed some "confirmed" reports should not be, but it >gave me an idea if something I saw was off the charts. The bar chart >doesn't cut it for this for me. Can anyone tell me how to navigate to such >an arrivals report on eBird now? > >This is the bookmarked link I'd saved, that no longer works. It's a >"retired tool" not an April Fool's joke per-se, but it's got me fooled: > >ebird.org/ebird/sightings?locInfo.regionType=subnational2&locInfo.regionCode=US-WA-077&continuous=false&beginYear=1968&endYear=2021&listType=first > >Thanks for your help. > > >Qui tacet consentire videtur >https://www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding-ethics/ > >Kevin Lucas >Yakima County, WA >-------------- next part -------------- >An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20210401/3b6857f0/attachment-0001.html> > >------------------------------ > >Message: 5 >Date: Thu, 1 Apr 2021 23:37:24 -0700 >From: Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...> >To: Tweeters <tweeters...> >Subject: [Tweeters] CNN: Salmonella infections in 8 states could be > tied to wild songbirds, CDC says >Message-ID: <9E777ACB-E5F8-4C0E-B496-9ABD26B207A7...> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > >Salmonella infections in 8 states could be tied to wild songbirds, CDC says >Investigators are looking into an outbreak of salmonella infections in 19 people that could be associated with sick or dead birds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. >Read in CNN: https://apple.news/Aur2TFUmZTfmMb6wQ766P2Q > > >Shared from Apple News > > > >Sent from my iPhone >-------------- next part -------------- >An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20210401/dc1682f1/attachment-0001.html> > >------------------------------ > >Message: 6 >Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2021 14:55:18 +0000 >From: Roger Moyer <rogermoyer1...> >To: "<tweeters...>" <tweeters...> >Subject: [Tweeters] Costal Spring Migration >Message-ID: > <CY4PR0401MB357185F2C9BB511226142B2FFF7A9...> > >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > >Has anyone been out to Grays and Pacific Counties to see migration. If so how is i coming along. I'm thinking about going this weekend. > >Roger Moyer >Chehalis >-------------- next part -------------- >An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20210402/022bef93/attachment-0001.html> > >------------------------------ > >Message: 7 >Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2021 09:18:10 -0700 (PDT) >From: NANCY AND EUGENE HUNN <enhunn323...> >To: Matt Bartels <mattxyz...>, Tweeters > <tweeters...> >Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Bird Names for Birds runs into an obstacle >Message-ID: <220638257.276366.1617380294622...> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > >Love it! "Quack" for duck sp. > >Gene Hunn > >> On 04/01/2021 4:20 AM Matt Bartels <mattxyz...> wrote: >> >> >> As our technological capabilities have advanced, an unexpected obstacle has arisen to confound a worthwhile project. In the past year, Bird Names For Birds https://birdnamesforbirds.wordpress.com/ has elevated the long discussion over how we name birds. After beginning by calling out the problematic behavior of many species? namesakes, the discussion evolved to ask why any species should be named after humans at all? >> >> One recurring theme in the re-naming debates was that bird names should stop centering humans. Before long, the natural next step came to mind: Wouldn?t it be better if we could just call birds by the names they call themselves and each other? As initiative co-founder Jordan Rudder said at the time ?the solution was right there in our name: Bird names for birds!? The goal moved beyond just removing human names to the bigger aspiration to call birds what they want to be called. Until recently, this was an idea beyond our capabilities. Then suddenly, technology caught up and the seemingly impossible became reality. >> >> In the past decade, sensor technology has evolved faster than ever. Sensors are now increasingly able to record and translate brain activity into understandable thoughts, actions and yes, names. It was only a matter of time before a group of curious ornithologists adapted this work to ask ?what do birds call themselves and each other?? >> >> Unfortunately, once results began to come back, problems quickly emerged. First, when scientists uncovered self-referential names, they quickly realized that birds tend to be a bit dramatic in their self-evaluations: "It is simply astounding how many species of raptor refer to themselves as essentially ?the bringer of terror from the skies? said one researcher. She continued, ?Essentially all passerines, even sparrows, use some variant of ?most beautiful creature ever? to refer to themselves. Hummingbirds found a way to combine titles of both 'most beautiful and most fierce? into their names?? What became apparent was that self-referential names would never do the trick of distinguishing between species, because only a few titles were ever in use. Of the over 10,000 species worldwide, scientists projected that only 50-100 names were in use. Birds, it turns out, are not particularly creative in their chosen names. >> >> The situation became even worse, believe it or not, when scientists looked at birds? names for each other. The hope for more variety was realized, but another problem emerged. As one researcher put it ?I never expected so much profanity?.We just couldn?t begin to publish the phrases that corvids use for other passerines; shorebirds use remarkably colorful names to disparage the feeding abilities of sparrows, and tubenoses uniformly use horrible language to refer to less agile flyers. There was widespread disdain for ducks and their sexual exploits that led to vulgar names that, again, could never be printed in a field guide.? Human insults turn out to be some of the most mild of the animal kingdom. >> >> In the end, Bird Names for Birds project is considering a name change. While less eloquent, the project may soon be known as ?Slightly Less Problematic Names for Birds" or maybe the simple ?Better Names for Birds.? >> >> >> Matt Bartels >> Seattle, WA >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Tweeters mailing list >> <Tweeters...> >> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >> >-------------- next part -------------- >An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20210402/9a1dde97/attachment-0001.html> > >------------------------------ > >Subject: Digest Footer > >_______________________________________________ >Tweeters mailing list ><Tweeters...> >http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > >------------------------------ > >End of Tweeters Digest, Vol 200, Issue 2 >**************************************** _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/2/21 9:23 am From: NANCY AND EUGENE HUNN <enhunn323...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Bird Names for Birds runs into an obstacle
Love it! "Quack" for duck sp.
Gene Hunn
> On 04/01/2021 4:20 AM Matt Bartels <mattxyz...> wrote:
>
>
> As our technological capabilities have advanced, an unexpected obstacle has arisen to confound a worthwhile project. In the past year, Bird Names For Birds https://birdnamesforbirds.wordpress.com/ has elevated the long discussion over how we name birds. After beginning by calling out the problematic behavior of many species’ namesakes, the discussion evolved to ask why any species should be named after humans at all?
>
> One recurring theme in the re-naming debates was that bird names should stop centering humans. Before long, the natural next step came to mind: Wouldn’t it be better if we could just call birds by the names they call themselves and each other? As initiative co-founder Jordan Rudder said at the time ’the solution was right there in our name: Bird names for birds!” The goal moved beyond just removing human names to the bigger aspiration to call birds what they want to be called. Until recently, this was an idea beyond our capabilities. Then suddenly, technology caught up and the seemingly impossible became reality.
>
> In the past decade, sensor technology has evolved faster than ever. Sensors are now increasingly able to record and translate brain activity into understandable thoughts, actions and yes, names. It was only a matter of time before a group of curious ornithologists adapted this work to ask ‘what do birds call themselves and each other?’
>
> Unfortunately, once results began to come back, problems quickly emerged. First, when scientists uncovered self-referential names, they quickly realized that birds tend to be a bit dramatic in their self-evaluations: "It is simply astounding how many species of raptor refer to themselves as essentially ‘the bringer of terror from the skies’ said one researcher. She continued, “Essentially all passerines, even sparrows, use some variant of ‘most beautiful creature ever’ to refer to themselves. Hummingbirds found a way to combine titles of both 'most beautiful and most fierce’ into their names…” What became apparent was that self-referential names would never do the trick of distinguishing between species, because only a few titles were ever in use. Of the over 10,000 species worldwide, scientists projected that only 50-100 names were in use. Birds, it turns out, are not particularly creative in their chosen names.
>
> The situation became even worse, believe it or not, when scientists looked at birds’ names for each other. The hope for more variety was realized, but another problem emerged. As one researcher put it “I never expected so much profanity….We just couldn’t begin to publish the phrases that corvids use for other passerines; shorebirds use remarkably colorful names to disparage the feeding abilities of sparrows, and tubenoses uniformly use horrible language to refer to less agile flyers. There was widespread disdain for ducks and their sexual exploits that led to vulgar names that, again, could never be printed in a field guide.” Human insults turn out to be some of the most mild of the animal kingdom.
>
> In the end, Bird Names for Birds project is considering a name change. While less eloquent, the project may soon be known as “Slightly Less Problematic Names for Birds" or maybe the simple “Better Names for Birds.”
>
>
> Matt Bartels
> Seattle, WA
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/1/21 11:42 pm From: Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...> Subject: [Tweeters] CNN: Salmonella infections in 8 states could be tied to wild songbirds, CDC says
Salmonella infections in 8 states could be tied to wild songbirds, CDC says
Investigators are looking into an outbreak of salmonella infections in 19 people that could be associated with sick or dead birds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Read in CNN: https://apple.news/Aur2TFUmZTfmMb6wQ766P2Q
Date: 4/1/21 9:13 pm From: Kevin Lucas <vikingcove...> Subject: [Tweeters] April Fool's Day birds -- for real, and an eBird help request.
Today I was treated with several April Fool's Day birds in the lower Yakima Valley. The first was a Eurasian Green-winged Teal with the boldest white facial markings I've seen on a Green-winged Teal. I didn't see the horizontal white line on its sides until I reviewed my photos. It April-fooled me into thinking it didn't have any white side marks.
With American vs Eurasian Green-winged Teal, I see lots of eBird "complete" checklists here that list only Green-winged Teal (American). I can only identify drake (male) Green-winged Teal to American vs Eurasian vs American x Eurasian. Is there some trick that experts are using, other than assumption, to distinguish female Green-winged Teal here to be American and not Eurasian? Even when female Green-winged Teal flush and show their speculums, I think it would be tough to make the distinction on every hen based on field observation. I enter drakes as Green-winged Teal (American), and hens as simply Green-winged Teal, choosing accuracy over precision lumping. Perhaps there's a hen Green-winged Teal field mark I'm missing.
The second treat today was a drake Blue-winged Teal. I watched him fly across in front of me and didn't even think to try for a photo until he'd flown out of view, when I realized my report would be disbelieved by the usual suspects. But I'd gotten a great view, and that's what it's about for me. It's a bit early for Blue-winged Teal here. My wife & I had seen a couple of Blue-winged Teal drakes on a Solstice bird count near Toppenish Creek in December some years back, but our sighting was dismissed by the local experts -- portending a pattern of such disbelief. Fortunately today, I got another sighting of a drake Blue-winged Teal, probably the same individual, and had capable cameras ready. He gave me plenty of time to admire him in the scope too.
The third treat today was a Western Sandpiper in a flock of forty-two Dunlin with a Least Sandpiper. The Western Sandpiper is a bit early, and is flagged by eBird. The Dunlin aren't early. I've found them here in winter. But forty-two set off the eBird alarm. Anyway it was great to watch the dun ones pretty close in great light on a balmy day, and to keep seeing and hearing the two peeps here and there among them.
Today I tried using an eBird link I'd created a few years ago. It would give me a list of the "earliest arrival dates" for each species in the county. I know that didn't show sightings not entered, nor reports not "confirmed", and it showed some "confirmed" reports should not be, but it gave me an idea if something I saw was off the charts. The bar chart doesn't cut it for this for me. Can anyone tell me how to navigate to such an arrivals report on eBird now?
This is the bookmarked link I'd saved, that no longer works. It's a "retired tool" not an April Fool's joke per-se, but it's got me fooled:
Date: 4/1/21 3:08 pm From: <birdmarymoor...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2021-04-01
Tweets – we had a really good day at Marymoor, and that’s no fooling. It was a crisp 35 degrees to start, but the sun made its way through the thin overcast and by 9:00 we were too warm. Lots to look at today. Listening to birds was hampered by the American Robin Tabernacle Choir belting out all of their famous hits at full volume. We were a big group, and Jordan again volunteered to lead a group going the other direction around the loop.
Highlights:
a.. Greater White-fronted Goose – Jordan’s group had one with a flock of Canadas. We’ve only ever had 4 later spring sightings
b.. Cackling Goose – Also with that flock of Canadas. Jordan said that these had extra large areas of white on the neck
c.. Ten species of duck – again
d.. CALIFORNIA QUAIL – predawn, Matt and I heard and then saw a male along the southwest edge of the East Meadow. First of Year (FOY)
e.. TURKEY VULTURE – Jordan’s group had one over the Lake Platform. Hours later, my group had one over the Rowing Club. (FOY)
f.. Sharp-shinned Hawk – My group saw one over the Pea Patch. Some people from Jordan’s group had one too.
g.. Varied Thrush – Jordan’s group had one
h.. Cedar Waxwing – my group had a small flock
i.. AMERICAN PIPIT – my group had one on the grass in the Dog Meadow. (FOY)
j.. American Goldfinch – after a 3-week absence, we had these in several locations, including some singing. Males are turning bright
k.. Savannah Sparrow – several birds in East Meadow, one in Pea Patch. First songs
l.. WHITE-THROATED SPARROW – my group had 2 birds (I think, with one being very drab) next to Dog Central
m.. White-crowned Sparrow – Pea Patch, among other places. Jordan’s group heard both Pugetensis and Gambeli songs
n.. Yellow-rumped Warbler – some singing, some nice Audubon’s males
o.. Townsend’s Warbler – two singing near stage – got looks at one. Songs sounded weak, and more like Black-throated Gray
Misses today included Virginia Rail, Cooper’s Hawk, Northern Shrike*, and Western Meadowlark.
Jordan’s group had 56 species, my group had 61 species though several were heard-only. Combined, we had 70 species.
*Yesterday, I was there in the afternoon, and picked up three additional species: One BAND-TAILED PIGEON (FOY), one MERLIN, and one NORTHERN SHRIKE, to make 73 species for the week!
I think we’re at 96 species for the year.
= Michael Hobbs
= www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
= <BirdMarymoor...>
Date: 4/1/21 1:55 pm From: Peter H Wimberger <phwimberger...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] long-billed syndrome question - tangent
Hi Tweets,
A Caroline van Hemert tangent. If you like tales of adventure written by natural historians/birders, Caroline van Hemert wrote wonderful account of her and her husband's 4000 mile human-powered journey from Bellingham to the Arctic Ocean. She does a really nice job of blending observations of the world around her with describing the rewards and challenges of that kind of epic undertaking. And without the over-blown histrionics of a lot of adventure books.
Date: 4/1/21 11:26 am From: Gary Bletsch <garybletsch...> Subject: [Tweeters] Ruff Skagit
Continuing now Fir Island Game Range viewed from dike junction looking south, just look for the birders! Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/1/21 6:53 am From: <meetings...> Subject: [Tweeters] WOS Meeting Reminder – Monday, April 5: Washington’s Vagrants with Matt Bartels
The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) invites you to a presentation next Monday by Matt Bartels on Washington’s
Vagrants. He will share what the state’s data tell us about where vagrants are likely to be seen and when.
Matt is Secretary of the Washington Bird Records Committee, a position he has held for a decade. Matt is also an avid
county lister, a compelling storyteller and a witty presenter. Please mark your calendar now so you won’t miss this event.
What: Washington’s Vagrants with Matt Bartels
When: Monday, April 5, 7:30 pm
Where: Via GoToMeeting (Sign-in begins at 7:15 pm)
WOS Monthly Meetings remain open to all as we continue to welcome the wider birding community to join us online via
GoToMeeting.
Date: 4/1/21 6:22 am From: Devon Comstock <devonc78...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Bird Names for Birds runs into an obstacle
My cat refers to himself as the "master of the humans"
The crows in our yard call themselves "obsidian fecal depositers". They
have a pretty good sense of humor
On Thu, Apr 1, 2021, 04:20 Matt Bartels <mattxyz...> wrote:
> As our technological capabilities have advanced, an unexpected obstacle
> has arisen to confound a worthwhile project. In the past year, Bird Names
> For Birds <https://birdnamesforbirds.wordpress.com/> has elevated the
> long discussion over how we name birds. After beginning by calling out the
> problematic behavior of many species’ namesakes, the discussion evolved to
> ask why any species should be named after humans at all?
>
> One recurring theme in the re-naming debates was that bird names should
> stop centering humans. Before long, the natural next step came to mind:
> Wouldn’t it be better if we could just call birds by the names they call
> themselves and each other? As initiative co-founder Jordan Rudder said at
> the time ’the solution was right there in our name: *Bird* names for
> birds!” The goal moved beyond just removing human names to the bigger
> aspiration to call birds what they want to be called. Until recently, this
> was an idea beyond our capabilities. Then suddenly, technology caught up
> and the seemingly impossible became reality.
>
> In the past decade, sensor technology has evolved faster than ever.
> Sensors are now increasingly able to record and translate brain activity
> into understandable thoughts, actions and yes, names. It was only a matter
> of time before a group of curious ornithologists adapted this work to ask
> ‘what do birds call themselves and each other?’
>
> Unfortunately, once results began to come back, problems quickly emerged.
> First, when scientists uncovered self-referential names, they quickly
> realized that birds tend to be a bit dramatic in their self-evaluations:
> "It is simply astounding how many species of raptor refer to themselves as
> essentially ‘the bringer of terror from the skies’ said one researcher.
> She continued, “Essentially all passerines, even sparrows, use some variant
> of ‘most beautiful creature ever’ to refer to themselves. Hummingbirds
> found a way to combine titles of both 'most beautiful and most fierce’ into
> their names…” What became apparent was that self-referential names would
> never do the trick of distinguishing between species, because only a few
> titles were ever in use. Of the over 10,000 species worldwide, scientists
> projected that only 50-100 names were in use. Birds, it turns out, are not
> particularly creative in their chosen names.
>
> The situation became even worse, believe it or not, when scientists looked
> at birds’ names for each other. The hope for more variety was realized, but
> another problem emerged. As one researcher put it “I never expected so much
> profanity….We just couldn’t begin to publish the phrases that corvids use
> for other passerines; shorebirds use remarkably colorful names to disparage
> the feeding abilities of sparrows, and tubenoses uniformly use horrible
> language to refer to less agile flyers. There was widespread disdain for
> ducks and their sexual exploits that led to vulgar names that, again, could
> never be printed in a field guide.” Human insults turn out to be some of
> the most mild of the animal kingdom.
>
> In the end, Bird Names for Birds project is considering a name change.
> While less eloquent, the project may soon be known as “Slightly Less
> Problematic Names for Birds" or maybe the simple “Better Names for Birds.”
>
>
> Matt Bartels
> Seattle, WA
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/1/21 4:24 am From: Matt Bartels <mattxyz...> Subject: [Tweeters] Bird Names for Birds runs into an obstacle
As our technological capabilities have advanced, an unexpected obstacle has arisen to confound a worthwhile project. In the past year, Bird Names For Birds <https://birdnamesforbirds.wordpress.com/> has elevated the long discussion over how we name birds. After beginning by calling out the problematic behavior of many species’ namesakes, the discussion evolved to ask why any species should be named after humans at all?
One recurring theme in the re-naming debates was that bird names should stop centering humans. Before long, the natural next step came to mind: Wouldn’t it be better if we could just call birds by the names they call themselves and each other? As initiative co-founder Jordan Rudder said at the time ’the solution was right there in our name: Bird names for birds!” The goal moved beyond just removing human names to the bigger aspiration to call birds what they want to be called. Until recently, this was an idea beyond our capabilities. Then suddenly, technology caught up and the seemingly impossible became reality.
In the past decade, sensor technology has evolved faster than ever. Sensors are now increasingly able to record and translate brain activity into understandable thoughts, actions and yes, names. It was only a matter of time before a group of curious ornithologists adapted this work to ask ‘what do birds call themselves and each other?’
Unfortunately, once results began to come back, problems quickly emerged. First, when scientists uncovered self-referential names, they quickly realized that birds tend to be a bit dramatic in their self-evaluations: "It is simply astounding how many species of raptor refer to themselves as essentially ‘the bringer of terror from the skies’ said one researcher. She continued, “Essentially all passerines, even sparrows, use some variant of ‘most beautiful creature ever’ to refer to themselves. Hummingbirds found a way to combine titles of both 'most beautiful and most fierce’ into their names…” What became apparent was that self-referential names would never do the trick of distinguishing between species, because only a few titles were ever in use. Of the over 10,000 species worldwide, scientists projected that only 50-100 names were in use. Birds, it turns out, are not particularly creative in their chosen names.
The situation became even worse, believe it or not, when scientists looked at birds’ names for each other. The hope for more variety was realized, but another problem emerged. As one researcher put it “I never expected so much profanity….We just couldn’t begin to publish the phrases that corvids use for other passerines; shorebirds use remarkably colorful names to disparage the feeding abilities of sparrows, and tubenoses uniformly use horrible language to refer to less agile flyers. There was widespread disdain for ducks and their sexual exploits that led to vulgar names that, again, could never be printed in a field guide.” Human insults turn out to be some of the most mild of the animal kingdom.
In the end, Bird Names for Birds project is considering a name change. While less eloquent, the project may soon be known as “Slightly Less Problematic Names for Birds" or maybe the simple “Better Names for Birds.”
Date: 3/31/21 9:29 pm From: Mary Newlander <maresblucrew...> Subject: [Tweeters] Pacific Wrens on Squak Mountain
Had lively serenades from the parking lot to the top. If you love Pacific Wrens, come enjoy their incredible songs and wing flitting ChirpMary Newlander
Date: 3/31/21 8:06 pm From: Gary Bletsch <garybletsch...> Subject: [Tweeters] a teal hide between two geese
Dear Tweeters,
Today, the 31st of March, a pair of Canada Geese fended off several attacks by a pair of Bald Eagles. This was on the Butler Flats, in Skagit County west of Sedro-Woolley.
It always surprises me how a goose can defend itself from the attacks of an eagle. In this case, the two geese were in a puddle at the edge of a wetland along Kelleher Road. A Bald Eagle kept diving on them, talons spread, but the geese stayed close together, flapped their wings, and snapped with their bills. The eagle made four or five strafing runs, to no avail. Then another Bald Eagle, presumably one of the pair that nests nearby, came flying in. The second eagle made one attack, failed to kill any prey, and flew off, with the other eagle behind it.
It was at least a minute into this whole drama before I realized that there was a little bird swimming around between the geese. A lone hen Green-winged Teal seemed to be taking advantage of the geese's defenses, always staying close to them during the attacks. As soon as the eagles flew off, the teal and the geese shook their feathers a bit, then floated there for a few minutes.
Other fun birds today included some new arrivals at my place, including a Tree Swallow, a Turkey Vulture, and a singing Savannah Sparrow. Rarest find of the day was an immature GOLDEN EAGLE that was flying near the Samish East Ninety. I observed this bird from the West Ninety as it flew along the Samish River, heading south.
Interesting also was the near total lack of swans on Butler Flats and Samish Flats. I saw a total of four Trumpeters during an afternoon's birding.
Yours truly,
Gary Bletsch
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Ah! Thank you! Caroline is the person who received my specimens.
Dave
Sent from my iPad
> On Mar 31, 2021, at 4:24 PM, Carla Conway <mikiconway...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi Peggy and Dave,
>
> Caroline Van Hemert at the US Geological Survey in Anchorage has done a lot of research into bill deformities and avian keratin disorder. She may be able to provide a contact in Washington.
>
> Carla
>
>
>> On Wed, Mar 31, 2021 at 1:43 PM <dpdvm...> wrote:
>> Hi Peggy,
>>
>> About ten years ago I sent the last bill overgrowth bird to a researcher at the U of Alaska, Fairbanks and USGS. I could not find her name. I believe they isolated a virus as the cause and I do not know if there is ongoing research. I euthanized and sent her a couple of Red-tailed Hawks, a Crow and a Turkey Vulture!
>>
>>
>>
>> Best,
>>
>>
>>
>> Dave Parent DVM
>>
>> Useless Bay Animal Clinic, Freeland, WA
>>
>>
>>
>> From: Peggy Mundy <peggy_busby...>
>> Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 4:09 PM
>> To: TWEETERS Tweeters <tweeters...>
>> Subject: [Tweeters] long-billed syndrome question
>>
>>
>>
>> Hi Tweeters:
>>
>> Is anyone in Western Washington tracking or researching the occurrence of long-billed syndrome? I saw a male house sparrow at Wiley Slough last week that appears to have a slightly misshaped bill and wondered if it should be reported anywhere. I found an article online, but it was several years old and did not identify the researcher.
>>
>>
>>
>> thanks,
>>
>> Peggy Mundy
>>
>> peggy_busbyATyahoo.com
>>
>> Bothell, WA
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Caroline Van Hemert at the US Geological Survey in Anchorage has done a lot of research into bill deformities and avian keratin disorder. She may be able to provide a contact in Washington.
Carla
On Wed, Mar 31, 2021 at 1:43 PM <dpdvm...> wrote:
> Hi Peggy, > > About ten years ago I sent the last bill overgrowth bird to a researcher > at the U of Alaska, Fairbanks and USGS. I could not find her name. I > believe they isolated a virus as the cause and I do not know if there is > ongoing research. I euthanized and sent her a couple of Red-tailed Hawks, a > Crow and a Turkey Vulture! > > > > Best, > > > > Dave Parent DVM > > Useless Bay Animal Clinic, Freeland, WA > > > > *From:* Peggy Mundy <peggy_busby...> > *Sent:* Tuesday, March 30, 2021 4:09 PM > *To:* TWEETERS Tweeters <tweeters...> > *Subject:* [Tweeters] long-billed syndrome question > > > > Hi Tweeters: > > Is anyone in Western Washington tracking or researching the occurrence of > long-billed syndrome? I saw a male house sparrow at Wiley Slough last week > that appears to have a slightly misshaped bill and wondered if it should be > reported anywhere. I found an article online, but it was several years old > and did not identify the researcher. > > > > thanks, > > Peggy Mundy > > peggy_busbyATyahoo.com > > Bothell, WA > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Such a sad situation. The house sparrow I saw was not in bad condition--yet. In fact, I had to compare my photos with some online to be certain. I have reported it via the UA link someone else sent me.
Peggy
On Wednesday, March 31, 2021, 01:42:42 p.m. PDT, <dpdvm...> <dpdvm...> wrote:
Hi Peggy,
About ten years ago I sent the last bill overgrowth bird to a researcher at the U of Alaska, Fairbanks and USGS. I could not find her name. I believe they isolated a virus as the cause and I do not know if there is ongoing research. I euthanized and sent her a couple of Red-tailed Hawks, a Crow and a Turkey Vulture!
Best,
Dave Parent DVM
Useless Bay Animal Clinic, Freeland, WA
From: Peggy Mundy <peggy_busby...>
Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 4:09 PM
To: TWEETERS Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] long-billed syndrome question
Hi Tweeters:
Is anyone in Western Washington tracking or researching the occurrence of long-billed syndrome? I saw a male house sparrow at Wiley Slough last week that appears to have a slightly misshaped bill and wondered if it should be reported anywhere. I found an article online, but it was several years old and did not identify the researcher.
About ten years ago I sent the last bill overgrowth bird to a researcher at the U of Alaska, Fairbanks and USGS. I could not find her name. I believe they isolated a virus as the cause and I do not know if there is ongoing research. I euthanized and sent her a couple of Red-tailed Hawks, a Crow and a Turkey Vulture!
Best,
Dave Parent DVM
Useless Bay Animal Clinic, Freeland, WA
From: Peggy Mundy <peggy_busby...>
Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 4:09 PM
To: TWEETERS Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] long-billed syndrome question
Hi Tweeters:
Is anyone in Western Washington tracking or researching the occurrence of long-billed syndrome? I saw a male house sparrow at Wiley Slough last week that appears to have a slightly misshaped bill and wondered if it should be reported anywhere. I found an article online, but it was several years old and did not identify the researcher.
Hi Tweeters:Is anyone in Western Washington tracking or researching the occurrence of long-billed syndrome? I saw a male house sparrow at Wiley Slough last week that appears to have a slightly misshaped bill and wondered if it should be reported anywhere. I found an article online, but it was several years old and did not identify the researcher.
thanks,Peggy Mundy peggy_busbyATyahoo.comBothell, WA
Date: 3/30/21 3:27 pm From: B B <birder4184...> Subject: [Tweeters] Three Black Phoebe Day
I had my first Snohomish County Black Phoebe this morning perched high and singing in a tree just south of 4606 43rd Avenue SE - Everett, near Homeacres Road. Seen and heard clearly from the road.
Later I had a pair of Black Phoebes at Wylie Slough on Fir Island - building a nest in the large structure in the first (smaller) parking lot. Same area where they nested last year. Had there been a bit more time, I would have liked to add Black Phoebes seen in King and Pierce Counties this week. They have also been reported in Clark, Grays Harbor, Thurston, Lewis and Wahkiakhum Counties this month. Definitely a range expansion.
Also can report that there are MANY Tree and several Violet Green Swallows at many locations in Snohomish and Skagit Counties. Spring is here!!
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 3/29/21 1:18 pm From: Michael Hellen <mlhell...> Subject: [Tweeters] lost SD card at Barker Ranch
Hi everyone,
I was at Barker Ranch on N Snively Rd in West Richland photographing sandhill cranes and I lost one of my SD cards. It has over 1000 shots of cranes flying overhead before and during sunset. It’s a Sandisk 128GB Extreme Pro card. If anyone finds it can you please let me know. I would really appreciate it. Really bummed I won’t be able to enjoy those photos.
I'm resending this. Do you know why the unicorn emoji was attached? I did not attach the unicorn emoji. Is there some sort of issue with tweeters? Thanks.
> ---------- Original Message ---------- > From: ANDREA <bennetts10...> > To: <tweeters...> > Date: 03/28/2021 8:30 PM > Subject: Hutton's Vireo? > > > Hi Tweeters, > > Is this bird singing, through the rain, a Hutton's Vireo? It doesn't have the 2 phrase call but sounded like a Hutton's Vireo. It was heard in NE Seattle, King County, WA and the recording is on eBird > > https://ebird.org/checklist/S84315333 > > > Location-NE Seattle date-3-22-21 10am > > Thanks. > > Sent from XFINITY Connect App >
WOW!! What a day. After several cancelations and date changes, our first pelagic trip of the year was amazing.
The weather finally cooperated with no rain, little wind and calm seas. Viewing was perfect especially for alcids, with overcast skies and glassy water.
Traveling over the bar and into the open ocean was pretty easy compared to some spring trips.
The first shearwater we encountered was just past the bar. It was a SHORT-TAILED that is seen regularly during the late fall, winter and early spring.
It passed in front of the boat and the various field marks were observed. The rounded head, small bill, darker under wings, and short tail distinguished it from the more common Sooty Shearwater. During this time a MANX SHEARWATER was seen by a few with hope we could find another later.
We encountered few Common Murres in the area beyond the bar, where in a few months we’ll have hundreds. However, we did see many Rhinoceros Auklets and the beginning of numerous Black-legged Kittiwakes.
ANCIENT MURRELETS were spotted here as well and continued throughout the day into Grays Canyon. A Pomarine Jaeger was viewed by several in the back of the boat.
Continuing out, several crab boats attracted many Northern Fulmars, Herring and Glaucous-winged/Western Gulls and Black-legged Kittiwakes.
Sooty Shearwaters and a couple more Short-tailed Shearwaters were also seen.
At the edge of Grays Canyon, another Manx Shearwater was observed, again by a few, and the beginning of more alcids.
One very close CASSIN’S AUKLET provided great views as it tried to move away from the boat. It seemed well fed and finally dove to avoid us.
As we got into the deep water of the canyon, there were shouts of PARAKEET AUKLETS. We had several sightings throughout our time in the canyon with 14 seen. However, they were very hard to see as they never came close to the boat.
All our observations were of them flying away. The many photographs taken helped to identify some.
As we got close to our usual stop to put out chum, we saw a lot of splashing ahead of us. ORCAS!!
The dorsal fin of a large male, a smaller fin of a female and two smaller fins of young, plus the distinctive marks of these black and white mammals confirmed their identification.
The question was WHAT WAS GOING ON? Well it didn’t take long to see that a Steller’s Sea Lion was being eaten as it was struggling. These were the ocean going Transient Orca’s. They feed primarily on mammals and are considered to be a separate species, by some, from the Resident and Offshore sub-species that feed on fish.
As we watched this spectacle a good number of BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS, fulmars and gulls were drawn to this commotion.
Many photos were taken and we decided that we didn’t need to go to another area to chum, because of all the birds there. We were just about to leave when a LAYSAN ALBATROSS came in to join the attraction.
Again many photos were taken of this cooperative bird, which are becoming more regular. We believe that the breeding population off the Mexico coast contributes to most of our recent sightings.
Leaving this area and returning to the edge of the canyon, a MANX SHEARWATER cruised right in front of us for great views for all.
Also, as we motored back by the crab boats, most viewed a Pomarine Jaeger and the same Laysan, confirmed by photos. The other highlight was a FORK-TAILED STORM PETREL, seen by just a few.
Here are numbers of some of the species: Black-footed Albatross-74, Laysan Albatross-1, Sooty Shearwater-629, Short-tailed Shearwater-3, Manx Shearwater-3,
Date: 3/28/21 5:19 pm From: B B <birder4184...> Subject: [Tweeters] Curlew Sandpiper
A Curlew Sandpiper was reported yesterdat afternoon on Ebird at Big Indian Slough in Skagit County.
Has it been confirmed? Any other sightings? Any tries and misses today?
Thanks for any info here or offline.
Blair Bernson Birder4184 at yahoodotcom
A constant in most of our trips to the Skagit this winter has been seeing large flocks of Snow Geese in the skies. We didn’t get close to the flocks until recently, and here is a link to video of what we saw.
Date: 3/28/21 3:03 pm From: <dgrainger...> Subject: [Tweeters] Cooper's Hawk in Port Townsend
Had a Cooper's Hawk ride out the windstorm Sunday by hanging onto a branch of an Alder that is entangled with our stand of Cedars and Firs across the back of the property. It was curious about the shutter sounds, but not perturbed, just looked around to discover the source, stayed long after I went back inside. Beautiful bird!
Date: 3/28/21 1:15 pm From: Jeff Gibson <gibsondesign15...> Subject: [Tweeters] Have Wings, Will Travel
Lately a new bird has been showing up at my feeder, dressed in black and packing a sharp beak.
Slightly larger than the typical feeder birds here ( Juncos, House Finches, 4 species of Sparrows, Spotted Towhees, 2 species of Chickadees, Nuthatches, and occasionally others), this bird seems to cause all the smaller seedeaters to clear out of my little seed saloon. The bird is a male Red-winged Blackbird. While seemingly not that aggressive it’s hard to tell because it mere presence seems to be enough. The only other feeder visitor that causes a similar reaction is the larger Steller’s Jay.
Normally the feeder hierarchy is within species - juncos hassle juncos,Finches hassle finches,Towhee’s hassle Towhee’s. An exception to this was one day when a Towhee and a Sooty Fox Sparrow (both leaf-kickers) got into it like a couple of barnyard roosters - fighting claw to claw about a foot off the ground. No winner there.
My favorites are the Little Thieve's - the little Chickadee’s and Nuthatches who sneak into the fray and steal a single sunflower seed and fly off with it without being noticed. Sometimes they just drop down into the nearby Japanese Maple, but the Nuthatches typically haul them across the yard, or into the next door yard.
The Blackbird however makes a quarter mile trip down to the waterfront. I just noticed this the other day when I spooked it and watched as it flew high over several yards, over Sims Way, and over some mid-sized firs, then dropping down to the beach where I know there is a small patch of cattails suitable for Red-wings. That crazy blackbird is out there now, braving 20 to 30mph gusts. The Sound loaded with fast-moving whitecaps.
Date: 3/27/21 6:23 pm From: Tom Merritt <birders.2341...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] FOX NEWS: Endangered California bird to be reintroduced to skies for first time in nearly 100 years
Good News! The decision is likely based on Oregon banning lead ammunition in several Wildlife areas, including some in SW OR. So combined with the CA ban, the authorities were probably satisfied that there was a reasonable chance for the Condors to survive and thrive.
Lead is a disaster for the condors, since they scavenge large game and range over wide areas. Accordingly, getting rid of the lead ammunition is mandatory for condor recovery. Eventual reintroduction of the condor to the Columbia Gorge will be very dependent on whether widespread use of lead ammunition can be eliminated in the areas around the Gorge in Washington and Oregon. That will likely be difficult given the political proclivities of those areas.
Tom Merritt
Seattle
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> On Behalf Of THOMAS BENEDICT
Sent: Saturday, March 27, 2021 16:59
To: Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...>; Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] FOX NEWS: Endangered California bird to be reintroduced to skies for first time in nearly 100 years
This is great news!
I didn't realize until reading this that the geographic extent of the "Pacific Northwest" is considered by some to include a big part of northern California, particularly if you include the Cascadia bioregion in the definition.
Endangered California bird to be reintroduced to skies for first time in nearly 100 years
The majestic California condor is set to soar through Pacific Northwestern skies for the first time in nearly a century.
Date: 3/27/21 5:18 pm From: Ed Newbold <ednewbold1...> Subject: [Tweeters] California Rice Farmers are putting the optimism back in bird conservation
Hi all,
I'm sure many Tweeters are aware of this, but there is a new, (about a decade-old) program, at one point called "Bird Returns," that is creating wetland bird habitat in California by helping and paying rice farmers to flood their fields in the off-season.
The concept could breathe new life into bird conservation and the concept could scale-up and out to other areas and other crops: check out this superb article in Grist:
Farms, feathers, and fins share water in California | Grist
And here is the website of California Ricelands Waterbird Foundation which has a program to pay rice farmers to inundate fields to precise depths to maximally help birds. They are accepting donations!
California Ricelands Waterbird Foundation – Enhance the ecological value of California rice fields to help sustain the millions of waterbirds and other wildlife in the Pacific Flyway for future generations. (calricewaterbirds.org)
Here is my blog about it which is my take and, to be honest, adds no new information but I've replaced the Foundation's shots of Cal waterbirds with my own and put my excitement about this program in my own words.
California Rice Farmers are putting the optimism back in bird conservation (ednewbold.com)
Thanks all--I was particularly moved by the paragraph in the Grist article that placed California as the single most important link the world's shorebird migration system.
Thanks all,
Ed Newbold residential Beacon Hill, home of Butyl Creek, stuck at 30 sp. for the year
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 3/27/21 5:03 pm From: THOMAS BENEDICT <benedict.t...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] FOX NEWS: Endangered California bird to be reintroduced to skies for first time in nearly 100 years
This is great news!
I didn't realize until reading this that the geographic extent of the "Pacific Northwest" is considered by some to include a big part of northern California, particularly if you include the Cascadia bioregion in the definition.
Go Condors!
Tom Benedict Seahurst, WA
> On 03/27/2021 4:30 PM Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...> wrote: > > Endangered California bird to be reintroduced to skies for first time in nearly 100 years > The majestic California condor is set to soar through Pacific Northwestern skies for the first time in nearly a century. > > Read in Fox News: https://apple.news/AS9UJQ6u0RK2Tc8c-QbPeXA >
Date: 3/27/21 4:35 pm From: Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff...> Subject: [Tweeters] FOX NEWS: Endangered California bird to be reintroduced to skies for first time in nearly 100 years
Endangered California bird to be reintroduced to skies for first time in nearly 100 years
The majestic California condor is set to soar through Pacific Northwestern skies for the first time in nearly a century.
Read in Fox News: https://apple.news/AS9UJQ6u0RK2Tc8c-QbPeXA
Date: 3/27/21 1:02 pm From: Hubbell <ldhubbell...> Subject: [Tweeters] Union Bay Watch - Tunnel Vision II - RCKI, HUVI
Tweeters,
This week we take a closer look at two species that are easily confused - at first glance. We also attempt to address the question of why they look so similar? I hope you enjoy the post:
Date: 3/27/21 8:56 am From: Ken Trease <krtrease...> Subject: [Tweeters] Red Crossbill in Lynnwood
I just observed a single Red Crossbill while on my morning walk around the Lynnwood golf course. It was on the part of the trail that goes behind the child care center.
Date: 3/26/21 6:27 pm From: Steve Hampton <stevechampton...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Port Townsend Kittiwake - Still Around?
Mason,
Alas, no, the Black-legged Kittiwake appears to have moved on (or died). I've birded Point Wilson regularly since Mar 22 and not seen it. We do have hundreds of Rhinoceros Auklets with full breeding plumes and horns, and some of the Horned and Red-necked Grebes are also in breeding plumage. The Marbled Murrelets and most of the Common Murres remain in basic plumage. For most of these, a scope is best. At low tide, there have been 225 Brant along the Point Hudson waterfront which allow very close approach.
good birding,
On Fri, Mar 26, 2021 at 4:46 PM Mason Maron <mmaron101...> wrote:
> Does anyone know if the Black-legged Kittiwake is still around in Port > Townsend? I don't see any reports of it after the 18th on eBird, but I am > hoping it might still be there as it's a much-desired lifer and I finally > have a chance to go after it on Saturday. > > Thanks, > Mason Maron > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 3/26/21 4:50 pm From: Mason Maron <mmaron101...> Subject: [Tweeters] Port Townsend Kittiwake - Still Around?
Does anyone know if the Black-legged Kittiwake is still around in Port Townsend? I don't see any reports of it after the 18th on eBird, but I am hoping it might still be there as it's a much-desired lifer and I finally have a chance to go after it on Saturday.
Date: 3/25/21 7:04 pm From: Xander Sowers <sowersalexander1...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Geese Heading Over Seattle - Ring-necked Duck Hybrid at the Montlake Fill
Hey there,
Today we had two separate flocks of Snow Geese over the Montlake Fill
around noon, both headed north bound - yesterday I had a small flock of
Cackling headed N as well. Also of note today was an apparent Ring-necked x
Lesser Scaup hybrid. Louis Kreemer and I are pretty sure about the scaup
species but we’re open to any thoughts. Pics are included in our checklist-
https://ebird.org/checklist/S84099114
- Alex Sowers
On Thu, Mar 25, 2021 at 6:49 PM THOMAS BENEDICT <benedict.t...>
wrote:
> This afternoon I was out in the yard here in Seahurst, WA (Burien) and
> heard geese calling and looked up to see a long drawn out V-line of
> northbound geese very high following the eastern coastline of Puget Sound.
> I did not have binoculars, but there was clearly a lot of white and black,
> so I'm suspecting they were Snow Geese. Is now the right time for Snow
> Geese to migrate through here? I've read that Canada Geese migrate later
> into April and May.
>
> Tom Benedict
> Seahurst, WA
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 3/25/21 6:53 pm From: THOMAS BENEDICT <benedict.t...> Subject: [Tweeters] Geese Heading North Over Seahurst
This afternoon I was out in the yard here in Seahurst, WA (Burien) and heard geese calling and looked up to see a long drawn out V-line of northbound geese very high following the eastern coastline of Puget Sound. I did not have binoculars, but there was clearly a lot of white and black, so I'm suspecting they were Snow Geese. Is now the right time for Snow Geese to migrate through here? I've read that Canada Geese migrate later into April and May.
Date: 3/25/21 4:31 pm From: <birdmarymoor...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2021-03-25
Tweets – The night’s rain let up in time for our walk. We had only a touch of mizzle at first, and then things cleared to where there was even quite a bit of blue sky. A little rain started not long after we finished; we really lucked out. Not a hint of wind either, making for a notably glassy lake. It was pretty birdy. This time of year, we’re always overeager for spring arrivals, and today we faced disappointment there. Nothing new that way. But a really good day otherwise.
Highlights:
a.. Wood Duck – a couple of sightings, including a female that landed atop a short snag in the SE corner of the park. Looking for a nest hole?
b.. Dabbling ducks – a large flock spent the morning on the grass soccer fields, including over 150 Mallards, and over a dozen each of Gadwall, American Wigeon, and Green-winged Teal
c.. Lesser Scaup – 5 males and 4 females very, very far out on the lake, confirmed after the walk from Sammamish Landing Park
d.. Sharp-shinned Hawk – one at the Rowing Club was a First of Year (FOY) for us
e.. “Taiga” Merlin – seen looking west across the slough from the 2nd Dog Swim Beach. Identified by photos, as it was far away. Far too pale for “Black” Merlin. A very definite supercilium, thin white bands on the black tail, and faint-but-definite moustache marks all point to “Taiga”
f.. Northern Shrike – East Meadow. We were able to rule out the possibility of Loggerhead via photos. Just before disappearing, it took what looked to be a cached prey item out of a hawthorn tree.
g.. Hutton’s Vireo – Brian had one at the Rowing Club parking lot
h.. Cedar Waxwing – at least 6 at the Rowing Club
i.. Yellow-rumped Warbler – first song for the year near the mansion, looks at two “Myrtle” subspecies at the Rowing Club
j.. Townsend’s Warbler – one, singing faintly, just west of the concert stage
It was also an excellent day for mammals. I had a VIRGINIA OPOSSUM (FOY) along the road at 6:45 a.m. We had two disparate sightings of LONG-TAILED WEASEL, both carrying prey. There were two RIVER OTTER swimming out to the lake. And we had a few sightings of the non-native EASTERN COTTONTAILS and EASTERN GRAY SQUIRRELS. We were not able to get good enough looks at the weasel prey animals to positively add any other mammals to the day’s list
The temporary fencing is up around the GREAT BLUE HERON heronry. It does not extend out beyond the drip-line of the trees, and therefore doesn’t inhibit access for viewing at all. In a photo I took, I counted at least 70 herons, and over 40 nests, in the heronry. Underneath the trees, on the freshly-spread straw, were probably a couple of dozen empty large bluish egg shells. From this, we presume the first chicks have hatched already. The straw was put down last Thursday afternoon, I believe, so the eggs have hatched since then.
Misses today included Rock Pigeon, Mew Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Cooper’s Hawk, Savannah Sparrow, and Western Meadowlark.
Date: 3/25/21 3:32 pm From: Tom and Carol Stoner <tcstonefam...> Subject: [Tweeters] Mystery Raptor at Nisqually
Hey, wise birders, I saw a pale raptor perched across McAllister Creek from the midpoint of the boardwalk. The wings were a warm beige, the head and breast cream, and I thought I saw a beige-ish belly band. I never got a good look at the head in profile. I discarded male No. Harrier because it wasn't a silvery gray. I settled on leucistic Red Tail as a possibility. However, it was joined by a bird that most resembled a 3rd yr. Bald Eagle that perched at the very top of the same tree. When both birds flew, the pale bird flew like a Bald Eagle and showed some gray mottling on the undersides of the wings. Both birds flew east along the ridge and started soaring over the freeway.
This bird attracted a lot of attention and speculation, but no one I talked to had a guess, information or a scope. Has anyone else seen or photographed this bird? ID?
Curiously, Carol Stoner here on the accidental island that is West Seattle
Date: 3/25/21 9:25 am From: Constance Sidles <constancesidles...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Ferruginous Hawk Periodic Status Review (PSR) - Reclassification
Dear Denis, thank you very much for bringing this to our attention. I just now sent an email to WDFW in support of putting the Ferruginous Hawk on the endangered species ilst. I hope all of tweeterdom will also put in a word. - Connie
> On Mar 24, 2021, at 11:21 AM, Denis DeSilvis <avnacrs4birds...> wrote:
>
> Tweeters,
> Just in case you missed it earlier, the WDFW is requesting input regarding the reclassification of the Ferruginous Hawk from “threatened” to “endangered.” Input must reach the WDFW by April 12. See below for links to the PSR and for where to send your recommendation. Thanks.
>
> ---
> WDFW NEWS RELEASE
> Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
> 1111 Washington St. SE, Olympia, WA 98501
> https://wdfw.wa.gov <https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwdfw.wa.gov%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cf62b2aa352444b11f32e08d8ed8ba8a1%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637520531372229402%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=cYevx3bRF0y%2FDGgJWo%2FyDQg54%2F9DO7zE9oQ8lxqYc1I%3D&reserved=0> > Date: January 12, 2021
> Contacts: Taylor Cotten 360-902-2505; Jason Wettstein 360-704-0258
>
> WDFW seeks comment on periodic status review for Ferruginous Hawks
>
> OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public input on its draft periodic status review for the Ferruginous Hawk. The department is recommending a change from threatened to endangered status for Ferruginous Hawks in Washington.
>
> Breeding populations of Ferruginous Hawks have been in sustained decline in Washington since 1974, with a decreasing trend in adult pairs at nesting areas and decreased reproductive success.
>
> “Ferruginous Hawks have been in trouble for decades. Factors involved include loss and degradation of nesting and foraging habitat, and associated reductions to populations of their primary prey species,” said Taylor Cotten, Conservation Assessment Section Manager at WDFW.
>
> The Ferruginous Hawk, the largest hawk in North America, is an open-country species that inhabits grasslands and shrub-steppe in eastern Washington. Conversion and degradation of native grasslands and arid shrublands has resulted in the loss of nesting and foraging habitat for the species.
>
> The draft periodic status review for the Ferruginous Hawk is available for review at WDFW’s publications webpage <https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwdfw.wa.gov%2Fpublications%2F02210&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cf62b2aa352444b11f32e08d8ed8ba8a1%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637520531372229402%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=l4TJHdqzHNzSQN13sNqGcN92eA%2FMO0GBIup0DxWAlaA%3D&reserved=0>. The public can provide comments on the drafts through April 12, 2021.
>
> Written comments on the review and recommendation can be submitted via email to <TandEpubliccom...> <mailto:<TandEpubliccom...> or by mail to Taylor Cotten, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 43141, Olympia, WA 98504-3200.
>
> WDFW prepares recovery plans to guide conservation and recovery efforts and periodically reviews the status of protected species in the state.
>
> WDFW is the state agency tasked with preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing, hunting and other outdoor recreation opportunities. The agency works to keep common species common and restore species of greatest conservation need.
>
> ---
> May all your birds be identified,
>
> Denis DeSilvis
> Chair emeritus, WDFW Wildlife Diversity Advisory Council
> The Wildlife Diversity Advisory Council advises the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife on keeping common species common and recovering sensitive, threatened, or endangered species. The council also recommends approaches for developing and maintaining the social, political, and financial support necessary to conserve wildlife species diversity in Washington.
>
> avnacrs 4 birds at outlook dot com
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...> <mailto:<Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters>
Date: 3/25/21 8:21 am From: Mike Wagenbach <wagen...> Subject: [Tweeters] dubious Flicker
I just saw a Northern Flicker that looked very scruffy. Are they molting now, or is it more likely that it has some pathology like Pine Siskin salmonella?
Tweets,
I just returned from a morning walk at the now-preserved Wayne Golf Course. I was surprised to see 2 Turkey Vultures, the second sighting I’ve ever seen so close to home in the 17 yrs. we’ve been here. The other sighting was in Oct 2020, at the UW Bothell, a group of about 5 circling, then landing in the conifers there. These 2 were heading Kenmore Way, so watch for them, Linda Phillips! My surprisingly birdy walk was topped off by a couple of river otters splashing around near north most bridge. They don’t have wings, so I can’t fit them into Avysis, but hey, they were great!
Penny Koyama, Bothell
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 3/24/21 11:27 am From: Denis DeSilvis <avnacrs4birds...> Subject: [Tweeters] Ferruginous Hawk Periodic Status Review (PSR) - Reclassification
Tweeters,
Just in case you missed it earlier, the WDFW is requesting input regarding the reclassification of the Ferruginous Hawk from "threatened" to "endangered." Input must reach the WDFW by April 12. See below for links to the PSR and for where to send your recommendation. Thanks.
Date: January 12, 2021
Contacts: Taylor Cotten 360-902-2505; Jason Wettstein 360-704-0258
WDFW seeks comment on periodic status review for Ferruginous Hawks
OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public input on its draft periodic status review for the Ferruginous Hawk. The department is recommending a change from threatened to endangered status for Ferruginous Hawks in Washington.
Breeding populations of Ferruginous Hawks have been in sustained decline in Washington since 1974, with a decreasing trend in adult pairs at nesting areas and decreased reproductive success.
"Ferruginous Hawks have been in trouble for decades. Factors involved include loss and degradation of nesting and foraging habitat, and associated reductions to populations of their primary prey species," said Taylor Cotten, Conservation Assessment Section Manager at WDFW.
The Ferruginous Hawk, the largest hawk in North America, is an open-country species that inhabits grasslands and shrub-steppe in eastern Washington. Conversion and degradation of native grasslands and arid shrublands has resulted in the loss of nesting and foraging habitat for the species.
Written comments on the review and recommendation can be submitted via email to <TandEpubliccom...><mailto:<TandEpubliccom...> or by mail to Taylor Cotten, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 43141, Olympia, WA 98504-3200.
WDFW prepares recovery plans to guide conservation and recovery efforts and periodically reviews the status of protected species in the state.
WDFW is the state agency tasked with preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing, hunting and other outdoor recreation opportunities. The agency works to keep common species common and restore species of greatest conservation need.
---
May all your birds be identified,
Denis DeSilvis
Chair emeritus, WDFW Wildlife Diversity Advisory Council
The Wildlife Diversity Advisory Council advises the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife on keeping common species common and recovering sensitive, threatened, or endangered species. The council also recommends approaches for developing and maintaining the social, political, and financial support necessary to conserve wildlife species diversity in Washington.
Date: 3/24/21 8:03 am From: Steve Hampton <stevechampton...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Help Identifying Mystery Bird Call
I'm seeing on eBird a scattering of Bobwhite reports over the years from
the south Sound, Columbia River corridor, and Willamette Valley. Are these
considered established (and ABA-countable) or are they considered escapees
from game farms?
On Wed, Mar 24, 2021 at 7:49 AM Kyle Elfman <kyle.elfman...> wrote:
> Thanks to everyone who gave identifying our bird call a try! We didn’t
> come up with a definitive answer, but the most common answer I received:
> Northern Bobwhite
>
> My observer’s bias wants to believe it was a Bobwhite, too. My instinct
> was something in the Quail family. It this were true, a Bobwhite would
> certainly be a rarity here in the Burien/White Center area!
>
> Thanks again to everyone for your help! Here are the responses (guesses?)
> everyone had:
>
> Northern Bobwhite X3
> Owl (sp) X2
> Mountain Quail
> Gallinaceous bird
> Red-Breasted Sapsucker
> Northern Flicker
> Gray Jay
> Corvid - American Crow
> American Robin
> Hutton’s Vireo
>
> Kyle Elfman
> kyle dot elfman at gammel dot com
> Burien, WA
>
>
> On Mar 15, 2021, at 20:05, Kyle Elfman <kyle.elfman...> wrote:
>
> Hello! My wife and I are hoping to get some help identifying a bird(?) we
> heard the other evening outside our home in Burien, WA. This past Friday
> evening (March 12) around 6:45 in the evening, just as the sun had fully
> set, we heard this call for roughly 3 minutes. It started in the large
> evergreen trees in our neighbor’s yard then moved very quickly from the
> south side to north side of our house before it left the area/stopped
> vocalizing. We each have our own theories about what it might be, but we
> can’t seem to find any Macaulay Library recordings matching our best
> guesses. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S83488561 >
> Kyle Elfman
> kyle dot elfman at gmail dot com
> Burien, WA
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 3/24/21 7:55 am From: Kyle Elfman <kyle.elfman...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Help Identifying Mystery Bird Call
Thanks to everyone who gave identifying our bird call a try! We didn’t come up with a definitive answer, but the most common answer I received: Northern Bobwhite
My observer’s bias wants to believe it was a Bobwhite, too. My instinct was something in the Quail family. It this were true, a Bobwhite would certainly be a rarity here in the Burien/White Center area!
Thanks again to everyone for your help! Here are the responses (guesses?) everyone had:
Northern Bobwhite X3
Owl (sp) X2
Mountain Quail
Gallinaceous bird
Red-Breasted Sapsucker
Northern Flicker
Gray Jay
Corvid - American Crow
American Robin
Hutton’s Vireo
Kyle Elfman
kyle dot elfman at gammel dot com
Burien, WA
> On Mar 15, 2021, at 20:05, Kyle Elfman <kyle.elfman...> wrote:
>
> Hello! My wife and I are hoping to get some help identifying a bird(?) we heard the other evening outside our home in Burien, WA. This past Friday evening (March 12) around 6:45 in the evening, just as the sun had fully set, we heard this call for roughly 3 minutes. It started in the large evergreen trees in our neighbor’s yard then moved very quickly from the south side to north side of our house before it left the area/stopped vocalizing. We each have our own theories about what it might be, but we can’t seem to find any Macaulay Library recordings matching our best guesses. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S83488561 <https://ebird.org/checklist/S83488561> >
> Kyle Elfman
> kyle dot elfman at gmail dot com
> Burien, WA
Date: 3/23/21 4:20 pm From: Doug Santoni <dougsantoni...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] West Seattle Scrub Jay
Hi Joan — I saw a pair of California Scrub-Jays over the weekend on the north shore of Lake Union in Seattle, near the Agua Verde Cafe and Kayak Rental, which is also adjacent to the new Fritz Hedges Park. I saw one earlier this winter in my yard adjacent to the Arboretum, but that is the only time I’ve seen them there. I understand that they sometimes occur toward the south end of the Arboretum.
Doug Santoni
Ph 305-962-4226
DougSantoni at gmail dot com
> On Mar 23, 2021, at 4:06 PM, Joan Miller <jemskink...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi Tweets!
>
> I was excited to find a scrub jay on my walk today. It was near the Alaska Junction, along 46th St. to be precise. I only saw the one, but how nice! I know they're around, but I very rarely see one here. Anyone else seeing them?
>
> Joan Miller
> West Seattle
> jemskink at gmail dot com
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 3/23/21 4:10 pm From: Joan Miller <jemskink...> Subject: [Tweeters] West Seattle Scrub Jay
Hi Tweets!
I was excited to find a scrub jay on my walk today. It was near the Alaska Junction, along 46th St. to be precise. I only saw the one, but how nice! I know they're around, but I very rarely see one here. Anyone else seeing them?
Joan Miller West Seattle jemskink at gmail dot com
Tim Brennan
Renton
Douglas County Birding<http://www.douglascountybirding.blogspot.com/> A dozen or so birding trips to Douglas County in Washington State in 2021, featuring stunning landscapes, decent pictures of food, and forgettable images of birds.
www.douglascountybirding.blogspot.com
