Date: 5/12/25 8:00 pm From: Marie and Craig via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Rainier Audubon Naturefest at Flaming Geyser State Park
Join us for the 2025 RainierAudubon Nature Festival at Flaming Geyser State Park. This state park is only15 minutes east of downtown Auburn, on Green Valley Road. The event is Saturday, June 7, 2025, from9:00 am to 4:00 pm.Our feature presentation is alive bird show. “The Falconer” will present several raptors, including a hawk,falcon, owl, vulture, and an eagle. Other activities include presentations on nativeplants, mushrooms, wildlife conservation, gardening, astronomy, geology, andlocal birds. The kids can paint birdhousesat the crafts station while you parents enjoy the exhibits. Bird lovers of allages can learn how to attract our avian friends using nest boxes and feeders,and bird identification, and native plant walks will be held throughout theday. Amateur astronomers will have telescopes available to safely view sunspotsoutside the park lodge.Bring the family and your binocularsalong for a day of “Birding and Learning.”
This is a FREE ENTRY day atFlaming Geyser State Park. No Discover Pass is required. For more information, checkour Audubon website events at: www.rainieraudubon.org
2025 Presentations Time
Geology of FGSP 10:00 – 10:15
Falconer “Live Birds” 11:00– 1:00
Astronomy “The Sun” 1:00 – 1:30
Dark Skies 1:30– 2:00
The American Kestrel 2:00 - 2:3
2025 Walk Topics Time
Bird Walk 9:00– 10:00
Geology of FGSP 10:15– 11:00
Bird Walk 1:00 – 2:00
Native Plant Walk 2:00 – 3:00
Kestrel Nest Hole Walk 2:30 – 3:30
MarieRainier Audubon
Date: 5/12/25 3:56 pm From: Kathleen Snyder via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Used scope for sale
Vortex Razor HD, 85mm HD, Ultra Light Definition with tripod. Very good condition. $1000 for all. Olympia area. Contact Tina for photos and more information. curtina3 at gmail.com
Date: 5/12/25 3:45 pm From: Ann Kramer via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Bad year for Violet-Green
We have a usual arrival of Violet-Green Swallows every Spring. They seem
to have at least one nest in 4 or 6 homes on my street.
They arrived as usual this year and I count somewhere between 15-20 (hard
to get them to stop flying around) today in the sunshine, when they are
more likely to scour the sky for insects. The nest usually fledges around
early June, which gives me relief as those roof nest cavities get very
hot. So, nothing unusual here this year.
On Sun, May 11, 2025 at 2:56 PM Steve Loitz via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Although I have not done any counts (thus this is purely anecdotal), the
> numbers of Violet-Green Swallows at White Pass and Snoqualmie Pass seem
> normal for this time of year.
>
> I have noticed a trend of late arrivals, e.g., we saw no Clark's
> Nutcrackers at, or on the S side of, Ingalls Pass on a ski tour there on
> Wednesday, May 7.
>
> Steve Loitz
> Ellensburg
>
> On Sun, May 11, 2025 at 12:46 PM Larry Schwitters via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>> Any or you tweeters spent a morning at Bear Divide? Tell us about it. Or
>> maybe Ryan Terrell could.
>>
>> Violet-Green Swallows coming across Bear Divide in March, April and May.
>> 2021 - 402
>> 2022 - 744
>> 2023 - 819
>> 2024 - 763
>> 2025 - 213 May isn’t over but 2025 has only been good for 4 so far
>> this month.
>>
>> Larry Schwitters
>> Issaquah
>>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 5/12/25 3:33 pm From: B B via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Colombia Birding Trip
Hi Tweeters
I have signed on for a private tour to the Caribbean area (Santa Marta and Perija areas plus) beginning June 21 and Ending June 30 with a top guide. A person who might have joined me is not going to be able to go. I will go even if alone, but if somewhere out there in tweeterdom is interested there is room for one other (or possibly up to 3 others). Going to be an intensive tour concentrating on the many endemics. If interested, please contact me directly.
Cheers
Blair Bernsonbirder4184 at yahoo.com
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/12/25 2:59 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] JBLM Eagle's Pride Golf Course Monthly Birdwalk -Thursday, May 15
Hi Tweeters,
The Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) birdwalk is scheduled for Thursday, May 15.
The JBLM Eagle's Pride GC birders meet the third Thursday of each month at 8:00AM<outlook-data-detector://2> March-Oct. (Starting time changes to 9:00AM Nov-Feb).
Starting point is the Driving Range Tee, Eagle's Pride Golf Course, I-5 Exit 116, Mounts Road Exit. When you turn into the course entrance, take an immediate left onto the road to the driving range - that's where we meet. Please park reasonably close to other vehicles as this is a busy time of the year for both golfers and birders. ;>)
Also, to remind folks that haven't been here before, even though Eagle's Pride is a US Army recreational facility, you don't need any ID to attend these birdwalks. Hope you're able to make it!
Current weather forecast is 48-54degF (46-54 real-feel) and cloud during the walk. As always, dress for success!
it's a great book with photos and distribution maps for all the regular species and a few of the vagrants. Due to a mix-up at the retailer, I was sent two separate copies. I contacted the retailer to ask if I should return a copy to them, but I never received a reply, so at this point, I figure I'm free to dispose of one.
Since it cost me nothing, I'm giving it away for free. I will charge postage if you need it mailed. I live in Kirkland, and I will be at the WOS annual conference in Yakima if someone wanted to collect it from me there. So if you're planning to visit Icelend, this is for you!
Today at Hayton Reserve on Fir Island in Skagit County there were 3 RED KNOTS and a pair of YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS. Also BLACK-BELLIED & SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, LEAST & WESTERN SANDPIPERS and DUNLIN.
Along Valde Rd off of Norman Rd in Snohomish County were 450 WHIMBREL.
Date: 5/11/25 3:41 pm From: jimullrich via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Leavenworth Spring Bird Festival 5-15-18
Howdy Tweets:
Time to plan your trip to Leavenworth for this coming weekends Wenatchee River Institute Spring Bird Fest: visit for programs, trips, talks, art classes etal: 5/15-18
https://wenatcheeriverinstitute.org Yours for the Birds n’ the Bees
Jim Ullrich
Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/11/25 3:09 pm From: Steve Loitz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Bad year for Violet-Green
Although I have not done any counts (thus this is purely anecdotal), the
numbers of Violet-Green Swallows at White Pass and Snoqualmie Pass seem
normal for this time of year.
I have noticed a trend of late arrivals, e.g., we saw no Clark's
Nutcrackers at, or on the S side of, Ingalls Pass on a ski tour there on
Wednesday, May 7.
Steve Loitz
Ellensburg
On Sun, May 11, 2025 at 12:46 PM Larry Schwitters via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Any or you tweeters spent a morning at Bear Divide? Tell us about it. Or
> maybe Ryan Terrell could.
>
> Violet-Green Swallows coming across Bear Divide in March, April and May.
> 2021 - 402
> 2022 - 744
> 2023 - 819
> 2024 - 763
> 2025 - 213 May isn’t over but 2025 has only been good for 4 so far
> this month.
>
> Larry Schwitters
> Issaquah
>
Date: 5/11/25 1:10 pm From: Edward Pullen via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] BBQ Flats Horse Camp
Ken Brown and I have signed up to lead a trip for the WOS/WFO conference, and the itinerary states we will visit the BBQ Flats Horse Camp off Malloy Road. Does anyone know if the road is open to access that area? In the past I think it has been blocked prior to there.
Date: 5/11/25 12:58 pm From: Larry Schwitters via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Bad year for Violet-Green
Any or you tweeters spent a morning at Bear Divide? Tell us about it. Or maybe Ryan Terrell could.
Violet-Green Swallows coming across Bear Divide in March, April and May.
2021 - 402
2022 - 744
2023 - 819
2024 - 763
2025 - 213 May isn’t over but 2025 has only been good for 4 so far this month.
Date: 5/10/25 10:14 pm From: Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Fwd: [obol] Better than a Front Row Seat
Dear Tweeters.
Well, I also posed the same Vatican Gull question down here and got a
different answer. European Herring and Yellow-legged Gulls are quite
similar.
AI Google came up with this comparison: Click on 'Show More'
Sharpening the photo and enlarging shows pretty clearly that the legs are
yellow. Note also the weakly marked primaries.
Now that we've gotten that weighty issue out of the way, we can worry about
the upcoming relationship between the current US administration and the
beginning Vatican
administration...........................................................
Bob OBrien Portland
PS If you wish to see the sharpened/enlarged photo, let me know.
On Thu, May 8, 2025 at 2:24 PM Tim Janzen <tjanzen...> wrote:
> The legs of the adults appear to be yellow. The only breeding gull in
> Italy with yellow legs is the Yellow-legged Gull.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Tim Janzen
>
>
>
> *From:* <obol-bounce...> [mailto:<obol-bounce...>] *On
> Behalf Of *Robert O'Brien
> *Sent:* Thursday, May 8, 2025 10:37 AM
> *To:* obol
> *Subject:* [obol] Better than a Front Row Seat
>
>
>
> But, what is their species?
>
> Bob OBrien Carver OR
>
Date: 5/10/25 8:11 pm From: Carol Riddell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Edmonds Roundup - April 2025
Hi Tweets,
As of the end of April, the Edmonds 2025 year list is at 144 species. New species for the month are listed chronologically rather than taxonomically so you can see how migration began unfolding in Edmonds.
Western Sandpiper (code 1), 3 in Edmonds marsh, 4-18-25.
Turkey Vulture (code 3), 1 in Pine Ridge neighborhood (ID photos), 4-18-25.
Red-naped Sapsucker (code 5), 1 in the Edmonds Lake Ballinger neighborhood (ID photos), 4-18-25.
Wilson’s Warbler (code 1), 1 at Yost Park (recording, visual), 4-19-25. Early arrival.
Townsend’s Solitaire (code 4), 1 at Yost Park (ID photo), 4-19-25.
Common Yellowthroat (code 3), 1 at Edmonds marsh, 4-20-25.
Peregrine Falcon (code 3), 1 at Edmonds marsh (field marks described), 4-22-25.
Warbling Vireo (code 2), 1 at Hickman Park, 4-22-25.
Evening Grosbeak (code 3), 1 at Yost Park, 4-22-25.
Purple Martin (code 3), 2 at the Olympic Beach nest box pilings, 4-24-25.
California Quail (code 3), 1 heard in a Southwest County Park neighborhood, 4-25-25.
Long-billed Dowitcher (code 3), 2 at Edmonds marsh (ID photos), 4-26-25.
Hammond’s Flycatcher (code 2), 2 at Yost Park, 4-30-25.
Western Flycatcher (code 2), 1 each at Yost and Southwest County Parks, 4-30-25.
Western Tanager (code 2), 1 at Yost Park, 4-30-25.
The Lesser Goldfinch. The first known Lesser Goldfinch, a male, appeared at Puget Drive feeders in late November 2024. He continued to appear intermittently each month through March 5, 2025. His appearances were so brief that only the homeowner was able to see him and photo document his presence.
We continue to decline to add American Herring Gull (code 4) to this year’s list. eBird reports from the waterfront omit descriptions of field marks or photos. Given how many mistakes are made with gulls, and how infrequently American Herring Gull appears here, we will wait for an evidence-based report. There was a report of a Northern House Wren (code 4) at Yost Park. The bird was not seen and the recording was only four seconds. It was not sufficient to confirm that species. We also do not add birds to the year list when they are reported by anonymous eBirders and are not documented in the checklists.
A word of caution about using Merlin’s Sound ID to support low land Chipping Sparrows. Sound ID is a great tool and is improving with each upgrade. Nevertheless, at this time of year it continues to offer both Dark-eyed Junco and Chipping Sparrow as possibilities when juncos are being seen and heard. The better practice, when completing an eBird checklist, is not to list Chipping Sparrow without having seen the species. And an even better practice is to note the visual in the details window and include the field marks seen.
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 2025 city checklist, please request it from checklistedmonds at gmail dot com. (It reflects a species total of 283) If eBirders will use the details field for unusual Edmonds birds (code 3 or rarer), it will help us build the city year list. Photographs or recordings are also helpful. The 2025 checklist is posted in the bird information box at the Visitor Station at the base of the public pier and is up to date through April.
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: 5/10/25 4:15 pm From: John and Claudia M via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] migration this year
Greetings from west Kitsap County! I've had zero Violet-green swallows this year, which is disturbing. Last year I had 3 pair successfully nest in my boxes attached to my home on 2 & acres. Every year for decades I've always had at least one pair use one of my next boxes. I put up four nest boxes on each side of my house that are far apart from each other. Is anyone else missing "their" swallows this year? I keep hoping that at least one pair will show up, but I'm beginning to give up hope. I love ALL of the swallows, but especially the Violet-greens!!
Thanks!
John McDonald,
Bremerton, WA
Lake Symington area
________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2025 12:00 PM
To: <tweeters...> <tweeters...>
Subject: Tweeters Digest, Vol 249, Issue 10
Send Tweeters mailing list submissions to
<tweeters...>
You can reach the person managing the list at
<tweeters-owner...>
When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of Tweeters digest..."
Today's Topics:
1. Re: Proposed weakening of Endangered Species Act
(Ted Ryan via Tweeters)
2. Pretty big migration day (Thomas M Leschine via Tweeters)
3. Re: Very low migration continued (AMK17 via Tweeters)
Message: 1
Date: Fri, 09 May 2025 13:02:51 -0700
From: Ted Ryan via Tweeters <tweeters...>
To: <tweeters...>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Proposed weakening of Endangered Species Act
Message-ID: <06869e7d-345e-4838-9f3d-8bafbd2d096d...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
I think politics is precisely the problem. The ESA process is itself political. Biologists (federal and state) and fish and game departments are often well down the list of influencers in the process despite them knowing the most about particular species. You don't need to look further than grizzly bear recovery in the Mountain West states. Montana and Wyoming were denied their petition to reclassify grizzlies in their state. The bears had met recovery objectives under the ESA listing. Very vocal and influential groups have made it impossible for the ESA process to work as it should out of fear they will be hunted. There a many other species that have met recovering objectives but remain listed.
The amount of money and resources that is spent fighting to keep recovered species on the list is a shame. There are species in real trouble that could use those resources. The charismatic mega fauna that have met objectives get all the attention and meanwhile the Vaquita (porpoise) is about to disappear from the face of the earth. The process is broken.
Message: 2
Date: Fri, 9 May 2025 13:47:40 -0700
From: Thomas M Leschine via Tweeters <tweeters...>
To: <Tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Pretty big migration day
Message-ID: <0A315377-B103-470A-9EC2-31AF5BE5BF49...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Hello, Tweets,
This morning early I was treated to a small burst of migrants passing through the treetops just outside my West Queen Anne windows, in Seattle. Roughly between the hours of 6:30 - 8:30 am I saw at least a dozen Warbling Vireos, 1 or 2 Black-throated Gray Warblers, 1-2 Orange-crowned Warblers and a Western Flycatcher that spent a little time actually fly catching. This after several successive mornings with no migrants spotted at all. I live on the 4th floor so this was largely a mid-level to treetops display in maples that have just about fully leafed out.
A few weeks back there were several days with many Yellow-rumped Warblers, all Audubon?s, with mostly males pushing through a few days before the birds passing through seemed mostly female. Some Orange-crowned and an earlier Black-throated Gray then as well and on May 1 I had a Nashville Warbler sitting on a branch just off the edge of the roofline.
Still awaiting Wilson?s Warblers which in some years have been fairly numerous. And if really lucky there might be a few days with Western Tanagers passing through. I haven?t been counting but feel like this has been the most ever springtime YRWAs moving past my windows.
Tom Leschine
Seattle
tee em ell @ you w dot ee dee you
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Sat, 10 May 2025 13:57:08 +0000
From: AMK17 via Tweeters <tweeters...>
To: BRAD Liljequist <bradliljequist...>
Cc: <tweeters-request...>,
<tweeters...>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Very low migration continued
Message-ID: <8e254bcf-6f62-d7c4-b9b1-2a9d95b3d51e...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
Warbling vireos to day in Phinney!
Akopitov
Seattle
AMK17
-----Original Message-----
From: Anna <amk17...>
Sent: May 8, 2025 1:02 PM
To: BRAD Liljequist <bradliljequist...>
Cc: <tweeters-request...>, <tweeters...>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Very low migration continued
Reports in CA suggested a 2 week delay there… flycatchers just arriving in Monterey Bay Area…
AKopitov
Seattle
Sent from my iPhone with all the auto correct quirks.
On May 8, 2025, at 12:23?PM, BRAD Liljequist via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Just responding to AKopitov's post...
I have had a very similar experience...one Wilson's next door, Chipping Sparrows in Woodland Park, a nice mix of Audubon's Yellow Rumped around Green Lake, a bunch of Purple Finches in Discovery Park...but so far a very light migration...
Date: 5/10/25 2:45 pm From: Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Recent sightings
Late morning on Thursday there was a pair of Osprey circling over the rail yards between Hwy 99 and First Ave just south of the Lumen Field.
We've had two newly fledged Dark-eyed Juncos waiting on our deck railing, while a parent does the shuttle back and forth between the feeder and the young ones. Just in time for Mother's Day.
Date: 5/10/25 7:10 am From: AMK17 via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Very low migration continued
Warbling vireos to day in Phinney!
Akopitov
Seattle
AMK17
-----Original Message-----
From: Anna <amk17...>
Sent: May 8, 2025 1:02 PM
To: BRAD Liljequist <bradliljequist...>
Cc: <tweeters-request...>, <tweeters...>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Very low migration continued
Reports in CA suggested a 2 week delay there… flycatchers just arriving in Monterey Bay Area…
AKopitov
Seattle
Sent from my iPhone with all the auto correct quirks.
On May 8, 2025, at 12:23 PM, BRAD Liljequist via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Just responding to AKopitov's post...
I have had a very similar experience...one Wilson's next door, Chipping Sparrows in Woodland Park, a nice mix of Audubon's Yellow Rumped around Green Lake, a bunch of Purple Finches in Discovery Park...but so far a very light migration...
Date: 5/9/25 2:00 pm From: Thomas M Leschine via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Pretty big migration day
Hello, Tweets,
This morning early I was treated to a small burst of migrants passing through the treetops just outside my West Queen Anne windows, in Seattle. Roughly between the hours of 6:30 - 8:30 am I saw at least a dozen Warbling Vireos, 1 or 2 Black-throated Gray Warblers, 1-2 Orange-crowned Warblers and a Western Flycatcher that spent a little time actually fly catching. This after several successive mornings with no migrants spotted at all. I live on the 4th floor so this was largely a mid-level to treetops display in maples that have just about fully leafed out.
A few weeks back there were several days with many Yellow-rumped Warblers, all Audubon’s, with mostly males pushing through a few days before the birds passing through seemed mostly female. Some Orange-crowned and an earlier Black-throated Gray then as well and on May 1 I had a Nashville Warbler sitting on a branch just off the edge of the roofline.
Still awaiting Wilson’s Warblers which in some years have been fairly numerous. And if really lucky there might be a few days with Western Tanagers passing through. I haven’t been counting but feel like this has been the most ever springtime YRWAs moving past my windows.
Tom Leschine
Seattle
tee em ell @ you w dot ee dee you
Date: 5/9/25 1:15 pm From: Ted Ryan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Proposed weakening of Endangered Species Act
I think politics is precisely the problem. The ESA process is itself political. Biologists (federal and state) and fish and game departments are often well down the list of influencers in the process despite them knowing the most about particular species. You don't need to look further than grizzly bear recovery in the Mountain West states. Montana and Wyoming were denied their petition to reclassify grizzlies in their state. The bears had met recovery objectives under the ESA listing. Very vocal and influential groups have made it impossible for the ESA process to work as it should out of fear they will be hunted. There a many other species that have met recovering objectives but remain listed.
The amount of money and resources that is spent fighting to keep recovered species on the list is a shame. There are species in real trouble that could use those resources. The charismatic mega fauna that have met objectives get all the attention and meanwhile the Vaquita (porpoise) is about to disappear from the face of the earth. The process is broken.
Date: 5/9/25 12:12 pm From: Louise via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Proposed weakening of Endangered Species Act
Unfortunately this is not something that is coming from the agencies, or
even the current administration. This is coming out of a couple of terrible
2024 Supreme Court rulings, such as the overturning of Chevron.
When it was first drafted, the Endangered Species Act intended 'harm' to
apply directly to individuals. As understanding of ecology grew and how
impossible it is to protect a species without also protecting its habitat,
the interpretation of 'harm' by the government and its various agencies was
broadened to include indirect harm by disturbing habitat.
Last year's Supreme Court rulings have decided that this interpretation is
too broad and the government had no right to do it. “courts need not and
under the [Administrative Procedure Act] may not defer to an agency
interpretation of the law simply because a statute is ambiguous.”
The Biden administration had already begun the process of adjusting the
policies and wording of its agencies' directives in order to comply with
the Supreme Court rulings, and the current administration has continued
that process.
This proposed rewording is not a direct result of the administration's
policies (although I doubt they disagree with it) - it is intended to make
the wording of the law more closely reflect its application as directed by
the Supreme Court. Sadly, no amount of people commenting on the proposed
change saying that it's terrible will over-ride the Supreme Court ruling.
There are two solutions to the problem - one is for the government to draft
a new endangered species act from scratch that specifically protects
habitat. The other is to wait until we have a more progressive Supreme
Court that may revisit the ruling, since this is apparently a thing that
happens now.
Louise Rutter
Kirkland
On Fri, May 9, 2025 at 10:54 AM Faye McAdams Hands via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
Date: 5/9/25 11:06 am From: Faye McAdams Hands via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Proposed weakening of Endangered Species Act
Thank You Mary!
Protecting our planet, and the birds that we all come together here to enjoy, is above ALL politics.
Thank you for alerting us!
Happy Birding,
Faye
<zest4parus...>
Faye McAdams Hands
Life is Simple -- Eat, Sleep, Bird.
________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of Mary Metz via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Friday, May 9, 2025 10:44 AM
To: <tweeters...> <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Proposed weakening of Endangered Species Act
I'm not sure if this is too political for Tweeters, but I'm hoping that we're all in agreement that the ESA is a good thing and that it's important to protect birds' habitats. The following is from the Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue people--and the deadline for commenting on the proposed change is May 19:
Date: 5/9/25 10:57 am From: Mary Metz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Proposed weakening of Endangered Species Act
I'm not sure if this is too political for Tweeters, but I'm hoping that we're all in agreement that the ESA is a good thing and that it's important to protect birds' habitats. The following is from the Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue people--and the deadline for commenting on the proposed change is May 19:
Recently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service proposed a change to the Endangered Species Act. The proposal involves replacing the word “harm” with “take,” which could significantly weaken protections for the habitats of endangered species. This change is currently open for public comment, and we encourage everyone to consider speaking out and taking action to protect wildlife and their ecosystems. Some background: For more information https://www.barclaydamon.com/.../proposed-endangered...To make your voice heard https://www.regulations.gov/docu.../FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0034-0001 Thanks!Mary
Date: 5/8/25 10:53 pm From: Kenneth Brown via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Nisqually Wednesday walk.
The day started with Vultures. Five Turkey Vultures circled the sky over the parking lot and adjacent fields as we arrived. Finding no dead body, we didn't take their presence as an omen. It was overcast and cooler in comparison to the warm days that preceded. Barn and Cliff Swallows swooped around us in their crisp spring plumage. Yellow Warblers sang in the nearby foliage, an American Goldfinch perched briefly in the Alder to the north.
We heard and saw more Yellow Warblers as we walked south through the south parking lot. A male Rufous Hummingbird stood guard, as he is want to do, at the entrance to the Children's Play Area. A Band-tailed Pigeon passed overhead and a Mourning Dove perched in an Alder near the maintenance facility. American Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Purple Finch, and more Goldfinch sang from the trees in the orchard. The peek-a-boo pond is getting more difficult to see as the grass grows taller and the pond is drying up, but it still yielded a couple Killdeer.
The number of ducks has dropped dramatically but there were still Mallards, Northern Shovelers, Green-winged Teal, and Northern Pintail to be seen in the flooded field west of the service road, along with a few Canada Geese with their goslings. A couple of Least Sandpipers and a few Long-billed Dowitchers shared the wet mud with the remaining waterfowl. Three Golden-crowned Sparrows foraged along the road. A Sora, unseen, sounded off to torment some of the searching birders. An Osprey flew south over the field.
From the brush along the west side of the loop trail we heard and saw more Yellow Warblers, an Orange-crowned Warbler, Marsh and Bewick's Wrens, Song Sparrows, Spotted Towhees, Pine Siskins, European Starlings, a Northern Flicker, Swainson's Thrush and American Robins, and Black-headed Grosbeak. At the junction of the loop trail and the trail to the Twin Barnes was a beautiful Bullock's Oriole.
From the platform at the Twin Barnes we saw Northern Rough-winged Swallows, a Cliff Swallow and a Violet-Green Swallow on the interior road apparently gathering nest material. Tree and Barn Swallows dominated the air space. A Wood Duck hung out in the remaining water with a few other duck friends.
From the dike, the Eagle's nest in the tall Cottonwood near the Nisqually River has become less visible as the leaves have now nearly fully emerged, but we thought we could discern the movement of a young chick in the nest when the wind pushed the leaves aside for a fraction of a second. Was it observation or imagination? Common Yellow-throat, Savannah, Song, and Lincoln's Sparrows, were seen along the portion of the dike sheltered by the Willow thicket. Distant Least Sandpipers foraged on the mud out on the surge plain. Past the Willows, the freshwater side held Canada Geese shepherding more Goslings, Greater White-fronted Geese, a few Mallards, Green-winged Teal, Shovelers and Pintails. A pair of Cinnamon Teal flew in to join another pair already on the water. A couple of American Coots navigated the near shore along with two pairs of Hooded Mergansers. Virginia Rail and Sora were vocal but again unseen. A solo bright male Yellow-headed Blackbird held a steady post in a clump of rushes, while his Red-winged Blackbird cousins were scattered around, moving from Cattail stalk to stalk. Barn and Tree Swallows abounded, perched and flying, with a few Northern Rough-winged mixed in.
Out on the boardwalk along McAllister Creek, the low tide had exposed a lot of mud. A trio of male Common Mergansers stood out in the creek with their dark heads and bright white bodies. A Belted Kingfisher flew up the creek. A Steller's Jay could be heard calling from the conifers on the far side . Anthony's sharp eyes spotted a Whimbrel, nearly the same color of the mud it was foraging on. A gull tried to steal the prize the Whimbrel's long bill had pulled up. A single female Common Goldeneye and a few Bufflehead were the only other waterfowl in the water. A small group of Double-crested Cormorants huddled together on the near shore. On the exposed tide flat east of the boardwalk scattered clumps of Gulls foraged or roosted. A cluster of 20 Caspian Terns mixed with Ring-billed Gulls and Glaucous-winged/Western Gull hybrids and fewer California and Short-billed Gulls. From the covered platform at the end, Purple Martins could be seen using the gourd houses at Luhr Beach. A single Brant's Cormorant sat on a piling far off shore. An adult Bald Eagle could be seen in the nest on the ridge above the beach. A flock of American Wigeon were to the east and to the south a small mixed flock of Western Sandpipers and Semipalmated Plovers explored the mud.
At the Nisqually River overlook were several Common Goldeneye and a single Common Merganser. As we travelled south along the east side of the loop trail we were accompanied part way by a young boy of 8-9 (?) with his mother. We showed them a Red-eared Slider turtle, a Muskrat in the slough, and scope views of two Rufous Hummingbird nests, each with two young occupants. The excitement of the boy and his Mom added to our enjoyment. A side trip to the riparian zone added a Song Sparrow, American Robin and a Common Raven to our tally before we returned to the Visitor's Center to end the walk. The Checklist follows:
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
May 7, 2025 8:00 AM - 2:36 PM
Protocol: Traveling
5.49 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. The walk began with overcast skies at 53º F and a light south breeze at 5 knots; through the day, the clouds eventually burned off partly and the wind increased to over 15 knots on a 65º afternoon. There was a low +3.34-foot tide at 10:11 a.m., flooding to a +9.57-foot high water at 3:41 p.m. Non-birds seen Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Muskrat, Eastern Gray Squirrel, Harbor Seal, Townsend’s Chipmunk, Pacific Chorus Frog and American Bullfrog. Refuge volunteer Jim Pruske pointed out a growth of Neolentinus lepideus, the “train wrecker” mushroom along the boardwalk loop.
80 species (+4 other taxa)
Greater White-fronted Goose 9
Cackling Goose (minima) 32
Canada Goose 95 Several broods of goslings
Wood Duck 3
Blue-winged Teal 2
Cinnamon Teal 4
Northern Shoveler 45
Gadwall 2
American Wigeon 45
Mallard 115
Northern Pintail 55
Green-winged Teal 28
dabbling duck sp. 40
Ring-necked Duck 2
Bufflehead 8
Common Goldeneye 9
Hooded Merganser 9
Common Merganser 4
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 3
Band-tailed Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 3
Vaux's Swift 1
Anna's Hummingbird 1
Rufous Hummingbird 7 The two nests along the east side of the boardwalk loop each had 2 large nestlings
Virginia Rail 2 Vocalizing from cattail marsh
Sora 3 Vocalizing from flooded fields west of the boardwalk loop and south of the north dike
American Coot 2
Killdeer 2
Semipalmated Plover 3
Whimbrel 1
Long-billed Dowitcher 17
Least Sandpiper 22
Western Sandpiper 6
Short-billed Gull 2
Ring-billed Gull 30
California Gull 3
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 9
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 42
gull sp. 50
Caspian Tern 20
Brandt's Cormorant 1
Double-crested Cormorant 9
Great Blue Heron 12
Turkey Vulture 5
Osprey 1
Bald Eagle 16 Nest in large cottonwood along Nisqually River appeared to have young bird
Belted Kingfisher 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker (Pacific) 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1 Vocalizing along east boardwalk loop
Northern Flicker 2
Steller's Jay 1 Vocalizing from timber west of McAllister Creek
American Crow 4
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 5
Tree Swallow 70
Violet-green Swallow 1
Purple Martin 3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 6
Barn Swallow 50
Cliff Swallow 6
Brown Creeper 1
Marsh Wren 9
Bewick's Wren 4
European Starling 28
Swainson's Thrush 1
American Robin 40
Cedar Waxwing 1
Purple Finch (Western) 7
Pine Siskin 6
American Goldfinch 8
Golden-crowned Sparrow 3
Savannah Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 30
Lincoln's Sparrow 2
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 1
Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 Male in Flooded field east of cattail marsh
Bullock's Oriole 1 Male seen vocalizing at northwest 'corner' of the boardwalk loop.
Red-winged Blackbird 48
Brown-headed Cowbird 9
Orange-crowned Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 10
Yellow Warbler 14
Black-headed Grosbeak 3
Date: 5/8/25 4:51 pm From: Matt Bartels via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-05-08
Hi Tweets -
Another pretty great spring day at Marymoor Park in King County.
A dozen of us enjoyed spring temps and lots of birds today - Michael was out of town, so the rest of us did our best to fill in.
The best overall bit of the day was actually having several spots with many warblers present. The spring birds might be slow-ish arriving, but they are getting here.
Highlights:
Evening Grosbeak [FOY] - 4 fly-bys , a species we get about every year, but only a couple times a year, generally
Swainson’s Thrush [FOY] - finally back - several ‘whitting’ mostly pre-dawn, one even gave a full song. One glimpsed later in the day.
Black-throated Gray Warbler - [FOY] - one heard singing across from the windmill.
Western Tanager - one male seen mid-walk, one more heard at the Rowing Club
Black-headed Grosbeak - after only hearing them pre-dawn last week, this week we got nice looks at a couple, and had several singing
Warbling Vireo - a few singing, including sightings of a couple
Purple Martins have taken over the gourds at the lake viewing platform, but for the 2nd week a Tree Swallow pair continues to perch nearby w/ nesting material, trying in vain to enter one of the gourds where they presumably had tried to set up shop before the martins returned.
6 Warbler species including: Orange-crowned, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Gray and Wilson’s.
Many misses today, including Vaux’s Swift, Caspian Tern, Red-tailed Hawk, any pigeons
For the day, 58 species. Our walk year list increased by 3 to 110.
Date: 5/8/25 3:56 pm From: Larry Schwitters via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Swifts late
Count Vaux’s Swifts as also being late in their northbound migration this year. All of our roosts north of Oregon have been having a lot less than their expected numbers.
But last night the San Diego YWCA reported 7600, their second highest number ever. The wee birds are usually gone from there come May.
Date: 5/8/25 3:19 pm From: Larry Schwitters via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Very low migration continued
Count Vaux’s Swifts as also being late in their northbound migration this year. All of our roosts north of Oregon have been having a lot less than their expected numbers.
But last night the San Diego YWCA reported 7600, their second highest number ever. The wee birds are usually gone here come May.
So if migration is 2 weeks late, why?
Larry Schwitters
Issaquah
> On May 8, 2025, at 1:01 PM, Anna via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Reports in CA suggested a 2 week delay there… flycatchers just arriving in Monterey Bay Area…
>
> AKopitov
> Seattle
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone with all the auto correct quirks.
>
> On May 8, 2025, at 12:23 PM, BRAD Liljequist via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> Just responding to AKopitov's post...
>
> I have had a very similar experience...one Wilson's next door, Chipping Sparrows in Woodland Park, a nice mix of Audubon's Yellow Rumped around Green Lake, a bunch of Purple Finches in Discovery Park...but so far a very light migration...
>
> Brad Liljequist
> Phinney Ridge
> 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: 5/8/25 2:03 pm From: B B via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Very low migration continued
My sense from Eastern Washington trip this week is late and/or light.
On Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 01:14:18 PM PDT, Anna via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Reports in CA suggested a 2 week delay there… flycatchers just arriving in Monterey Bay Area…
AKopitov Seattle
Sent from my iPhone with all the auto correct quirks.
On May 8, 2025, at 12:23 PM, BRAD Liljequist via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Just responding to AKopitov's post...
I have had a very similar experience...one Wilson's next door, Chipping Sparrows in Woodland Park, a nice mix of Audubon's Yellow Rumped around Green Lake, a bunch of Purple Finches in Discovery Park...but so far a very light migration...
Brad LiljequistPhinney RidgeSeattle
_______________________________________________
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: 5/8/25 1:39 pm From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wiley Slough - Bald Eagle Nest
Hi all,
The chick hatch is probably imminent. Both parents are staying
'near' the nest
essentially full time and they are more "active" than they were even a
week ago.
I have not seen evidence that the hatch has already occurred - but they
are not
sitting continuously and will both go off to a nearby roost for as much
as a half
hour or more (don't need to sit on warm days?). They are switching off
which
one is staying closest/on the nest - maybe two or three times a day.
One of the parents (the male?) has very "creaky" wings and flies in
the vicinity
once or twice a half hour - mostly moving from one tall tree to
another. It also
calls out when sitting. "Proud Papa Bragging" ... ? *G* It flew quite
close to my
head one time when I walked under the nest in order to get past - the best
viewing is usually from the 'far side' of the nest. (Do you remember
"Far Side"?)
I am getting out there about every other day. Hoping to see a "fuzzy
head"!
What I've seen so far is "a head sticking up over the edge of the nest".
This nest is about a mile's walk - one way - from the parking lots at
Wiley. Depending
upon the tide you will see ducks (mostly mallards and green-winged
teal), yellowlegs
(both), great blue herons, tree swallows and maybe the occasional barn
swallow,
Downy Woodpeckers, a cormorant, and perhaps even a TUVU. It is
interesting to me
how few gulls there are.
It takes me about an hour one way from the parking lot to the nest -
because I
stop and bird along the way both ways. I've been spending about 1/2 to
a full hour
near the BAEA nest. It is on the right side of the walking path (dike
top) and only
about 20-25 feet up in a tree ... pretty hard to miss it. When you get
to where the
sitting bench is you are 'about 2/3rds of the way'.
There have been reports of a Great-horned Owl family near the boat
ramp at
Wiley - I saw the adult one time about 2 weeks ago but have been 'blanked'
since.
- go Birding! ... Jim in Skagit County
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/8/25 1:14 pm From: Anna via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Very low migration continued
Reports in CA suggested a 2 week delay there… flycatchers just arriving in Monterey Bay Area…
AKopitov
Seattle
Sent from my iPhone with all the auto correct quirks.
On May 8, 2025, at 12:23 PM, BRAD Liljequist via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Just responding to AKopitov's post...
I have had a very similar experience...one Wilson's next door, Chipping Sparrows in Woodland Park, a nice mix of Audubon's Yellow Rumped around Green Lake, a bunch of Purple Finches in Discovery Park...but so far a very light migration...
Date: 5/8/25 12:34 pm From: BRAD Liljequist via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Very low migration continued
Just responding to AKopitov's post...
I have had a very similar experience...one Wilson's next door, Chipping Sparrows in Woodland Park, a nice mix of Audubon's Yellow Rumped around Green Lake, a bunch of Purple Finches in Discovery Park...but so far a very light migration...
Date: 5/8/25 8:19 am From: Shelf Life Community Story Project via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Wilson’s warbler
Ha! Immediately after sending my earlier reply, I walked outside and heard
a Wilson's and Orange Crowned! They're warbling up a storm in my yard. So
thank you! This exchange seems to have lifted the spell.
Jill
On Thu, May 8, 2025 at 7:02 AM AMK17 via Tweeters <tweeters...>
wrote:
> Seems like a late migration, at least in my yard. This morning a first of
> season Wilson's warbler was singing in the yard. Trip to Cle Elum this
> past weekend seemed absent of warblers but for a common yellowthroat and
> yellow rumped warblers. Not the best day for observations - cold and windy.
>
> Stampede Pass American dipper was present along with singing Yellow rumped
> warblers. Also observed a barred owl roadside.
>
> Cheers
> AKopitov
> Seattle
>
> AMK17
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 5/8/25 8:02 am From: Shelf Life Community Story Project via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Wilson’s warbler
I was just wondering out loud yesterday - where are the Wilson's and Yellow
Warblers that appear in our Maple trees every spring? I'm in Seattle's
Central District. We had some early Orange Crowned pass through, and tons
of Yellow Rumped, but no one else.
Last weekend I was up on Matia Island, in the San Juans (an absolute
treasure), and Merlin heard Townsend's, Wilson's, and Orange Crowned. If I
was a warbler, I'd pick Matia Island over Seattle too.
Jill Freidberg
On Thu, May 8, 2025, 7:02 AM AMK17 via Tweeters <tweeters...>
wrote:
> Seems like a late migration, at least in my yard. This morning a first of
> season Wilson's warbler was singing in the yard. Trip to Cle Elum this
> past weekend seemed absent of warblers but for a common yellowthroat and
> yellow rumped warblers. Not the best day for observations - cold and windy.
>
> Stampede Pass American dipper was present along with singing Yellow rumped
> warblers. Also observed a barred owl roadside.
>
> Cheers
> AKopitov
> Seattle
>
> AMK17
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 5/8/25 7:14 am From: AMK17 via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wilson’s warbler
Seems like a late migration, at least in my yard. This morning a first of season Wilson's warbler was singing in the yard. Trip to Cle Elum this past weekend seemed absent of warblers but for a common yellowthroat and yellow rumped warblers. Not the best day for observations - cold and windy.
Stampede Pass American dipper was present along with singing Yellow rumped warblers. Also observed a barred owl roadside.
Date: 5/7/25 6:54 pm From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Potholes Moses Lake CBC (proposed)
Hi Everyone,
I am in the process of developing a new CBC in the Moses Lake area. We hope to do a pilot count for this season and then modify things as needed in the future.
For those familiar with the old CBC the count circle has been redrawn. The new circle will cover all of Potholes Reservoir and some of the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. The norther portion will still contain almost all of Moses Lake, but the barren wastelands of the north will be gone. Consideration has been given to reduce the miles driven during the count. New areas have been drawn and written directions concerning boundaries are already done.
I am wondering how many people would find this an interesting count to participate in. l don't have dates yet but my hope is to have it as early as possible without conflicting with other eastern Washington counts. The other choice is to have it late in the season but that can mean terrible roads (a possibility no matter the timing of the count).
I realize it's early to start talking about CBC but all of the paperwork has to go into Washington and National Audubon for review and approval. That takes quite a bit of time, both mine and theirs.
Date: 5/7/25 6:47 pm From: Jane Hadley via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Some new birding resources
Dear Tweetsters - The Birding Resources page on the WOS website has a couple of changes or additions you may be interested in.
First is a new addition. A tool created by Mason Maron shows a list of rare bird species in Washington state along with the number of accepted sightings for each species. It also has a search function. The information comes from Washington Bird Records Committee records.
Second, the program that allows you to get a checklist for any county in the U.S. has been updated with bug fixes and other improvements. You now have a choice between two formats for viewing or printing out the checklists.
The checklists are derived from eBird sightings. With this update, the species included on the checklists have been screened against the ABA Checklist of United States birds to eliminate extinct birds, escapees, non-wild birds, and birds that are not expected or regular in the U.S. (Examples of species removed from the checklists are Ivory Billed Woodpecker, Northern Red Bishop, and Cockatiel.) This screening also reflects some lumps and splits and name changes, for example, Western Flycatcher and Short-billed Gull.
Also to be found on the Birding Resources page is a link to Marv Breece's Seasonal Occurrence tables, which are especially helpful this time of year. https://wos.org/documents/Occurrence/
Other links are to maps, to a list of resources for adding native plants to your garden, a list of the four-letter Alpha codes for birds, and the Birder's Dashboard for Washington. Also, the Sound to Sage breeding bird atlas which provides accurate data about which bird species are breeding in specific locations within four contiguous counties.
Date: 5/7/25 4:43 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] How hunting harriers home in on their prey | ScienceDaily
“Summary:
Owls, well adapted to hearing the exact location of prey, have something in common with an unrelated group of raptors -- harriers. A new study has found that harriers across the world are able to keep a much better ear out for their next meal than previously thought.”
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506105359.htm
Date: 5/7/25 4:32 pm From: Michelle Landis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] RTHA v. BAEA in nest
Really interesting behavior today. I've been watching an eagle nest on March Point this Spring. There is a RTHA nest in the same meadow, less than 1/4 mile from the BAEA nest. Last week there were two eaglets, I haven't been able to confirm chicks for the RTHA.
Today, both eagle adults were in the nest, slightly unusual. They were VERY vocal, somewhat unusual, so I'm watching to see what they're yelling at. Turns out, it's an adult RTHA who is savagely harassing them. He would kite above the nest, eagles yelling at him (I say "he" without any evidence....my apologies), blow past the nest at high velocity, and finally absolutely dove on the nest, within a wingspan of the adult eagles. This went on for at least 45 minutes and then I had to leave.
If I were a less scientific and more anthropomorphic person, I would say this RTHA was PISSED. He was sending some kind of message and I wish I knew what it was. My guess, and it's a good guess, is that the eagles grabbed a chick out of the RTHA nest. Who needs soap operas.
Tomorrow evening (5/8) at 7pm, we'll be hosting our monthly program focused
on the Edmonds Marsh. If you have an interest in the marsh and/or its
birds, please consider yourself invited! Details below:
*Edmonds Marsh: an update on our avian survey and the restoration process*
Guest speakers: Hannah Toutonghi and Bill Derry
Join us for a presentation on bird communities and microhabitats within the
Edmonds Marsh. Hannah will discuss how the surveys are conducted and what
we’re finding.
Then, Pilchuck Audubon President Bill Derry will provide an update on the
process to get the Edmonds Marsh restored.
Date: 5/6/25 3:19 pm From: Benjamin Menzies via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Bird Noise Deterrants
Not exactly what you're looking for, but here is what worked for the problem described:
1.) I had a flicker bore through the siding and nest in the wall cavity of the house one Spring. After the babies fledged and left, on the advice of the USFWS, I made and hung a flicker-spec'd birdhouse nearby. Flickers moved into it and seemed to defend the area, keeping others away.
2.) I moved to a different place, and put up a flicker box on a pole near the house. I had to discourage starlings from using it at first, but once some flickers moved in they repeated the pattern of using the box, and not trying to bore holes in the house.
I really don't recall any drilling problems after either of these efforts, though I admit it's possible I was so captivated by Flicker Family doings that I forgot to care about the siding.
________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 12:00 PM
To: <tweeters...> <tweeters...>
Subject: Tweeters Digest, Vol 249, Issue 6
Send Tweeters mailing list submissions to
<tweeters...>
Message: 3
Date: Mon, 5 May 2025 22:13:54 -0700
From: Scott Ramos via Tweeters <tweeters...>
To: Tweeters Tweeters Bird Chat <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Colombia journey
Message-ID:
<CANqMoakcbL637ymF0CYBem9KtyPewicWKOvPNbGkc0SjVeQUpw...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
In early March this year, Dave Swayne and I made a 2-week birding trip to
Colombia. We visited two areas, the Colombian Amazon and the Caribbean
coast, which included dry scrub and the lush mountain habitat above Santa
Marta. Both of these areas appear in many Colombian birding itineraries but
I had no idea what to expect before this trip.
To share some of that experience for others with curiosity about the
region, I have put together a blog that describes the adventure from our
perspective. Part 1 is now published and details the Amazon itinerary; work
is progressing on Part 2.
Given that we would be in the rainforest for a week, I expected heat,
humidity and frequent rain. We got plenty of the first two but, except for
several hours of one outing, the rain was not really an issue. The novelty
of birding the rainforest is that the majority of the time we were birding
from a small motored and/or paddled boat with barely enough room for 4 or 5
of us. But we saw plenty of birds. Many were challenging but we had skilled
guides throughout. It was an intense and fun trip.
Date: 5/6/25 2:52 pm From: Ellen Blackstone via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] bird noise deterrents
Sandi et al. --
Edmonds, on the shore of Puget Sound, has many MANY flat roofs, several of which are year-round roosts -- and seasonal nesting places -- to Glaucous-winged Gulls. Late last summer, after the young gulls had fledged, one company hired a "pest control" company to scare the gulls away from their roof. [Name? Rentokil. Scary, eh? https://www.rentokil.com/]
It irritated the neighbors no end and deterred the gulls not at all, and they stopped it, probably after several complaints. I talked to the owner of the company and explained to him that many of the species nest in colonies and that a ruckus might feel like home, rather than being frightening. (And yes, one set of sounds is like a gull being dismembered. Ugh.) The pair of gulls is happily getting ready to nest again this spring.
One thing that worked in my old Wedgwood neighborhood was a gadget that was either motion- or sound-triggered. It was a giant spider that was tucked up under the eave, but when the flicker came around and did whatever flickers do, the spider would drop down with a bounce. That DID seem to scare the birds away. ALAS, I just found that the product is no longer available, and they offer this instead: https://bugspray.com/deterrents/visual/bird-intimidator-flasher But maybe your neighbors could visit Archie McPhee and have them help rig something up.
Date: 5/5/25 10:27 pm From: Scott Ramos via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Colombia journey
In early March this year, Dave Swayne and I made a 2-week birding trip to Colombia. We visited two areas, the Colombian Amazon and the Caribbean coast, which included dry scrub and the lush mountain habitat above Santa Marta. Both of these areas appear in many Colombian birding itineraries but I had no idea what to expect before this trip.
To share some of that experience for others with curiosity about the region, I have put together a blog that describes the adventure from our perspective. Part 1 is now published and details the Amazon itinerary; work is progressing on Part 2.
Given that we would be in the rainforest for a week, I expected heat, humidity and frequent rain. We got plenty of the first two but, except for several hours of one outing, the rain was not really an issue. The novelty of birding the rainforest is that the majority of the time we were birding from a small motored and/or paddled boat with barely enough room for 4 or 5 of us. But we saw plenty of birds. Many were challenging but we had skilled guides throughout. It was an intense and fun trip.
Hi all. I’m looking for insight/experiences with using loud bird calls as a
deterrent for nuisance birds.
Here’s the situation: I’m in West Seattle. My neighbors’ home has, in past
years, been seriously damaged by a male Northern flicker that drilled
through the eaves and yanked out huge wads of insulation.
Their response- guided by some pest control company- has been to mount
speakers on the front and back of their very tall home, and blast bird
calls nonstop, dawn to dusk. I don’t think they hear it in their house, but
it’s really obnoxious in my yard.
Merlin recognizes a couple of calls - sharp-shinned hawk, bald eagle - but
most of it is avian gibberish, including one screeching sequence that
sounds like a gull being dismembered.
Most of the backyard birds seem unaffected, but I haven’t seen a towhee
since the racket started early this spring.
What are folks’ thoughts? Does this work? ( I haven’t seen a Northern
flicker recently, so maybe it does?) Does it negatively impact other
species?
Thanks for any insights you can offer.
Date: 5/5/25 12:27 pm From: jimullrich via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Leavenworth Spring Birdfest 5/15-18
Howdy Tweets:
Perfect timing to plan your fun trip to Leavenworth and the 5/15-18 Spring Bird Fest. Visit for trips/talks/rafting/mountain biking/artist groups etc: https://www.wenatcheeriverinstitute.org Yours for the Birds n’ the Bees
Jim Ullrich
Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/5/25 7:37 am From: Kathleen Snyder via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Northern Spotted Owl Recovery – Thursday May 8 7 p.m. via Zoom or in-person
Emilie Kohler of the WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife will share her agency’s
efforts to manage the competition between Northern Spotted Owls and Barred
Owls. This is a complex issue that involves human-driven range expansion
of one species that ultimately harms another species. You can view the
program (starting at 7 pm) *via Zoom* by registering here:
or you can attend in person at Temple Beth Hatfiloh, 201 8th Ave SE,
Olympia. Social time starts at 6:30 pm. This free program is offered by
South Sound Bird Alliance (formerly Black Hills Audubon Society).
Date: 5/4/25 7:46 am From: Ruby Newton via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Turkey Vultures
I believe that we saw two soaring over the bay near the Hood Canal bridge yesterday. Very high, circling. We do have eagles here also though. Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Today at Hayton Reserve on Fir Island in Skagit County:
Greater White-fronted Geese - 12 Canvasback - 1 BB Plover - 20 Semipalmated Plover - 20 and more Long-billed Dowitcher - a few LONG-BILLED CURLEW - 1 https://flic.kr/p/2r2uoez Greater Yellowlegs - a few RED KNOT - 3 Western Sandpiper Least Sandpiper Dunlin - hundreds SHORT-EARED OWL - 1 very late _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/2/25 5:01 pm From: Gary Bletsch via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Jamaica?
Dear Tweeters, If any birders in Tweeterland can give me some advice about birding in Jamaica, I'd love to hear it. I am somewhat put off by the US State Department's warnings about travelling there. Meanwhile, Lonely Planet makes it sound like a walk in the park. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. Specifically, I'd like to hear about any recommended birding guides and general suggestions re safe travel. Thanks! Yours truly, Gary Bletsch PS I had been thinking about going to Jamaica for some time, but had been putting it off. Then I went to a book signing a couple of weeks ago. Kenn Kaufmann had only a couple of minutes to spare, but he mentioned a recent trip to Jamaica! That got me thinking again. _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/2/25 4:21 pm From: Ronda Stark via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Yellow-headed Blackbird
That's great! We had one yesterday near the lakeshore behind the Center for
Urban Horticulture at UW.
On Fri, May 2, 2025 at 3:47 PM Odette James via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> This morning and early afternoon, a surprise at the Lake Washington Beach
> Mobile Park - in the grassy field and on a log floating on Lake Washington
> - a gorgeous male Yellow-headed Blackbird, with the yellow on his head
> shading toward orange. Seen from the Lakeshore Retirement Community next
> door. Not his usual habitat, and a treat for those of us watching him.
> The second time I've seen this species at this location in four and a half
> years.
>
> Odette James, The Lakeshore
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 5/2/25 3:59 pm From: Odette James via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Yellow-headed Blackbird
This morning and early afternoon, a surprise at the Lake Washington Beach Mobile Park - in the grassy field and on a log floating on Lake Washington - a gorgeous male Yellow-headed Blackbird, with the yellow on his head shading toward orange. Seen from the Lakeshore Retirement Community next door. Not his usual habitat, and a treat for those of us watching him. The second time I've seen this species at this location in four and a half years.
Odette James, The Lakeshore
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/1/25 4:12 pm From: MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Kent Chipping Sparrows
Yesterday (4.30.25) there were 2 CHIPPING SPARROWS at the corner of Frager Road and 204th St in Kent. Today I saw one CHIPPING SPARROW at the same location. It was a third bird, very different from the birds I saw yesterday.
There was also a wintering bird as well as an adult in alternate plumage earlier in April at this location. Possibly as many as 5 CHIPPING SPARROWS total.
Normally, at this northern latitude, Merlins have just arrived back on territory at this time of year. They are very active just prior to laying. A Predator's hatching of young is timed to the vulnerable young of the prey species.
I suspect that what you witnessed was either a pair-bonding flight or a more - "pure" courtship one.
Date: 5/1/25 3:36 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-05-01
Tweets - Fabulous today at Marymoor, as expected. This week, Week 18, has by far the highest cumulative species count for any week of the year, and we expect to find ~70 species on our Week 18 survey. With today's perfect weather, we were not disappointed. The odd thing about Week 18 is that, while you're pretty sure it's going to be awesome, exactly what birds you'll find is always a surprise.
Highlights: Blue-winged Teal - Four landed just out from the Lake Platform, First of Year (FOY). This is the 3rd-earliest we've ever had them Northern Shoveler - Large flyover flock that was at least mostly shovelers, then a pair at the lake for good looks (FOY) Green-winged Teal - Still 2-4 lingering. We seldom get them later Ring-necked Duck - Four seen from the Lake Platform, but large numbers were on the lake. Seldom do we get these in May Virginia Rail - One *seen* several times just below the weir SOLITARY SANDPIPER - Below the weir, only our 10th ever (FOY) Greater Yellowlegs - Below the weir (FOY) Least Sandpiper - Around 4 below the weir (FOY). Week 18 has, BY FAR, the most LESA records for any week at Marymoor Osprey - Seemed to have reclaimed two nests from the Canada Geese that were sitting on them the last several weeks Western Flycatcher - One near the Dog Area portapotties (FOY) Warbling Vireo - Two along the west edge of Dog Meadow (FOY) Purple Martin - Back at both pairs of gourds. Appear to have evicted the Tree Swallows that had been using the gourds Hermit Thrush - One along the west edge of Dog Meadow, first since January. ID confirmed by calls American Pipit - Flock(s), with one flock of ~25 seen fairly well in the grass/gravel parking lot (FOY) Yellow Warbler - Male singing from SE corner of the East Meadow (FOY). On the early side for this species Wilson's Warbler - One heard singing incessantly from near the East Footbridge (south of the East Meadow) (FOY) Black-headed Grosbeak - Matt heard a few singing loudly pre-dawn, but none were noted during the main walk (FOY)
The WILSON'S WARBLER was truly annoying. For about 5 minutes, nine of us strained for a view while it sang every 10 seconds from no more than 20 yards away. Nobody even got a flash of yellow, but the song was unmistakable.
A late scan of the lake turned up one PIED-BILLED GREBE and one unexpected HORNED GREBE in breeding plumage. One seen 06-May-2021 is our only other May HOGR. As I left the park, I stopped at the model airplane field, and near the East Maintenance facility I picked up NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS.
Misses today included Hooded Merganser, Band-tailed Pigeon, Vaux's Swift, American Coot, Cliff Swallow, Lincoln's Sparrow, and Western Tanager. Despite those misses, we had 72 species (counting 2 gull sp. that were almost certainly GWGU or Olympics, but so far away as to be hard to get to gull).
Blue-winged Teal was new for Week 18, bringing the cumulative total for this week to 154 species. Next closest is Week 17 at 142 species. No other week has even 140 species.
Adding ELEVEN new birds for the year, we're at 107 species for the survey for 2025.
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 5/1/25 9:10 am From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk for Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for April 30th, 2025
Hi Tweets,
Thirty of us enjoyed a fine Spring day at the Refuge with cool temperatures
in the 40's to 60's degrees Fahrenheit. There as a High 13'7" Tide at
7:00am, so when we started our walk at 8am, we decided to skip the Orchard,
Access Roads and Twin Barns Overlook in the morning to chase the falling
tide on the Nisqually Estuary Trail and Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail.
Highlights included a pair of CINNAMON TEAL in the Visitor Center Pond
Overlook to greet us in the morning, First of Year YELLOW WARBLER at the
Twin Barns cut-off from the Twin Barns Loop Trail, continuing YELLOW-HEADED
BLACKBIRD x 3 in the freshwater marsh south of the Nisqually Estuary Trail,
and great looks of LEAST SANDPIPER, WESTERN SANDPIPER, and continuing
WHIMBREL from the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail. Other fun sightings
included WOOD DUCK visiting the nest box at the west entrance to the Twin
Barns Loop Trail, good looks of WILSON'S WARBLER and RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER
in the Twin Barns Picnic Area, a cool fly over of a MERLIN hunting the
mudflats, a single SEMI-PALMATED PLOVER on the mudflats, continuing GREATER
WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and single SNOW GOOSE in the freshwater marsh, a SORA
swimming around in the freshwater marsh near the big Willow Tree along the
dike, FOY pair of BLUE-WINGED TEAL in the freshwater marsh, and two RUFOUS
HUMMINGBIRD nests with chicks over the borrow slough between the Beaver
Deceiver and the NE corner of the Twin Barns Loop Trail.
For the day we observed 84 species. With FOY VAUX'S SWIFT, YELLOW WARBLER,
YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, and BLUE-WINGED TEAL, we now
have observed 134 species so far this year. See our eBird List pasted
below with additional details and photos.
Next week I'll be away leading a trip for Clearwater Audubon to Magee
Marsh, the week before the "Biggest Week in American Birding". Ken, Pete,
Rob, Jim, Ed and a group of exceptional regulars will lead the way in my
absence.
Until next time, when we meet again at 8am at the Visitor Center Pond
Overlook, be well, and happy birding.
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Apr 30, 2025 6:09 AM - 5:02 PM
Protocol: Traveling
7.641 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Sunny skies with temperatures in
the 40’s-60’s. There was a High 13’7” Tide at 7:00am and a Low -3’6” Tide
at 2:16pm. Mammals seen Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Columbian
Black-tailed, Muskrat, Eastern Gray Squirrel, Townsend’s Vole, Harbor Seal,
Townsend’s Chipmunk. Others seen American Bullfrog, and Puget Sound Garter
Snake.
84 species (+8 other taxa)
Snow Goose 1 Seen on central access road with Canada Goose.
Greater White-fronted Goose (Western) 53
Cackling Goose (minima) 18
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 75
Wood Duck 15
Blue-winged Teal 2
Cinnamon Teal (Northern) 7
Northern Shoveler 100
Gadwall 4
American Wigeon 100
Mallard 75
Northern Pintail 25
Green-winged Teal (American) 600
Ring-necked Duck 6
Bufflehead 30
Common Goldeneye 5
Hooded Merganser 8
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 12
Band-tailed Pigeon (Northern) 1
Mourning Dove 2
Vaux's Swift 3
Anna's Hummingbird 1
Rufous Hummingbird 8 Two nests with young on the east side of the Twin
Barns Loop Trail in branches overhanging the borrow slough on the inside of
the trail. One nest 8 railing planks north of beaver deceiver. The other
nest 50 feet south of NE corner of loop trail.
Virginia Rail 1 Heard in Visitor Center Pond.
Sora 2 One heard in flooded field south of Twin Barns. The other seen
swimming in fresh water marsh just south of Nisqually Estuary Trail closest
to largest Willow Tree growing out of dike.
American Coot (Red-shielded) 15
Killdeer 2 Flooded field along Entrance Road across from Orchard.
Semipalmated Plover 1 Spotted by Craig on mudflats north of Nisqually
Estuary Trail west of Leschi Slough.
Whimbrel (Hudsonian) 2 Continuing. McAllister Creek Viewing Platform.
Wilson's Snipe 1 Flooded field south of Access Road.
Spotted Sandpiper 1 West Bank of McAllister Creek.
Lesser Yellowlegs 6 Vocalizing. Fly over and landing in freshwater
marsh.
Greater Yellowlegs 6
Least Sandpiper 200
Western Sandpiper 200
Short-billed Gull 50
Ring-billed Gull 6
Glaucous-winged Gull 1
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 4
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 15
gull sp. 200
Caspian Tern 4
Pied-billed Grebe 1 Heard only.
Double-crested Cormorant 5
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 15
Bald Eagle 30 Nest in Cottonwood Tree West Bank of Nisqually River
north dike. Another nest West Bank of McAllister Creek across from Puget
Sound Viewing Platform.
Red-tailed Hawk (calurus/alascensis) 1
Belted Kingfisher 3
Red-breasted Sapsucker 2 Twin Barns Picnic Area and east side of Twin
Barns Loop Trail.
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 2
Pileated Woodpecker 1 Heard only from Riparian Forest Overlook
Northern Flicker 2
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 2
Merlin 1 Hunting mudflats.
Hutton's Vireo 1 Heard only between Nisqually Estuary Trail and Twin
Barns Observation Platform.
American Crow 8
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 10
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 3
Tree Swallow 100
Violet-green Swallow 2
Purple Martin 6
Barn Swallow (American) 40 Several nests in Visitor Center
Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group) 8 Mud hut over window at Visitor
Center.
Bushtit (Pacific) 4
Brown Creeper 4
Pacific Wren (pacificus Group) 1
Marsh Wren 20 Freshwater Marsh.
Bewick's Wren (spilurus Group) 4
European Starling 50
American Robin (migratorius Group) 45 Visitor Center.
Purple Finch (Western) 5
Pine Siskin (Northern) 8
American Goldfinch 2
White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's) 1
White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis) 2
Golden-crowned Sparrow 12
Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 8
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 44
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 3
Yellow-headed Blackbird 3 Two males, one female.
Red-winged Blackbird 50
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
Orange-crowned Warbler 3
Common Yellowthroat 18
Yellow Warbler 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler 16
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 20
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's) 2 White and yellow throat,
more prominent supercilium than Audubon’s variety. More prominent facial
mark or smile line. One observed along the access road, the other seem
along the Twin Barns Loop Trail.
Wilson's Warbler 2
We saw a pair of noisy Merlins flying around here in Twin Lakes/Federal Way this evening. There has been a breeding pair here for several years now and likely it was the pair of adults. I was wondering though, if young of the year could already be out of the nest and flying?
Also had my first-of-year pair of Cedar Waxwings this evening.
Good birding!
Hans
-- *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA <thefedderns...>
Date: 4/30/25 9:35 pm From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] REMINDER: WOS Monthly Meeting, May 5, 2025
The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) is pleased to announce our next Monthly Meeting: on Monday, May 5, Chris D. Anderson will present, "Common Loon Management in WA State."
Factoid: Washington may be the only state in which Common Loons are known to overwinter on both salt and fresh water. The Common Loon (Gavia immer) was known to be a fairly common breeding species both east and west of the Cascades, but currently is listed in Washington as a "State Sensitive" species. Records indicate that Washington’s Common Loons were nearly eliminated due to sport shooting, loss of habitat and other factors including lead poisoning. A WDFW survey in the early 1980s found only two nesting pairs. In this presentation, Chris will describe the framework of cooperative conservation efforts dedicated to management of this species in Washington, with notes on territorial birds local to King County.
Chris D. Anderson is the District Wildlife Biologist with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for the King County area. The district is unique in being the most urban in the state – populated by many species of wildlife and one-third of the humans in Washington. Chris is a very busy guy!
This meeting will be conducted virtually, via Zoom (no in-person attendance). Sign-in will begin at 7:15 pm, and the meeting commences at 7:30 pm. Please go to the WOS Monthly Meetings page: https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/ for instructions on participation and to get the Zoom link.
When joining the meeting, we ask that you mute your device and make certain that your camera is turned off.
This meeting is open to all as WOS invites everyone in the wider birding community to attend. Thanks to the generosity of our presenters, recordings of past programs are available at the following link to the WOS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonornithologicalso7839/videos
If you are not yet a member of WOS, we hope you will consider becoming one at https://wos.org
Date: 4/30/25 9:16 pm From: Alexandra Mariani via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Bird Walk at Glacial Heritage Preserve?
Hi all,
I'm thinking of going to the Black Hills Audubon's morning bird walk at the Glacial Heritage Preserve on Saturday May 10th. So that I'm not just one more single occupancy vehicle on the road, I was wondering if there was anyone planning on going who'd be commuting from Seattle that I could carpool with? Happy to pitch in for gas if that sweetens the pot for anyone.
Feel free to reach out to me directly at xandrabryn at gmail dot com
Date: 4/29/25 3:11 pm From: Jerry Tangren via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Osprey Nest - Tower Crane
Often a new pair of Osprey only go through the motions of building a nest, and will not actually lay eggs until the second year; that could easily happen in this case.
—Jerry Tangren
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of Greg via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 2:20:21 PM
To: <jimbetz...> <jimbetz...>
Cc: Tweeters via <tweeters...>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Osprey Nest - Tower Crane
Jim and Tweets -
Elliott Porter published book of warblers at their nests. All of his pictures are with a large format camera. In one instance, I forget the species, he went very, very high in a tree, sought off the branch that the nest was on and lowered it little by little over a number of days. This allowed him to set up and photograph the successful nesting of the bird!
I’m betting on the ospreys being successful. We shall see… Please keep us posted whoever is on the scene.
Thanks,
Greg Pluth
University Place
Sent from my iPhone
Jim and Tweets -
Elliott Porter published book of warblers at their nests. All of his pictures are with a large format camera. In one instance, I forget the species, he went very, very high in a tree, sought off the branch that the nest was on and lowered it little by little over a number of days. This allowed him to set up and photograph the successful nesting of the bird!
I’m betting on the ospreys being successful. We shall see… Please keep us posted whoever is on the scene.
Thanks,
Greg Pluth
University Place
Sent from my iPhone
> On Apr 29, 2025, at 7:50 AM, Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Jason/anyone,
>
> I don't know of any laws/regulations that would prevent a company with a crane on top of a
> building from operating it when there is a nest on the counter weight. I doubt the pair are
> going to 'tolerate' the crane's movement if/when it goes into use ... so, I suspect, this
> choice of nest sight is destined for failure. Hopefully, the pair will just live with their
> decision and the chicks will hatch and fledge before the crane is taken down.
>
> On a related topic - I've forgotten how to do a 'targetted' search on eBird. For example,
> let's say I'm interested in recent sightings of Osprey in Skagit County. How do I do that?
> I know how to use Explore to find Osprey and even Osprey in Skagit County ... but I
> can't remember how to get eBird to tell me about recent checklists for Skagit County
> that include Osprey. I know how to find recent checklists for Skagit County - just not
> how to limit it to only those that include Osprey.
>
> Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. - Jim in Skagit
> _______________________________________________
> 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: 4/29/25 8:03 am From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Osprey Nest - Tower Crane
Jason/anyone,
I don't know of any laws/regulations that would prevent a company
with a crane on top of a
building from operating it when there is a nest on the counter weight.
I doubt the pair are
going to 'tolerate' the crane's movement if/when it goes into use ...
so, I suspect, this
choice of nest sight is destined for failure. Hopefully, the pair will
just live with their
decision and the chicks will hatch and fledge before the crane is taken
down.
On a related topic - I've forgotten how to do a 'targetted' search on
eBird. For example,
let's say I'm interested in recent sightings of Osprey in Skagit
County. How do I do that?
I know how to use Explore to find Osprey and even Osprey in Skagit
County ... but I
can't remember how to get eBird to tell me about recent checklists for
Skagit County
that include Osprey. I know how to find recent checklists for Skagit
County - just not
how to limit it to only those that include Osprey.
Date: 4/29/25 1:20 am From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Another Kind of Entanglement: “How do bird nests stay together? Researchers unravel entanglement between stiff, straight rods”
Date: 4/29/25 12:47 am From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Mason Maron, lead author and graduate of Washington State University: “Range expansion in lesser goldfinches”-| ScienceDaily
Date: 4/27/25 11:42 pm From: Tom Benedict via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Osprey Nest - Tower Crane
Hmm… Does this mean that the crane can’t be used until nesting season is over? Or maybe the crane can move, but can’t be taken down?
Tom Benedict
Seahurst, WA
> On Apr 27, 2025, at 15:25, Jason Ferleman via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> I just noticed an osprey nest on the counterweight of the tower crane located on the corner of Redmond Way and Cleveland Street in downtown Redmond.
>
> Osprey is actively carrying branches to it and male and female are both at the nest now.
>
> Jason
Date: 4/27/25 6:19 pm From: ck park via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Birding at Woodland Park Zoo?
in the past, i've photographed many birds (and other animals) inside the
zoo... for most (all?), i used the canon 100-400L. it gave me range and,
with a shallow depth of field, you can photograph through bars/fencing/etc
without worrying about the impediments "getting in the way"... with a fast
lens, you can also take excellent handheld photos if you are there during
the raptor flight exhibition...
if you know what you want to shoot ahead of time, 2-3 hours is more than
enough, though i'd personally schedule the day and decide after a few hours
if i'm happy with what i've photographed to that point...
examples available on request.
On Sun, Apr 27, 2025 at 5:03 PM Jim Betz via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> Are there good opportunities to get photos of birds at Woodland Park
> Zoo?
> How much time should I allow when I'm there - is 2 or 3 hours enough?
> Thanks in advance ...
> - Jim in Skagit
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/27/25 5:16 pm From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Birding at Woodland Park Zoo?
Hi all,
Are there good opportunities to get photos of birds at Woodland Park Zoo?
How much time should I allow when I'm there - is 2 or 3 hours enough?
Thanks in advance ...
- Jim in Skagit
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
A walk through Woodland Park today revealed 3-4 Chipping Sparrows chipping alongside Juncos...a good comparison...the sparrows a bit lower and glottal sounding...great views of one of the sparrows...
As well as a Warbling Vireo...
I recommend focusing on the south edge as well as the north "funnel" of Woodland Park...underrated birding IMO esp in migration - tends to be a small local attactor...
Date: 4/25/25 8:31 pm From: Thomas Einberger via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Seattle Caspian Terns
Since Caspian Terns are having trouble breeding in the Puget Sound, how old is this Seattle non-adult on September 2nd last year? https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/634442504
And is there any form of conservation volunteering in Seattle?
Date: 4/25/25 2:57 pm From: Anna via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Ibird Pro problems
Sorry folks. This was meant for someone else
Sent from my iPhone with all the auto correct quirks.
On Apr 25, 2025, at 1:56 PM, Anna via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Hi Laura,
Sorry for delay. I think I may have to stay close to home this weekend but might be able to do a short visit to RR ponds if we start early and stampede pass
Anna
Sent from my iPhone with all the auto correct quirks.
On Apr 20, 2025, at 4:54 PM, Laurel Parshall via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Ray, I have an Android phone and Ibird pro was the first birding app that I
bought. It still is the one that I use for North America birds more
frequently than the Sibley's. Partly because their sounds database uses
different recordings. I haven't upgraded it for years, so other than some
of the glitches that everything experiences, it still works well for me.
(Knocks on wood, hopes that the gremlins aren't awake,... tiptoes off very
quietly ;-))
Does make me a bit anxious for the next time I change my phone, fingers
will be crossed.
Laurel Parshall kehlilanasnan at yahoo you know the end bit on the Key
Peninsula in the Gig Harbor tax base.
<div dir=3D"auto">Ray, I have an Android phone and Ibird pro was the first =
birding app that I bought.=C2=A0 It still is the one that I use for North A=
merica birds more frequently than the Sibley's. Partly because their so=
unds database uses different recordings. I haven't upgraded it for year=
s, so other than some of the glitches that everything experiences, it still=
works well for me. (Knocks on wood, hopes that the gremlins aren't awa=
ke,... tiptoes off very quietly ;-))<div dir=3D"auto">Does make me a bit an=
xious for the next time I change my phone, fingers will be crossed.=C2=A0</=
div><div dir=3D"auto">Laurel Parshall kehlilanasnan at yahoo you know the e=
nd bit on the Key Peninsula in the Gig Harbor tax base.</div></div>
Date: 4/25/25 2:07 pm From: Anna via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Ibird Pro problems
Hi Laura,
Sorry for delay. I think I may have to stay close to home this weekend but might be able to do a short visit to RR ponds if we start early and stampede pass
Anna
Sent from my iPhone with all the auto correct quirks.
On Apr 20, 2025, at 4:54 PM, Laurel Parshall via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Ray, I have an Android phone and Ibird pro was the first birding app that I
bought. It still is the one that I use for North America birds more
frequently than the Sibley's. Partly because their sounds database uses
different recordings. I haven't upgraded it for years, so other than some
of the glitches that everything experiences, it still works well for me.
(Knocks on wood, hopes that the gremlins aren't awake,... tiptoes off very
quietly ;-))
Does make me a bit anxious for the next time I change my phone, fingers
will be crossed.
Laurel Parshall kehlilanasnan at yahoo you know the end bit on the Key
Peninsula in the Gig Harbor tax base.
<div dir=3D"auto">Ray, I have an Android phone and Ibird pro was the first =
birding app that I bought.=C2=A0 It still is the one that I use for North A=
merica birds more frequently than the Sibley's. Partly because their so=
unds database uses different recordings. I haven't upgraded it for year=
s, so other than some of the glitches that everything experiences, it still=
works well for me. (Knocks on wood, hopes that the gremlins aren't awa=
ke,... tiptoes off very quietly ;-))<div dir=3D"auto">Does make me a bit an=
xious for the next time I change my phone, fingers will be crossed.=C2=A0</=
div><div dir=3D"auto">Laurel Parshall kehlilanasnan at yahoo you know the e=
nd bit on the Key Peninsula in the Gig Harbor tax base.</div></div>
Date: 4/24/25 5:12 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-04-24
Tweets - Gorgeous day (you should have seen the crescent moon and Venus to the east at 5:30 a.m.!). Sunny, cool to start but warming, no wind. The dawn chorus was loud but disappointingly free of any new voices for the spring. And that's pretty much what we found all morning; almost zero new arrivals. This was particularly disappointing since several species that we have not yet had on the survey were reported on eBird during the week. This perhaps points out that during migration, birds pass through as much as they arrive.
Highlights: Green Heron - Fairly high-flying bird heading south past the windmill. These former breeders at Marymoor have almost disappeared since the Great Blue Herons build their heronry Five woodpecker day - though Hairy and Pileated were heard-only Northern Rough-winged Swallow - Two in the East Meadow, First of Year (FOY) for the survey White-crowned Sparrow - Still at least one gambelii subspecies song heard, though most were the breeding pugetensis type Western Meadowlark - One in the East Meadow. These turn up surprisingly late during spring sometimes Western Tanager - Male, silent, in the riparian strip west of the Dog Meadow (FOY)
The WESTERN TANAGER was a real surprise since this is the earliest ever for the Marymoor Survey, and the 2nd earliest for the park reported on eBird. Our previous earliest sighting was on 26-Apr-2018. On eBird, there is a report from Sarah Pedan, 20-Apr-17. Most years they have not appeared until May.
We had a better day for mammals, with coyote and deer seen along with the more usual beaver, bunny, and squirrel.
Misses today included Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Vaux's Swift, American Coot, Wilson's Snipe, Glaucous-winged Gull, Pied-billed Grebe, American Barn Owl, Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Hermit Thrush, and Lincoln's Sparrow.
Despite that long list of misses and our general disappointment in the morning, we had 58 species. Adding NRWS and WETA puts the survey at 96 species for 2025.
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 4/24/25 3:49 pm From: Christina T bean 4 ever via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Purple martins at Kent ponds
Hello everyone I saw on E bird that a purple Martin was reported and I was wondering if there are gourds put up on one of the ponds happy birding Christina Tacoma
Date: 4/24/25 1:01 pm From: jimullrich via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] 2025 Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival
Howdy Tweets:
We are looking at a great weather weekend out here at the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge
for the 04/25-27 Shorebird & Nature Festival.
Visit: https://shorebirdfestival.com for activities, Friday Keynote speaker, trips, talks and Saturday evening dinner and speaker.
Hope to see you this weekend.
Yours for the Birds n’ the Bees
Jim Ullrich
Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/24/25 12:28 pm From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR for 4/23/2025
Dear Tweets,
Approximately 35 of us had a gorgeous Spring day at the Refuge with sunny
skies and temperatures in the 40's to 60's degrees Fahrenheit. There was a
high Low 5'3" Tide at 9:36am and a low High 9'11" Tide at 2:29pm. The
morning was cool and the birding seemed a little slow to start, but as we
worked our way along our regular route and the temperatures warmed up, so
did the birding. Highlights included First Of Year observations of
WHIMBREL and CASPIAN TERN on the mudflats along the Nisqually Estuary
Boardwalk Trail. We had great looks of CINNAMON TEAL in the flooded field
south of the old McAllister Creek Access Road and freshwater marsh,
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER nesting in the Twin Barns Picnic Area, SORA showing
briefly in the freshwater marsh, up close great views of LEAST and WESTERN
SANDPIPER along the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail, and close fly by of
MERLIN hunting shorebirds on the mudflats by McAllister Creek Observation
Platform. There are two RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD nests, one with chicks, being
monitored along the east section of the Twin Barns Loop Trail. One is
about 8 railing planks north of the Beaver Deceiver and the other is
approximately the third tree south of the northeast corner of the trail
where there is a bridge on the north side and the cut off towards the
Nisqually River Overlook meet. Both are on branches that hang over the
borrow slough providing good spacing to prevent disturbing the female.
For the day we observed 79 species, and with other FOY's BLACK-BELLIED
PLOVER, OSPREY, PURPLE MARTIN, CLIFF SWALLOW, CHIPPING SPARROW and WILSON'S
WARBLER, we now have observed 129 species thus far this year. The Cliff
Swallow has been late to return, along with the Cinnamon Teal, Caspian Tern
and Osprey, and was observed flying around the I5 and on-ramp overpass of
McAllister Creek. The Chipping Sparrow was an early morning reward seen at
6:30am on the Access Road with GOLDEN-CROWNED and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW,
not always seen every year. Please see our eBird Report pasted below with
details and photos.
Others seen included Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Columbian Black-tailed
Deer, Coyote, Eastern Gray Squirrel, Long-tailed Weasel on the Nisqually
Estuary Trail, and Harbor Seal. We observed both Red-eared Slider and
Painted Turtle in the Visitor Pond, along with Northwest Salamander Egg
Masses and the emergence of American Bullfrog.
Until next week when we meet again at 8am at the Visitor Center Pond
Overlook, happy birding.
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Apr 23, 2025 6:12 AM - 4:57 PM
Protocol: Traveling
8.18 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Sunny with temperatures in the 40’s
to 60’s degrees Fahrenheit. A Low 5’3” Tide at 9:36am. Mammals seen Eastern
Cotton-Tailed Rabbit, Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Coyote, Long-tailed
Weasel, Harbor Seal, Eastern Gray Squirrel. Others seen Red-eared Slider,
and Painted Turtle.
79 species (+6 other taxa)
Cackling Goose (minima) 45
Cackling Goose (Taverner's) 5
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 30
Wood Duck 9
Cinnamon Teal (Northern) 6
Northern Shoveler 200
Gadwall 10
American Wigeon 50
Mallard 125
Northern Pintail 45
Green-winged Teal (American) 400
Ring-necked Duck 4
Black Scoter 1 Observed from Puget Sound Viewing Platform off Luhr
Beach on Nisqually Reach swimming and foraging. Observed with 60x spotting
scope for 5-10 minutes. Very dark brown to black scoter with round head
and yellow nob on top of upper bill. No other white on head.
Surf/Black Scoter 1
Bufflehead 100
Common Goldeneye 10
Hooded Merganser 6
Common Merganser (North American) 14
Red-breasted Merganser 10
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 22
Band-tailed Pigeon (Northern) 7
Mourning Dove 2
Rufous Hummingbird 11
Virginia Rail 1
Sora 1
American Coot 75
Black-bellied Plover 2 Heard only
Whimbrel (Hudsonian) 2
Wilson's Snipe 2
Greater Yellowlegs 7
Least Sandpiper 75
Western Sandpiper 12
Short-billed Gull 175
Ring-billed Gull 20
American Herring Gull 1
Glaucous-winged Gull 3
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 5
Larus sp. 150
Caspian Tern 5
Pied-billed Grebe 2
Common Loon 1
Double-crested Cormorant 6
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 18
Osprey (American) 1
Northern Harrier 1
Bald Eagle 12
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Belted Kingfisher 3
Red-breasted Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 2
Northern Flicker 2
Merlin 1
Steller's Jay 1
American Crow 10
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 8
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 1
Tree Swallow 50
Violet-green Swallow 1
Purple Martin 2 Heard only
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 30
Cliff Swallow 5
Brown Creeper 2
Marsh Wren 15
Bewick's Wren (spilurus Group) 2
European Starling 50
American Robin 18
Purple Finch (Western) 4
Pine Siskin (Northern) 10
American Goldfinch 2
Chipping Sparrow 1
White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis) 4
Golden-crowned Sparrow 15
Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 6
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 28
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 1
Red-winged Blackbird 40
Brown-headed Cowbird 8
Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens) 2
Common Yellowthroat 8
Yellow-rumped Warbler 30
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 10
Wilson's Warbler 1 Heard only
Date: 4/24/25 11:45 am From: Trileigh Tucker via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] FOY Western Flycatcher
Hi Tweets,
This morning brought the years/seasons first Western (Pacific-slope) Flycatcher call. This is the earliest in my records, but only by a couple of days; in recent years Ive spotted or heard them first on April 26 and April 27. Hearing that call join the mix with a rippling Ruby-crowned Kinglet call and a burbling Pacific Wren song made for a lovely mid-morning chorus.
Good spring birding to all,
Trileigh
Trileigh Tucker
Pelly Valley, West Seattle
NaturalPresenceArts.com<http://naturalpresencearts.com/> T r i ^ a t ^ s e a t t l e u ^ d o t ^ edu
Date: 4/23/25 12:08 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] C Poorwill, Eastern Washington
Hello Tweeters, Last night I heard and sound recorded my first of the year Common Poorwill. One of my favorite bird species. I always look forward to the their return. Dan Reiff
Date: 4/22/25 12:35 pm From: jimullrich via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival 04/25-27
Howdy Tweets:
Looking forward to seeing fellow birders at this weekends Grays Harbor Shorebird & Nature Festival. Activities, educational booths, vendors including Swarovski Optiks all located in Hoquiam Middle School!!! Visit: https://www.shorebirdfestival.com Yours for the Birds n’ the Bees
Jim Ullrich
Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/22/25 11:16 am From: Alan Roedell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Shared from BBC: Man sets off on 53-mile walk dressed as a curlew
Thanks Kevin, you made my day.
On Tue, Apr 22, 2025, 10:48 AM Kevin Lucas via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
Date: 4/22/25 11:00 am From: Kevin Lucas via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Shared from BBC: Man sets off on 53-mile walk dressed as a curlew
Date: 4/21/25 7:46 am From: Steve Hampton via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Large Whimbrel flock on north Marrowstone
Note there are also 2 Marbled Godwits among them. They've been there a week
or so, but best found at a minus tide about a 1/2 mile south of the East
Beach County Park parking lot. There have been up to 500 Bonaparte's as
well, all in breeding plumage.
On Sun, Apr 20, 2025 at 9:24 PM BRAD Liljequist via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Walked the north beach of Marrowstone Island yesterday (4/19) afternoon
> and saw a flock of ~22 Whimbrels about halfway between the camping area and
> the lighthouse point. We got excellent views as they fed on the upland
> sand - hard to tell what they were after. They headed offshore and I lost
> sight of them as they headed east. I see on ebird a similar size group was
> seen yesterday afternoon at Ebey's Landing and it is hard not to wonder if
> that was the same group.
>
> This was a nice birdy area yesterday with dispersed groups of Brant, Surf
> Scoters, Horned Grebes, etc. but the Whimbrels were the star of the show.
> Lovely sandy beach walk if you haven't done it.
>
> Brad Liljequist
> Phinney Ridge
> Seattle, WA, USA
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/20/25 9:36 pm From: BRAD Liljequist via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Large Whimbrel flock on north Marrowstone
Walked the north beach of Marrowstone Island yesterday (4/19) afternoon and saw a flock of ~22 Whimbrels about halfway between the camping area and the lighthouse point. We got excellent views as they fed on the upland sand - hard to tell what they were after. They headed offshore and I lost sight of them as they headed east. I see on ebird a similar size group was seen yesterday afternoon at Ebey's Landing and it is hard not to wonder if that was the same group.
This was a nice birdy area yesterday with dispersed groups of Brant, Surf Scoters, Horned Grebes, etc. but the Whimbrels were the star of the show. Lovely sandy beach walk if you haven't done it.
Date: 4/20/25 7:50 pm From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] WOS Monthly Meeting, May 5, 2025
The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) is pleased to announce our next Monthly Meeting: on Monday, May 5, Chris D. Anderson will present, "Common Loon Management in WA State."
Factoid: Washington may be the only state in which Common Loons are known to overwinter on both salt and fresh water. The Common Loon (Gavia immer) was known to be a fairly common breeding species both east and west of the Cascades, but currently is listed in Washington as a "State Sensitive" species. Records indicate that Washington’s Common Loons were nearly eliminated due to sport shooting, loss of habitat and other factors including lead poisoning. A WDFW survey in the early 1980s found only two nesting pairs. In this presentation, Chris will describe the framework of cooperative conservation efforts dedicated to management of this species in Washington, with notes on territorial birds local to King County.
Chris D. Anderson is the District Wildlife Biologist with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for the King County area. The district is unique in being the most urban in the state – populated by many species of wildlife and one-third of the humans in Washington. Chris is a very busy guy!
This meeting will be conducted virtually, via Zoom (no in-person attendance). Sign-in will begin at 7:15 pm, and the meeting commences at 7:30 pm. Please go to the WOS Monthly Meetings page: https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/ for instructions on participation and to get the Zoom link.
When joining the meeting, we ask that you mute your device and make certain that your camera is turned off.
This meeting is open to all as WOS invites everyone in the wider birding community to attend. Thanks to the generosity of our presenters, recordings of past programs are available at the following link to the WOS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonornithologicalso7839/videos
If you are not yet a member of WOS, we hope you will consider becoming one at https://wos.org
Date: 4/20/25 5:05 pm From: Laurel Parshall via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Ibird Pro problems
Ray, I have an Android phone and Ibird pro was the first birding app that I bought. It still is the one that I use for North America birds more frequently than the Sibley's. Partly because their sounds database uses different recordings. I haven't upgraded it for years, so other than some of the glitches that everything experiences, it still works well for me. (Knocks on wood, hopes that the gremlins aren't awake,... tiptoes off very quietly ;-)) Does make me a bit anxious for the next time I change my phone, fingers will be crossed. Laurel Parshall kehlilanasnan at yahoo you know the end bit on the Key Peninsula in the Gig Harbor tax base.
Saw 2 white pelicans today at Deer Lagoon, Whidbey Island….FOY for us.
Also whimbrels, plovers in breeding plumage, 100s of Dunlin, caspian terns, and still all the common ducks. Lots of Savannah sparrows have also come in.
David Armstrong
Date: 4/20/25 11:19 am From: RW Hamlyn via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] iBird Pro Problems
I’ve been a long time user of iBird Pro. About 2 years ago, they switched from a fixed price to a subscription. I tried that on the monthly basis ($0.99) but ran into problems with the app expiring when I out in the field out of cell phone contact, and the app quit working. They were very responsive, suggested I use their annual subscription and gave me one year free which just expired this April 3. I had set my Apple App Store account up for automatic renewal, for which I received a receipt, but could not get the app to work on any of my devices. Since April 4, I sent them 4 separate emails identifying the problem, including a series of screenshots, and have not received a single reply. I finally filed for a refund from Apple which was granted in full today. Has anyone else been experiencing such problems with iBird Pro?
Date: 4/19/25 7:24 pm From: Kenneth Brown via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday at Nisqually
What a beautiful spring morning. A bit cool to start, a cloudless blue sky, no wind to speak of, and the leaves of most trees beginning to open. In the Maple cluster at the entrance to the Visitor's Center, a Hairy Woodpecker continued to prepare it's nest cavity while a Brown Creeper inspected the trunks of the trees.
As we walked through the southern parking lot to the Education Center and the children's play area we found Chestnut-backed and Black-capped Chickadees, Yellow-rumped Warblers and American Robins. A male Rufous Hummingbird displayed his spring finest from a perch in an Alder at the Play Area entrance, Golden-crowned and Song Sparrows entertained us along the way. A Purple Finch sang from a tree top and Pine Siskins were ubiquitous. Mourning Dove and a Band-tailed Pigeon were in the orchard, as was a Brown-headed Cowbird and a single Ruby-crowned Kinglet. (Tom, passing the orchard a hour or so later reported 5 Steller's Jays.)
Seen from the entrance road, a Kildeer and a Greater Yellowlegs shared the far shore of the Peek-a-boo Pond (Jon calls it the Forbidden Pond) with a male Mallard. After turning onto the service road, some of the group heard a Hutton's Vireo, those of us further along the road missed it. Mallards and a couple of American Wigeon occupied the pond south of the bend in the road. A large flock of Cackling Geese flew north in "V" shaped squadrons towards the freshwater marsh further west. The flooded field west of the service road held a first of the year pair of Cinnamon Teal, Green-winged Teal, American Coots, Northern Shovelers, Northern Pintails, and Mallards. American Crows harassed a Cooper's Hawk while it tried to imitate a Northern Harrier, hunting low over the marshy grass.
At the start of the loop trail a Common Yellowthroat and an Orange-crowned Warbler played hide and seek in an Alder. A pair of Virginia Rail played a similar game in the grass clumps on the west side of the center pond, near the Beaver lodge. A couple Ring-necked Ducks were in the north end of the pond and a pair of Canada Geese shepherded their newly-hatched 6 goslings in the leaf litter under the Alders north of the pond. Bewick's Wren, At the turn toward the Twin Barns a pair of Northern Rough-winged Swallows checked out the hollow on east side of the Bigleaf Maple, where they have nested for the last couple of years. Tree Swallows swooped around the Twin Barns and the overlook, from which we saw more Mallards, Pintail Shovelers and Wigeon. Among the Swallows was at least one Violet-Green and one Cliff Swallow. A pale and shaggy looking Opossum wandered haphazardly and flopped on it's side out in the sunlit grass in front of the overlook. We suspected that it might be ill.
In the Alders along the dike were Savannah and Song Sparrows, Golden -crowned and a White-crowned Sparrow. A south-bound Merlin crossed overhead. Greater White-fronted Geese were in the shallow water on the freshwater side, along with Coots, Canada and Cackling Geese, Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Mallards, Gadwall, Northern Shovelers, and Northern Pintail. Virginia Rails were heard calling from the Marsh. Marsh Wrens sang and built nests in the cattails south of the dike.
The Tide was very low as we headed out along McAllister Creek. Bufflehead, American Wigeon, Common Goldeneye, Surf Scoters, and Red-breasted Mergansers were scattered along the creek. The number of ducks has dropped significantly from their winter peak. Several Greater Yellowlegs and a Spotted Sandpiper were spotted along the far shore while the near shore hosted small flocks of Least Sandpiper. A solo Double-crested Cormorant swam in the creek. Looking east from the boardwalk it was mud as far as we could see. Gulls, mostly Short- billed and Ring-billed were seen in smallish clusters. A California Gull and a few "Big Guys" (Glaucous-winged and Western Gull hybrids) added to the decoration. Just east of Leschi Slough a single Long-billed Curlew stalked the mud in search of a meal. No Bald Eagles were visible in the nest on the ridgetop seen from the viewing platform at the end of the boardwalk, perhaps because they were out finding food on the mud exposed by the minus tide. At least 50 Eagles were seen from the platform. A few presumed Brant's Cormorants perched on the Channel marker. Heat shimmer obscured identification of any birds further out on the reach.
Returning to the dike and then to the Nisqually River overlook we noted the absence of birds on the river. Along the east side of the loop trail we found a couple Rufous Hummingbird nests, occupied by females. Chickadees and Yellow-rumped Warblers made their presence known, pairs of Hooded Mergansers swam in the adjacent slough. Back at the Visitor's Center deck for our tally we saw a male American Goldfinch to top of our walk. See the following checklist for the complete list.
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Apr 16, 2025 8:00 AM - 4:52 PM
Protocol: Traveling
5.54 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. The Day was Sunny, 43-64 ° F, and calm in the morning with a north breeze at 5 knots by afternoon. A High 11.9-foot tide at 7:24 a.m. ebbed to a -0.9-foot Low Water 2:32 p.m. Non-birds seen included Townsend’s Chipmunk, Easter Bunny (E. Cotton-tailed Rabbit), Eastern Gray Squirrel, Long-tailed Weasel, Pacific Chorus Frog, Columbian black-tailed deer, Opossum, Red-eared Slider, NW Salamander egg masses, Mourning Cloak and Satyr Anglewing butterflies.
75 species (+6 other taxa)
Snow Goose 1 Adult associating with a pair of Canada Geese
Greater White-fronted Goose 26 25 in fresh-water marsh and 1 flying with Canada Goose pair
Cackling Goose (minima) 1350
Cackling Goose (Taverner's) 20
Canada Goose 48 6 goslings with parents in the woods at the north end of the Visitors' Center pond from the west boardwalk loop
Wood Duck 9
Cinnamon Teal 3
Northern Shoveler 65
Gadwall 8
American Wigeon 75
Mallard 45
Northern Pintail 20
Green-winged Teal 18
Ring-necked Duck 2
Bufflehead 190
Common Goldeneye 12
Hooded Merganser 8
Red-breasted Merganser 20
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 3
Band-tailed Pigeon 3
Mourning Dove 3
Anna's Hummingbird 1
Rufous Hummingbird 7
Virginia Rail 4 Two in Visitors' Center pond near the beaver lodge, two vocalizing in cattail marsh
American Coot 50
Killdeer 3
Long-billed Curlew 1 Large shorebird, long bill, no stripes on crown, warm plumage
Spotted Sandpiper 1 West bank of McAllister Creek
Greater Yellowlegs 42
Least Sandpiper 60
Short-billed Gull 55
Ring-billed Gull 35
California Gull 1 Immature seen from estuary boardwalk
Glaucous-winged Gull 1
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 6
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 12
gull sp. 40
Pied-billed Grebe 3
Brandt's Cormorant 4 Nisqually Reach channel marker
Double-crested Cormorant 1 McAllister Creek
Great Blue Heron 24
Cooper's Hawk 1 Adult actively hunting, and being harassed by crows and blackbirds, in flooded field west of Visitors' Center
Northern Harrier 2
Bald Eagle 60
Belted Kingfisher 3
Downy Woodpecker 8
Hairy Woodpecker (Pacific) 1
Northern Flicker 4
Merlin 1
Hutton's Vireo 1
Steller's Jay 7 Five seen by Tom B in orchard at 10 a.m., two Vocalizing from west of McAllister Creek
American Crow 8
Common Raven 2
Black-capped Chickadee 9
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 5
Tree Swallow 50
Violet-green Swallow 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 Entering the hole in the large maple east of the twin barns, where nested last 2 years
Barn Swallow 8
Cliff Swallow 1
Bushtit (Pacific) 1 Single male seen in orchard
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Brown Creeper 3
Marsh Wren 18
Bewick's Wren 7
European Starling 36
American Robin 45
Purple Finch (Western) 7
Pine Siskin 35
American Goldfinch 2
White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis) 1
Golden-crowned Sparrow 16
Savannah Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 38
Red-winged Blackbird 35
Brown-headed Cowbird 3
Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens) 2
Common Yellowthroat 9
Yellow-rumped Warbler 15
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 5
Date: 4/19/25 1:04 pm From: Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Loads of shorebirds at River S section of Ridgefield NWR, Clark County
Hi Tweeters,
If you want to feed your need for shorebirds, there are loads (344) of them at the River S unit of Ridgefield NWR, Clark County. Most of the shorebirds are in the large pond just before the parking lot for the bird blind. Highlights are 2 Black-necked Stilts, 2 Solitary Sandpipers, 15+ Lesser Yellowlegs, 19 Black-bellied Plovers and 1 Semipalmated Plover.
Date: 4/19/25 12:22 pm From: James Ullrich via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival
Howdy Tweets:
Please consider joining us at the 2025 Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival next weekend 04/25-27. Wonderful Friday night keynote speaker, Saturday evening dinner and speaker plus many events and field trips emanating out of Hoquiam Middle School. Visit our webpages for schedules:
https://www.shorebirdfestival.com Yours for the Birds ‘ the Bees
Jim Ullrich _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
> Hello - I assume it's Caspian Tern but many people don't know the
> acronyms. It helps to identify completely especially for those unfamiliar
> with West Seattle.
>
> Diann MacRae
> Olympic Vulture Study
> 22622 - 53rd Avenue S.E.
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/22622+-+53rd+Avenue+S.E.+%0D%0ABothell,+WA+98021?entry=gmail&source=g> > Bothell, WA 98021
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/22622+-+53rd+Avenue+S.E.+%0D%0ABothell,+WA+98021?entry=gmail&source=g> > <tvulture...>
>
>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 2:21 PM
> *From:* "Kersti Muul via Tweeters" <tweeters...>
> *To:* <tweeters...>
> *Subject:* [Tweeters] CATE back in West Seattle
> Every year I look forward to this day, especially now after so many
> catastrophic nest failures. Curious what this season brings for them.
>
> 4/12 - 1 individual ship canal area
>
> 4/15 - 20 on Kellogg Island tide flats at low tide
>
> 4/16 - 2 vocalizing and circling each other at high altitude eventually
> moving NE towards Duwamish Head
>
>
> Kersti E. Muul
>
> ED - SALISH WILDLIFE WATCH
> Urban Conservation & Wildlife Biologist/Specialist - Response and Rescue
> Washington Animal Response Team, BCS, Osprey Solutions and MMSN referral
>
> Wildlife Field Biologist IV Marbled murrelet forest certified and USFWS
> marine certified
>
> Animal Care Specialist/Animal & Off the Grid First Aid Certified
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/18/25 6:35 pm From: J Christian Kessler via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Musk now in charge of National Parks
“Elon Musk is now effectively in charge of America’s public lands,” says
Jennifer Rokala, executive director at the Center for Western Priorities.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum just issued an order ceding oversight
of the Department of the Interior to the so-called Department of Government
Efficiency (which is not a government department at all), and handing to it
total authority over DOI’s workforce and budget.
--
“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass … it’s about learning how
to dance in the rain.”
Deborah Tuck
I was at Lake Washington High School twice in the last week - my grandson had a flag football game and spring break baseball camp.
But grade school sports couldn't compete with the action at the Osprey nest on the light pole between the football and baseball fields. Flying, vocalizing, and some intimate moments. I had a nice view from the bleachers.
Date: 4/18/25 11:44 am From: Shelf Life Community Story Project via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Osprey courtship
I'm watching a beautiful Osprey "sky dance" over the rooftops of the Central District and Madrona. It always cheers me up to see they've returned each spring. Jill
Date: 4/18/25 6:23 am From: cj flick via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Question about Arrival Time for BRown PElicans at Westport, WA - April 8th
April 18, 2025
Thank you, BOB *!* GREAT information for me, and thank you for the article.
On regular years (*if that even exists anymore*), when do the Brown
Pelicans typically show up for you at Tatoosh Rock, Cape Flattery, WA?
*Yours most appreciatively,*
cjflick / White Salmon, WA
On Wed, Apr 16, 2025 at 2:13 PM Bob Boekelheide <bboek...> wrote:
> Hi CJ and Tweeters,
>
> Two days ago (4/16/25), a group of us also saw 40 Brown Pelicans flying
> low over the waves to the north past Cape Flattery, and other pelicans
> roosting on Tatoosh Island in the evening. The odd thing is the ones we
> could see well with scopes looked to be adults, which should be in the
> middle of nesting right now in Mexico or California.
>
> Here is an article about pelicans having trouble right now with toxic
> algae blooms and domoic acid in California, causing deaths of adults and
> and nesting failures this nesting season. Curiously, there may even be a
> connection to the big wildfires and subsequent mudslides down there,
> causing run-off of nutrients into coastal waters, adding to the algae bloom.
>
> https://phys.org/news/2025-04-adult-pelicans-falling-victim-toxic.html >
> Maybe a connection to the pelicans showing up early here?
>
> Bob Boekelheide
> Dungeness
>
>
> On Apr 16, 2025, at 12:03 PM, via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> wrote:
>
> *From: *cj flick via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> *Subject: **[Tweeters] Question about Arrival Time for BRown PElicans at
> Westport, WA - April 8th*
> *Date: *April 16, 2025 at 10:57:54 AM PDT
> *To: *<tweeters...>
> *Reply-To: *cj flick <ke7qbi...>
>
>
> What is the usual arrival date for BRown PElicans in March or April each
> Year? We thought our sight record on April 8th was on the early side.
>
> CJ Flick / White Salmon, WA
>
>
>
Date: 4/17/25 6:33 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) monthly bird walk - 04-17-2025
Tweeters,
This gorgeous, nearly cloud-free day at JBLM Eagle's Pride GC started cool (38degF) but ended at 60degF, although the shady spots still meant most of the 17 of us making the birding round kept our top clothing layer on. A major surprise was that Hodge Lake didn't have ANY birds on/around it - a first for the 12 years we've been birding here. (Three large, imported carp of some kind (possibly black or grass carp) at the 12th hole pond were later reported to a biologist at JBLM. These fish are definitely an invasive species.)
Highlights:
EURASIAN WIGEON - The female was still seen, for the fourth consecutive month, at the 9th hole pond.
BARN, TREE, and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS made their first of season (FOS) appearance.
PURPLE FINCHES were singing in many areas. They're likely here all winter but rarely seen or heard until spring,
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS (FOS) were quite prevalent, with some good views.
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were also in many areas.
BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD - FOS
PINE SISKINS were again uncountable due to their abundance everywhere we roamed. I put 500 down on the list just to give some idea of what we thought was relevant.
The mammals included four black-tailed deer and six Douglas squirrels.
The JBLM Eagle's Pride GC birders meet the third Thursday of each month at 8:00AM except for November to February, when the start time is at 9:00AM. Starting point is the Driving Range building, Eagle's Pride Golf Course, I-5 Exit 116, Mounts Road Exit. (Turn left immediately after entering the parking lot to take the road leading to the driving range building.) Upcoming walks include the following:
* May 15
* June 19
* July 17
From the eBirdPNW report:
42 species
Wood Duck 4 All at the 12th hole pond.
Eurasian Wigeon 1 Continuing bird (fourth consecutive month) at the 9th hole pond.
American Wigeon 3 9th hole pond
Mallard 6
Ring-necked Duck 2 9th hole pond.
Band-tailed Pigeon 6
Anna's Hummingbird 4
Rufous Hummingbird 1
Great Blue Heron 1 12th hole pond.
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Red-breasted Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 3
Hutton's Vireo 1
Steller's Jay 7
American Crow 4
Black-capped Chickadee 12
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 26
Tree Swallow 21
Violet-green Swallow 7
Barn Swallow 10 Taking up residence at the driving range building.
Bushtit 4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 16
Brown Creeper 4
Pacific Wren 1
Bewick's Wren 4
European Starling 2
American Robin 40
House Finch 6
Purple Finch 24
Red Crossbill 10
Pine Siskin 500 Heard the entire 3.2-mile walk - abundant everywhere.
Dark-eyed Junco 6
White-crowned Sparrow 17
Golden-crowned Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 29 One seen carrying nesting material.
Spotted Towhee 7
Red-winged Blackbird 10 All in the area of the maintenance-building pond.
Date: 4/17/25 4:37 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-04-17
Tweets - It was a gorgeous morning without a cloud in the sky nor a breath of wind. Pre-dawn was stunning. But clear skies overnight mean a cold start; I wasn't really prepared for 36 degrees and frost on the ground. I'd been more worried I'd get too warm - it was 56 degrees when we finished. It's hard to dress for a 20-degree swing. The dawn chorus was loud, varied, and lasted at least an hour after sunrise. At least 20 species were heard singing!
Highlights: Great Blue Heron - Grum-grum-grum-grum calls from the nests indicate young have hatched Bald Eagle - So many sightings, including a juvenile in the heronry. Maybe 7-9 eagles seen today Merlin - A couple of quick fly-bys PURPLE MARTIN - At least one male checking out the gourds. Maybe another one heard to the east. First of Year (FOY) Barn Swallow - One at the East Meadow, two at the lake late (FOY) Bushtit - We now know of at least nests CHIPPING SPARROW - One seen singing just east of the Dog Area portapotties (FOY) Brown-headed Cowbird - Finally confirmed for the survey for the year. Several males seen and heard (FOY) Orange-crowned Warbler - Probably at least three seen singing (FOY)
A late scan of the lake turned up a host of species we hadn't seen earlier: Ring-necked Duck - One pair. Any seen after next week will be notably late Bufflehead - Two males. Might still be around for a couple more weeks AMERICAN COOT - Two under the cabana, first since February Pied-billed Grebe - Only one remaining COMMON LOON - Confirmation of a bird seen far out from the platform on the main survey (FOY)
Both AMERICAN COOT and PIED-BILLED GREBE used to be regular nesting species at Marymoor, but have only rarely been noted during breeding season the last several years.
Misses today included Rock and Band-tailed Pigeon (though two *pigeon sp.* were glimpsed), Double-crested Cormorant, Belted Kingfisher, and Cliff Swallow.
For the day, 61 species. For the year, adding the six species noted above, we're at 94 species for the survey in 2025.
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 4/17/25 9:18 am From: Brian Zinke via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Vaux's Swifts are back in Monroe
Hi Tweets,
Last night Larry Schwitters of Vaux's Happening <https://www.vauxhappening.org/> reported several swifts in the chimney in Monroe. This morning they were still there as of 8am.
We're always looking for some more help counting the swifts around sunset in Monroe during the spring and fall migrations (mid-April to late May; mid-August to late September). If interested, please let me know.
Thanks! Brian Zinke
-- [image: Logo] <https://www.pilchuckaudubon.org/> Brian Zinke Executive Director phone: (425) 232-6811 email: <director...> Pilchuck Audubon Society 1429 Avenue D, PMB 198, Snohomish, WA 98290
Date: 4/16/25 4:30 pm From: Bill Tweit via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Space available on Westport Seabirds pelagic trip THIS FRIDAY
Tweeters,
Sorry for the all caps in the title, but I wanted to call attention to a last minute pelagic trip opportunity. Westport Seabirds has 3 spaces available for the upcoming pelagic trip. It will be on FRIDAY, moved one day earlier than scheduled as the weather is forecast to deteriorate significantly throughout the day on Saturday, and Friday promises to be considerably more favorable. Unfortunately not every one who was signed up for Saturday was able to make the switch, which means that there are 3 openings for the trip. Call Phil and Chris Anderson of Westport Seabirds quickly if you are interested, at 360.268.9141. I suspect these spaces will fill up quickly, so act quickly. April trips are always fun, the last of the over wintering birds, the first of our summer regulars, and the Arctic breeders in mostly breeding plumage. Don't miss it!
Date: 4/16/25 2:26 pm From: Bob Boekelheide via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Question about Arrival Time for BRown PElicans at Westport, WA - April 8th
Hi CJ and Tweeters,
Two days ago (4/16/25), a group of us also saw 40 Brown Pelicans flying low over the waves to the north past Cape Flattery, and other pelicans roosting on Tatoosh Island in the evening. The odd thing is the ones we could see well with scopes looked to be adults, which should be in the middle of nesting right now in Mexico or California.
Here is an article about pelicans having trouble right now with toxic algae blooms and domoic acid in California, causing deaths of adults and and nesting failures this nesting season. Curiously, there may even be a connection to the big wildfires and subsequent mudslides down there, causing run-off of nutrients into coastal waters, adding to the algae bloom.
Maybe a connection to the pelicans showing up early here?
Bob Boekelheide
Dungeness
> On Apr 16, 2025, at 12:03 PM, via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> From: cj flick via Tweeters <tweeters...> <mailto:<tweeters...>> > Subject: [Tweeters] Question about Arrival Time for BRown PElicans at Westport, WA - April 8th
> Date: April 16, 2025 at 10:57:54 AM PDT
> To: <tweeters...> <mailto:<tweeters...> > Reply-To: cj flick <ke7qbi...> <mailto:<ke7qbi...>> >
>
> What is the usual arrival date for BRown PElicans in March or April each Year? We thought our sight record on April 8th was on the early side.
>
> CJ Flick / White Salmon, WA
>
Date: 4/16/25 12:57 pm From: Mark Borden via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] MI Prairie (Merlin?)
Hi Marilynn,
Having a nesting pair of Prairie Falcons on MI is about as close to an impossibility as anything in this world of ours.
A pair of lighter colored Merlins would be possible.
My captive breeding Prairie Falcon laid her third egg (of the usual 4) yesterday, so the timing is right.
Mark Borden
Coupeville, WA.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Apr 16, 2025, at 12:04 PM, via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Send Tweeters mailing list submissions to
> <tweeters...>
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> <tweeters-request...>
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
> <tweeters-owner...>
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of Tweeters digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Prairie falcon (Marilynn Leland via Tweeters)
> 2. Osprey Nest Re: Prairie falcon (Dan Reiff via Tweeters)
> 3. Harlequin ducks on the Wallace River
> (STEVE KOHL M.D. via Tweeters)
> 4. Eastern WA (B B via Tweeters)
> 5. White breasted that hatch-Ridgefield NWR S Loop
> (Marty via Tweeters)
> 6. Question about Arrival Time for BRown PElicans at Westport,
> WA - April 8th (cj flick via Tweeters)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2025 15:43:53 -0700
> From: Marilynn Leland via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Prairie falcon
> Message-ID: <539FFB0E-4D7B-414D-B43E-3631CCCC8A23...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> I?m a novice birder, but believe I saw a nesting pair of prairie falcon at Island Crest Park on Mercer Island. They are on the light standard overlooking the ball field. I was surprised to see them in a forested area, but they appeared to be prairie as opposed to peregrine. Is this unusual. They appeared to enjoy the baseball game!
> Marilynn
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2025 16:10:24 -0700
> From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: Marilynn Leland <mdleland...>
> Cc: <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Osprey Nest Re: Prairie falcon
> Message-ID: <0221691F-10D7-4C43-A903-CAB2BB8C6741...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Apr 15, 2025, at 3:44?PM, Marilynn Leland via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>>
>> ?I?m a novice birder, but believe I saw a nesting pair of prairie falcon at Island Crest Park on Mercer Island. They are on the light standard overlooking the ball field. I was surprised to see them in a forested area, but they appeared to be prairie as opposed to peregrine. Is this unusual. They appeared to enjoy the baseball game!
>> Marilynn
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:38:00 +0000
> From: "STEVE KOHL M.D. via Tweeters" <tweeters...>
> To: "<tweeters...>" <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Harlequin ducks on the Wallace River
> Message-ID:
> <CH3PR11MB846614B83F91ECB35928C029C2BD2...>
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> A pair seen one half mile from trailhead at Wallace Falls State Park. Second time in several years at the same spot
> Steve and Sybil Kohl
> Seatte
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2025 01:02:52 +0000 (UTC)
> From: B B via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Eastern WA
> Message-ID: <1707853136.1238626.1744765372663...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> Thought I would add some reports following others on Eastern WA lately.? All from April 14.
> Cassin's finches are active on Wood Duck Road across from Bullfrog Pond just West of Cle Elum.? Can also find both Purple and House Finches among other species there.? Can be a good place for Chipping Sparrows, Western Bluebirds and Pygmy Nuthatch.? CAUTION:? it is a private road.? Years ago I asked someone there if I could bird there.? "Sure, just don't want anyone camping."? I have gone back every year and many locals have seen me and never a question.? I guess an old fart with bins and a camera isn't threatening.? You can bird from the road.
> Not as plentiful as usual but Pygmy Nuthatches are present and responsive at the usual location (near fenced in area) at the Railroad Ponds in So. Cle Elum.? 3 species of Chickadees there as well. House Wren wasn't there "yet".
> On Durr Road just South of Ellensburg off Umptanum Road, Sage Thrasher, Vesper and Brewer's Sparrows and both Mountain and Western Bluebirds are active.? Lots of Meadowlarks.? No Shrike this visit.
> For anyone who hasn't birded along Old Vantage Highway for a few years? it has changed greatly with much sagebrush lost to fires.? But birds can still be found.? Sage Thrashers and the two sparrows are singing at appropriate remaining sagebrush habitat along Old Vantage Highway...Mountain Bluebirds as well and a Rough Legged Hawk is over staying.? (Did not see Prairie Falcon or Say's Phoebe this trip.)? Sagebrush Sparrows can be found hiking up trail (half mile at most) at the East Entrance to the Quilomene Wildlife area on Old Vantage Highway.? Vesper and Brewer's possible there as well.
> Several Say's Phoebes and Rock Wrens (missed Canyon Wren) along Recreation Road and Gingko Overlook near Vantage.
> White Throated Swifts are back in Yakima Canyon and all swallows (except Bank and Purple Martins) were seen in many areas as were Ospreys - at least a dozen both hunting and on platforms.
> Only focused birding in Yakima County was at Kerry's Pond where my goal was to see a Cackling Goose which would be species #200 for the County.? There were more than 200 Cacklers there.? At least a dozen Black Necked Stilts (in pond and in adjoining field).? Two American Avocets were also in the field.? Both male and female Redheads were present.? A highlight was intersecting with the Pond's namesake while there.? I ran out of time to venture into Grant County.? Maybe tomorrow but if not I won't be free to do any Eastern Washington birding for awhile so glad to get yesterday in.
> Migration is happening.? Love springtime!
> Blair Bernson?
> -------------- next part --------------
> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
> URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20250416/9d0ae0ac/attachment-0001.html> >
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2025 09:16:56 -0700
> From: Marty via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] White breasted that hatch-Ridgefield NWR S Loop
> Message-ID: <CBE78986-1FF1-4B8B-AD59-847BE915FF26...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
> URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20250416/24773b02/attachment-0001.html> >
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:57:54 -0700
> From: cj flick via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Question about Arrival Time for BRown PElicans at
> Westport, WA - April 8th
> Message-ID:
> <CAOq6=3D30qYyjNZ+02QJXHAbPtn9giDDsyTsczVe9Fn=<ycXbsQ...>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> What is the usual arrival date for BRown PElicans in March or April each
> Year? We thought our sight record on April 8th was on the early side.
>
> CJ Flick / White Salmon, WA
> -------------- next part --------------
> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
> URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20250416/340d7b10/attachment-0001.html> >
> ------------------------------
>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
> ------------------------------
>
> End of Tweeters Digest, Vol 248, Issue 16
> *****************************************
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/16/25 12:17 pm From: Andy McCormick via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Eastside Audubon Birdathon in May
Hello Tweets,
I want to pass along this one announcement about our Eastside Audubon May Birdathon. Thanks for considering it.
Eastside Audubon's tradition of Birdathon, a month-long fundraising celebration of birds is set for May. Once again, we have a variety of field trips, classes, beer socials, and talks planned. We would love to have you join us this month and help us reach our fundraising goal.
Date: 4/16/25 11:10 am From: cj flick via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Question about Arrival Time for BRown PElicans at Westport, WA - April 8th
What is the usual arrival date for BRown PElicans in March or April each Year? We thought our sight record on April 8th was on the early side.
Date: 4/15/25 6:15 pm From: B B via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Eastern WA
Thought I would add some reports following others on Eastern WA lately. All from April 14.
Cassin's finches are active on Wood Duck Road across from Bullfrog Pond just West of Cle Elum. Can also find both Purple and House Finches among other species there. Can be a good place for Chipping Sparrows, Western Bluebirds and Pygmy Nuthatch. CAUTION: it is a private road. Years ago I asked someone there if I could bird there. "Sure, just don't want anyone camping." I have gone back every year and many locals have seen me and never a question. I guess an old fart with bins and a camera isn't threatening. You can bird from the road.
Not as plentiful as usual but Pygmy Nuthatches are present and responsive at the usual location (near fenced in area) at the Railroad Ponds in So. Cle Elum. 3 species of Chickadees there as well. House Wren wasn't there "yet".
On Durr Road just South of Ellensburg off Umptanum Road, Sage Thrasher, Vesper and Brewer's Sparrows and both Mountain and Western Bluebirds are active. Lots of Meadowlarks. No Shrike this visit.
For anyone who hasn't birded along Old Vantage Highway for a few years it has changed greatly with much sagebrush lost to fires. But birds can still be found. Sage Thrashers and the two sparrows are singing at appropriate remaining sagebrush habitat along Old Vantage Highway...Mountain Bluebirds as well and a Rough Legged Hawk is over staying. (Did not see Prairie Falcon or Say's Phoebe this trip.) Sagebrush Sparrows can be found hiking up trail (half mile at most) at the East Entrance to the Quilomene Wildlife area on Old Vantage Highway. Vesper and Brewer's possible there as well.
Several Say's Phoebes and Rock Wrens (missed Canyon Wren) along Recreation Road and Gingko Overlook near Vantage.
White Throated Swifts are back in Yakima Canyon and all swallows (except Bank and Purple Martins) were seen in many areas as were Ospreys - at least a dozen both hunting and on platforms.
Only focused birding in Yakima County was at Kerry's Pond where my goal was to see a Cackling Goose which would be species #200 for the County. There were more than 200 Cacklers there. At least a dozen Black Necked Stilts (in pond and in adjoining field). Two American Avocets were also in the field. Both male and female Redheads were present. A highlight was intersecting with the Pond's namesake while there. I ran out of time to venture into Grant County. Maybe tomorrow but if not I won't be free to do any Eastern Washington birding for awhile so glad to get yesterday in.
Migration is happening. Love springtime!
Blair Bernson
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/15/25 4:23 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Osprey Nest Re: Prairie falcon
Sent from my iPhone
> On Apr 15, 2025, at 3:44 PM, Marilynn Leland via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> I’m a novice birder, but believe I saw a nesting pair of prairie falcon at Island Crest Park on Mercer Island. They are on the light standard overlooking the ball field. I was surprised to see them in a forested area, but they appeared to be prairie as opposed to peregrine. Is this unusual. They appeared to enjoy the baseball game!
> Marilynn
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
I’m a novice birder, but believe I saw a nesting pair of prairie falcon at Island Crest Park on Mercer Island. They are on the light standard overlooking the ball field. I was surprised to see them in a forested area, but they appeared to be prairie as opposed to peregrine. Is this unusual. They appeared to enjoy the baseball game!
Marilynn
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/15/25 8:04 am From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan Revision
Tweeters,
Every 10 years, the USFWS requires that states update their State Wildlife Action Plan to qualify for State and Tribal Wildlife Grants (SWG) Program. (Who knows if the current administration will be amenable to doing this.) This latest revision is quite extensive, so if youre interested in checking it out, the following information is relevant.
---
Public invited to learn about 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan revision
OLYMPIA The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will host its second virtual public meeting to discuss the 2025 update to the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) on Monday, May 5, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
This meeting is part of the process of revising and updating Washingtons SWAP every 10 years.
Washington's SWAP is a comprehensive plan for conserving the state's fish and wildlife and the natural habitats they depend on. It is part of a nationwide effort by all 50 states and five U.S. territories to develop conservation action plans and participate in the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants (SWG) Program.
The purpose of the SWG Program is to support state actions that broadly benefit fish and wildlife, and particularly the habitats and landscapes that support those species, as identified by each individual state.
In 2005, the Department completed its first SWAP called the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS). The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service requires these plans be updated every 10 years to remain eligible for SWG funding. The plan was last updated in 2015.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish, wildlife, and recreational and commercial opportunities.
May all your birds be identified,
Denis DeSilvis
avnacrs 4 birds at outlook dot com
Date: 4/14/25 5:51 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] JBLM Eagle's Pride Golf Course Monthly Birdwalk - Thursday, April 17
Hi Tweeters,
The Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) birdwalk is scheduled for Thursday, April 17.
The JBLM Eagle's Pride GC birders meet the third Thursday of each month at 8:00AM<outlook-data-detector://2> March-Oct. (Starting time changes to 9:00AM Nov-Feb).
Starting point is the Driving Range Tee, Eagle's Pride Golf Course, I-5 Exit 116, Mounts Road Exit. When you turn into the course entrance, take an immediate left onto the road to the driving range - that's where we meet.
Also, to remind folks that haven't been here before, even though Eagle's Pride is a US Army recreational facility, you don't need any ID to attend these birdwalks. Hope you're able to make it!
Current weather forecast is 44-61degF (48-69 real-feel) during the walk with lots of sun. As always, dress for success!
Date: 4/14/25 4:12 pm From: MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Kent Lesser Goldfinches
Today I observed a pair of LESSER GOLDFINCHES at 204th Street and Frager Road in Kent. The female appeared to be working on a Bushtit nest. After watching for a few minutes it became apparent that she was not adding to the nest. Rather, she was "borrowing" nesting material.
Date: 4/14/25 5:38 am From: Bob Flores via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Para Ponds Othello
I was there before dark. One snow goose, less than 100 cackles, 2 black-neck stilts, 2 ring-necked ducks, one common goldeneye were the highlights
Sent from my iPad
On Apr 14, 2025, at 00:51, Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
After the Snow Goose spectacle we stopped at Potholes State Park. There always is a nice variety of birds there, but nothing unusual this time. From there we headed for the Para Ponds in Othello. On the water and on the meadows around the ponds were several thousand Cackling Geese and also some Canada Geese and a single Greater White-fronted Goose. There was a good variety of duck species, but no Redheads and hundreds of American Coots. Also no Black-necked Stilts had come in yet.
Next we stopped at the County Line Ponds on SR 26. I have never seen the main pond on the southside so quiet! There were barely a dozen ducks there and even they were hard to find. The pond on the northside had a pair of Bufflehead and a pair of Green-winged Teal, but also a pair of Redhead, 7 Black-necked Stilts and a single American Avocet. The last two First-of-Year birds for me.
From there we took B SE road south towards Lower Crab Creek. The hole in the road has been fixed and there are two one lane bridges over the two branches of the creek. A lone male Northern Harrier was patrolling low over the sage brush, He had to climb to let a circling Red-tailed Hawk know that he was not invited. While I was watching them I noticed a small group of Canada Geese landing in a field quite distant. But wait, two large birds kept on flying towards me! They had a different wing beat, flapping and gliding almost like a butterfly! A pair of Sandhill Cranes! My lucky day. We did hear some other cranes trumpeting, but could not locate them.
Date: 4/14/25 1:03 am From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Para Ponds Othello
After the Snow Goose spectacle we stopped at Potholes State Park. There always is a nice variety of birds there, but nothing unusual this time. From there we headed for the Para Ponds in Othello. On the water and on the meadows around the ponds were several thousand Cackling Geese and also some Canada Geese and a single Greater White-fronted Goose. There was a good variety of duck species, but no Redheads and hundreds of American Coots. Also no Black-necked Stilts had come in yet. Next we stopped at the County Line Ponds on SR 26. I have never seen the main pond on the southside so quiet! There were barely a dozen ducks there and even they were hard to find. The pond on the northside had a pair of Bufflehead and a pair of Green-winged Teal, but also a pair of Redhead, 7 Black-necked Stilts and a single American Avocet. The last two First-of-Year birds for me. From there we took B SE road south towards Lower Crab Creek. The hole in the road has been fixed and there are two one lane bridges over the two branches of the creek. A lone male Northern Harrier was patrolling low over the sage brush, He had to climb to let a circling Red-tailed Hawk know that he was not invited. While I was watching them I noticed a small group of Canada Geese landing in a field quite distant. But wait, two large birds kept on flying towards me! They had a different wing beat, flapping and gliding almost like a butterfly! A pair of Sandhill Cranes! My lucky day. We did hear some other cranes trumpeting, but could not locate them.
I hope that I have not bored you too much!
Good Birding!
Hans
-- *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA <thefedderns...>
Date: 4/14/25 12:25 am From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Potholes Snow GeeseHans
The first bird on the second day of our Eastern Washington trip was a Common Loon seen from our lakeshore room in Moses Lake.. A first for me to start a day's birding! The main target on this trip was Sandhill Crane. Since I had not been able to get to Othello any sooner, I thought it was unlikely to still find any cranes, but it was worth a try. - More later- We headed south on SR 17 and took the turn west to Potholes State Park. On the way we stopped at a pull-out on O'Sullivan Dam at Potholes Reservoir. Here we were treated to an amazing spectacle, one only nature can present: East of the bird island(s) and further north on Potholes Reservoir there was a heavy white line on the water. it stretched close to mile from east to west. and consisted of a solid mass of snow geese! Above were several thousand other geese high in the sky circling and waiting for their turn to corkscrew in for a landing. There must have been a ground controller guiding them in for a safe landing! It was fascinating to watch how they managed not to collide and find a spot to land. My conservative estimate would be of at least 30,000 + birds. Actually I had watched the same thing happen last year from the same pull out. That time the Snow Geese were still flying in from the south, while this year they were already high up in the sky over the reservoir.. Last year it was one V-formation and one line after the other. I watched them for half an hour and there were still more coming when I left. My guess is that these geese are wintering in California making a rest stop on their northward migration, but why this large compact concentration on the water?
More later in another post.
Good Birding! -- *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA <thefedderns...>
Date: 4/13/25 10:20 pm From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Birding Eastern Washington
My wife Carole and I went birding in the Wllds of Eastern Washington last Wednesday and Thursday (4/9 - 4/10). We started with a FOY Osprey on the nesting platform just before getting off I-90 at the first Cle Elum exit as expected. It has been a reliable spot for an Osprey for many years.. Continuing on to the Railroad Ponds, we hoped to find a Pygmy Nuthatch, instead we found a pair of lively Red-breasted Nuthatches. Seems they took over the territory. A single FOY Turkey Vulture was patrolling over the ponds. Next we headed east on SR 10 and stopped at the Teanaway River Dipper Bridge where we found the resident pair of American Dippers waiting for us under the bridge on our side of the river. They are always fun to watch and this pair had a bulky nest visible on a beam under the bridge and was actively feeding young. A little further on SR 10 is a rock formation over which 7 Turkey Vultures were circling while a Common Raven showed off his flying skills to them. We passed through Ellensburg and continued on Old Vantage Road with a brief side trip down Parke Creek Road to a pond. There we found our First-Of-Year Yellow-headed Blackbirds, an American Coot, a pair of Killdeer and a single male Common Goldeneye. Next stop was at Ginkgo State Park in Vantage. Other than the resident Say's Phoebe things were still quiet there, except for some Gold - and House Finches and several Yellow-rumped Warblers. We spent the night in Moses Lake. To my surprise, Eurasian Collared-Doves are all over town there. I had yet to find one in the Seattle area this year.Their tooting must be annoying in some neighborhoods!
Good Birding!
Hans
-- *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA <thefedderns...>
Date: 4/13/25 5:09 pm From: Joshua Hayes via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Worried about lack of birds at my feeders
We have two seed feeders and a suet feeder in the back and just suet in the front; we live near North Seattle College. I have not noticed any fall-off in bird activity. It's true they're taking less seed, but I assume this is because insect populations are rising with rising temperatures and increasing degree-days. We do provide water in back by rotating several scrubbed/bleached clay pot-bottoms out daily (that is, scrubbed every day. We have six, so we can always have one out, one scrubbed and bleached, and one drying before filling).
We're seeing the usual numbers of both chickadees, house finches, white-crowned sparrows, song sparrows, towhees, juncos, nuthatches, flickers, downies, and bushtits, although the bushtits have definitely gone from groups of about 20 down to what I presume are close family groups of 2-6.
I'm guessing there may also be birds on eggs, so they're keeping a low profile in general.
Josh Hayes <Joshuaahayes...>
Sent with Proton Mail secure email.
On Sunday, April 13th, 2025 at 12:00 PM, via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
> Send Tweeters mailing list submissions to > <tweeters...> >
> > 1. Re: Worried about lack of birds at my feeders > (Jim Betz via Tweeters) > [snipped]
> > Message: 1 > > Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2025 19:13:30 +0000 > > From: Laura-Mae Baldwin via Tweeters <tweeters...> > > To: "<tweeters...>" <tweeters...> > > Subject: [Tweeters] Worried about lack of birds at my feeders
Date: 4/13/25 12:25 pm From: Martha Jordan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] birds at feeders - numbers
I have heard this from several people up in the Snohomish County area. Yet, at my feeders in south Everett area, abundant birds everyday. The composition has shifted, and I attribute that to the weather/season change. Good numbers of house finch and pine siskin. I also have some juncos, less than in winter but perhaps they are thinking of nesting as I have seen this in their behavior. And the band-tailed pigeons are back...fewer this year, but I did not feed them last year as they can be really messy and voracious eaters. I have seen other species coming and going all day, everyday. I believe people when they say numbers are down, but the bird numbers are likely not down everywhere. Curious.
