Date: 6/11/26 4:39 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2026-06-11
Tweets - It was picturesque at the park today, with all of the trees in leafy glory, blue skies, temps mostly in the 50's, and no wind. We're into the time during the summer when we pretty much KNOW what species we're going to see, and the interest comes from noting and identifying babies. There were few surprises today.
Highlights: Hooded Merganser - One at the Rowing Club was our first since late April and just our second since early March Rufous Hummingbird - Seemed unusually numerous, with ~5 adult males and 1-2 females/juveniles Pied-billed Grebe - One, again, from the Lake Platform. They used to breed in the park, but not in the last decade+, so a summer bird is unusual Yellow-rumped Warbler - One, again, from around the Mansion. They have bred in the park occasionally, but we've had them less than half the time in early June Brown-headed Cowbird - Baby being raised by a COMMON YELLOWTHROAT; our first BHCO baby of the year
Babies (or likely babies) were noted for CANADA GOOSE, WOOD DUCK, MALLARD, RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD, ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD, GREAT BLUE HERON, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, TREE SWALLOW, BUSHTIT, EUROPEAN STARLING, AMERICAN ROBIN, HOUSE FINCH, DARK-EYED JUNCO, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, and BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD.
Misses today included just Rock Pigeon and Green Heron.
Like last week, nothing new for the year, and again we finished with 58 species noted.
The “new app for chasing birds” (the chase report) is on that list, and can be found at https://wa.chasereport.com/
Hope this helps.
Doug Santoni
Seattle, WA
Dougsantoni at gmail dot com
> On Jun 11, 2026, at 12:59 PM, Roger Moyer via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Can someone repose the url for the new app on WOS site. I've tried amd failed to find it again.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Roger Moyer
> Chehalis
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 6/11/26 7:06 am From: Marv via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] M Street Marsh 6.10.26
Yesterday (6.10.26) there were a few ducks at the M Street Marsh in Auburn. There were 3 pairs of GREEN-WINGED TEAL, but I saw no ducklings. Typically, they do not nest at M St. There was a single male LESSER SCAUP. Several CINNAMON TEAL, one pair with 7 ducklings. I did not see a Blue-winged Teal, but they may have been out of sight during my visit.
Date: 6/10/26 9:20 pm From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk for Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR 6/10/2026
Dear Tweets,
Approximately 35 of us had a really nice Spring Day at the Refuge with
mostly cloudy skies, temperatures in the 50's to 60's degrees Fahrenheit,
and a High 9'8" Tide at 2:58pm. Highlights included many nesting birds
including CEDAR WAXWING, BUSHTIT, ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD, MARSH WREN, YELLOW
WARBLER, SONG SPARROW, RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER, RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD, AMERICAN
ROBIN, MALLARD, and BALD EAGLE. Some of the group had great looks of
HUTTON'S VIREO nesting along the entrance road across from the Orchard. We
are observing second clutches of RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD in the same nest as
previous clutches. Two immature GREEN HERON flying over the flooded field
adjacent to the Twin Barns and the freshwater marsh. An AMERICAN BITTERN
booming and flying over the freshwater marsh. Great upclose views of both
BLUE-WINGED TEAL and CINNAMON TEAL along the Nisqually Estuary Trail or
Dike. Fly over of three late BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. Two occupied BALD
EAGLE nests with chicks were observed along the west bank of McAllister
Creek. And an unexpected adult breeding plumage SHORT-BILLED GULL roosting
with other gulls along the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail. Many of us
enjoyed watching a River Otter eating a Starry Flounder on a tributary off
Shannon Slough.
For the day we observed 75 species with nothing new for the year. Thus far
we have observed 148 species this year.
Please see our eBird Report pasted below with additional details, and
includes many awesome photographs from all the excellent photographers on
the walk.
Until next week 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
Jun 10, 2026 7:03 AM - 4:48 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.364 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Partly cloudy with temperatures in
the 50’s to 60’s degrees Fahrenheit. A Low 1’6” Tide at 8:36am and a High
9’8” Tide at 2:58pm. Others seen Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Columbian
Black-tailed Deer with fawn, Muskrat, River Otter eating Starry Flounder,
Harbor Seal, Western Swallow-tailed Butterfly, Nevada Bumblebee, Pacific
Forktail Damselfly, American Bullfrog.
75 species (+2 other taxa)
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 100
Wood Duck 3
Blue-winged Teal 5 Freshwater marsh.
Cinnamon Teal 6 Freshwater marsh
Gadwall 3
Mallard 35
Common Merganser 3 Nisqually Reach
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 5
Band-tailed Pigeon (Northern) 12
Mourning Dove 3
Vaux's Swift 2
Anna's Hummingbird 4
Rufous Hummingbird 8 Occupied nests, second clutch, inside of west
side Twin Barns Loop Trail just north of twin bench overlook south of Twin
Barns cut-off, and inside of loop trail over borrow ditch on east side of
Twin Barns Loop Trail just north of Beaver Deceiver.
Virginia Rail 3 Access Road between west side parking lot and Twin
Barns.
Sora 1 Heard only in freshwater marsh.
Black-bellied Plover 3 Fly over Nisqually Estuary Trail or Dike and
freshwater marsh, flying south. Three large plovers with black axillaries.
Distinctive plaintiff call.
Rhinoceros Auklet 5
Short-billed Gull 1 Photos. Observed roosting on mudflats from
Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail. Spotted by Matt, seen by many, breeding
plumage adult with small yellow bill. Smaller then area RBGU.
Ring-billed Gull 60
California Gull 100
Glaucous-winged Gull 4
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 1
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 15
Caspian Tern 30
Pied-billed Grebe 3 Freshwater Marsh.
Brandt's Cormorant 6
Double-crested Cormorant 100
American Bittern 1 Flushed and flew across freshwater marsh. Heard
booming.
Green Heron 2 Flying over flooded field adjacent to Twin Barns and
around Freshwater Marsh. Two immature birds.
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 50
Osprey (American) 2
Bald Eagle 20 Two nests with young being fed. One on the west side of
McAllister Creek south of the McAllister Creek Viewing Platform 50-75 feet
above a white refuge sign adjacent to a large berm with a bush. The second
is also on the west side of McAllister Creek north of the McAllister Creek
Viewing Platform and 50 feet above a row of pilings adjacent to a slough.
The nest in the Cottonwood on the West Bank of Nisqually River has fledged.
Red-tailed Hawk (calurus/alascensis) 1
Belted Kingfisher 6 West Bank of McAllister Creek south of Puget Sound
Observation Platform.
Red-breasted Sapsucker 2 Nest snag on outside of west side Twin Barns
Loop Trail just north of the twin bench overlook south of the Twin Barns
cut-off.
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 1
Pileated Woodpecker 2 Heard and seen around Orchard and Visitor Center
Pond.
Northern Flicker 6
Western Wood-Pewee 8
Willow Flycatcher 3
Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope) 2
Hutton's Vireo (Pacific) 2 Entrance road adjacent to Orchard.
Western Warbling Vireo 5
Steller's Jay 1
American Crow 6
Black-capped Chickadee 16 Nest cavity in dog leg snag off large Maple
Tree between the Twin Barns Porta Potties and the boards to the Twin Barns
Observation Deck, on the left hand side of the trail.
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 5
Bank Swallow 1
Tree Swallow 40
Violet-green Swallow 4
Purple Martin 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 9
Barn Swallow (American) 30 Visitor Center.
Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group) 30 McAllister Creek Viewing Platform.
Bushtit (Pacific) 4 Doug Fir along entrance road across from Maintence
Building entrance road and just right of green gate.
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
Brown Creeper 4
Marsh Wren 20 Multiple nests in Visitor Center Pond and freshwater
marsh.
Bewick's Wren (spilurus Group) 4
European Starling 30
Swainson's Thrush 31
American Robin (migratorius Group) 25
Cedar Waxwing 20
Purple Finch (Western) 4
American Goldfinch 24
Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 6
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 30
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 3
Bullock's Oriole 2
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 50
Brown-headed Cowbird 15
Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens) 1
Common Yellowthroat 15
Northern Yellow Warbler 40
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 2
Black-headed Grosbeak 6
Date: 6/10/26 8:30 pm From: Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] June 7, 2026 Westport Seabirds trip report
Hi Tweeters,
On Sunday, 25 of us met on the deck of the *Blitz* captained by Todd Sawin. If this doesn't sound like a typical introduction to a Westport Seabirds trip, Todd and the *Blitz* are the new faces of Westport Seabirds. A cloudy sky, occasional gusts, and a few sprinkles had us wondering about things to come but the double rainbow gave us hope for a great trip. This day was scheduled perfectly during a 24-hour window of worthy weather with a clearing sky and lack of significant wind. We bounced over the swells at the bar between the jetties and the seas eventually relaxed to a 4-foot multidirectional swell with no sheep on the pond (white caps).
Soon, Sooty Shearwaters (2,067), Common Murres (154) and Rhinoceros Auklets (51) were sighted, although not in overwhelming numbers, so our keen-eyed pelagic enthusiasts could concentrate on the defining features of each species. The everpresent gulls occasionally flew by, but no worries as to their exact species since they were recorded as "big guys," which is probably a better name than "gull soup". Pink-footed Shearwaters (450) were added to the mix as we continued westward towards the edge of the Continental Shelf and the hoped for fishing fleet with attendant tubenoses. A great surprise and to the delight of many was a flyover South Polar Skua (1), which gave a brief but soul satisfying view. I've always loved yelling "Skua"! This species breeds in Antarctica and spends the austral winter (our summer) terrorizing shearwaters and gulls in the waters off Alaska. A June sighting of SP Skua is noteworthy although our list of June trips over the years is light compared to other months.
As we neared the shelf edge, we wound our way through many smaller halibut fishing boats and saw quite a few diminutive Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels (98) and Northern Fulmars (27) all hoping for little tidbits that might find their way back to the sea around the boats. A few hoped for Black-footed Albatrosses (10) made their appearance at the appropriate time so were able to compare small, medium, and large tubernoses in one view. We continued onwards to the deeper water beyond the shelf edge.
The great thing about laying a slick is that sometimes it really works well and we were lucky today. Almost as soon as we set the table, the storm-petrels responded including one cooperative Leach's Storm-Petrel (1) which fed alongside the ~50 Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels which gave a perfect comparison of flight style and behavior. However, even mentioning several times to look for unusual looking birds like pterodromas didn't entice any of these hoped for species to the slick. Maybe later?
On our way back east and close to the edge of the shelf, Captain Todd found a factory ship that was dragging a few lines. In its wake were quite a few Sooty and squeaking Pink-footed Shearwaters and the only Short-tailed Shearwaters (9). True to form, it seems that Short-tailed Shearwaters always prefer hanging out around these larger fishing boats. A bit later, I found that yelling "Skua" wasn't nearly as satisfying as yelling "HAWAIIAN PETREL"! Indeed, it flew down the side of the boat and continued flying away at the stern as I yelled although it didn't return. A handful of us saw it but it didn't allow for photos so only written descriptions can support this 3rd or 4th Washington State record. It certainly was a shot of adrenalin!
The birds weren't the only things that highlighted our day. We spotted a total of 17 Humpback Whales (several breaching) and one small pod of about 10 Pacific White-sided Dolphins and a few Dall's Porpoises (3). A Northern Fur Seal rounded out the pelagic mammal sightings although both of the expected sea lion species and Harbor Porpoises (2) were added on the way in. One Ocean Sunfish (*mola mola)* (1) flapped lazily on the surface and a few Blue Sharks (6) were seen*. *Mola molas, though not the most energetic creatures on the planet, always garner many photo snaps and gasps of wonder.
Closer to shore, Pacific Loons (2) and a Red-throated Loon (1) flew over heading north and a sizable flock of 30+ Surf Scoters was near the tip of the pelican and cormorant capped south jetty. Pigeon Guillemots (11) were common as we motored through the final leg of our day at sea.
Westport Seabirds thanks all of the enthusiastic participants who make these trips a success. Also, thanks to Captain Todd for his consummate professionalism and knowledge of the sea and the ginger cookies delivered by Olivia! Also, a big thanks to our guides Shep Thorpe, Cindy McCormack, and your trip reporter.
The entire crew and staff of Westport Seabirds is looking forward to a highlight rich 2026. Who knows what the predicted super El Nino will bring. Keep monitoring the Westport Seabirds website ( https://westportseabirds.com) and the 2026 schedule for updates and availability.
We hope to see you onboard!
Jim Danzenbaker for Westport Seabirds.
-- Jim Danzenbaker Battle Ground, WA 360-702-9395 <jdanzenbaker...>
Date: 6/10/26 3:45 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR: ‘The Book of Birds’ illustrates a world of wonder
Date: 6/9/26 4:00 pm From: Judith A. Howard via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] woodpecker numbers
We have had a markedly larger number of both hairy and downy woodpeckers at our feeders this past month or so, both adults and young ones.
Even more of the pileateds than usual (of course, their numbers are fewer than the others). Has anyone else been noticing this? We are on South Whidbey, just a few miles north of the ferry dock.
Date: 6/9/26 3:23 pm From: Bob Boekelheide via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Shorebirds on the Coast
Hi Blair,
Like Dennis says, early June is the slowest time for migrant shorebirds on the coast, because they’re all nesting somewhere else. Particularly so in Dungeness Bay, where the June swoon is in full swing right now. It’s slow out there! There are still Black-bellied Plovers here, almost none of which have black bellies, showing their youth. In the past ten days there have been occasional Marbled Godwits, Whimbrels, Semipalmated Plovers, Greater Yellowlegs, dowitchers, and one distant peep, but they are very elusive, depending on tides.
We really look forward to the last few days in June, when the first “fall” migrants start to arrive, like Dennis says. For example, the last few days in June and the first week in July is a particularly good time to see adult Semipalmated Sandpipers amongst the peeps in Dungeness Bay.
Clallam County now has 50 shorebird species on the county list, but only four of those shorebird species regularly nest in the county. Can you name the four?
Almost all of our wintering and migrant shorebirds have departed for the north by mid May, but there are a few late migrants after that. A small number of nonbreeding birds of some species do hang around during summer.
The first arriving southbound migrants are usually in the last week of June, adults of the sex that isn’t involved in parental care. In species in which both sexes participate, they are mostly absent until mid July. Once the juveniles fledge, parental care ends, and the juveniles start appearing in southbound migration in August. So yeah, this is a dead time of year for migrant shorebirds. Time to head for southeast Oregon to enjoy the breeding ones!
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
> On Jun 8, 2026, at 12:06 PM, B B via Tweeters <tweeters...> <mailto:<tweeters...>> wrote:
>
> I am planning a trip to the Washington Coast tomorrow. I looked up observations in the past week on Birder's Dashboard and was surprised to see very few reports in general and few if any reports for a number of species. I was particularly surprised to find no reports of Willet at Tokeland and no reports of Marbled Godwits at Westport and frankly very few reports in general.
>
> I checked my Ebird reports and was surprised to find that I have birded the coast most months of the year but not June. I would love any insights as to whether the absence of reports for the past week is due mostly to not much birding there in the past week or to just not many birds as the shorebirds have migrated out (which of course would be a good reason for no birding there).
>
> Any feedback to my email or on tweeters would be appreciated. Thanks.
>
> Blair Bernson
Date: 6/9/26 2:57 pm From: Ann Kramer via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] What’s at Steak: “Sandhill Crane Is the 'Ribeye of the Sky' - Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine”
On a recent trip to Ridgefield a few days ago, I heard, and then the next
day saw, 2 adult Sandhill Cranes with their colt. I was able to get some
images.
I knew I heard them because the sound of Sandhill Cranes is etched deeper
into my brain than my husband's middle name. I had first seen them at the
Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival in California 15 years ago, then at the Platte
River in Nebraska, Whitewater Draw in Arizona, and 4 different trips to
Bosque del Apache and San Bernardo in New Mexico. They soon became my
favorite bird. Yes, they are beautiful birds but I was just enchanted as I
observed their behaviors and communications. The mating dance of bowing
and jumping, the sparring fights often lifting them in the air, the way
they signal to one another by leaning forward before they take their
morning flight. Although I believe all birds are sentient beings, it
seemed much more evident in Sandhill Cranes. Their joy, mating rituals,
parental attentiveness made their bonds and emotions evident.
And I often took note of how difficult they were to get close to due to
their extreme wariness, having been hunted in every state along the flyway
except Nebraska. I accept hunting, and the cycle of conservation
limitations allowing a flock to grow and then be opened again to hunting
until conservation again becomes necessary for many species.
I remember the first workshop I attended in Lodi. The presenter, Paul
Tebbel mentioned how little meat there actually was on a Sandhill Crane,
after an audience member asked about whether they were hunted.
The argument against treating Sandhill Cranes as we do other bird species
who are hunted is how small their clutches are, with 2 being the norm and a
survival rate of 1 chick commonly. Duck broods are in the 10's and 20's.
Although they get several seasons to breed, it becomes more difficult when
one of the mates is lost to hunting.
Ann
On Tue, Jun 9, 2026 at 7:23 AM Louise via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Thanks for the story, Dan. I'm not a hunter either, but I'm aware of the
> work that Ducks Unlimited do to preserve habitat, with the aim of ensuring
> hunting is available and sustainable. There could certainly be an argument
> for treating sandhill cranes the same as other edible bird species. As
> always it depends on whether hunters will abide by the rules and stick to
> the limits (and whether the government is setting and evaluating those
> limits in a scientific manner), which isn't the case in every instance.
>
> Louise Rutter
> Kirkland
>
> On Mon, Jun 8, 2026 at 11:44 PM Dan Reiff via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>> Hello tweeters,
>> I’m not a hunter.
>> Today, I read an article in Canadian geographic that included “fat polar
>> bears and ribeyes in the sky”.
>> It discussed recent conversations regarding opening a limited hunting
>> season for this bird species.
>> Totally unexpected read.
>>
>> I have Apple news Plus, which is by paid subscription. So, I did not send
>> the link because you would not be able to open it.
>> I found this older article that covers some of the same ground, but from
>> a hunter’s perspective.
>> The last lines were interesting.
>> Dan Reiff
>>
>>
>>
>> https://tpwmagazine.com/hunting/ribeye-of-the-sky/ >>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 6/9/26 2:46 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: Scientists say they’ve solved the mystery of how pigeons sense Earth’s magnetic field
Date: 6/9/26 12:25 pm From: Jane Hadley via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Some new birding tools
Dear Tweetsters - I wanted to alert you to a couple new additions to the
WOS website (wos.org) that might be of interest.
First former WOS board member and officer Scott Ray has created a free web
app that should be of interest to those who chase rarities.
Here's how Scott describes it:
"Birders who chase rarities all know the question: If I drive there today,
> will the bird still be there? ....
> Chase Report is a free, mobile-friendly, web-based rare bird dashboard
> that uses current eBird notable sightings and organizes them into a
> practical “chaseability” view. It requires no account, login, or
> installation. Open the site in a browser and you can immediately see which
> rare birds appear most likely to still be present, which are uncertain, and
> which are probably gone."
Second, the maps page (also on the list of birding resources) has a new
addition: directions and maps for getting to C-Post Road, which was
mentioned recently on Tweeters, for its American Redstarts and Red-eyed
Vireos.
Finally, I wanted to remind you of the valuable collection of YouTube
videos of WOS monthly meeting presentations that Elaine Chuang has created
for WOS. Now that we're in the summer hiatus (Monthly Meetings don't resume
until October), you will have a chance to catch up on meeting presentations
you might have missed. The collection of videos is available here:
Date: 6/9/26 7:31 am From: Louise via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] What’s at Steak: “Sandhill Crane Is the 'Ribeye of the Sky' - Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine”
Thanks for the story, Dan. I'm not a hunter either, but I'm aware of the
work that Ducks Unlimited do to preserve habitat, with the aim of ensuring
hunting is available and sustainable. There could certainly be an argument
for treating sandhill cranes the same as other edible bird species. As
always it depends on whether hunters will abide by the rules and stick to
the limits (and whether the government is setting and evaluating those
limits in a scientific manner), which isn't the case in every instance.
Louise Rutter
Kirkland
On Mon, Jun 8, 2026 at 11:44 PM Dan Reiff via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Hello tweeters,
> I’m not a hunter.
> Today, I read an article in Canadian geographic that included “fat polar
> bears and ribeyes in the sky”.
> It discussed recent conversations regarding opening a limited hunting
> season for this bird species.
> Totally unexpected read.
>
> I have Apple news Plus, which is by paid subscription. So, I did not send
> the link because you would not be able to open it.
> I found this older article that covers some of the same ground, but from a
> hunter’s perspective.
> The last lines were interesting.
> Dan Reiff
>
>
>
> https://tpwmagazine.com/hunting/ribeye-of-the-sky/ >
> Sent from my iPhone
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 6/9/26 7:29 am From: Randy Hill via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] What’s at Steak: “Sandhill Crane Is the 'Ribeye of the Sky' - Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine”
The Central Flyway population is much larger than ours on the west coast
states, and when I worked in North Dakota during the late 80s there were
maybe a dozen states with a fall hunt season. I remember a flock of 35K
east of Bismarck that had a big white one mixed in.
BTW, a second Sandhill Crane colt seen this week from the River S route,
north of the contact station. Last I heard, one of two colts in the hunt
area west of the auto tour route is with parents.
Randy Hill
Ridgefield
On Mon, Jun 8, 2026, 11:44 PM Dan Reiff via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Hello tweeters,
> I’m not a hunter.
> Today, I read an article in Canadian geographic that included “fat polar
> bears and ribeyes in the sky”.
> It discussed recent conversations regarding opening a limited hunting
> season for this bird species.
> Totally unexpected read.
>
> I have Apple news Plus, which is by paid subscription. So, I did not send
> the link because you would not be able to open it.
> I found this older article that covers some of the same ground, but from a
> hunter’s perspective.
> The last lines were interesting.
> Dan Reiff
>
>
>
> https://tpwmagazine.com/hunting/ribeye-of-the-sky/ >
> Sent from my iPhone
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 6/8/26 11:55 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] What’s at Steak: “Sandhill Crane Is the 'Ribeye of the Sky' - Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine”
Hello tweeters,
I’m not a hunter.
Today, I read an article in Canadian geographic that included “fat polar bears and ribeyes in the sky”.
It discussed recent conversations regarding opening a limited hunting season for this bird species.
Totally unexpected read.
I have Apple news Plus, which is by paid subscription. So, I did not send the link because you would not be able to open it.
I found this older article that covers some of the same ground, but from a hunter’s perspective.
The last lines were interesting.
Dan Reiff
Date: 6/8/26 1:10 pm From: Joe Buchanan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Buffleheads
Odette -
In 2025 I noticed a single Bufflehead at Kennedy Creek Estuary (Mason County) in late May. This was by far my latest spring observation at the site in over 4 decades. I suspect there will be other similar records in eBird. The occurrence of these late season records is interesting. Thanks for sharing your observations.
Date: 6/8/26 12:34 pm From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Shorebirds on the Coast
Hi Blair,
Almost all of our wintering and migrant shorebirds have departed for the north by mid May, but there are a few late migrants after that. A small number of nonbreeding birds of some species do hang around during summer.
The first arriving southbound migrants are usually in the last week of June, adults of the sex that isn’t involved in parental care. In species in which both sexes participate, they are mostly absent until mid July. Once the juveniles fledge, parental care ends, and the juveniles start appearing in southbound migration in August. So yeah, this is a dead time of year for migrant shorebirds. Time to head for southeast Oregon to enjoy the breeding ones!
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
> On Jun 8, 2026, at 12:06 PM, B B via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> I am planning a trip to the Washington Coast tomorrow. I looked up observations in the past week on Birder's Dashboard and was surprised to see very few reports in general and few if any reports for a number of species. I was particularly surprised to find no reports of Willet at Tokeland and no reports of Marbled Godwits at Westport and frankly very few reports in general.
>
> I checked my Ebird reports and was surprised to find that I have birded the coast most months of the year but not June. I would love any insights as to whether the absence of reports for the past week is due mostly to not much birding there in the past week or to just not many birds as the shorebirds have migrated out (which of course would be a good reason for no birding there).
>
> Any feedback to my email or on tweeters would be appreciated. Thanks.
>
> Blair Bernson
> birder4184 at yahoo dot com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
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Date: 6/8/26 12:20 pm From: Chuq Von Rospach via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Shorebirds on the Coast
On Jun 8, 2026 at 12:06:23, B B via Tweeters <tweeters...>
wrote:
> I am planning a trip to the Washington Coast tomorrow. I looked up
> observations in the past week on Birder's Dashboard and was surprised to
> see very few reports in general and few if any reports for a number of
> species. I was particularly surprised to find no reports of Willet at
> Tokeland and no reports of Marbled Godwits at Westport and frankly very few
> reports in general.
>
I spent a couple of days out and around Grays Harbor three weeks ago.
Overall, it was pretty quiet (although my knee prevented me from really
birding Grays Harbor NWR well). At that point Tokeland was super quiet, and
I’d seen a report or two leading up indicating the same. Best birding for
me was out in Ocean Shores, where there was a lot of shorebird activity at
North Jetty (hundreds and hundreds of sanderlings) and at the beach access
at the head of Ocean Shores, for gulls with the contiung (at that time)
Glaucous Gull. Westport Marina and Hoquiam STP were the other decent
birding spots then.
Chuq
---------------------------------------
Chuq Von Rospach (http://www.chuq.me)
Silverdale, Washington
Birder, Nature and Wildlife Photographer
Date: 6/8/26 12:20 pm From: Odette James via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Buffleheads
I noticed that over the last few days single female Buffleheads have been reported in a few places locally. There was one at the Cedar River delta last Friday afternoon. Kind of a surprise this time of the year. Odette James, The Lakeshore Retirement Community - the perfect location for a birder to age in place _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 6/8/26 12:14 pm From: B B via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Shorebirds on the Coast
I am planning a trip to the Washington Coast tomorrow. I looked up observations in the past week on Birder's Dashboard and was surprised to see very few reports in general and few if any reports for a number of species. I was particularly surprised to find no reports of Willet at Tokeland and no reports of Marbled Godwits at Westport and frankly very few reports in general.
I checked my Ebird reports and was surprised to find that I have birded the coast most months of the year but not June. I would love any insights as to whether the absence of reports for the past week is due mostly to not much birding there in the past week or to just not many birds as the shorebirds have migrated out (which of course would be a good reason for no birding there).
Any feedback to my email or on tweeters would be appreciated. Thanks.
Blair Bernsonbirder4184 at yahoo dot com
Date: 6/7/26 10:04 am From: Larry Schwitters via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Vaux's Happening
5000 Vaux’s Swifts spent last night in the historic Monroe Wagner roost. A fifteen minute exit began at 8:32 this morning. If its cool and damp they will probably be back tonight.
Date: 6/7/26 9:22 am From: B B via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Birding in Amsterdam
When I wrote up my C-Post Road birding trip for my blog site (blairbirding.com) I found that I had failed to finish and post a blog about our trip to Amsterdam last year. Quickly finished it and posted it. Great visit - especially for art, food and culture but a few birds as well somewhat expanding my pathetic Europe life list.
Date: 6/6/26 5:18 pm From: Ann Kramer via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Join Skagit Audubon this Tuesday with Peter Cavanagh
June Greetings!
We are at the end of season program for Skagit Audubon before our 2 month
break. We have a spectacular program lined up for our send off. Peter
Cavanagh is our speaker. His celebrated book will be on sale at the event.
It is a treasure of flight information and spectacular images!
*HOW BIRDS FLY: The Science and Art of Avian Flight*, with Peter Cavanagh
- Tuesday, June 9, 2026 @ 7:00 pm. Doors open at 6:00 pm.
- It’s a potluck!!!!! Open to all.
- IN PERSON ONLY @ Padilla Bay Interpretive Center,
- 10441 Bayview-Edison Rd. Mt Vernon, WA.
*Program description*: Peter will present images and videos of flying birds
to illustrate aspects of flight mechanics that are described in his recent
book HOW BIRDS FLY, exploring the complexities of avian flight in a manner
that is accessible to all who are interested in birds, regardless of their
science backgrounds. He will review the evolution of flight and key aspects
of avian anatomy that make flight possible including how birds take off and
land, and how they maneuver and migrate. Peter aims to leave his audience
informed and entertained.
Peter Cavanagh is a Pacific Northwest wildlife photographer and author of
several avian books. His latest book, HOW BIRDS FLY: The Science and Art of
Avian Flight was applauded by a renowned PNW ornithologist as “….without
question the best book on birds I have seen in a long time, surely one of
the best (bird) books ever”.
We are open to the public. Please join us!!!
Kind Regards,
*Ann*
*Ann Kramer*
Program Committee Chair
Skagit Audubon Society
*p <annk...><rograms...>
<rograms...>*
A flock of geese leave their lake and take wing, turning to poems in the
sky. ~Dr. SunWolf
Date: 6/6/26 7:49 am From: bill shelmerdine via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Vortex Viper HD 8 x 42 Binoculars for Sale
Brand new warranty replacement for an earlier model. According to Vortex, the all-inclusive unconditional warranty is transferable. These are top-rated binoculars for the mid-price range according to multiple sources. They are very nice binoculars, but as duplicates I have no need for them.
Asking $400. Factory MSRP is $719.99 though an internet search indicates available from multiple sources at around $500. If interested contact me directly at: <georn1...>
Good birding and have a great day,
Bill Shelmerdine
Olympia WA
Date: 6/5/26 1:19 pm From: B B via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Hudsonian Godwit and C-Post Road Birding
This blog post relates an excellent day of birding in Snohomish County yesterday that included a Hudsonian Godwit at Eide Road and some special species at C-Post Road, including numerous American Redstarts and Red Eyed Vireos. https://blairbirding.com/2026/06/05/a-post-about-c-post-road-that-is/
Date: 6/5/26 10:18 am From: Ven. Dhammadinna via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Stillwater Wildlife Unit, Carnation, Fall City?
Does anyone have recommendations for good birding trails, areas to explore in the Stillwater Wildlife Unit? The Carnation Marsh? Tolt MacDonald Park? The Snoqualmie Valley Trail? Thanks Dhammadinna
Date: 6/5/26 9:48 am From: Faye McAdams Hands via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] feathers, feathers, feathers
OMG!
I think I just died and went to Heaven!
Thank you Dennis.
Happy Birding,
Faye
<zest4parus...>
Faye McAdams Hands
Life is Simple -- Eat, Sleep, Bird.
________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Friday, June 5, 2026 8:44 AM
To: TWEETERS tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] feathers, feathers, feathers
Date: 6/4/26 1:15 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2026-06-04
Tweets - It was okay this morning; temps in the high '50's, but overcast and rather breezy. Still, it wasn't too bad out there. Nothing new for the year, but some pretty good sightings anyway
Highlights: Canada Goose - OUR first goslings of the year, though we seem to have had fully fledged young from elsewhere already Wood Duck - A couple of small clutches of ducklings Blue-winged Teal - Male seen from the Lake Platform - 3rd straight week Mallard - Many clutches, of many ages Common Merganser - Female with 14 babies, one of which was clearly larger than the rest Band-tailed Pigeon - Notably many, seen several times. Possibly as many as 20 Green Heron - Two flushed from below the weir at the start of our walk Cooper's Hawk - Two seen Cedar Waxwing - Many. Too many to count well, but certainly a couple of dozen plus Dark-eyed Junco - Fledged young about Western Tanager - Nice male singing north of the heronry Lazuli Bunting - At least 5 males in/around the East Meadow
I forgot to mention the 2nd best "bird" from last week, after the American Redstart (that we did not find today): We had two LONG-TAILED WEASELS
I was interviewed last Thursday for a KUOW story on the Marymoor heronry. The story is set to air tomorrow morning a couple of times 6-9am, and then again in the afternoon 3-6pm. I have yet to hear it; I hope I sound okay...
Misses today included Red-tailed Hawk, Cliff Swallow, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Bullock's Oriole
Date: 6/3/26 9:07 pm From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for 6/3/2026
Hi Tweets,
Approximately 30 of us enjoyed a busy spring day at the Refuge with
overcast skies and temperatures in the 60s degree Fahrenheit. There was a
Low -1'8" Tide at 2:15pm so we did our routine walk. Highlights included
several birders observing a First Of Year BLACK PHOEBE in the maintenance
yard and just north of the west entrance to the Twin Barns Loop Trail.
Likely the same bird. There were two CEDAR WAXWING nests and a BUSHTIT
nest in the Orchard Area. Two of the RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD nests—one over the
twin bench overlook just south of the Twin Barns cut-off, and the other
just 50 feet north of the overlook—had second clutches of birds. The
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER nest cavity is still active on the outside of the
trail just north of the overlook. We had good looks of both BLUE-WINGED
TEAL and CINNAMON TEAL in the Visitor Center Pond and freshwater marsh. At
the end of the day we observed a River Otter take a HOODED MERGANSER chick
in the freshwater marsh.
We observed 74 species for the day. With FOY Black Phoebe, a late
SEMI-PALMATED PLOVER, and RHINOCEROUS AUKLET on the Reach, we now have
observed 148 species for the year. See our eBird report pasted below for
additional details.
Other interesting finds included Muskrat, River Otter, and Ranchman's Tiger
Moth.
Until next week when we meet again at 8 a.m. at the Visitor Center Pond
Overlook...
Happy birding,
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Jun 3, 2026 5:57 AM - 4:32 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.354 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Mostly cloudy with breezy
conditions and temperatures on the 60’s degrees Fahrenheit. A Low -1’18”
Tide at 2:15pm. Others seen Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Columbian
Black-tailed Deer, River Otter, Muskrat, Harbor Seal, Puget Sound Garter
Snake, American Bullfrog, “Cardinal” type Meadowhawk Dragonfly, Ranchman’s
Tiger Mouth.
74 species (+3 other taxa)
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 40
Wood Duck 8
Blue-winged Teal 3
Cinnamon Teal (Northern) 4
Gadwall 2
Mallard 20
Ring-necked Duck 1
Hooded Merganser 11
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 3
Band-tailed Pigeon 16
Mourning Dove 5
Vaux's Swift 1
Anna's Hummingbird 1
Rufous Hummingbird 11
Virginia Rail 4
Sora 1
Killdeer 2
Semipalmated Plover 1 Small Plover seen at 7am on high tide on
mudflats west of Leschi Slough north of dike. Observed with spotting scope
for 10 minutes in area near gulls and terns. Distant photo.
Rhinoceros Auklet 2 Nisqually Reach.
Ring-billed Gull 40
California Gull 80
Glaucous-winged Gull 2
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 2
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 10
Caspian Tern 27
Brandt's Cormorant 4
Double-crested Cormorant 10
American Bittern 1
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 40
Turkey Vulture (Northern) 3
Bald Eagle 40 Occupied nest on West Bank of McAllister Creek north of
McAllister Creek/Medicine Creek Viewing Platform.
Red-tailed Hawk (calurus/alascensis) 2
Belted Kingfisher 2 Burrow on West Bank of McAllister Creek between
McAllister/Medicine Creek Viewing Platform and Puget Sound Viewing Platform.
Red-breasted Sapsucker 2 Snag tree outside of Twin Barns Loop Trail on
the west side just north of the twin bench observation platform south of
the Twin Barns cut-off.
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 1
Northern Flicker 1
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 1
Western Wood-Pewee 8
Willow Flycatcher 3
Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope) 1
Black Phoebe 1 Seen by several birders during the day. Early morning
observed near the maintenance yard. Later morning observed on the west side
of the Twin Barns Loop Trail on the inside of the trail just north of the
entrance. Black flycatcher with white belly and crested head.
Hutton's Vireo (Pacific) 1 Heard only.
Western Warbling Vireo 6
Steller's Jay (Coastal) 2
American Crow 8
Common Raven 2
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 2
Bank Swallow 4
Tree Swallow 30
Violet-green Swallow 1
Purple Martin 14
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Northern) 4
Barn Swallow 30
Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group) 30
Bushtit (Pacific) 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2
Brown Creeper 4
Marsh Wren 20
Bewick's Wren 4
European Starling 50
Swainson's Thrush (Russet-backed) 26
American Robin (migratorius Group) 20
Cedar Waxwing 60
Purple Finch 6
American Goldfinch 10
Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 1
Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 6
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 30
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 5
Bullock's Oriole 2
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 60
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
Common Yellowthroat 11
Northern Yellow Warbler 41
Wilson's Warbler 2
Black-headed Grosbeak 4
Date: 6/3/26 4:21 pm From: Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Gull behavior question
OK, all-knowing Tweeters, is there any explanation for the gull sp that is currently pecking at our clerestory windows? This happened once before several years ago. The gull is 10 - 12 ft above our living room, so it probably doesn't see us. It works its way around all three windowed sides, pecking as it goes. Is this an example of territorial defense to rout the reflected intruder? We have a neighbor who puts out food that attracts both crows and gulls. Is this gull asking for a handout from others in the neighborhood? Speculation welcome. Data would be ideal.
Date: 6/2/26 2:48 pm From: Chuq Von Rospach via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Babies!
It’s been an amazing spring here on the homestead. A couple of weeks ago I
went and did a 6 location point count on the property (about 4 acres of
mostly woodland) and when I counted it up I saw/heard 31 species — insane.
I did it again a couple of days ago and totalled 27.
And the babies have shown up. About a week ago the first junco kids got
escorted to the feeder (we have five nests in view of our house that we
know of), followed shortly by the Purple Finches (there are at least three
pairs I’m hearing), and then the American Goldfinches. Yesterday a neighbor
texted me to say he had a chick Pileated pounding on a tree in his yard,
and this morning I saw my first Spotted Towhee chick, and my wife saw a
female Anna’s flying around with a little one following it. I know we have
baby robin (but haven’t seen one yet), but six confirmed fledge species so
far is making me happy…
Only negative this year is I’ve yet to hear/see a Swainson’s thrush, the
first year in a while I haven’t had at least one within hearing range. And
between 1-2 Pileateds and at least two flickers, as well as the female
hairy, the tanagers, grosbeaks, chickadees and nuthatches, I’m going
through the tube feeder in three days and a suet block is only lasting 2.
Plus the ground feeder. A good problem to have….
chuq
---------------------------------------
Chuq Von Rospach (http://www.chuq.me)
Silverdale, Washington
Birder, Nature and Wildlife Photographer
Date: 6/2/26 2:29 pm From: Tim Brennan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Pacific County Birding - May Round-up
Heya Tweets!
I've continued to poke at Pacific County, adding enough birds to get to 169 or 170 species for the year, here at the end of May. Why the +/- 1? Well... I found a picture that may be a Red-naped Sapsucker, or may be impossible to separate from a hybrid. I'm embarrassed that I "found" the picture from May 8th only yesterday. As I was working on a digest-style summary of some small trips in May, I was looking for good pictures to add, and there was a good forehead smack when I saw the bird in question. I see zero evidence of hybridization, but man... with birds I am always ready for the Left Galosh question. "Hybrids will never have any white speckling on their left galosh... a field mark that your photo does not show." It's never actually galoshes, but it is usually details that are just as surprising to me.
It was a great month in the clearcuts - Western Bluebird, MacGillivray's Warbler, and Northern House Wren were all hoped-for birds up there, and all three were found. The House Wren, not an easy Pacific County Bird, was found on a forest road off of Highway 6 where people (including me) have been finding Hermit Warblers with some regularity.
And yeah, I found some shorebirds, but no, I haven't found a Long-billed Curlew - the Largest Shorebird in North America. People keep finding them, and I keep missing them. What a magnificent nemesis after 5 months of poking around.
Pacific County Birding: May Have Snuck in Some Trips; May Have Found Some Birds<https://pacificcountybirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/may-have-snuck-in-some-trips-may-have.html> summarizes three trips, including one that is essentially a non-birding trip in this lovely county. Any thoughts on the sapsucker are welcome - there are a few pics dropped in there. And all apologies for not even seeing the picture until yesterday. Hoping to finish out the year with my rare bird radar in full operation.
Date: 6/2/26 12:34 pm From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Raptor nests in Yakima Canyon?
Hi, Tweets. I’m lucky to have the Yakima Canyon as my route for the Breeding Bird Survey. I’ll be doing the route this coming weekend. If you have been there this year and are willing to share any raptor nest locations, I’d love to include them in the survey. I only have 3 minutes at each stop, so need to know exactly where to look. I’ll be scouting on Saturday, if you have any helpful tips to share.
*Come to the festival prepared!*We’re thrilled to announce the brand-new
Puget Sound Bird Fest course on Larkwire <https://www.larkwire.com/>! This
course covers the songs (and some calls) of 210 species-nearly every
species you’re likely to hear (and see!) at the festival. Includes both
land and waterbirds.
Hilary Barnes <habarnes...> 206-331-6058 cell -----Original Message----- From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Sent: Jun 1, 2026 4:22 PM To: <habarnes...> Subject: confirm 038708b47d5b32ea0be5dadbdf2fe342339422fc
Mailing list removal confirmation notice for mailing list Tweeters
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Date: 6/1/26 2:49 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Four ravens in Bridle Trails State Park
Hello Seth,
Very likely that they are fledglings.
Here in Mercer Island, the four young launched three weeks ago.
The parents will continue to take care of them.
All questions are great questions on Tweeters.
I have learned so much from the Tweeters community over the years.
Dan Reiff
MI
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jun 1, 2026, at 2:21 PM, <sethleopold...> via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> To my birdy friends at Tweeters,
>
> “Long time listener, first time caller”, as we used to say on the radio. I enjoy learning from this group as I’m not the most sophisticated birder around by any definition, but I enjoy trying.
>
> I’d had the understanding that there was a single mating pair of ravens in Bridle Trails State Park, and in all the years I’ve lived here, I’ve relatively seldom seen them. In the last couple weeks, my wife and I have seen four of them together.
>
> Were we incorrect in our understanding that there’d only been a pair, and/or have others seen what seem to us like “new” birds there?
>
> If this is a silly question, please don’t post it.
>
> Thanks so much!
>
> Warmest regards,
>
> Seth
> —
> Seth S. Leopold, MD
> Editor-in-Chief
> Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
>
> Professor
> Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
> University of Washington School of Medicine
>
> My working hours may not be your working hours. Please do not feel obligated to reply outside of your normal work schedule.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 6/1/26 2:31 pm From: <sethleopold...> via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Four ravens in Bridle Trails State Park
To my birdy friends at Tweeters,
Long time listener, first time caller, as we used to say on the radio. I enjoy learning from this group as Im not the most sophisticated birder around by any definition, but I enjoy trying.
Id had the understanding that there was a single mating pair of ravens in Bridle Trails State Park, and in all the years Ive lived here, Ive relatively seldom seen them. In the last couple weeks, my wife and I have seen four of them together.
Were we incorrect in our understanding that thered only been a pair, and/or have others seen what seem to us like new birds there?
If this is a silly question, please dont post it.
Thanks so much!
Warmest regards,
Seth
Seth S. Leopold, MD
Editor-in-Chief
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
Professor
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
University of Washington School of Medicine
My working hours may not be your working hours. Please do not feel obligated to reply outside of your normal work schedule.
Date: 6/1/26 7:04 am From: Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlin and their prey
All,
Just catching up on tweeters threads.
A lasting memory I have of Merlins in action is watching one catch an
aerial Vaux's Swift in a swift flock north of the Golden Gate bridge in
California. Soon after, two detached wings descended like leaves.from the
sky. Nothing like a to-go lunch! Merlin - has been and always will be my
favorite "raptor"!
Jim Danzenbaker
Battle Ground, WA
On Mon, May 18, 2026 at 11:18 PM Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Down here it's been Cooper's Hawks (among others) which simply sit on the
> Chimney. This has resulted in the relocation from the long, historic
> Chapman School Chimney, to spread out across the PDX metropolitan area
> Maybe just as well, not to be so concentrated.
>
> And as to Merlins and Starlings, our family once spent a weekend in an
> Ilwaco house loaned by a friend. Saturday morning, as we were heading down
> to the beach, I stepped out the front door, only to have a passing Merlin
> swerve upward, away from its neighborhood cruise, dropping at the exact
> moment, a decreased Starling, right at my feet. We placed the Starling on
> the railing, but upon returning, it was still there. I guess there were
> plenty more out there.
>
> Bob OBrien Portland
> (please appreciate this was an actual observation of two *Washington*
> Birds!
>
> On Mon, May 18, 2026 at 12:19 PM Diane Yorgason-Quinn <
> <avosetta...> wrote:
>
>> Here's my story of Merlins:
>>
>> I count Vaux's Swifts at migration roosts (chimneys). Several years ago,
>> swifts were circling a chimney I was observing when a Merlin flew in and
>> grabbed it. This is particularly interesting because swifts are swift, and
>> falcons are really the only aerial flyers who can hope to grab one.
>> Anyway, this Merlin proceeded to bring the swift over to a low rooftop
>> right in front of our team and had a meal. Gruesomely fascinating.
>>
>> The bad news is that when Merlins tell their friends, there will be so
>> many of them out hunting swifts at a particular chimney, that the swifts,
>> being intelligent, will search for new roosts and abandon what was really a
>> great chimney. This has happened to several chimneys in the northwest.
>>
>> Diane Yorgason-Quinn
>> Gig Harbor, WA
>> <avosetta...>
>> ------------------------------
>> *From:* Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf
>> of Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <tweeters...>
>> *Sent:* Monday, May 18, 2026 11:58 AM
>> *To:* tweeters <tweeters...>
>> *Subject:* [Tweeters] Merlin and their prey
>>
>> I've had a few very interesting observations in many years (decades) of
>> birding.
>>
>> 1. I was birding the formerly-famous BayOcean flats on Tillamook Bay,
>> long ago. There was the usual large 'peep' flock of mostly Western
>> Sandpipers,; a Merlin came in, up high, flushing the flock. The Merlin
>> casually circled and disappeared; the peep landed and resumed feeding.
>> 5-10 minutes later I spotted the Merlin, far off, flying with its usual
>> speed, about 12 inches above the mudflats. It soon was in the midst of the
>> flock, snatched a 'piper, and again disappeared. The flock, minus one,
>> landed and continued feeding.
>>
>> 2. Birding Sauvies Island, there was a large flock of Bushtits in the
>> top of a huge Oregon Oak. A distant Merlin appeared, apparently just
>> passing through, flew into the top of the oak, plucking a Bushtit (sorta'
>> like a grape) as an orderve, all in one motion.
>>
>> 3. Once in Happy Valley up on the upper reaches of the city, I noticed a
>> pair of distant birds coming towards me at about 100'. As they got closer
>> I realized the lead bird was a Mourning Dove and the following bird, you
>> guessed it. Down the bill from me was a very large pine tree, into which
>> the dove disappeared. The Merlin soon arrived and started circling the
>> pine, looking for an opening. After a few transits, with the Merlin on the
>> opposite side, the dove decided to flee and took off in the original
>> direction, the Merlin right behind. They were soon far above the ground
>> which dropped away into the valley, maybe 1000' .And so the pair
>> disappeared, just as they had appeared, into the distance.. Both are very
>> strong fliers, and their ultimate ending remains unknown. A test of
>> endurance, rather than speed, to which they appeared as equals.
>>
>> Bob OBrien Portland
>>
>> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
--
Jim Danzenbaker
Battle Ground, WA
360-702-9395
<jdanzenbaker...>
Date: 5/30/26 9:00 am From: Hank Heiberg via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Fledgling Black-capped Chickadees
Yesterday we noticed 2 adult Black-capped Chickadees with white seeds in their bills repeatedly landing in our rhododendrons and then diving down into the ferns.
We retreated back into the house and saw the fledgling taking flights of about a foot in length while exploring its surroundings with the adults continuing to arrive with food.
There was another fledgling about 7 feet up in the rhodies. An Anna’s Hummingbird inspected it from about 6 inches away and then left. A Dark-eyed Junco arrived and was driven off by one of the adult Chickadees.
Hank & Karen Heiberg
Issaquah, WA
hankdotheiberggmail
Date: 5/30/26 7:56 am From: Gary Bletsch via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Off-topic Brazil RFI
Dear Tweeters, If anyone in Tweeterland has suggestions for a birding trip to Brazil, please contact me off-list at this e-mail address <garybletsch...> and I would be most appreciative. I am considering just popping down there to, say, Manaus in July or August, since it would be a relatively dry time of year. I have birded most of the other countries in South America, but somehow haven't made it to Brazil yet. What I envision is a visit to a lodge or a few lodges near Manaus, maybe do some guided birding, maybe some on my own. Thanks for consideration. Yours truly, Gary Bletsch
Date: 5/29/26 11:22 pm From: Gene Beall via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] possible Blue Grosbeak outside Fall City
I have some good friends who are quite confident they saw a Blue
Grosbeak today on Neal Road, just outside Fall City. They reported
clearly seeing the overall coloring, the heavy bill, and the rufous wing
bars. They initially considered a Lazuli Bunting but upon seeing the
rufous wing bars, they felt confident it must be a Blue Grosbeak. If
anyone is out that way, you might keep an eye out in hopes for a
confirmation siting.
Date: 5/28/26 2:09 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2026-05-28
Tweets - A gorgeous day at the park today. Again, actual sightings of birds were sometimes hard to come by, but we had a very good time, and had some very good birds.
Highlights: Blue-winged Teal - Two males and a female across from the Lake Platform; 2nd week in a row for this species Gadwall - Only one male, seen late, after weeks of 5+ pairs. Perhaps females are finally on nests Mallard - Many clutches of ducklings Ring-necked Duck - Pair at the lake Spotted Sandpiper - Two seen flying down the slough - First of Year (FOY) Pied-billed Grebe - One seen and heard "singing" across from the Lake Platform. Our first since mid-April Red-breasted Sapsucker - Notably many sightings Five Woodpecker Day - Though Downy and Hairy were heard-only Bullock's Oriole - One female seen AMERICAN REDSTART - First-year male seen singing just east of the NW end of the boardwalk (FOY)
Today's sighting of RING-NECKED DUCKS ties for the latest spring sighting ever noted at Marymoor. I can find no June records; we'll see if we can notch one next week
The AMERICAN REDSTART seemed pretty attached to the small trees just a bit east of the start of the boardwalk. It was occasionally singing it's song, which sounds like the start of a Northern Yellow Warbler song. First-year males are quite drab, but the patches of yellow were easy enough to see on our glimpses of this very active bird. This is the 6th record for Marymoor Park, and the first for the month of May. Other sightings have been in very late June through mid-September.
Misses today included Glaucous-winged Gull, Green Heron, Red-tailed Hawk, Belted Kingfisher, Cliff Swallow, Wilson's Warbler, and Western Tanager.
For the day, 62 species. The two new birds for the year push our 2026 survey total to 112 species.
Date: 5/28/26 12:28 pm From: Doug Plummer via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Camera found at Columbia NWR
Posting for a friend. Last weekend they found a Sony camera and lens by the
side of the road at the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. Looks like it
fell off a car. If it was you, I can connect you. There’s a particular
modification on the camera that only the owner would know.
Date: 5/28/26 11:24 am From: Toby Ross via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Reminder - Presentation: Conservation in the Heart of Costa Rica
Join us TONIGHT for a special online presentation introducing the Cerulea
Environmental Association, a new Costa Rican nonprofit organization
dedicated to protecting one of the country’s most biodiverse regions.
Founded by Costa Rican conservation biologists, researchers, and educators
- including expert guide Jose Pablo Castillo, who has led many Alight Tours
birding trips - the organization is working to conserve critical habitats
in the heart of Costa Rica.
These remarkable forests provide wintering habitat for Cerulean Warblers
alongside rare amphibians, endemic plants, and hundreds of bird species.
Learn how community-driven conservation is helping safeguard these
ecosystems while supporting research, education, and sustainable
stewardship.
Whether you are passionate about birds, tropical ecology, conservation, or
travel, we hope you can join us for this engaging and inspiring evening.
Date: 5/27/26 9:11 pm From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk for Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR 2/27/2026
Dear Tweets,
Approximately 20 of us enjoyed a beautiful spring day with mostly sunny
skies and temperatures in the 50's to 70's degrees Fahrenheit. There was a
Low 0'2" Tide at 10:42am and a High 11'4" Tide at 5:21pm, so we elected to
walk the Twin Barns Loop Trail backwards.
Highlights included First Of Year CHIPPING SPARROW near the Visitor Center
Kiosk, FOY BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER seen along the east side of the Twin
Barns Loop Trail, and FOY WILLOW FLYCATCHER heard and seen along the slough
adjacent to the Twin Barns. Other fun sightings included displaying
BAND-TAILED PIGEONS over the Orchard. CEDAR WAXWINGS building nests in the
Orchard. RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD nest with young just north of the Beaver
Deceiver. Two AMERICAN BITTERNS were seen in the freshwater marsh.
Upwards of three VIRGINIA RAIL chicks with two adults, were seen in the
freshwater marsh. And continuing HUDSONIAN WHIMBRELS on the mudflats.
For the day we observed 75 species. With the FOY Willow Flycatcher,
Chipping Sparrow and Black-throated Gray Warbler, we now have seen 145
species thus far this year. See our eBird list pasted below for further
details and photos.
Fun mammal sightings included Muskrat and Long-tailed Weasel.
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
May 27, 2026 6:23 AM - 4:40 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.285 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Mostly sunny with temperatures in
the 50’s to 70’s degrees Fahrenheit. A Low 0’2” Tide at 10:42 and a High
11’4” Tide at 5:21pm. Mammals seen included Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit,
Townsend’s Chipmunk, Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Muskrat, Long-tailed
Weasel and Harbor Seal. Other seen American Bullfrog.
75 species (+4 other taxa)
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 50
Wood Duck 25
Blue-winged Teal 1 Freshwater marsh.
Cinnamon Teal 9
Northern Shoveler 2
Gadwall 2
Mallard 100
Ring-necked Duck 1 Twin Barns Overlook.
Hooded Merganser 30
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 5
Band-tailed Pigeon (Northern) 25
Mourning Dove 4
Vaux's Swift 1
Anna's Hummingbird 1
Rufous Hummingbird 8
Virginia Rail 7
Sora 1
American Coot (Red-shielded) 1
Killdeer 3
Hudsonian Whimbrel 8
alcid sp. 1
Short-billed Gull 1 Observed preening on mudflats adjacent to RBGU and
CAGU with 60 x spotting scope at 100-200 feet for several minutes. Third
cycle bird. Small gull with light yellow legs, brown streaks on head, dark
eye, dainty yellow-green bill with black tip. Smaller then area RBGU. Photo.
Ring-billed Gull 100
California Gull 40
Glaucous-winged Gull 1
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 2
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 20
Caspian Tern 30 Two banded birds: 1) Band right leg with White on
red: CO33.
Three bands on left leg read top to bottom orange/blue/metal. 2)
Band right leg with Black on yellow: J778. Three bands left leg read top
to bottom orange/green/silver. Possible photos.
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Brandt's Cormorant 1
Double-crested Cormorant 50
American Bittern 2 Freshwater marsh.
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 60
Turkey Vulture 1
Bald Eagle 30 Two occupied nests both on West Bank of McAllister Hill.
One south of the McAllister Creek/Medicine Viewing Platform, the other
north of it.
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Belted Kingfisher 2
Red-breasted Sapsucker 3 Nest snag outside of west side Twin Barns
Loop Trail just north of the twin bench overlook south of the Twin Barns
cut-off.
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 1
Northern Flicker 1
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 2
Western Wood-Pewee 8
Willow Flycatcher 2
Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope) 5
Hutton's Vireo 1
Western Warbling Vireo 4
American Crow 5
Common Raven 4
Black-capped Chickadee 3
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 3
Bank Swallow 6 Probably more. Four seen over flooded field south of
Twin Barns. One-two seen flying over freshwater marsh. Two birds foraging
in mud loosely associated with CLSW foraging on mud between Tower
Observation Platform and McAllister Creek/Medicine Creek Observation
Platform.
Tree Swallow 30
Violet-green Swallow 3
Purple Martin 9 Luhr Beach Martín Gourds.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3 West Bank of McAllister Creek.
Barn Swallow (American) 45
Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group) 50 McAllister Creek Viewing Platform
has many. One at Visitor Center Pond Overlook.
Bushtit (Pacific) 4
Brown Creeper 3
Marsh Wren 15
Bewick's Wren (spilurus Group) 7
European Starling 300
Swainson's Thrush (Russet-backed) 36 Heard and seen. Counted
individually. Likely more.
American Robin 20
Cedar Waxwing 67
Purple Finch 2
American Goldfinch 15
Chipping Sparrow 1 Visitor Center Kiosk
Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 8
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 44
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 4
Bullock's Oriole 3
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 50
Brown-headed Cowbird 20
Common Yellowthroat 8
Northern Yellow Warbler 50
Black-throated Gray Warbler 1
Wilson's Warbler 3
Black-headed Grosbeak 6
Date: 5/27/26 7:07 pm From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Stimpson - Thanks
Hi,
Just wanted to thank Katie for reporting on Stimpson in Bellingham.
I had a
chance to go there today and found it to be an excellent "addition to my
list of
good places to go". The old growth forest, groomed trails, excellent
signage,
and general character of this place all make for another outstanding
location.
I did not get to -see- a lot of birds today, but am hopeful that will
change in
future visits. This preserve is easy to get to and yet when you are
there it is
like stepping into a primeval environment.
- Jim in Skagit
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/27/26 6:56 pm From: Alan Roedell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlin prey
Great photos and videos. Thanks especially for the courtship video.
On Wed, May 27, 2026, 3:46 PM Marv via Tweeters <tweeters...>
wrote:
> Recently there was a Tweeters discussion about what Merlins eat. Here is
> an album with images and videos of a few examples. In two of the videos
> the prey is still alive while in the grasp of a Merlin.
>
> https://www.flickr.com/gp/138163614@N02/EA51522JP7 >
>
> Marv Breece
> Tukwila, WA
> <marvbreece...>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 5/27/26 3:54 pm From: Marv via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Merlin prey
Recently there was a Tweeters discussion about what Merlins eat. Here is an album with images and videos of a few examples. In two of the videos the prey is still alive while in the grasp of a Merlin.
Date: 5/27/26 2:40 pm From: Ronda Stark via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] American White Pelicans
Hi Jay,
This is the best news of the day! A large group of over 100 White Pelicans
spend the summer on Whidbey island-- maybe this is the advance team.
Ronda
On Wed, May 27, 2026 at 10:16 AM Jay via Tweeters <tweeters...>
wrote:
> A flock of about 30 American White Pelicans flew north over my house this
> morning. I live about a mile north of Lake Padden in Bellingham. They
> were just leisurely circling as they flew by. It was a total surprise.
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S347779322 >
> Jay E.
> Bellingham, WA
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
If anyone has any interesting and exotic comments regarding just-arrived turkey vultures, I'd be glad to include it in the May report. Actually, anything in May is fine! Hope you have a good day.
Date: 5/27/26 12:04 pm From: Marv via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Redheads at M St
This morning there was a pair of REDHEADS (ducks) at the M Street Marsh in Auburn. Last year I saw a pair of Redheads at this location on June 5 and June 12. Also today, a GREEN HERON flew by. And good looks at all 3 teal. A BUFFLEHEAD remains. I almost forgot, there was also a pair of WILSON'S PHALAROPES.
-- Marv Breece Tukwila, WA *<marvbreece...> <marvbreece...>*
Date: 5/27/26 10:27 am From: Jay via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] American White Pelicans
A flock of about 30 American White Pelicans flew north over my house this morning. I live about a mile north of Lake Padden in Bellingham. They were just leisurely circling as they flew by. It was a total surprise.
Date: 5/27/26 6:32 am From: Richard Schwarz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Morocco and Nairobi birding recommendations
Hi Bill
I have a recommendation for Nairobi.
Please contact me at the email address below.
Richard Schwarz
<Wiscuscat...>
> On May 26, 2026, at 11:02 AM, William Stafford Noble via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> I will be in northern Morocco and in Nairobi, Kenya, in July. If anyone has experience with good birding outfits in either place, please let me know.
>
> Thanks.
> Bill Noble
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/26/26 7:20 pm From: Whitney Neufeld-Kaiser via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Contact for birding in Nairobi
Hi, Bill. I was in Nairobi last August and can recommend someone to you. Please send me a direct message, thanks.
Whitney <whitney.n.k...>
> ------------------------------ > > Message: 6 > Date: Tue, 26 May 2026 11:00:50 -0700 > From: William Stafford Noble via Tweeters <tweeters...> > To: <tweeters...> > Subject: [Tweeters] Morocco and Nairobi birding recommendations > Message-ID: > <CACcyB+THdyuGF48L09xw7PxP_1AFXrVOLHiXb1Yu32tiPN+e= > <Q...> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > I will be in northern Morocco and in Nairobi, Kenya, in July. If anyone has > experience with good birding outfits in either place, please let me know. > > Thanks. > Bill Noble > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: < > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20260526/92994e22/attachment-0001.html > > > > ------------------------------ > > Subject: Digest Footer > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > ------------------------------ > > End of Tweeters Digest, Vol 261, Issue 26 > ***************************************** >
Date: 5/26/26 3:21 pm From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Travel agent or info needed
Sorry Martha I can’t , but maybe AAA ?
…however I was born and raised in Hamburg. That makes me a real Hamburger!
Our last visit was last September. Maybe I can answer a question for you !
You will love the Hoeckerschwaene on the Alster ! ( Mute Swans ).
Hans
*Hans Feddern*
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
<thefedderns...>
On Tue, May 26, 2026 at 10:58 AM Martha Jordan via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> I am planning a trip to Hamburg, Germany at the end of November to attend
> a conference. Can anyone recommend a travel agent to help with logistics.
> Thanks.
>
> Martha Jordan
> Everett, WA
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 5/26/26 11:09 am From: Martha Jordan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Travel agent or info needed
I am planning a trip to Hamburg, Germany at the end of November to attend a conference. Can anyone recommend a travel agent to help with logistics. Thanks.
Date: 5/26/26 10:21 am From: Elaine Thomas via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] weird question
For a friend writing a poem -
In the Palouse in the fall, would there be swallows hunting over the wheat fields? Also, redtails or some other buteo? Or does the writer need different birds to paint the scene accurately? - we can't let poetic license lead to inaccurate ornithology!
Thanks, Elaine in Seattle
Ethomas at salud dot unm dot edu
Date: 5/26/26 4:17 am From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Presentation: Nightjars of Kittitas County
Monthly Program Meeting
May 28: 7:00 PM @ Hal Holmes
Nightjars of Kittitas County
Presented by Dan Reiff, PhD
Dr. Dan is a clinician, author and videographer who has studied
birds for the last 18 years. He grew up in Puyallup, Washington, when it was a small town, surrounded by daffodil, tulip, straw-
berry, raspberry, and blueberry farms. He has a long history of fly fishing for trout and steelhead.
He is very fond of Kittitas County, including the people, birds and environments. He has degrees in Environmental sciences (BS),
Public health (MPH), and Clinical psychology (PhD) and was trained as a clinician and scientist in Clinical psychology.
Dr. Dan has focused his research efforts on the behavior of several species of birds and has captured well over 300 TB of video
focused bird behavior. This includes diurnal, crepuscular and nocturnal observations and filming. Dr. Dan has a special research
interest in the stereotypical and unique activities of owls and
nightjars.
He has spent many enjoyable hours doing video and audio recordings focused on the behaviors of numerous species in several locations and generations over the last 10-16 years.
Dan’s presentation will be video focused on the behaviors of the Common Poorwill and the Common Nighthawk. He will also share stories of his several hundreds of hours of research experiences filming in very low light and darkness, including encounters with animals that are active during the night.
I rarely post, but yesterday I had such an unexpectedly birdy hike that I thought Id share. I highly recommend the Stimpson Nature Reserve (https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/stimpson-nature-reserve) just east of Bellingham. It has 4 miles of trails winding around two ponds/wetlands and miles of mature forest. We identified 32 species for the day, but the most amazing thing was that the bird song never stopped. At any given time there were as many as 6-8 species singing, and there was always at least one. The most abundant were western flycatcher, Pacific wren, chestnut-backed chickadee, brown creeper, western tanager, Wilsons warbler, and black-headed grosbeak. The challenge was that most of the birds stuck to the tall canopy, so for many I relied on my birding-by-ear skills (proficient), occasionally backed up by confirmation from Merlin. (Note that I did not accept all of Merlins suggestions for example, I highly doubt that there was a hermit warbler in the vicinity.) We did get eyes on the warblers, sparrows, and many many creepers, plus the ducks and a few others. It was magical afternoon. I imagine the dawn chorus would be amazing. Lots of wildflowers, too! Below is our list for the day.
Happy birding,
Katie (<kfsauter...>)
Canada goose
Wood duck
Mallard
Band-tailed pigeon
Annas hummingbird
Hairy woodpecker
Pileated woodpecker
Western wood-pewee
Western flycatcher
Cassins vireo
Warbling vireo
Stellers jay
Common raven
Chestnut-backed chickadee
Violet-green swallow
Bushtit
Golden-crowned kinglet
Red-breasted nuthatch
Brown creeper
Pacific wren
Varied thrush
Swainsons thrush
American robin
Purple finch
Dark-eyed junco
Song sparrow
Spotted towhee
Black-throated gray warbler
Townsends warbler
Wilsons warbler
Western tanager
Black-headed grosbeak
Date: 5/24/26 1:17 pm From: Martha Jordan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Bird and birding books
Currently there are four large boxes of books sitting at my house full of birding and bird info books, most published in the 1970-2000. A few are vintage older, and perhaps one or two newer. Most were left to Pilchuck Audubon Society and now they need to move them on to new homes. Is there anyone out there looking for books, or know where they can be taken to find new homes. Please write off the list: mj dot cygnus at gmail.com Whatever remains after all you bird enthusiasts out there have had an opportunity to pick something up, they will be put out for free at Bird Fest in Edmonds on June 6th.
Date: 5/24/26 11:51 am From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] WOS Monthly Meeting, June 1, 2026 (online only)
Wishing all a pleasant Memorial Day Weekend, and apologizing for this late-ish notice about our upcoming WOS Monthly Meeting … Because May 14 - 17 was our Annual Conference, with wonderful days spent traipsing across state lines (Washington, Oregon, Idaho) enjoying birding together in stunning surroundings. A conference report will be added at WOS.org soon - please take a look!
On Monday June 1, 2026, the Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) invites you to our final Monthly Meeting of the season. The program will be our ever-popular "WOS Members' Photo Night” when favorite and new birding sites and insights are shared, by virtue of the talents and photographic skills of a group of our Members. Enjoy a "virtual" birding experience from your respective evening "roosting spots."
Sign-in on Zoom 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 virtual participation and to get the Zoom link. When joining the meeting, we ask that you PLEASE 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
Many thanks in advance to our member-presenters, not only for their camera work, but for stepping up to the challenges posed by technology!
Date: 5/24/26 10:55 am From: Constance Sidles via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Manx Shearwaters
Hey tweets, my son Alex reported yesterday that he saw (and photographed) 3 Manx Shearwaters off Bodelteh Islands - seen from his sea kayak. He'll write a trip report when he returns to Seattle today, which you can access in another day or 2 if you Google Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports. - Connie, Seattle
Date: 5/23/26 9:40 pm From: Matt Bartels via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] WBRC Spring 2026 MEETING RESULTS
WBRC Spring 2026 MEETING RESULTS
On Thursday, May 07, 2026, the Washington Bird Records Committee met online for its spring meeting.
A summary of our results:
• 34 reports were accepted as valid new records.
• 5 reports were reaffirmed as valid after re-review of previous accepted votes
• 3 additional records were accepted as continuing sightings of records previously accepted at earlier meetings.
• 12 reports were not accepted.
• 1 previously accepted report was re-reviewed and overturned as not accepted.
Two species were added to the official Washington state list with the discovery of:
• Yellow-green Vireo – 15 - 18 Oct 2025
• Cave Swallow – 28 - 29 Mar 2026
The state checklist is now at 531 species, including 518 species fully accredited (supported by specimen, photograph, or recording) and 13 species which are sight-only records (supported only by written documentation).
Key: Votes in parentheses (# accepted – # not accepted – # abstain)
[Notations: p=photo, v = video, a = audio, s = sketch]
BESW-2026-1, Bewick's Tundra Swan – 15 Mar 2026, Skagit Flats, Calhoun Road/Bradshaw Rd., Skagit County. Michael Klotz [p] (7-0-0).
WHOS-2025-1, Whooper Swan – 1 - 3 Dec 2025, Capitol Lake, Olympia, Thurston County. Bill Tweit [w, p], Jon Anderson [p], Lisa Genuit [p], Liam Hutcheson [p], Clayton Kinsesl [p] (7-0-0). NOTE: The committee agreed this record was likely a different individual than all the subsequent WHO sightings.
WHOS-2025-2, Whooper Swan – 7 Dec 2025 – 20 Mar 2026. Skagit, King and Snohomish Counties. Locations, dates and observers: Skagit Co.: 7 Dec 2025, Sunset Rd., Bow, Skagit County. Peter Erickson [p], Cordia Sammeth [p], David Schmalz [p] Richard Stanton [p]; King Co.: 16 Jan 2026, W Snoqualmie River Rd SE, King County. Greg Harrington [p], Hank Heiberg [p], John Puschock [p]; Skagit Co.: 3 Feb 2026, Polson Rd., Mount Vernon, Skagit County. Denny Bolton [p], Barb Chan [p], Bev Davenport [p], Jeff Hambleton [p], Teri Martine [p], Dianne (Marie) Murray [p], Evan Powell [p]; Snohomish Co.: 4-21 Feb 2026, Smokey Point Blvd., Arlington, Snohomish County. Marie Furnish [p], Ron Furnish [p], Robert Goff [p], Kristen Hannon [p], Darchelle Worley [p]; Skagit Co.: 5-20 Mar 2026, Sam Bell Road, Bow, Skagit County. Glenn Dunmire [p], Eric Kraig [p], Cordia Sammeth [p] (7-0-0). NOTE: The committee all these different locations except WHOS-2025-1 were likely of the same individual wandering the area this winter.
KIEI-2025-1, King Eider – 22 Oct 2025 - 20 Feb 2026, Westhaven SP, Westport, Grays Harbor County. Bill Tweit [w, p], Charlotte Byers [p], Chazz Hesselein [p], Kyle Leader [p], Kellie Sagen [p], Ellen Stepniewski [p], Darchelle Worley [p] (7-0-0).
WWDO-2025-1, White-winged Dove – 30 Nov 2025, Little Spokane NA, Spokane, Spokane County. Kim Thorburn [w] (6-1-0).
COCR-2025-1, Common Crane – 2 - 13 December 2025, Wenzel Slough, Elma & Brady Loop Road, Montesano, Grays Harbor County. Mike Charest [p], Rachel Hudson [p], Sandy Pringle [p], John Raymond [p], Andy Stepniewski [p] (7-0-0).
LIGU-2025-4, Little Gull – 7-10 Nov 2025, John Day Dam, Goldendale, Klickitat County. Trent Bray [w], Cindy McCormack [w], Jef Blake [p], Justin Santiago [p] (7-0-0).
LIGU-2026-1, Little Gull – 1 Mar 2026, Westport Pelagic, Grays Harbor County. Ryan Merrill [w, p] (7-0-0).
LAGU-2025-2, Laughing Gull – 3 Nov 2025, Elwha River mouth, Port Angeles, Clallam County. Roger Hoffman [w, p] (7-0-0).
VEGU-2006-1-revote, Vega Gull – 28 Dec 2006, Gene Coulon Park, Renton, King County. Cameron Cox [p], Charlie Wright [p] (7-0-0). NOTE: In response to Vega Gull being elevated to full species status, the committee re-reviewed all reports previously accepted as “Vega” Herring Gull and sustained all four records.
VEGU-2012-1-revote, Vega Gull – 14 Jan 2012, Banks Lake, Electric City, Grant County. Bruce LaBar, Ryan Shaw [p], Bill Tweit, Charlie Wright (7-0-0). NOTE: In response to Vega Gull being elevated to full species status, the committee re-reviewed all reports previously accepted as “Vega” Herring Gull and sustained all four records.
VEGU-2013-1-revote, Vega Gull – 26 Oct 2013, Three Crabs, Dungeness, Clallam County. Ryan Merrill [w, p], Brad Waggoner [w], Ryan Shaw [p] (7-0-0). NOTE: In response to Vega Gull being elevated to full species status, the committee re-reviewed all reports previously accepted as “Vega” Herring Gull and sustained all four records.
VEGU-2014-1-revote, Vega Gull – 26 Oct 2014, Wa'atch River Mouth, Neah Bay, Clallam County. Steve Mlodinow [w, p], Ryan Merrill [p] (7-0-0). NOTE: In response to Vega Gull being elevated to full species status, the committee re-reviewed all reports previously accepted as “Vega” Herring Gull and sustained all four records.
ARLO-2025-1, Arctic Loon – 29 Nov - 7 Dec 2025, Bay City, Pirates Way Beach, Ocosta, Grays Harbor County. Cameron Cox [p], Liam Hutcheson [p], David Irons [p], Gene Revelas [p], Bill Shelmerdine [p], Bill Tweit [p], Darchelle Worley [p] (7-0-0).
WISP-2025-1, Wilson's Storm-Petrel – 13 Oct 2025, Point Defiance Park, Dune Peninsula & Wilson Way, Tacoma, Pierce & King County. Marcus Roening [w], JJ Shaeffer [w], Charlie Wright [w], Alex Young [w] (7-0-0).
RFBO-2026-1, Red-footed Booby – 28 Feb 2026, Westport Marina, Westport, Grays Harbor County. Bill Tweit [w, p] (7-0-0).
LBHE-2025-1, Little Blue Heron – 4 Oct 2025, Bateman Island, Kennewick, Benton County. Jef Blake [w, p], Elke Davis [w, p], Laurie Ness [w, p] (7-0-0). NOTE: The committee agreed that the two LBHE were different individuals.
LBHE-2025-2, Little Blue Heron – 26 Oct - 20 Nov 2025, Home Valley Park, Skamania County. Cindy McCormack [w, v], Matt Bartels [p], Greg Harrington [p], Grace & Ollie Oliver [p], Jordan Roderick [p], Asta Tobiassen [p] (7-0-0). NOTE: The committee agreed that the two LBHE were different individuals.
GREG-2021-1, Great Egret [modesta/alba] – 29 Oct 2021, Dugualla Bay, Whidbey Island, Island County. MJ Adams [p] (7-0-0). NOTE: State first record for this subspecies group.
GREG-2026-2, Great Egret[alba] – 29 Mar - 3 May 2026, Barnaby Slough, Rockport, Skagit County. Ryan Merrill [w, p] (7-0-0).
WTKI-2025-1, White-tailed Kite – 3 Oct 2025, Julia Butler Hansen NWR, Cathlamet, Wahkiakum County. Andrew Emlen [w] (7-0-0).
YBSA-2025-2, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker – 21 Dec 2025, St. Cloud Recreation Area, Skamania County. CJ Flick [w], Stuart Fletcher [p] (7-0-0).
YBFL-2025-1-revote, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher – 24 Aug 2025, Bassett Park, Washtucna, Adams County. Alexander Sowers [w, p] (6-1-0). NOTE: In response to many west coast records of Yellow-bellied Flycatcher being questioned by empid authorities, the committee re-reviewed the two previously accepted reports of Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, sustaining one and reversing the other.
YGVI-2025-1, Yellow-green Vireo – 15 - 18 Oct 2025, Grays Harbor NWR, Hoquiam, Grays Harbor County. Bob Boekelheide [w, p], Jordan Gunn [p], Liam Hutheson [p], Jordan Roderick [p], Kellie Sagen [p] (7-0-0). NOTE: State first record.
CASW-2026-1, Cave Swallow – 28 - 29 Mar 2026, Hoquiam STP, Hoquiam, Grays Harbor County. Liam Hutcheson [p], Ryan Merrill [p], Kellie Sagen [p], Darchelle Worley [p] (7-0-0). NOTE: State first record.
WIWR-2025-2, Winter Wren – 20 Dec 2025 - 1 Jan 2026, Roses Lake, Manson, Chelan County. Kavanagh McGeough [p, a], Neil Paprocki [p, a], Debbie Sutherland [p, a] (7-0-0).
WHWA-2025-1, White Wagtail – 22 Nov 2025, Elwha River mouth, Port Angeles, Clallam County. Robin Corcoran [p], Keenan Yakola [p] (7-0-0).
RUBU-2025-1, Rustic Bunting – 10 Nov 2025, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, King County. Pat Miller fide Dennis Paulson [w, p], Amy Ke [p] (7-0-0).
OROR-2025-1, Orchard Oriole – 26 Oct - 11 Nov 2025, In town, 2nd & Blue Jay, Neah Bay, Clallam County. Roger Hoffman [p], Liam Hutcheson [p], Bill Tweit [p] (7-0-0).
OROR-2025-2, Orchard Oriole – 26 Oct - 2 Nov 2025, Ba'adah Loop, Neah Bay, Clallam County. JJ Shaeffer [p], Bill Tweit [p] (7-0-0).
GTGR-2025-6, Great-tailed Grackle – 10 Nov 2025 – 25 Feb 2026. Franklin, Benton and Walla Walla Counties. Locations, dates and observers: Franklin Co.: 10 Nov 2025, Goodwill Parking, Pasco, Franklin County. Jef Blake [p], Charlene Burge [p], Windy Burge [p] (7-0-0); Benton Co.: 14 Nov 2025, Gum St., Kennewick, Benton County. Jef Blake [p], Elke Davis [p] (7-0-0); Walla Walla Co.: 17 Jan -25 Feb 2026, Dodd Road, Burbank, Walla Walla County. Jef Blake [p], Mike & Merry Lynn Denny [p], Elke Davis [p], Matthew Mottern [p] (7-0-0). NOTE: The committee agreed that all three sightings likely were the same individual bird and combined them into a single record
NOPA-2025-2, Northen Parula – 14-17 Dec 2025, Islandview Ct., Olympia, Thurston County. Emily Teachout [w, v] Aaron Barna [p], Keith Brady [p], Scott Pearson [p], Bill Shelmerdine [p] (7-0-0).
PAWA-2025-1, Palm Warbler [Yellow] – 11 Nov 2025, Point Defiance Park, Dune Peninsula & Wilson Way, Tacoma, Pierce County. Edward Pullen [w], Steve Knapp [p], Ryan Merril [p], Marcu Roening [p] (7-0-0). NOTE: State first record for this subspecies.
SUTA-2025-2, Summer Tanager – 14 Dec 2025 - 14 Jan 2026, 45th Ave W and W Commodore Way, Seattle, King County. Karen Overstreet [w, p], Neil Zimmerman [w], Roniq Bartanen [p] (7-0-0).
PABU-2025-1, Painted Bunting – 18 Dec 2025, Lakebay, Pierce County. Eric Housam [w, p] (7-0-0).
DICK-2025-1, Dickcissel – 16 Oct 2025, Neah Bay town, Clallam County. Jordan Gunn [p], Alec Roseto [p], Darchelle Worley [p] (7-0-0).
RECORDS ACCEPTED AS CONTINUING SIGHTINGS OF PREVIOUSLY-ACCEPTED RECORDS:
Slaty-backed Gull in Eastern Washington: The committee agreed that the September 2025 – February 2026 record of a Slaty-backed Gull in Grant, Benton and Franklin counties (formerly treated as SLBG-2025-1) is best treated as a returning instance of SLBG-2016-1, the prior sighting of this species in the area the previous eight winters. The two records are merged and treated as SLBG-2016-1.
Dates and observation info for September 2025 – February 2026 occurrence: Slaty-backed Gull – 25 Sep 2025 - 21 Feb 2026, Vernita Bridge Boat Launch, Bateman Island, Kennewick, Pasco, Grant, Benton, Franklin County. Jef Blake [p], Charlotte Byers [p], Denny Granstrand [p], Matt Yawney [p] (7-0-0).
Eastern Song Sparrow at Marymoor Park: The committee agreed that the November 2025 – March 2026 record of an Eastern Song Sparrow in Marymoor Park, King County (formerly treated as SOSP-2025-2) is best treated as a returning instance of SOSP-2025-1, the prior sighting of this subspecies in the area earlier in 2025. The two records are merged and treated as SOSP-2025-1.
Dates and observation info for November 2025 – March 2026 occurrence: Eastern Song Sparrow –26 Nov 2025 - 6 Mar 2026, Marymoor Park, Redmond, King County. Calvin Bobek [p], Michael Hobbs [p], John Puschock [p], Jordan Roderick [p] (7-0-0).
Great-tailed Grackle in Moses Lake: The committee agreed that the September – October 2025 record of a Great-tailed Grackle in Moses Lake, Grant County (formerly treated as GTGR-2025-8) is best treated as a returning instance of GTGR-2023-1. The two records are merged and treated as GTGR-2023-1.
Dates and observation info for September – October 2025 occurrence: Great-tailed Grackle – 3 Sep - 28 Oct 2025, Moses Lake, Grant County. Doug Schonewald (7-0-0).
REPORTS NOT ACCEPTED:
LWFG-2025-1, Lesser White-fronted Goose – 14 Nov 2025, Millersylvania SP, Deep Lake, Thurston County (0-7-0).
BESW-2026-2, Bewick's Tundra Swan – 22 Mar 2026, Sam Bell Rd., Bow, Skagit County. (0-7-0).
WHOS-2025-3, Whooper Swan (2) – 22 Jan 2025, Boon Road, Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island, Island County (0-6-1).
COEI-2026-1, Common Eider – 16 Jan 2026, Lacamas Park, Camas, Clark County (0-7-0).
GRRO-2026-1, Greater Roadrunner – 27 Jan 2026, Wilson Ranch Road, Mazama, Okanogan County ( 0-7-0).
YBFL-2009-1-revote, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher – 30 Aug 2009, Windust Park, Franklin County. (0-7-0). NOTE: In response to many west coast records of Yellow-bellied Flycatcher being questioned by empid authorities, the committee re-reviewed the two previously accepted reports of Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, sustaining one and reversing the other.
SEWR-2026-1, Sedge Wren – 9 Feb - 19 Mar 2026, Crockett Lake, Whidbey Island, Island County. (0-6-1).
PSJU-2025-1, Pink-sided Dark-eyed Junco – 13 Dec 2025, Catherine Creek Universal Access Trail, Klickitat County. (0-7-0).
Date: 5/23/26 12:51 pm From: Mark Borden via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] The Merlin -A falconers perspective
Dear Tweeters,
Ah Merlins…
They are certainly one of the most exciting and neatest Raptors that we
have locally.
Since old England, Merlin’s have been considered the “Ladies Falcon.” This
is likely for several reasons. First, they are a very mild mannered bird to
train. Second, they are light enough to be easily carried by a “lady.“
Though they are small, they lack nothing when it comes to speed and bravery
in pursuit. They appear even faster than they actually are because of their
small size.
There is a huge difference from a Falconer perspective between a kestrel
and a Merlin, even though they appear very similar in size when they are
seen perched, or flying. The Merlin weighs quite a bit more, often more
than twice as much in fact. This weight difference is noticeable in the
“wing loading“ and a Merlin needs to beat those wings a lot harder to stay
aloft. This also serves as an advantage because when they want to come down
fast, they really can come down fast!
They are one of the most exciting birds for a Falconer to fly “to the
lure.“ A Merlin enthusiast can find YouTube videos that demonstrate the
speed and maneuverability of a Merlin when flown to the lure. Probably the
bird that wins the most lure flying competitions is the Merlin Peregrine
hybrid.
When it comes to catching prey, Merlin‘s catch their quarry in the air.
Flying Doves is quite a challenge, because if the Doves enter cover, the
Merlin has no chance unless the falconer can reflush. Most doves cannot be
caught by a Merlin. When a Falconer hunting a Merlin enters a field there
may be dozens of Doves, and an experienceed Merlin will fly amongst the
Doves, observing their behavior until one dove behaves differently than the
rest. There is a substantial difference between the personalities of all
birds from individual to individual. Most Doves will just outfly the
Merlin, but the occasional dove will stay low to the ground, dodging and
turning and will be catchable by the Merlin. It is never easy though, and
the flights can go quite a while and quite a distance. An experienced
Merlin will immediately recognize the “catchable,“ Dove and ignore all of
the others.
Many Merlin falconers trap immature Merlin‘s in the fall, fly them for the
winter and then fatten them up, releasing them in the spring. This is good
because those immature birds are not a part of the breeding population, and
at least 3/4 of them will die during their first winter in the wild. In a
falconers’s care they flourish, and once through the winter, most likely go
on to breed.
I can tell many spectacular tales of Merlin pursuits having witnessed
hundreds. If anyone is interested, I will write down my favorite which I
witnessed in Sacramento back in 1996.
It is very fortunate that the Merlin is adapting so well to civilization,
and that we have more of them now than ever before. They are truly a great
bird.
Date: 5/22/26 7:24 pm From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Reifel
I got to Reifel today - my first visit since the bridge re-opened.
The birding was fairly
normal with respect to species - notable miss was Northern Harrier which
is usually
seen there.
The biggest difference was several small flocks of ducklings and one
group of goslings -
whose parents brought them right to anyone walking the trail. In fact,
the Mallards and
Canada Geese were all very acommodating/coming right to you.
Good long, close looks at Wood Ducks. Lots of Red-winged Blackbirds,
Marsh Wrens
(mostly heard but not seen), and a few sparrows, Towhees, and robins.
One Bald Eagle,
two Great Blue Herons.
Date: 5/22/26 6:15 pm From: Lori Danielson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Presentation on Birding at Malheur NWR, May 28, in Redmond
Join Eastside Audubon on Thursday, May 28, for an evening presentation on "How to Bird Malheur National Wildlife Refuge" by guest speaker Dan Streiffert. Dan has been visiting the refuge nearly every year since 2017, when he first took a birding course at Malheur Field Station. He typically spends a month there each year volunteering for the Friends of Malheur Refuge and updates this presentation annually. This talk is part of the Malheur Migratory Bird Festival.
Dan's presentation will take place in the Board Room of the Lake Washington School District Central Office, which is located at 16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond, WA 98052. (Note: This is a different location than previous Eastside Audubon events.) Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for social hour. The presentation will begin at 7:15 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
Date: 5/22/26 3:46 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) monthly bird walk - 5-21-2026
Tweeters,
On a gorgeous day at the JBLM Eagle’s Pride GC, 25 of us meandered around the usual route, taking more time than usual because of the day and the variety (58) of birds. The BULLOCK’S ORIOLES are back (4th year) and hanging around the Douglas-firs across from the driving range hut and next to the maintenance pond. All of us had so-so to excellent views of the pair.
Warblers included NORTHERN YELLOW (30), WILSON’S, ORANGE-CROWNED, YELLOW-RUMPED, BLACK-THROATED GRAY, MACGILLIVRAY’S, and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT. The latter count of SIX was the most ever for this walk. The highlight for three of us was the first LAZULI BUNTING identified for this site’s birdwalk.
A PURPLE MARTIN pair were flying near the nestboxes at Hodge Lake. We’ll be checking these boxes next month to see if, in the meantime, they’ve actually nested there. We’ve only had Tree Swallows and Northern House Wrens occupying this grouping of nestboxes, which were put up several years ago by the JBLM biologists specifically to attract Purple Martins.
No waterfowl except a lone PIED-BILLED GREBE and one CANADA GOOSE – an unusual occurrence despite the season.
The only mammal spotted was a Douglas squirrel.
The JBLM Eagle's Pride GC birders meet the third Thursday of each month at 8:00AM from March-October and 9:00AM November to February. The 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:
• June 18
• July 16
• August 20
Everyone is welcome!
The complete eBird list is below:
Eagles Pride GC, Pierce, Washington, US
May 21, 2026 8:08 AM - 12:48 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.2 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Sunny day (49degF-73degF) with no breeze until the last hour of the walk. Highlights included the first Lazuli Bunting found on this site (13 years of records); 30 Northern Yellow Warblers; and seven warbler species for the day. Six MacGillivray's Warblers were the high count for any year. One Anna's Hummingbird was found on nest (9th hole pond).
58 species
Canada Goose 1
Band-tailed Pigeon 13
Anna's Hummingbird 7 Includes one on nest at the 9th hole pond.
Killdeer 1
Pied-billed Grebe 1 At Hodge Lake.
Turkey Vulture 1
Osprey 1
Bald Eagle 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 4
Olive-sided Flycatcher 1
Western Wood-Pewee 12
Willow Flycatcher 3
Hammond's Flycatcher 1
Western Flycatcher 5
Hutton's Vireo 2
Western Warbling Vireo 3
Steller's Jay 6
American Crow 3
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 3
Tree Swallow 10
Violet-green Swallow 6
Purple Martin 2 At Hodge Lake.
Barn Swallow 25
Bushtit 8
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 10
Brown Creeper 7
Northern House Wren 7
Pacific Wren 5
Bewick's Wren 3
European Starling 20
Swainson's Thrush 15
American Robin 60
Cedar Waxwing 18
House Finch 4
Purple Finch 5
American Goldfinch 3
Chipping Sparrow 5
Dark-eyed Junco 8
White-crowned Sparrow 22
Song Sparrow 39
Spotted Towhee 6
Bullock's Oriole 2 At same site as in previous 4 years - in Douglas-firs near maintenance pond.
Red-winged Blackbird 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 24
Orange-crowned Warbler 5
MacGillivray's Warbler 6
Common Yellowthroat 1
Northern Yellow Warbler 30
Yellow-rumped Warbler 4
Black-throated Gray Warbler 1
Wilson's Warbler 6
Western Tanager 12
Black-headed Grosbeak 8
Lazuli Bunting 1 First sighting of this species at JBLM Eagle's Pride GC.
Date: 5/22/26 2:42 pm From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] interesting bird
Hello tweets,
David Hutchinson just called me, and we had a lengthy conversation.
He was in the arboretum yesterday afternoon around 3 pm and saw a weird bird. He was there with people looking at the plants, so he didn’t even have binoculars, but he got repeated looks at what he thought was a raptor.
It was repeatedly visiting a tall (ca 100’) conifer, and it seemed to him of a size between Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s, or Merlin and Peregrine. He saw it frequently enough that he was confident it was snow-white below, with no markings. It was very dark above, brown to black, and also had dark undertail coverts. The wings were more pointed than rounded.
If anyone has the time or inclination, it would be worthwhile to check this out. He said there were lots and lots of birds, singing and flying around, so that’s a benefit of a visit.
At the Graham Visitor Center there is an iron gate to the right, and you should turn left there and go about 100-150’ up the major road, and there is the tall conifer that the bird frequented yesterday at this time.
Date: 5/22/26 11:55 am From: Ronda Stark via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Kittitas County Birding
Thank you for the update!
I usually see them just north of the town of Kittitas. The farmers are so
friendly up there and generally wave while I watch for the hawks as the
farmers plow their fields.
Ronda
On Fri, May 22, 2026 at 9:24 AM Steve Loitz <steveloitz...> wrote:
> Ooops, there are some typos in my prior response. Corrected response:
>
> Yes, SWHAs are in Kittitas County this time of year and throughout summer.
> They are more often seen E of Ellensburg, although we occasionally see one
> W of Eburg, and sometimes near town, e.g., last September we saw one at
> Irene Rinehart Park, closely W of Eburg, on a Kittitas Audubon (KAS) First
> Saturday Birdwalk. One of our KAS board members reported a SWHA nest in or
> near Olmstead Place Historical Park off of Vantage Highway E of Eburg. I
> saw one closely E of Eburg city limits last week.
>
> Steve Loitz
> Ellensburg
>
>
> On Fri, May 22, 2026 at 9:09 AM Steve Loitz <steveloitz...> wrote:
>
>> Yes, SWHAs are in Kittitas County this time of year and throughout
>> summer. They are more often seen E of Ellensburg, although we occasionally
>> see then E of Eburg, and sometimes near town, e.g., last September we saw
>> one at Irene Rinehart Park, closely E of Eburg, on the Kittitas Audubon
>> (KAS) First Saturday Birdwalk. One of our KAS board members reported a SWHA
>> nest in or near Olmstead Place Historical Park off of Vantage Highway E of
>> Eburg. I saw one closely E of Eburg city limits last week.
>>
>> Steve Loitz
>> Ellensburg
>>
>> On Fri, May 22, 2026 at 8:56 AM Ronda Stark via Tweeters <
>> <tweeters...> wrote:
>>
>>> Hello,
>>>
>>> I was surprised you did not list any Swainson's Hawks-- when
>>> someone mentions Kittitas, I automatically think of them.
>>>
>>> Do you know if they are still seen in the area?
>>>
>>> Ronda
>>>
>>
>
> --
> Steve Loitz
> Ellensburg, WA
> <steveloitz...>
>
Date: 5/22/26 9:33 am From: Steve Loitz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Kittitas County Birding
Ooops, there are some typos in my prior response. Corrected response:
Yes, SWHAs are in Kittitas County this time of year and throughout summer.
They are more often seen E of Ellensburg, although we occasionally see one
W of Eburg, and sometimes near town, e.g., last September we saw one at
Irene Rinehart Park, closely W of Eburg, on a Kittitas Audubon (KAS) First
Saturday Birdwalk. One of our KAS board members reported a SWHA nest in or
near Olmstead Place Historical Park off of Vantage Highway E of Eburg. I
saw one closely E of Eburg city limits last week.
Steve Loitz
Ellensburg
On Fri, May 22, 2026 at 9:09 AM Steve Loitz <steveloitz...> wrote:
> Yes, SWHAs are in Kittitas County this time of year and throughout summer.
> They are more often seen E of Ellensburg, although we occasionally see then
> E of Eburg, and sometimes near town, e.g., last September we saw one at
> Irene Rinehart Park, closely E of Eburg, on the Kittitas Audubon (KAS)
> First Saturday Birdwalk. One of our KAS board members reported a SWHA nest
> in or near Olmstead Place Historical Park off of Vantage Highway E of
> Eburg. I saw one closely E of Eburg city limits last week.
>
> Steve Loitz
> Ellensburg
>
> On Fri, May 22, 2026 at 8:56 AM Ronda Stark via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>> Hello,
>>
>> I was surprised you did not list any Swainson's Hawks-- when
>> someone mentions Kittitas, I automatically think of them.
>>
>> Do you know if they are still seen in the area?
>>
>> Ronda
>>
>
Date: 5/22/26 9:18 am From: Steve Loitz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Kittitas County Birding
Yes, SWHAs are in Kittitas County this time of year and throughout summer.
They are more often seen E of Ellensburg, although we occasionally see then
E of Eburg, and sometimes near town, e.g., last September we saw one at
Irene Rinehart Park, closely E of Eburg, on the Kittitas Audubon (KAS)
First Saturday Birdwalk. One of our KAS board members reported a SWHA nest
in or near Olmstead Place Historical Park off of Vantage Highway E of
Eburg. I saw one closely E of Eburg city limits last week.
Steve Loitz
Ellensburg
On Fri, May 22, 2026 at 8:56 AM Ronda Stark via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I was surprised you did not list any Swainson's Hawks-- when
> someone mentions Kittitas, I automatically think of them.
>
> Do you know if they are still seen in the area?
>
> Ronda
>
Date: 5/21/26 5:38 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2026-05-21
Tweets - We finally had really nice weather for our survey today. It was also fairly birdy, though...though...though... For some reason, many of the birds remained stubbornly invisible. I heard probably close to a dozen Black-headed Grosbeaks singing today, and I didn't manage to see a single one. That was not the only species with cloaking on.
Highlights: Blue-winged Teal - Two males made a quick flyby heading north down the slough, and moments later, swiftly passed back. First of Year (FOY) Ring-necked Duck - Lone male seen from Lake Platform - Our first since mid-March! Also, the 2nd-latest spring sighting ever Virginia Rail - Kathy spotted two out in the open (and remaining so for minutes), below the weir. Our first *sighting* of rail this year, I believe Green Heron - One pre-dawn in the stormwater pond near the velodrome parking lot Turkey Vulture - One seen from the Rowing Club (FOY) Cooper's Hawk - Juvenile being harassed by crows near the Compost Piles Five Woodpecker Day - With Red-breasted Sapsucker the most numerous Willow Flycatcher - Still just one, SE corner of the East Meadow Swainson's Thrush - Several singing during the day. Most of us didn't see any though MacGillivray's Warbler - One singing for quite a while near Dog Central (FOY). Partially glimpsed by only 1 or 2 of us, otherwise unseen
Birds that were (at least nearly) heard only included Western Wood-Pewee, Western Warbling Vireo, Swainson's Thrush, Purple Finch, MacGillivray's Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Western Tanager, and Lazuli Bunting. Yikes!
Misses included Rock Pigeon, Spotted Sandpiper, Cliff Swallow, and Bullock's Oriole.
For the day, a year's best 66 species. Adding Blue-winged Teal, Turkey Vulture, and MacGillivray's Warbler, the survey is at 110 species for 2026.
Date: 5/21/26 4:16 pm From: Ron Post via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Mountain Loop Hwy
Friends And I were hanging around Barlow Pass yesterday (approx. 30 miles east of Granite Falls) on another citizen science endeavor. From the small bridge over the stilly sort a long walk from the parking area .... we witnessed for maybe an hour two male harlequin who seemed to be the best of mates. Brothers, I presume. Ron Post <ronpost4...>
Date: 5/21/26 12:12 pm From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk for Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR on 5/20/2026
Hi Tweets,
We had a really nice spring day at the Refuge with cloudy skies in the
morning and sunny skies in the afternoon. Temperatures were in the 50's to
60's degrees Fahrenheit. There was a High 12'5" Tide at 7:43am and a Low
-3'2" Tide at 3:06pm. The walk group decided to skip the Orchard and the
Access Roads in the morning to attempt to chase the falling tide on the
Nisqually Estuary Trail. Myself and some of our other birders did check
out the Orchard and Access Road before 8am when we started the walk, or at
the beginning of their own walk.
The Visitor Center Pond Overlook has nesting BARN SWALLOW, CLIFF SWALLOW,
AMERICAN ROBIN, and MARSH WREN.
The Twin Barns Loop Trail was very active with birds singing and nesting.
We had high counts: over 40 YELLOW WARBLER and over 40 SWAINSON'S THRUSH.
CINNAMON TEAL, WOOD DUCK, and HOODED MERGANSER can be found in the Visitor
Center Pond. North of the Access Road cut through, there are several
hummingbird nests on the inside of the trail. All are RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD
and there is one ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD. A RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER nest cavity
is in a large snag on the outside of the trail just north of the Twin Bench
Overlook that is south of the Twin Barns Cut-off. The Twin Barns Picnic
Area and its surroundings are good place to listen and look for BULLOCK'S
ORIOLE.
The Twin Barns Overlook was good for observing both WOOD DUCK and
RING-NECKED DUCK. The TREE SWALLOWS are nesting in the nest boxes in front
of the overlook.
On the dike or Nisqually Estuary Trail, Ken confirmed BALD EAGLE chicks in
the large Cottonwood Tree on the west bank of the Nisqually River on the
east side of the surge plain. Laurie observed a previously reported GREEN
HERON flying from the slough adjacent to the Twin Barns into the fresh
water marsh, which we could not relocate. We had nice looks of CINNAMON
TEAL, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, MARSH WREN, and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD in the
freshwater marsh. Jim and several birders observed a few VIRGINIA RAIL
chicks with adults across from the boardwalk entrance; upwards of 8 VIRA
were seen. Peter and I spotted a late LINCOLN'S SPARROW in a bush along
the dike; severalSAVANNAH SPARROW singing and observed. Both KILLDEER and
WILSON'S SNIPE were foraging out in the open.
The Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail was good for GREATER WHITE-FRONTED
GEESE, GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, WESTERN X GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, CALIFORNIA
GULL, RING-BILLED GULL, and a late breeding plumage SHORT-BILLED GULL
spotted by Ken. We also observed a late BUFFLEHEAD and a single GREATER
YELLOWLEGS. Some in our group did a better job at chasing the tide, and
ahead of us Gene and Jennifer observed upwards of 10 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS
and HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL. As the walk progressed we ended up counting 11-13
WHIMBREL. The BALD EAGLE nest on the west bank of McAllister Creek south
of the McAllister/Medicine Creek Viewing Platform, with an adult bird
sitting in it. Both NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW and BELTED KINGFISHER
appear to be nesting in the bank on the west side of McAllister Creek
between the two observation towers (McAllister Creek and Puget Sound). The
west bank hill side of McAllister Creek was very productive with
BAND-TAILED PIGEON, COMMON RAVEN and TURKEY VULTURE being seen. As well
STELLER'S JAY, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, PURPLE MARTIN and RED-BREASTED
NUTHATCH were heard.
Returning to complete the Twin Barns Loop Trail, the WESTERN
FLYCATCHER(Pacific-slope variety) was heard and HUTTON'S VIREO was heard
and seen by Jon. The Nisqually River Overlook was good for seeing COMMON
MERGANSER with 6 chicks. Kelly and others reported a reliable day sighting
of a GREAT HORNED OWL in the Riparian Forest on the inside of the east side
of the Twin Barns Loop Trail just south of the Beaver Deceiver. Jim got us
on yet another RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD nest just north of the deceiver. We also
had some quick looks of WESTERN TANAGER.
Birding the Orchard in the afternoon was still productive with good looks
of CEDAR WAXWING, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK. A BUSHTIT
nest continues in the Douglas Fir just to the left of the green access gate
across from the Education Center Parking lot. Jon observed a late
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW along the entrance road.
As a side note, we regularly see BANK SWALLOW at the Refuge with varying
numbers. Sometimes it's just 2-3, yesterday was upwards of 9 and probably
more. Last week we had a count greater than 20. Reviewing our records we
found several counts of 20 or more in May, June and July over the last 5
years. We speculate a breeding colony may exist further up the Nisqually
River, but we don't know for certain.
For the Day we observed 84 species. First of Year included: Green Heron,
Great-Horned Owl, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Western Wood-pewee, Red-breasted
Nuthatch(really hard to confirm on the Refuge), and Western Tanager. See
our eBird Report pasted below, which includes details and embedded photos.
Hopefully we will hear and see the Willow Flycatcher next week.
Others seen included many Eastern Cottontail Rabbit, Columbia Black-tailed
Deer, Townsend's Chipmunk, Muskrat, Long-tailed Weasel, and Harbor Seal.
Until next week when we meet again at 8am at the Visitor Center Pond
Overlook, Happy Birding,
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
May 20, 2026 6:29 AM - 4:40 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.35 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Cloudy in the morning with sunny
skies in the afternoon. Temperatures in the 50’s to 60’s degrees
Fahrenheit. A Low -3’02” Tide at 3:06pm. Mammals seen Eastern Cotton-tailed
Rabbit, Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Muskrat, Long-tailed Weasel,
Townsend’s Chipmunk, and Harbor Seal.
84 species (+5 other taxa)
Greater White-fronted Goose 7
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 80
Wood Duck 10
Blue-winged Teal 4
Cinnamon Teal 6
Northern Shoveler 4
Gadwall 7
Mallard 100
Northern Pintail 2
Green-winged Teal (American) 3
Ring-necked Duck 2
Bufflehead 1
Hooded Merganser 30
Common Merganser 6
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2
Band-tailed Pigeon 35
Mourning Dove 2
Anna's Hummingbird 1
Rufous Hummingbird 10
hummingbird sp. 1
Virginia Rail 8
Sora 5
Killdeer 1
Hudsonian Whimbrel 12
Long-billed Dowitcher 10
Wilson's Snipe 1
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Short-billed Gull 1 Small yellow legged gull with small yellow bill
and dove shaped head. Foraging on mudflats with RBGU and
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull, observed with bins and scope at 100-300 feet.
Photos.
Ring-billed Gull 75
California Gull 60
Glaucous-winged Gull 3
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 40
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 30
Larus sp. 100
Caspian Tern 53
Pied-billed Grebe 2
Double-crested Cormorant 54
Green Heron 1 Seen by Laurie and others flying over the Nisqually
Estuary Trail or dike into the fresh water marsh.
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 60
Turkey Vulture (Northern) 4
Bald Eagle 50
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Great Horned Owl 1
Belted Kingfisher 2
Red-breasted Sapsucker 2
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 1
Northern Flicker 1
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 1
Olive-sided Flycatcher 1
Western Wood-Pewee 6
Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope) 2
Hutton's Vireo (Pacific) 2
Western Warbling Vireo 8
Steller's Jay (Coastal) 2
American Crow 8
Common Raven 3
Black-capped Chickadee 10
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 2
Bank Swallow 9 Counted individually. Likely more.
Tree Swallow 25
Violet-green Swallow 1
Purple Martin 2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 6
Barn Swallow (American) 60
Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group) 80
Bushtit (Pacific) 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown Creeper 2
Marsh Wren 15
Bewick's Wren 6
European Starling 100
Swainson's Thrush 45 Counted in groups of three. Likely more. Numerous
through out the Refuge.
American Robin 40
Cedar Waxwing 20
Purple Finch 2
American Goldfinch 8
Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 5
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 34
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 Observed on the Nisqually Estuary Trail/Dike
perched in a small leafless bush. Observed with spotting scope at 100 feet
for 15 seconds. A melospiza type sparrow with gray and brown stripes on the
head. Dark bill, and Buffy breast with fine stripes. Likely late migrant.
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 3
Bullock's Oriole 5
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 50
Brown-headed Cowbird 20
Orange-crowned Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 10
Northern Yellow Warbler 55
Wilson's Warbler 4
Western Tanager 3
Black-headed Grosbeak 4
Date: 5/20/26 9:15 pm From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] migration isn't over
The Houston Audubon Society has a couple of water drips at Boy Scout Woods
in High Island, Texas. They actually have bleachers at the drip by the
entrance. It is a great place to just sit and wait to see what shows up !
*Hans Feddern*
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
<thefedderns...>
On Wed, May 20, 2026 at 5:14 PM Philomena O'Neill <
<philomenaoneill...> wrote:
> I think you are right Dennis, moving water does seem to attract migrants.
> We have a recirculating stream we installed in the yard and it attracts
> migrant birds every year. A few days ago we had five Western Tanagers, a
> Yellow Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler and a Swainson’s Thrush all bathing
> along the stream.
>
> Philomena
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On May 19, 2026, at 4:02 PM, Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> I also had my FOY male Western Tanager at Lake Lorene/ Twin Lakes this
> morning. It popped up on a bare branch on top of an alder. Seemed it just
> came out of the “shower” shaking all the road dust from traveling off ……
>
>
> *Hans Feddern*
> Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
> <thefedderns...>
>
> On Tue, May 19, 2026 at 3:47 PM Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>> I just had two first-year male Western Tanagers at our fountain. They
>> don’t breed in our Maple Leaf neighborhood, as far as I know, but we see
>> them almost every year in migration.
>>
>> The sound of moving water attracts migrants out of the trees, and I
>> highly recommend it for attracting birds that you might not see otherwise.
>> These two birds came at the same time, the only ones so far this year, and
>> it does make you wonder if two birds of the same species might stick
>> together during nocturnal migration. It also could be that these two found
>> each other during the day and were just were hanging out together for a
>> while, as four eyes are better than two at detecting potential predators.
>> But they came together and left together.
>>
>> The tanagers were scared away by a Band-tailed Pigeon that flew down to
>> the fountain, then by an American Robin, but they would come back and
>> continue bathing and squabbling. If they were buddies, why fight over a
>> pool that was big enough for both? But birds often do defend the little
>> space around them against birds of the same species, even when flocking
>> together. They spent a total of nine minutes at the fountain, providing all
>> the photo ops I could have hoped for.
>>
>> Dennis Paulson
>> 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: 5/20/26 7:44 pm From: Carol Riddell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Red-winged Blackbird = Banding Code RWBL
Hi All,
It is incumbent upon all of us, if we want to communicate clearly with each other, to know and use the correct common names of birds that we commonly know and see. And because abbreviations are the bane of clear writing, at least at one time Tweeters banned the use of abbreviations in subject lines of posts. Whether in the subject line or the text of a post, the full name of the bird should be used once. Then the use of a four-letter banding code or other abbreviation ideally should follow in parentheses and then be used throughout the remaining text: “A Red-winged Blackbird (RWBL) appeared at my feeders for the first time. I then saw the RWBL on two subsequent days.” The banding code has never been RWBB. It is RW because Red-winged is hyphenated. It is then BL because blackbird is one word. The banding codes are easily searchable through any internet browser. But they are not helpful to those who have not learned them or used them regularly. And for one to save a moment or two in writing a post, look at how many posts have now been devoted to the difference between a Eurasian thrush named Redwing and our common blackbird, the Red-winged Blackbird. I guess I am a Tweeters grump, but I must say I got a chuckle out of the image of Ruth Sullivan stomping down an Olympia street in search of the Redwing. I was there myself and watched her with more interest than I devoted to the Redwing.
Date: 5/20/26 11:38 am From: Phil Mitchell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] no sighting - requesting beta testers for birding by ear app
Sounds like a great project. Just a heads up that the Larkwire app (for
learning bird sounds) is fully accessible for blind and visually impaired
users and we are happy to gift subscriptions to those in need.
cheers,
Phil Mitchell
Larkwire founder
On Mon, May 18, 2026 at 7:12 PM Warble Bird Songs via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Greetings bird enthusiasts,
>
> Warble Bird Songs, an ear-birding app, is requesting your help. Our small
> team is looking for beta testers to try out this nearly completed app and
> provide feedback. Tired of automatic app-generated identifications? Ever
> struggled with terminology to describe a sound? Warble Bird Songs will
> help! It builds ear-birding skills by developing your pattern recognition
> skills. It contains tutorials and provides a new and interactive approach
> to learning bird sound.
>
> Warble Bird Songs contains accessibility features that make it an
> effective tool for blind and visually impaired users to learn ear-birding.
> In fact, that is the primary goal of the app. Yet sighted users will find
> it useful without even realizing these underlying features.
>
> We’re a not-for-profit endeavor. Please help us improve the app that will
> allow the blind and sighted to become better ear-birders independently. All
> skill levels from beginner to advanced are welcome. For more information or
> to sign up as a beta-tester, please visit
> https://warblebirdsongs.wixsite.com/warble-bird-songs >
> Much appreciated -
>
>
> Nora Livingston
>
> Lee Vining, CA
>
>
> Kristie Nelson
>
> Eunice, MO
>
>
> Jeffrey Blatt
>
> Tehachapi, CA
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 5/20/26 3:50 am From: Michael Price via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlins
Hey tweets,
Loving this thread on my favorite bird. Merlins are ever-fascinating. Crafty, as in pretending to be just another bird in passerine flight behind a starling flock (buddy, you may have the undulant flight style down pat, but those pointed wings don't fool anyone. Until they do). Playful: I've seen a Merlin toy with a swallow for several minutes before allowing it to go on its bemused, terrified way; I've also spent half an hour watching a Merlin rowdily barrelhousing with a couple of crows, taking turns chasing. Patient: at the Granville Island Market one hot, crowded summer afternoon, a Merlin and House Finch sat in almost reaching distance above people's heads, each in a small planting no more than 3 m/9 ft apart for nearly half an hour until the finch's nerve broke and it made a break for it: the little falcon rose to it and plucked it from the air as adroitly as Ozzie Smith picking off a line drive heading for a two-base hit into left. Ferocious: a hen Black Merlin going all Casino Joe Pesci on a Red-Tailed Hawk until the appalled hawk flew off, bleeding. Relaxed: a word not usually applicable to Merlins, who usually seem happiest only if they get to punch someone in the mouth. A pair of Taiga Merlins languidly circling on thermals over downtown Vancouver BC on a warm early April afternoon with a handful of other northbound raptors in a brief glimpse into the Peaceful Kingdom.
best wishes, m
Michael Price Vancouver BC Canada <loblollyboy...>
Date: 5/19/26 4:12 pm From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] migration isn't over
I also had my FOY male Western Tanager at Lake Lorene/ Twin Lakes this
morning. It popped up on a bare branch on top of an alder. Seemed it just
came out of the “shower” shaking all the road dust from traveling off ……
*Hans Feddern*
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
<thefedderns...>
On Tue, May 19, 2026 at 3:47 PM Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> I just had two first-year male Western Tanagers at our fountain. They
> don’t breed in our Maple Leaf neighborhood, as far as I know, but we see
> them almost every year in migration.
>
> The sound of moving water attracts migrants out of the trees, and I highly
> recommend it for attracting birds that you might not see otherwise. These
> two birds came at the same time, the only ones so far this year, and it
> does make you wonder if two birds of the same species might stick together
> during nocturnal migration. It also could be that these two found each
> other during the day and were just were hanging out together for a while,
> as four eyes are better than two at detecting potential predators. But they
> came together and left together.
>
> The tanagers were scared away by a Band-tailed Pigeon that flew down to
> the fountain, then by an American Robin, but they would come back and
> continue bathing and squabbling. If they were buddies, why fight over a
> pool that was big enough for both? But birds often do defend the little
> space around them against birds of the same species, even when flocking
> together. They spent a total of nine minutes at the fountain, providing all
> the photo ops I could have hoped for.
>
> Dennis Paulson
> Seattle
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 5/19/26 3:58 pm From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] migration isn't over
I just had two first-year male Western Tanagers at our fountain. They don’t breed in our Maple Leaf neighborhood, as far as I know, but we see them almost every year in migration.
The sound of moving water attracts migrants out of the trees, and I highly recommend it for attracting birds that you might not see otherwise. These two birds came at the same time, the only ones so far this year, and it does make you wonder if two birds of the same species might stick together during nocturnal migration. It also could be that these two found each other during the day and were just were hanging out together for a while, as four eyes are better than two at detecting potential predators. But they came together and left together.
The tanagers were scared away by a Band-tailed Pigeon that flew down to the fountain, then by an American Robin, but they would come back and continue bathing and squabbling. If they were buddies, why fight over a pool that was big enough for both? But birds often do defend the little space around them against birds of the same species, even when flocking together. They spent a total of nine minutes at the fountain, providing all the photo ops I could have hoped for.
Date: 5/19/26 2:19 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] BLM Eagles Pride Golf Course Monthly Birdwalk - Thursday, May 21 - 8:00AM Start
Hi Tweeters,
The next Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) birdwalk is scheduled for Thursday, May 21 at 8:00AM.
The JBLM Eagles Pride GC birders do the tour d'course the third Thursday of every month. We meet at 8:00AM<outlook-data-detector://2> through October 2026. (Change to 9:00AM in November.)
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 recreation facility, you don't need any ID to attend these birdwalks. Hope you're able to make it!
Current weather forecast is 54degF-69degF start to finish (RealFeel 58-77) with a 1% chance of rain and mostly sunny during the walk. Looks like a fine day for birding. As always, dress for success!
Date: 5/19/26 12:28 pm From: Odette James via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Redwings
I was a compiler for an eastern Christmas bird count for about a decade and assisted my husband when he was compiler of that count for the previous decade. When he took on the job, I put the entire history of the count into a spreadsheet. I was astonished to see that in the early years of the count, the original compiler had reported Red-winged Blackbirds as Redwings, and the national count had recorded them as Redwings - the European thrush. I got in touch with the people who were maintaining the count records and got the data corrected. I wonder how many old Christmas count records have the same error. Odette James, the Lakeshore Retirement Community, where the view of the south end of Lake Washington and the Cedar River delta greets us when we enter our dining room _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/19/26 9:50 am From: Carol Riddell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Edmonds Roundup - April 2026
Hi Tweeters,
We ended April with 147 species on our Edmonds year list. The added species in taxonomic order are:
Snow Goose (code 3), about 300 in flight over Mathay-Ballinger Park, 4-15-26.
Cinnamon Teal (code 3), 2 (male, female) at Edmonds marsh (ID photos), 4-26-26
Eurasian Collared-Dove (code 3), 1 at Edmonds marsh, 4-23-26
Hudsonian Whimbrel (code 3), 2 at the waterfront, 4-24-26
Greater Yellowlegs (code 3), 1 at Edmonds marsh (ID photo; recording), 4-6-26
Least Sandpiper (code 1), 5 at Edmonds marsh, 4-18-26
Western Sandpiper (code 1), 1 at Edmonds marsh, 4-23-26
Caspian Tern (code 2), 1 at the waterfront, 4-12-26
American White Pelican (code 4), 3 at the waterfront (not described but eBird confirmed, surprisingly), 4-10-24; 6 photographed at Edmonds marsh, 4-24-26
Turkey Vulture (code 3), 1 at Chase Lake Elementary School, 4-2-26
Osprey (code 2), 1 at Edmonds marsh, 4-4-26
Western Flycatcher (code 2), 1 at Southwest County Park, 4-6-26
Western Warbling Vireo (code 2), 1 at Haines Wharf Park, 4-24-26
Purple Martin (code 3), 2 at the waterfront, 4-19-26
Townsend’s Solitaire (code 4), 1 in City Park neighborhood, 4-22-26
Swainson’s Thrush (code 2), 1 at Southwest County Park, 4-26-26
American Pipit (code 3), 18 at Edmonds marsh, 4-9-26
Evening Grosbeak (code 3), 1 at Yost Park, 4-20-26
Chipping Sparrow (code 4), 2 on Edmonds Interurban Trail (ID photo)
Savannah Sparrow (code 2), 1 at the waterfront, 4-3-26 (multiple other sightings throughout April)
Yellow-headed Blackbird (code 3), 1 male at Edmonds marsh, 4-25-26
Brown-headed Cowbird (code 2), 2 at Edmonds marsh, 4-19-26
Brewer’s Blackbird (code 3), 1 adult male in Edmonds Lake Ballinger neighborhood, 4-19-26
Common Yellowthroat (code 3), 1 at Edmonds marsh (witchedy calls), 4-10-126
Northern Yellow Warbler (code 2), 1 at Edmonds marsh, 4-26-26
Black-throated Gray Warbler (code 2), 1 at Southwest County Park, 4-6-26
Wilson’s Warbler (code 2), 1 at Yost Park, 4-23-26
Western Tanager (code 2), 2 in the City Park neighborhood, 4-20-26
Declined for lack of documentation: California Quail (code 3), American Herring Gull (code 4), Cassin’s Vireo (code 3), Northern House Wren (code 4), MacGillivray’s Warbler (code 4).
Other birds of interest: One of the Great Horned Owls (code 4) was heard vocalizing in the Seaview neighborhood on the evening of 4-21-26. The Lesser Goldfinch (code 5) made no feeder appearances, at least none that were observed, during April.
By way of explanation, we start additions to our year list based on birders letting me know about sightings. We then review eBird reports to see if we can add further species based on information included in checklists. With rarer birds, code 3 or rarer, we look for something more than a checklist tick. Those of us who use eBird know that we occasionally make data entry errors, so those have to be ruled out for our purposes. We then look for evidence such as a description of critical field marks, photos, or recordings. If none of those is included, we then decline to add the species at this time. This has no effect on an eBirder’s personal records.
As always, I appreciate it when birders get in touch with me to share sightings, photos, or recordings. It helps us build our collective year list. If you would like a copy of our 2026 Edmonds city checklist, please request it from this email address: checklistedmonds at gmail dot com. The 2026 checklist, with April sightings on it, is in the bird information box at the Olympic Beach Visitor Station at the base of the public pier.
Good birding,
Carol Riddell
Edmonds, WA
cariddellwa at gmail dot com
Abundance codes: (1) Common, (2) Uncommon, (3) Harder to find, usually seen annually, (4) Rare, 5+ records, (5) Fewer than 5 records
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/19/26 8:53 am From: Carol Riddell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Consequences of War
Hi Tweeters,
At the listserv it appears that Ellen’s post about Shidvar Island wildlife was truncated. I found at least one article at apnews.com in the World section. The headline is “Video and satellite photos show Iran war oil spill on Persian Gulf Island”. As it always is with war, the environmental degradation and harm to wildlife is heartbreaking.
Date: 5/18/26 11:26 pm From: Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlin and their prey
Down here it's been Cooper's Hawks (among others) which simply sit on the
Chimney. This has resulted in the relocation from the long, historic
Chapman School Chimney, to spread out across the PDX metropolitan area
Maybe just as well, not to be so concentrated.
And as to Merlins and Starlings, our family once spent a weekend in an
Ilwaco house loaned by a friend. Saturday morning, as we were heading down
to the beach, I stepped out the front door, only to have a passing Merlin
swerve upward, away from its neighborhood cruise, dropping at the exact
moment, a decreased Starling, right at my feet. We placed the Starling on
the railing, but upon returning, it was still there. I guess there were
plenty more out there.
Bob OBrien Portland
(please appreciate this was an actual observation of two *Washington* Birds!
On Mon, May 18, 2026 at 12:19 PM Diane Yorgason-Quinn <avosetta...>
wrote:
> Here's my story of Merlins:
>
> I count Vaux's Swifts at migration roosts (chimneys). Several years ago,
> swifts were circling a chimney I was observing when a Merlin flew in and
> grabbed it. This is particularly interesting because swifts are swift, and
> falcons are really the only aerial flyers who can hope to grab one.
> Anyway, this Merlin proceeded to bring the swift over to a low rooftop
> right in front of our team and had a meal. Gruesomely fascinating.
>
> The bad news is that when Merlins tell their friends, there will be so
> many of them out hunting swifts at a particular chimney, that the swifts,
> being intelligent, will search for new roosts and abandon what was really a
> great chimney. This has happened to several chimneys in the northwest.
>
> Diane Yorgason-Quinn
> Gig Harbor, WA
> <avosetta...>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf
> of Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> *Sent:* Monday, May 18, 2026 11:58 AM
> *To:* tweeters <tweeters...>
> *Subject:* [Tweeters] Merlin and their prey
>
> I've had a few very interesting observations in many years (decades) of
> birding.
>
> 1. I was birding the formerly-famous BayOcean flats on Tillamook Bay,
> long ago. There was the usual large 'peep' flock of mostly Western
> Sandpipers,; a Merlin came in, up high, flushing the flock. The Merlin
> casually circled and disappeared; the peep landed and resumed feeding.
> 5-10 minutes later I spotted the Merlin, far off, flying with its usual
> speed, about 12 inches above the mudflats. It soon was in the midst of the
> flock, snatched a 'piper, and again disappeared. The flock, minus one,
> landed and continued feeding.
>
> 2. Birding Sauvies Island, there was a large flock of Bushtits in the top
> of a huge Oregon Oak. A distant Merlin appeared, apparently just passing
> through, flew into the top of the oak, plucking a Bushtit (sorta' like a
> grape) as an orderve, all in one motion.
>
> 3. Once in Happy Valley up on the upper reaches of the city, I noticed a
> pair of distant birds coming towards me at about 100'. As they got closer
> I realized the lead bird was a Mourning Dove and the following bird, you
> guessed it. Down the bill from me was a very large pine tree, into which
> the dove disappeared. The Merlin soon arrived and started circling the
> pine, looking for an opening. After a few transits, with the Merlin on the
> opposite side, the dove decided to flee and took off in the original
> direction, the Merlin right behind. They were soon far above the ground
> which dropped away into the valley, maybe 1000' .And so the pair
> disappeared, just as they had appeared, into the distance.. Both are very
> strong fliers, and their ultimate ending remains unknown. A test of
> endurance, rather than speed, to which they appeared as equals.
>
> Bob OBrien Portland
>
>
Date: 5/18/26 11:13 pm From: Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlins
Moving forward across the Atlantic and a few centuries advanced: JJA (John
James Audubon, French) was impressed enough with *"Le Petit Caporal"* that
he illustrated it twice in his two works:
- *Common Names: Merlin, Pigeon Hawk, Little Corporal*
- *Description: This illustration features a striking male Merlin
perched on a branch, having just captured a small bird.*
- *Details: Audubon named it "Le Petit Caporal" (Little Corporal) in
homage to Napoleon Bonaparte, a nod to the falcon's fierce, combative, and
bold demeanor. You can view the full image via the National Audubon Society
<https://www.audubon.org/art/birds-of-america/le-petit-caporal>. *
*2. Pigeon Hawk (Plate 92 / 1830)*
- *Common Names: Pigeon Hawk*
- *Description: This plate features both a male and a female Merlin. The
male is depicted in a high-speed dive, while the female is perched above
clutching her prey.*
- *Details: This composition vividly captures the aggressive, mid-air
predatory nature of the species. You can view the original artwork through
the National Audubon Society
<https://www.audubon.org/art/birds-of-america/pigeon-hawk>. *
*(Note: In the later, smaller Royal Octavo editions of his book, these two
illustrations were re-designated as Plate 75 and Plate 21, respectively).*
*----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*
Currently, in spite of the spike of recent splits, the Merlin is still a
single species worldwide, but more than 10 subspecies recognized. The
Pacific NW is so fortunate to host perhaps the most spectacular, the Black
Merlin (Falco columbarius suckleyi) eBird has them occurring as far south
as San Francisco.
On Mon, May 18, 2026 at 6:17 PM Rob Faucett via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Origins for both are surprisingly simliar ca. 1130.
>
> So now we have a raptor called merlin back to 1180, getting pretty close
> to the wizard’s 1130 debut. But considering merlins were historically used
> in falconry, which dates to possibly as far back as 2000 BC, it seems
> likely that people were discussing merlins (as *esmerilun* or *smiril*)
> long before Monmouth transformed Myrddin the Wild into Merlin the Wizard.
> We just don’t know for sure. But if this seems confusing, here is what we
> do know:
>
> -
>
> The shared name of the bird and the wizard is pure coincidence. Merlin
> and the merlin have completely separate and unrelated origins.
> -
>
> Their modern(ish) names appear in writing, in Monmouth’s *Prophetiæ
> Merlini *and in early Germanic texts about falconry, at about the same
> time in the 1100s.
> -
>
> The actual species we now call* Falco columbarius* was snatching
> pigeons from the sky and quail from the ground thousands of years before we
> humans started writing about wizards (or writing at all, for that matter!).
>
>
>
>
> --
> Rob Faucett
> Seattle, WA
> (206) 619-5569
>
> On May 18, 2026, at 4:01 PM, Tom Benedict via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> According to All About Birds
> <https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Merlin/overview>: >
> "The name “Merlin” comes from esmerillon, the old French name for the
> species. Merlins used to be called “pigeon hawks” because in flight they
> look somewhat pigeon-like. Their species name, columbarius, is also a
> reference to pigeons.”
>
> Tom Benedict
> Seahurst, WA
>
> On May 18, 2026, at 15:33, Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Ahh, but was that because they hunted pigeons or because they were about
> the size of one? The name *columbarius* I guess doesn’t really answer
> that question. It would be interesting to know what they knew about the
> species when it was named by Linnaeus in 1758.
>
> And how does Merlin relate to Merlin the Magician? Wikipedia makes it
> clear that the two names have entirely different origins!
>
> Dennis Paulson
> Seattle
>
> On May 18, 2026, at 3:09 PM, HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> The common name for Merlin used to be Pigeon Hawk.
>
> Hal Michael
> Olympia WA
> 360-459-4005
> 360-791-7702 (C)
> <ucd880...>
>
>
>
> On 05/18/2026 11:25 AM PDT Joe Buchanan via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> Tweeters -
>
> Merlins are amazing predators and capture a wide range of species. During
> the breeding season it is logical that they regularly take smaller prey,
> which allows them to make regular trips back to the nest with food. During
> the nonbreeding season, Merlins that are associated with estuaries in other
> parts of the Pacific Flyway (e.g., central coastal California; see Page and
> Whitacre 1975) may focus on smaller sandpipers. In Washington, however, the
> Dunlin is the primary shorebird prey during winter. Merlins regularly take
> starlings and blackbirds in agricultural areas during the winter, so prey
> of that size is well documented although less preferred than smaller
> species like the House Sparrow. I have seen a Merlin take a Eurasian
> Collared Dove and in downtown Olympia in the 1980s, a Merlin famously
> targeted and captured Rock Pigeons. The latter two prey species are clearly
> at the upper end of the size range for a Merlin!
>
> In the breeding season, I have seen Merlins with chickadees, sparrows,
> Cedar Waxwings, etc., but witnesses near nests have reported seeing
> Steller's Jay fledglings as prey items. Merlins are perhaps surprisingly
> tenacious predators.
>
> Joe Buchanan
> Olympia
> <jlrj...>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 5/18/26 9:29 pm From: Kevin Lucas via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] no sighting - requesting beta testers for birding by ear app
Based on the post, as a stated not-for-profit with what seems to be an
admirable goal, I am not opposed to it appearing on Tweeters.
I enjoy reading accounts of pelagic trips out of Westport without being
tweaked about who might or might not be profiting from those trips.
Perhaps there is no equivalence or comparison in some Tweeters' subscribers
minds. I don't mean to offend, only to state that I'm not offended by what
seems to me to be a harmless post.
Accessibility and inclusiveness are great goals -- from my first world
perspective as a tall, overfed, white male with limited physical and mental
disabilities.
On Mon, May 18, 2026 at 7:31 PM Rob Faucett via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> I don’t know the rules but I’m opposed to this type of material being
> posted on TWEETERS.
>
> Best to an all.
>
> Rob
> —
> Rob Faucett
> +1(206) 619-5569
> <robfaucett...>
> Seattle, WA 98105
>
> On May 18, 2026, at 7:12 PM, Warble Bird Songs via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
>
> Greetings bird enthusiasts,
>
> Warble Bird Songs, an ear-birding app, is requesting your help. Our small
> team is looking for beta testers to try out this nearly completed app and
> provide feedback. Tired of automatic app-generated identifications? Ever
> struggled with terminology to describe a sound? Warble Bird Songs will
> help! It builds ear-birding skills by developing your pattern recognition
> skills. It contains tutorials and provides a new and interactive approach
> to learning bird sound.
>
> Warble Bird Songs contains accessibility features that make it an
> effective tool for blind and visually impaired users to learn ear-birding.
> In fact, that is the primary goal of the app. Yet sighted users will find
> it useful without even realizing these underlying features.
>
> We’re a not-for-profit endeavor. Please help us improve the app that will
> allow the blind and sighted to become better ear-birders independently. All
> skill levels from beginner to advanced are welcome. For more information or
> to sign up as a beta-tester, please visit
> https://warblebirdsongs.wixsite.com/warble-bird-songs >
> Much appreciated -
>
>
> Nora Livingston
>
> Lee Vining, CA
>
>
> Kristie Nelson
>
> Eunice, MO
>
>
> Jeffrey Blatt
>
> Tehachapi, CA
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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: 5/18/26 7:55 pm From: Shelf Life Community Story Project via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Bird strike question
Hi all
Last night, at about 10:30 pm, a bird hit our kitchen window. It was stunned and sat on the window sill for a couple of seconds and then flew away. That gave us the opportunity to see that it was possibly a song sparrow or white-crowned. It was dark out and the bird didn’t stick around, so we didn’t get a great look, but that’s what we thought we had seen.
I have lived in this house for 20 years and not once had a window strike (that I know of). I have anti-strike decals on all windows. We’re in Seattle’s Central District, in a small house sandwiched between two much larger duplexes, and the kitchen is on the first floor facing one of the duplexes, so a bird has to really go out of its way to fly anywhere near our kitchen window. There’s only about five feet of space between our house and the taller buildings on either side. Birds would have to fly around those buildings that are on either side of us, then make a 90 degree turn, just to get to the kitchen window. In short, what I’m describing is not a window that is directly in anybody’s path.
I know indoor light can still confuse a bird, even if they’re not migrating or in a hurry to get somewhere. But who is out flying around at 10:30 pm other than migrators passing over? We mostly see the usual suspects around here (in the daytime) Bewick’s Wrens, Song Sparrows, White Crowned and Golden Crowned Sparrows, House Sparrows, Juncos, Chickadees, Robins. Would any of them be cruising around, in unlikely places, at high speeds, at 10:30 at night? And why flying so fast in such an unlikely place? Are coopers active at night? Would owls hunt song birds at night?
There are few sounds I hate worse than the sound of a bird hitting a window. Somehow knowing more makes me feel like I have some control over it not happening again. Educate me!
Date: 5/18/26 7:41 pm From: Rob Faucett via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] no sighting - requesting beta testers for birding by ear app
I don’t know the rules but I’m opposed to this type of material being posted on TWEETERS.
Best to an all.
Rob
—
Rob Faucett
+1(206) 619-5569
<robfaucett...>
Seattle, WA 98105
> On May 18, 2026, at 7:12 PM, Warble Bird Songs via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> Greetings bird enthusiasts,
>
> Warble Bird Songs, an ear-birding app, is requesting your help. Our small team is looking for beta testers to try out this nearly completed app and provide feedback. Tired of automatic app-generated identifications? Ever struggled with terminology to describe a sound? Warble Bird Songs will help! It builds ear-birding skills by developing your pattern recognition skills. It contains tutorials and provides a new and interactive approach to learning bird sound.
>
> Warble Bird Songs contains accessibility features that make it an effective tool for blind and visually impaired users to learn ear-birding. In fact, that is the primary goal of the app. Yet sighted users will find it useful without even realizing these underlying features.
>
> We’re a not-for-profit endeavor. Please help us improve the app that will allow the blind and sighted to become better ear-birders independently. All skill levels from beginner to advanced are welcome. For more information or to sign up as a beta-tester, please visit https://warblebirdsongs.wixsite.com/warble-bird-songs >
> Much appreciated -
>
> Nora Livingston
> Lee Vining, CA
>
> Kristie Nelson
> Eunice, MO
>
> Jeffrey Blatt
> Tehachapi, CA
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/18/26 7:21 pm From: Warble Bird Songs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] no sighting - requesting beta testers for birding by ear app
Greetings bird enthusiasts,
Warble Bird Songs, an ear-birding app, is requesting your help. Our small
team is looking for beta testers to try out this nearly completed app and
provide feedback. Tired of automatic app-generated identifications? Ever
struggled with terminology to describe a sound? Warble Bird Songs will
help! It builds ear-birding skills by developing your pattern recognition
skills. It contains tutorials and provides a new and interactive approach
to learning bird sound.
Warble Bird Songs contains accessibility features that make it an effective
tool for blind and visually impaired users to learn ear-birding. In fact,
that is the primary goal of the app. Yet sighted users will find it useful
without even realizing these underlying features.
We’re a not-for-profit endeavor. Please help us improve the app that will
allow the blind and sighted to become better ear-birders independently. All
skill levels from beginner to advanced are welcome. For more information or
to sign up as a beta-tester, please visit
https://warblebirdsongs.wixsite.com/warble-bird-songs
Date: 5/18/26 6:27 pm From: Rob Faucett via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlins
Origins for both are surprisingly simliar ca. 1130.
So now we have a raptor called merlin back to 1180, getting pretty close to the wizard’s 1130 debut. But considering merlins were historically used in falconry, which dates to possibly as far back as 2000 BC, it seems likely that people were discussing merlins (as esmerilun or smiril) long before Monmouth transformed Myrddin the Wild into Merlin the Wizard. We just don’t know for sure. But if this seems confusing, here is what we do know:
The shared name of the bird and the wizard is pure coincidence. Merlin and the merlin have completely separate and unrelated origins.
Their modern(ish) names appear in writing, in Monmouth’s Prophetiæ Merlini and in early Germanic texts about falconry, at about the same time in the 1100s.
The actual species we now call Falco columbarius was snatching pigeons from the sky and quail from the ground thousands of years before we humans started writing about wizards (or writing at all, for that matter!).
--
Rob Faucett
Seattle, WA
(206) 619-5569
> On May 18, 2026, at 4:01 PM, Tom Benedict via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> According to All About Birds <https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Merlin/overview>: >
> "The name “Merlin” comes from esmerillon, the old French name for the species. Merlins used to be called “pigeon hawks” because in flight they look somewhat pigeon-like. Their species name, columbarius, is also a reference to pigeons.”
>
> Tom Benedict
> Seahurst, WA
>
>> On May 18, 2026, at 15:33, Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>>
>> Ahh, but was that because they hunted pigeons or because they were about the size of one? The name columbarius I guess doesn’t really answer that question. It would be interesting to know what they knew about the species when it was named by Linnaeus in 1758.
>>
>> And how does Merlin relate to Merlin the Magician? Wikipedia makes it clear that the two names have entirely different origins!
>>
>> Dennis Paulson
>> Seattle
>>
>>> On May 18, 2026, at 3:09 PM, HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters <tweeters...> <mailto:<tweeters...>> wrote:
>>>
>>> The common name for Merlin used to be Pigeon Hawk.
>>>
>>> Hal Michael
>>> Olympia WA
>>> 360-459-4005
>>> 360-791-7702 (C)
>>> <ucd880...> <mailto:<ucd880...> >>>
>>>
>>>> On 05/18/2026 11:25 AM PDT Joe Buchanan via Tweeters <tweeters...> <mailto:<tweeters...>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Tweeters -
>>>>
>>>> Merlins are amazing predators and capture a wide range of species. During the breeding season it is logical that they regularly take smaller prey, which allows them to make regular trips back to the nest with food. During the nonbreeding season, Merlins that are associated with estuaries in other parts of the Pacific Flyway (e.g., central coastal California; see Page and Whitacre 1975) may focus on smaller sandpipers. In Washington, however, the Dunlin is the primary shorebird prey during winter. Merlins regularly take starlings and blackbirds in agricultural areas during the winter, so prey of that size is well documented although less preferred than smaller species like the House Sparrow. I have seen a Merlin take a Eurasian Collared Dove and in downtown Olympia in the 1980s, a Merlin famously targeted and captured Rock Pigeons. The latter two prey species are clearly at the upper end of the size range for a Merlin!
>>>>
>>>> In the breeding season, I have seen Merlins with chickadees, sparrows, Cedar Waxwings, etc., but witnesses near nests have reported seeing Steller's Jay fledglings as prey items. Merlins are perhaps surprisingly tenacious predators.
>>>>
>>>> Joe Buchanan
>>>> Olympia
>>>> <jlrj...> <mailto:<jlrj...> >>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Tweeters mailing list
>>>> <Tweeters...> <mailto:<Tweeters...> >>>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>> _______________________________________________
>>> Tweeters mailing list
>>> <Tweeters...> <mailto:<Tweeters...> >>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/18/26 6:17 pm From: HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlins
At least around downtown Olympia they were recognized as pigeon-eaters.
Hal Michael
Olympia WA
360-459-4005
360-791-7702 (C)
<ucd880...>
> On 05/18/2026 3:33 PM PDT Dennis Paulson <dennispaulson...> wrote:
>
>
> Ahh, but was that because they hunted pigeons or because they were about the size of one? The name columbarius I guess doesn’t really answer that question. It would be interesting to know what they knew about the species when it was named by Linnaeus in 1758.
>
> And how does Merlin relate to Merlin the Magician? Wikipedia makes it clear that the two names have entirely different origins!
>
> Dennis Paulson
> Seattle
>
>
> > On May 18, 2026, at 3:09 PM, HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters <tweeters...> mailto:<tweeters...> wrote:
> > The common name for Merlin used to be Pigeon Hawk.
> >
> > Hal Michael
> > Olympia WA
> > 360-459-4005
> > 360-791-7702 (C)
> > <ucd880...> mailto:<ucd880...> > >
> >
> >
> > > On 05/18/2026 11:25 AM PDT Joe Buchanan via Tweeters <tweeters...> mailto:<tweeters...> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > Tweeters -
> > >
> > > Merlins are amazing predators and capture a wide range of species. During the breeding season it is logical that they regularly take smaller prey, which allows them to make regular trips back to the nest with food. During the nonbreeding season, Merlins that are associated with estuaries in other parts of the Pacific Flyway (e.g., central coastal California; see Page and Whitacre 1975) may focus on smaller sandpipers. In Washington, however, the Dunlin is the primary shorebird prey during winter. Merlins regularly take starlings and blackbirds in agricultural areas during the winter, so prey of that size is well documented although less preferred than smaller species like the House Sparrow. I have seen a Merlin take a Eurasian Collared Dove and in downtown Olympia in the 1980s, a Merlin famously targeted and captured Rock Pigeons. The latter two prey species are clearly at the upper end of the size range for a Merlin!
> > >
> > > In the breeding season, I have seen Merlins with chickadees, sparrows, Cedar Waxwings, etc., but witnesses near nests have reported seeing Steller's Jay fledglings as prey items. Merlins are perhaps surprisingly tenacious predators.
> > >
> > > Joe Buchanan
> > > Olympia
> > > <jlrj...> mailto:<jlrj...> > > > _______________________________________________
> > > Tweeters mailing list
> > > <Tweeters...> mailto:<Tweeters...> > > > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Tweeters mailing list
> > <Tweeters...> mailto:<Tweeters...> > > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > >
>
"The name “Merlin” comes from esmerillon, the old French name for the species. Merlins used to be called “pigeon hawks” because in flight they look somewhat pigeon-like. Their species name, columbarius, is also a reference to pigeons.”
Tom Benedict
Seahurst, WA
> On May 18, 2026, at 15:33, Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Ahh, but was that because they hunted pigeons or because they were about the size of one? The name columbarius I guess doesn’t really answer that question. It would be interesting to know what they knew about the species when it was named by Linnaeus in 1758.
>
> And how does Merlin relate to Merlin the Magician? Wikipedia makes it clear that the two names have entirely different origins!
>
> Dennis Paulson
> Seattle
>
>> On May 18, 2026, at 3:09 PM, HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters <tweeters...> <mailto:<tweeters...>> wrote:
>>
>> The common name for Merlin used to be Pigeon Hawk.
>>
>> Hal Michael
>> Olympia WA
>> 360-459-4005
>> 360-791-7702 (C)
>> <ucd880...> <mailto:<ucd880...> >>
>>
>>> On 05/18/2026 11:25 AM PDT Joe Buchanan via Tweeters <tweeters...> <mailto:<tweeters...>> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> Tweeters -
>>>
>>> Merlins are amazing predators and capture a wide range of species. During the breeding season it is logical that they regularly take smaller prey, which allows them to make regular trips back to the nest with food. During the nonbreeding season, Merlins that are associated with estuaries in other parts of the Pacific Flyway (e.g., central coastal California; see Page and Whitacre 1975) may focus on smaller sandpipers. In Washington, however, the Dunlin is the primary shorebird prey during winter. Merlins regularly take starlings and blackbirds in agricultural areas during the winter, so prey of that size is well documented although less preferred than smaller species like the House Sparrow. I have seen a Merlin take a Eurasian Collared Dove and in downtown Olympia in the 1980s, a Merlin famously targeted and captured Rock Pigeons. The latter two prey species are clearly at the upper end of the size range for a Merlin!
>>>
>>> In the breeding season, I have seen Merlins with chickadees, sparrows, Cedar Waxwings, etc., but witnesses near nests have reported seeing Steller's Jay fledglings as prey items. Merlins are perhaps surprisingly tenacious predators.
>>>
>>> Joe Buchanan
>>> Olympia
>>> <jlrj...> <mailto:<jlrj...> >>> _______________________________________________
>>> Tweeters mailing list
>>> <Tweeters...> <mailto:<Tweeters...> >>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...> <mailto:<Tweeters...> >> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/18/26 4:09 pm From: <byers345...> via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Off topic: Birds at Cabin Lake, Oregon
Hello Tweeters,
I had wanted to make the trip down to the Cabin Lake bird blinds, near Fort Rock, Oregon, for a while now. This year we had time, so we went. We had an idea what birds we might see there, particularly the Pinyon Jay, but we didn't know anything about the layout of the blinds. As it turns out, the water source is right in front of the blind, so birds were really close. We spent a delightful two hours there, then birded in the area around Fort Rock, which had a different set of birds. I have created a Flickr album with our best pictures.
Date: 5/18/26 3:44 pm From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlins
Ahh, but was that because they hunted pigeons or because they were about the size of one? The name columbarius I guess doesn’t really answer that question. It would be interesting to know what they knew about the species when it was named by Linnaeus in 1758.
And how does Merlin relate to Merlin the Magician? Wikipedia makes it clear that the two names have entirely different origins!
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
> On May 18, 2026, at 3:09 PM, HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> The common name for Merlin used to be Pigeon Hawk.
>
> Hal Michael
> Olympia WA
> 360-459-4005
> 360-791-7702 (C)
> <ucd880...>
>
>
>> On 05/18/2026 11:25 AM PDT Joe Buchanan via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Tweeters -
>>
>> Merlins are amazing predators and capture a wide range of species. During the breeding season it is logical that they regularly take smaller prey, which allows them to make regular trips back to the nest with food. During the nonbreeding season, Merlins that are associated with estuaries in other parts of the Pacific Flyway (e.g., central coastal California; see Page and Whitacre 1975) may focus on smaller sandpipers. In Washington, however, the Dunlin is the primary shorebird prey during winter. Merlins regularly take starlings and blackbirds in agricultural areas during the winter, so prey of that size is well documented although less preferred than smaller species like the House Sparrow. I have seen a Merlin take a Eurasian Collared Dove and in downtown Olympia in the 1980s, a Merlin famously targeted and captured Rock Pigeons. The latter two prey species are clearly at the upper end of the size range for a Merlin!
>>
>> In the breeding season, I have seen Merlins with chickadees, sparrows, Cedar Waxwings, etc., but witnesses near nests have reported seeing Steller's Jay fledglings as prey items. Merlins are perhaps surprisingly tenacious predators.
>>
>> Joe Buchanan
>> Olympia
>> <jlrj...>
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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: 5/18/26 3:20 pm From: HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlins
The common name for Merlin used to be Pigeon Hawk.
Hal Michael Olympia WA 360-459-4005 360-791-7702 (C) <ucd880...>
> On 05/18/2026 11:25 AM PDT Joe Buchanan via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote: > > > Tweeters - > > Merlins are amazing predators and capture a wide range of species. During the breeding season it is logical that they regularly take smaller prey, which allows them to make regular trips back to the nest with food. During the nonbreeding season, Merlins that are associated with estuaries in other parts of the Pacific Flyway (e.g., central coastal California; see Page and Whitacre 1975) may focus on smaller sandpipers. In Washington, however, the Dunlin is the primary shorebird prey during winter. Merlins regularly take starlings and blackbirds in agricultural areas during the winter, so prey of that size is well documented although less preferred than smaller species like the House Sparrow. I have seen a Merlin take a Eurasian Collared Dove and in downtown Olympia in the 1980s, a Merlin famously targeted and captured Rock Pigeons. The latter two prey species are clearly at the upper end of the size range for a Merlin! > > In the breeding season, I have seen Merlins with chickadees, sparrows, Cedar Waxwings, etc., but witnesses near nests have reported seeing Steller's Jay fledglings as prey items. Merlins are perhaps surprisingly tenacious predators. > > Joe Buchanan > Olympia > <jlrj...> > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 5/18/26 2:10 pm From: ck park via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Redwings vs RWBB
wow, the memories of that chase, where dozens (more?) descended on a
neighbourhood like locusts and probably scared a few local residents. what
was that, 25 years ago?
i have vague memories of a view of that bird, but my memory might be
wishful :) didn't we also see one of the first california scrub jays on
that trip, too?
On Mon, May 18, 2026 at 1:34 PM Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Sorry Diann! I used the shortcut for Red-winged Blackbird so that I would
> not have to spell it out several times. You are quite right about "Redwing"
> being a Eurasian thrush. As a matter of fact, I grew up in Northern Germany
> and probably have seen thousands of them on fall migration and in winter.
> You could hear them at night in the fall.
> You are right, there have been no recent sightings here in the west,
> however it brings up memories of the crowds of birders looking for the one
> in suburban Olympia many years ago. I recall Ruth Sullivan storming down
> the road looking for the bird !
>
> Hans
>
> On Mon, May 18, 2026 at 12:52 PM Diann MacRae via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>> For anyone mildly confused, merlins do, indeed, go after Redwings (the
>> European thrush) but to my knowledge I don't think any Redwings have been
>> seen locally. Maybe RWBB or some such? I know I'm being picky, but have
>> just finished working with some European stuff and it occasionally matters.
>>
>> Cheers, Diann
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>
>
>
> --
> *Hans Feddern*
> Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
> <thefedderns...>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 5/18/26 1:43 pm From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Redwings vs RWBB
Sorry Diann! I used the shortcut for Red-winged Blackbird so that I would
not have to spell it out several times. You are quite right about "Redwing"
being a Eurasian thrush. As a matter of fact, I grew up in Northern Germany
and probably have seen thousands of them on fall migration and in winter.
You could hear them at night in the fall.
You are right, there have been no recent sightings here in the west,
however it brings up memories of the crowds of birders looking for the one
in suburban Olympia many years ago. I recall Ruth Sullivan storming down
the road looking for the bird !
Hans
On Mon, May 18, 2026 at 12:52 PM Diann MacRae via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> For anyone mildly confused, merlins do, indeed, go after Redwings (the
> European thrush) but to my knowledge I don't think any Redwings have been
> seen locally. Maybe RWBB or some such? I know I'm being picky, but have
> just finished working with some European stuff and it occasionally matters.
>
> Cheers, Diann
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
--
*Hans Feddern*
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
<thefedderns...>
Here in the central Columbia Basin Merlins are a migratory bird. Most of the time when I see them with prey it is RWBL (Red-winged Blackbird) sized. Far and away their favorite prey in my neighborhood in Moses Lake are European Starlings. I always get a guiltless smile when I see a Merlin perched on a pole with a starling. When I watch murmurations of starlings it is almost always a Merlin that is creating the organized chaos. They fly lazily around the murmuration until someon makes a mistake. A single starling and a single Merlin almost always spells mealtime. I unashamedly root for the Merlin.
I've had Merlins take a variety of birds off of my feeders. Everything from House Sparrows (yahoo!) to juncos and white-crowns. The most memorable was when 5 Eurasian Collared Doves were sitting on the fence in a nice neat row. As I watched them suddenly there were 4. The 4 that were left never even left their perches (though they fluttered around a bit wondering what in the world just happened). All that was left of the 5th bird was a few feathers drifting in the breeze. To be honest even I didn't know what had happened. Then I saw the Merlin perched on a small power pole with the freshly killed dove. He had used the momentum of his strike to reach the top of the power pole with his prize and was now consuming lunch. I often wonder if a Merlin could actually fly with a dove without using that momentum to reach his preferred perch.
Date: 5/18/26 12:29 pm From: Diane Yorgason-Quinn via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlin and their prey
Here's my story of Merlins:
I count Vaux's Swifts at migration roosts (chimneys). Several years ago, swifts were circling a chimney I was observing when a Merlin flew in and grabbed it. This is particularly interesting because swifts are swift, and falcons are really the only aerial flyers who can hope to grab one. Anyway, this Merlin proceeded to bring the swift over to a low rooftop right in front of our team and had a meal. Gruesomely fascinating.
The bad news is that when Merlins tell their friends, there will be so many of them out hunting swifts at a particular chimney, that the swifts, being intelligent, will search for new roosts and abandon what was really a great chimney. This has happened to several chimneys in the northwest.
Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Gig Harbor, WA
<avosetta...>
________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2026 11:58 AM
To: tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Merlin and their prey
I've had a few very interesting observations in many years (decades) of birding.
1. I was birding the formerly-famous BayOcean flats on Tillamook Bay, long ago. There was the usual large 'peep' flock of mostly Western Sandpipers,; a Merlin came in, up high, flushing the flock. The Merlin casually circled and disappeared; the peep landed and resumed feeding. 5-10 minutes later I spotted the Merlin, far off, flying with its usual speed, about 12 inches above the mudflats. It soon was in the midst of the flock, snatched a 'piper, and again disappeared. The flock, minus one, landed and continued feeding.
2. Birding Sauvies Island, there was a large flock of Bushtits in the top of a huge Oregon Oak. A distant Merlin appeared, apparently just passing through, flew into the top of the oak, plucking a Bushtit (sorta' like a grape) as an orderve, all in one motion.
3. Once in Happy Valley up on the upper reaches of the city, I noticed a pair of distant birds coming towards me at about 100'. As they got closer I realized the lead bird was a Mourning Dove and the following bird, you guessed it. Down the bill from me was a very large pine tree, into which the dove disappeared. The Merlin soon arrived and started circling the pine, looking for an opening. After a few transits, with the Merlin on the opposite side, the dove decided to flee and took off in the original direction, the Merlin right behind. They were soon far above the ground which dropped away into the valley, maybe 1000' .And so the pair disappeared, just as they had appeared, into the distance.. Both are very strong fliers, and their ultimate ending remains unknown. A test of endurance, rather than speed, to which they appeared as equals.
Date: 5/18/26 12:08 pm From: Robert O'Brien via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Merlin and their prey
I've had a few very interesting observations in many years (decades) of birding.
1. I was birding the formerly-famous BayOcean flats on Tillamook Bay, long ago. There was the usual large 'peep' flock of mostly Western Sandpipers,; a Merlin came in, up high, flushing the flock. The Merlin casually circled and disappeared; the peep landed and resumed feeding. 5-10 minutes later I spotted the Merlin, far off, flying with its usual speed, about 12 inches above the mudflats. It soon was in the midst of the flock, snatched a 'piper, and again disappeared. The flock, minus one, landed and continued feeding.
2. Birding Sauvies Island, there was a large flock of Bushtits in the top of a huge Oregon Oak. A distant Merlin appeared, apparently just passing through, flew into the top of the oak, plucking a Bushtit (sorta' like a grape) as an orderve, all in one motion.
3. Once in Happy Valley up on the upper reaches of the city, I noticed a pair of distant birds coming towards me at about 100'. As they got closer I realized the lead bird was a Mourning Dove and the following bird, you guessed it. Down the bill from me was a very large pine tree, into which the dove disappeared. The Merlin soon arrived and started circling the pine, looking for an opening. After a few transits, with the Merlin on the opposite side, the dove decided to flee and took off in the original direction, the Merlin right behind. They were soon far above the ground which dropped away into the valley, maybe 1000' .And so the pair disappeared, just as they had appeared, into the distance.. Both are very strong fliers, and their ultimate ending remains unknown. A test of endurance, rather than speed, to which they appeared as equals.
Date: 5/18/26 11:43 am From: <greg...> via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlin VS. Redwing
One of my favorite bird encounters ever was just outside of Sacramento, parked on the side of a small lane. A merlin landed on the fencepost across the road with a fresh starling, not 20 feet away, and proceeded to pluck it and eat right there. So close that could hear the bones break.
Usually when I see Merlin’s they’re zipping by like a bat out of hell, but this was a real treat!
-Greg Pasquariello
Lakeshore WA
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Date: Monday, May 18, 2026 at 10:50 AM
To: Dennis Paulson <dennispaulson...>
Cc: TWEETERS tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlin VS. Redwing
Very interesting, thanks for sharing Dennis ! Seems there are not too many dragonflies out yet while they were abundant last summer. It is interesting to see the falcons feed on the wing. Most of the times the Merlin’s would return to a perch though to consume their prey. Some years ago while visiting Northern Cyprus, I watched a flock of 15 or more Lesser Kestrels all feeding on insects while in the air.
Thinking of my post, maybe the Merlin turned tables on the Redwing ? The male Redwings are very aggressively chasing nest robbing crows, cowbirds and other large birds. Maybe it chased the Merlin first ?
On Mon, May 18, 2026 at 7:15 AM Dennis Paulson <dennispaulson...><mailto:<dennispaulson...>> wrote:
Dragonflies are common prey of Merlins and other small falcons. Numerous kinds of dragonflies, most of them large, fly continuously as they look for their flying insect prey, and they have no chance against Merlins. Swallow-tailed and Mississippi Kites catch large numbers of them in the Southeast, and the Mississippis time their fall migration through eastern Mexico to coincide with swarms of Common Green Darners also migrating south well up in the air.
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
On May 17, 2026, at 11:51 PM, Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...><mailto:<tweeters...>> wrote:
This evening at Treasure Island Park, Twin Lakes, Federal Way, we watched a Merlin ( the falcon - not the app) chase a male Red-winged Blackbird. They made two rounds, but surprisingly enough the falcon was unable to catch up with the blackbird. Wisely, the blackbird dove into the willows, which made the falcon overshoot. What surprised me, is that the blackbird 's flight was fast enough to escape the falcon. Also it seems rather large for a Merlin's prey. Merlins seem to prey on swallows, but I also saw them last summer gorging themselves on an abundance of dragonflies. They were catching them and consuming them in midair !
Date: 5/18/26 11:33 am From: Joe Buchanan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Merlins
Tweeters -
Merlins are amazing predators and capture a wide range of species. During the breeding season it is logical that they regularly take smaller prey, which allows them to make regular trips back to the nest with food. During the nonbreeding season, Merlins that are associated with estuaries in other parts of the Pacific Flyway (e.g., central coastal California; see Page and Whitacre 1975) may focus on smaller sandpipers. In Washington, however, the Dunlin is the primary shorebird prey during winter. Merlins regularly take starlings and blackbirds in agricultural areas during the winter, so prey of that size is well documented although less preferred than smaller species like the House Sparrow. I have seen a Merlin take a Eurasian Collared Dove and in downtown Olympia in the 1980s, a Merlin famously targeted and captured Rock Pigeons. The latter two prey species are clearly at the upper end of the size range for a Merlin!
In the breeding season, I have seen Merlins with chickadees, sparrows, Cedar Waxwings, etc., but witnesses near nests have reported seeing Steller's Jay fledglings as prey items. Merlins are perhaps surprisingly tenacious predators.
Date: 5/18/26 10:59 am From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlin VS. Redwing
Very interesting, thanks for sharing Dennis ! Seems there are not too many
dragonflies out yet while they were abundant last summer. It is interesting
to see the falcons feed on the wing. Most of the times the Merlin’s would
return to a perch though to consume their prey. Some years ago while
visiting Northern Cyprus, I watched a flock of 15 or more Lesser Kestrels
all feeding on insects while in the air.
Thinking of my post, maybe the Merlin turned tables on the Redwing ? The
male Redwings are very aggressively chasing nest robbing crows, cowbirds
and other large birds. Maybe it chased the Merlin first ?
Good Birding !
Hans
*Hans Feddern*
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
<thefedderns...>
On Mon, May 18, 2026 at 7:15 AM Dennis Paulson <dennispaulson...>
wrote:
> Dragonflies are common prey of Merlins and other small falcons. Numerous
> kinds of dragonflies, most of them large, fly continuously as they look for
> their flying insect prey, and they have no chance against Merlins.
> Swallow-tailed and Mississippi Kites catch large numbers of them in the
> Southeast, and the Mississippis time their fall migration through eastern
> Mexico to coincide with swarms of Common Green Darners also migrating south
> well up in the air.
>
> Dennis Paulson
> Seattle
>
> On May 17, 2026, at 11:51 PM, Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> This evening at Treasure Island Park, Twin Lakes, Federal Way, we watched
> a Merlin ( the falcon - not the app) chase a male Red-winged Blackbird.
> They made two rounds, but surprisingly enough the falcon was unable to
> catch up with the blackbird. Wisely, the blackbird dove into the willows,
> which made the falcon overshoot. What surprised me, is that the blackbird
> 's flight was fast enough to escape the falcon. Also it seems rather large
> for a Merlin's prey. Merlins seem to prey on swallows, but I also saw them
> last summer gorging themselves on an abundance of dragonflies.
> They were catching them and consuming them in midair !
>
> Good birding !
>
> Hans
>
> --
> *Hans Feddern*
> Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
> <thefedderns...>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
>
>
Date: 5/18/26 7:26 am From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Merlin VS. Redwing
Dragonflies are common prey of Merlins and other small falcons. Numerous kinds of dragonflies, most of them large, fly continuously as they look for their flying insect prey, and they have no chance against Merlins. Swallow-tailed and Mississippi Kites catch large numbers of them in the Southeast, and the Mississippis time their fall migration through eastern Mexico to coincide with swarms of Common Green Darners also migrating south well up in the air.
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
> On May 17, 2026, at 11:51 PM, Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> This evening at Treasure Island Park, Twin Lakes, Federal Way, we watched a Merlin ( the falcon - not the app) chase a male Red-winged Blackbird. They made two rounds, but surprisingly enough the falcon was unable to catch up with the blackbird. Wisely, the blackbird dove into the willows, which made the falcon overshoot. What surprised me, is that the blackbird 's flight was fast enough to escape the falcon. Also it seems rather large for a Merlin's prey. Merlins seem to prey on swallows, but I also saw them last summer gorging themselves on an abundance of dragonflies. They were catching them and consuming them in midair !
>
> Good birding !
>
> Hans
>
> --
> Hans Feddern
> Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
> <thefedderns...> <mailto:<thefedderns...> > _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/18/26 12:01 am From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Merlin VS. Redwing
This evening at Treasure Island Park, Twin Lakes, Federal Way, we watched a Merlin ( the falcon - not the app) chase a male Red-winged Blackbird. They made two rounds, but surprisingly enough the falcon was unable to catch up with the blackbird. Wisely, the blackbird dove into the willows, which made the falcon overshoot. What surprised me, is that the blackbird 's flight was fast enough to escape the falcon. Also it seems rather large for a Merlin's prey. Merlins seem to prey on swallows, but I also saw them last summer gorging themselves on an abundance of dragonflies. They were catching them and consuming them in midair !
Good birding !
Hans
-- *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA <thefedderns...>
Date: 5/17/26 8:18 pm From: Thomas Dorrance via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Bullock's Oriole
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the heads-up on the Bullocks oriole. The next day, a mile north
of you (also on the western slopes of Lake Washington) a splendid male was
at the seed feeder for 20 seconds. With him was another male with much less
dramatic, almost fuzzy coloration. They goofed around in a nearby willow
for a minute, then vanished.
Slightly less rare for us was a flock of 20 cedar waxwings that
visited twice last week.
Today we had a pair of band tailed pigeons, also infrequently seen here.
We also had three large deer and a bobcat paw print this morning.
Zero wood ducks this year - don't know what the problem is.
Tom Dorrance
On Fri, May 15, 2026 at 11:37 AM J Christian Kessler via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> hust a few minutes ago - about 10:00 - a male Bullock's Oriole in breeding
> plumage landed for maybe a minute on our front deck, then flew north
> towards the neighbors yard! no time for a photo, but my wife and I both
> saw it clearly from 30 ft. away.
> the trees he was close to are a non-native cedar and a maple
> habitat okay, but wrong side of the mountains!
>
> Chris Kessler
> up slope from north Lake Washington
>
>
> --
> “Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass … it’s about learning
> how to dance in the rain.”
> Deborah Tuck
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 5/17/26 9:06 am From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Purple Martin just west of Asotin Creek Ranch, Asotin Creek Road, Asotin
Hi Tweets, Female Purple Martin on Asotin Creek Road just west of Asotin Creek Ranch, Asotin County on WOS field trip. County first? Photos on EBird Happy birding. Shep
Shep Thorp, VMD Family Guy, Emergency Veterinarian, Birder Browns Point, Tacoma 253-370-3742
Date: 5/16/26 12:27 pm From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wood Duck ...
... and 3 or 4 ducklings spotted in that ditch that you cross when
driving into Hayton from
Fir Island Road. Cute! Rather quickly moving away from right by
the road - so a
long/quick view that devolved too quickly to get a pic but still
was great. - Jim
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/15/26 6:13 pm From: Hank Heiberg via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Common Merganser Ducklings
Today, a rather rainy day, we birded at Lake Sammamish State Park. The rain kept the crowds away. The only other people we saw out in the rain were a few people fishing. Fewer people contributed to better birding.
The highlight of the day was a female Common Merganser with its ducklings.
Date: 5/15/26 1:07 pm From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Peregrine?
Hi,
Anyone have a location that is -likely- for seeing Peregrine? I live
in Skagit County so
near me would be better. I want to photograph them so if that is a
consideration of
your recommendation it's appreciated. Should I wait for a different
time of year?
- TIA ... Jim
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/15/26 11:46 am From: J Christian Kessler via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Bullock's Oriole
hust a few minutes ago - about 10:00 - a male Bullock's Oriole in breeding
plumage landed for maybe a minute on our front deck, then flew north
towards the neighbors yard! no time for a photo, but my wife and I both
saw it clearly from 30 ft. away.
the trees he was close to are a non-native cedar and a maple
habitat okay, but wrong side of the mountains!
Chris Kessler
up slope from north Lake Washington
--
“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass … it’s about learning how
to dance in the rain.”
Deborah Tuck
Date: 5/15/26 9:57 am From: Kenneth Brown via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday at Nisqually
A late spring day started out rainy and cool. To some of us "Homies", the change in weather was welcome after a few days of sunshine and unseasonable warmth. A smaller than usual crowd assembled on the deck, some regulars deterred by the rain, some absent having left early for the Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) Conference, held so far across the state that it's in Lewiston, Idaho this year. The surface of the pond was disturbed not only by the rain, but also by the movements of a pair each of Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, Wood Duck and Mallards. A couple Marsh Wrens chittered in the reeds.
High up in a snag near the entrance to the Visitors Center, a Northern Flicker was
spewing out wood chips, working to enlarge the entrance hole and cavity of it's new residence. The resident male Rufous Hummingbird was holding his territory at the entrance to the play area. Yellow Warblers sang in the trees and several (first of the year) Cedar Waxwings perched in the bare top of a pear tree in the orchard. A pair of Band-tailed Pigeons claimed the top of a neighboring tree, another pair flew over head, followed shortly by Mourning Doves. American Robins, Song Sparrows, and a couple Spotted Towhees hopped along the path and foraged in the leaf litter. More Cedar Waxwings were seen along the entrance road, but it was generally pretty quiet, the rain dampening more than just us birders.
Activity picked up once we passed the 90° turn in the service road. Atop a Willow between the parking lot and the road, a male Anna's Hummingbird again stood guard over his domain. The low clouds kept the insects and therefore the swallows down low, just a few feet over the water of the flooded fields. They all were there, Barn, Tree, Violet-green, Cliff, Bank, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows. It was difficult to follow them with binoculars as they swooped and swerved. The Bank Swallows in particular seemed to fly in tight formation in small groups, their bright white bellies a sharp contrast to their plain, dark uppers. Slightly above the swallows were Vaux's Swifts, another first of the year, also pushed down by the weather, their short, narrow tails and rapid wing flutter distinctive.
Alongside the boardwalk on the west side of the loop trail, a Virginia Rail played peek-a-boo with us, disappearing behind the near-side grass then emerging again as we tried to get everyone "on it." A Muskrat went about its business, the top of its head and its trailing wake, all that was visible. More Marsh Wrens called and flitted busily in the in the near-shore reeds. A couple of female Hooded Mergansers swam in the north end of the pond. Red-winged Blackbirds sang from both reeds and nearby trees. A previously found Robin's nest was again empty, possibly abandoned. We made a side trip back out to the service road to check the north end of the flooded field. Most of the ducks have left, only a pair of the recently numerous American Wigeon remain. A single Northern Shoveler slid between tufts of grass, a few more flew north over the far side. Mallards and a few Wood Ducks stuck around, joined by some Cinnamon and Blue-winged Teal that have come in as consolation. Our attention was drawn to violent splashing in the water nearby. A hostile Pied-billed grebe charged a female Hooded Merganser, apparently to drive her away from the Grebe's nest. The retreating Merganser was followed by some offspring of her own. As they emerged from the grass into more open water, their number kept growing to a dozen or more. Mallard ducklings started to mix with the young Mergansers but were quickly driven away by mother Merganser. Turning to return to the loop trail, Matt spotted a male California Quail, a rare sight on the Refuge, on the side of the road south of us.
Back on the trail, the Anna's Hummingbird we found last week was still on the nest. Farther along, a Rufous Hummingbird was also on it's nest. There was no outward sign of activity at the American Goldfinch nest in the same tree, nor at the nearby Red-breasted Sapsucker's cavity. Further north along the trail, the young have already fledged from another two Hummingbird nests we've been watching. Two of the fledglings were hanging out in the neighborhood.
We searched the field next to the Twin Barns, unsuccessfully, for the White-faced Ibis(s) that have been seen here for over two weeks. Maybe they're just out of sight. A Pied-billed Grebe shared the flooded field with a few Mallards and little else. More Swallows carved the air in pursuit of a meal. The rain had tapered off.
Scoping the Cottonwood near the Nisqually River, the Eagle's nest can still be picked out from the covering foliage, if you know its there. We waited for the wind to blow back the leaves, but still did not catch sight of the gray, fuzzy Eaglet we saw last week. Walking west, we heard the unique sound of Purple Martin. When we left the shelter of the Willows on the south side of the dike, we felt the, till then, unappreciated increase in the wind coming out of the south. Not really cold, but cool enough to chill. More Swallows and Swifts flew overhead. A solo American Coot, a few Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal, Mallards and Canada Geese occupied the freshwater marsh. Virginia Rail and Sora were calling from the Cattail swamp. Near the start of the Estuary boardwalk, a small flock of Hudsonian Whimbrel flushed, flying northerly.
The tide was low, a lot of exposed mud surrounded the boardwalk as we reached the Creek overlook covered platform. The center of the platform was splattered with mud, fallen from the Cliff Swallow nests being constructed under the roof. More Whimbrel were scattered around us. Two adult Eagles were in the nest to the south and across McAllister Creek. A large cluster of Double-crested Cormorants lined the east shore. A few Ring-billed gulls dotted the mud. A couple, of hominids, not part of our group, shared the platform with us. As they stepped out of the shelter to go north, a huge (probably female) Bald Eagle swooped in low from the north, it seemed just barely over their heads. As it flared it wings to land on the roof of the shelter, something (we decided it was mud from it's talons) fell, striking the cheek of the woman. She was startled, but cheerfully decided she'd been specially blessed by the Eagle.
Looking across the water to Luhr Beach from the viewing platform at the end of the boardwalk, the white gourds were populated by Purple Martins. A couple of Common Loons surfaced in Nisqually Reach. Brandt's Cormorant roosted on the Chanell marker between us and Ketron Island. White smudges of Gulls, too distant to identify, clustered along the shore near the mouth of the Nisqually River. Brown-headed Cowbirds lined the boardwalk railing and a Common Raven croaked and soared over the ridgeline west of the creek as we returned to the dike. The rain returned but lighter than before.
An American Kestrel perched in a snag across the surge plain. Yellow Warblers, Black-capped Chickadees and a Western Flycatcher caught our notice as we walked to the Nisqually River overlook. A Band-tailed Pigeon hung out in the top of a Cottonwood, a Belted Kingfisher perched on a broken trunk suspended over the river. We walked the east side of the loop back to the Visitors Center to complete our day. I've run out of words, see the following checklist.
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
May 13, 2026 8:00 AM - 4:04 PM
Protocol: Traveling
5.38 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk began on a rainy 52º F morning with a 3-5 knot south breeze, the rain slacked off around noon with the wind increasing to 10-12 knots. The rain re-started at 3 p.m., and we ended the walk at 57º F. A High 13.4-foot tide at 3:05 a.m. ebbed to a +-1.2-foot low water at 10:05 a.m.; flooding toward a +10.8-foot high at 4:15 p.m. Non-birds seen included Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Columbian Black-tailed Deer, a couple of muskrats, and Harbor Seals in the estuary of McAllister Creek.
71 species (+7 other taxa)
Cackling Goose (Taverner's) 1 Near the cattail marsh; believed to be the injured Tav that's continuing since the hunting season.
Canada Goose 65
Wood Duck 9
Blue-winged Teal 7
Cinnamon Teal 18
Northern Shoveler 5
Gadwall 3
American Wigeon 3
Mallard 45
Mallard (Domestic type) 1 Appeared to be a Mallard X Domestic drake in the flooded field.
Green-winged Teal (American) 2
Bufflehead 1 McAllister Creek
Hooded Merganser 18 Hen with 15 (!) 2-day-old ducklings
California Quail 1 Cock bird on service road west of the Visitors' Center
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 3
Band-tailed Pigeon 20
Mourning Dove 6
Vaux's Swift 10
Anna's Hummingbird 3
Rufous Hummingbird 4
Virginia Rail 5
Sora 4
American Coot 1
Killdeer 2
Hudsonian Whimbrel 15
Ring-billed Gull 75
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 4
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 32
Larus sp. 85
Caspian Tern 12
Pied-billed Grebe 3
Common Loon 2 Nisqually Reach
Brandt's Cormorant 6 Nisqually Reach Channel Marker
Double-crested Cormorant 95
American Bittern 1
Great Blue Heron 28
Accipitrine hawk sp. (former Accipiter sp.) 1
Bald Eagle 28
Belted Kingfisher 3
Red-breasted Sapsucker 2
Northern Flicker 1
Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 2
American Kestrel 1
Peregrine Falcon 1
Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope) 5
Western Warbling Vireo 1
Steller's Jay (Coastal) 1 Timber west of McAllister Creek
American Crow 6
Common Raven 1 Timber west of McAllister Creek
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Bank Swallow 22 * Flagged for high count; filter does not appear to account for numbers regularly seen at Nisqually NWR
Tree Swallow 45
Violet-green Swallow 10
Purple Martin 19
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 6
Barn Swallow 60
Cliff Swallow 28
Bushtit (Pacific) 4
Brown Creeper 2
Marsh Wren 20
Bewick's Wren 4
European Starling 45
Swainson's Thrush (Russet-backed) 14
American Robin 36
Cedar Waxwing 45
Purple Finch 1
American Goldfinch 45
Golden-crowned Sparrow 1 Near Twin Barns
Savannah Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 37
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 4
Red-winged Blackbird 45
Brown-headed Cowbird 38
Orange-crowned Warbler 1
Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens) 1
Common Yellowthroat 17
Northern Yellow Warbler 35
Wilson's Warbler 4
Date: 5/14/26 2:57 pm From: Tom Benedict via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Western Flycatcher on Harstine Island
Saw my first WEFL today here at the far southern tip of Harstine Island in south Puget Sound. Diagnostic white eye ring, two white wing pars and olive greens wash helped me identify it. Haven’t heard its song yet though.
Date: 5/14/26 2:44 pm From: Matt Bartels via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2026-05-14
Hi Tweets -
After we finished the walk today, Michael headed directly to the WOS conference, so I’ll be doing the write-up.
Today we had a beautiful May day at Marymoor. This is traditionally one of the weeks with the highest number to species recorded at Marymoor over the years, so we were open to anything showing up. We didn’t record a particularly high total species count in the end, but there were some nice surprises for the 4 of us who joined in for the walk.
Highlights:
Great Egret - one flew over our heads while at the weir. Then later it returned and perched near the heron rookery for quite a while for nice views. This in only our 3rd or 4th Marymoor record, and the first since 2020.
Great Blue Heron - many young on the nests, and one or two fledged and in the slough, looking awkward as they learn to fish.
Western Wood-Pewee - heard a few and saw one - first of year (FOY)
Willow Flycatcher - one heard only, around dawn. FOY
empid sp. - one that got away along the slough that looked enticing
Swainson’s Thrush - many calling and some in full song, before dawn. Once the sun rose, only heard one or two calling during the walk
Bullock’s Oriole - one first year bird for another FOY
Wilson’s Warbler - particularly numerous today - we seemed to be able to hear one singing at almost any point in the walk.
Black-headed Grosbeak - competed with Wilson’s Warbler for one of the most numerous singers today.
Lazuli Bunting - a couple around, but not particularly cooperative
ducklings - several clutches of Mallards swimming around
Misses today were numerous, including most ducks, Green Heron, Downy & Hairy Woodpecker
For the day, about 57 species - with 4 FOY birds, I think that brings us to 107 for the walk year list
Date: 5/14/26 2:11 pm From: Benjamin Menzies via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Low Tide Birding
-a best spot may depend on where you live and how far you're willing to drive. From Seattle or Olympia, the Nisqually delta / Billy Frank NWR is my favorite. From there, whatever other delta or park is nearby.
________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2026 12:00 PM
To: <tweeters...> <tweeters...>
Subject: Tweeters Digest, Vol 261, Issue 14
Send Tweeters mailing list submissions to
<tweeters...>
Date: 5/13/26 10:20 pm From: Kenneth Brown via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Scope replacement.
My scope and tripod were recently stolen. A very kind and generous friend has loaned me a scope to use temporarily, so I am not under immediate pressure to replace them, but I don't want to push it. Before I plunk down retail price for a new mid price-range scope, I am interested in checking whether a good condition, used, higher end scope might be a reasonably priced possibility. Do any of you good people know of a market place/ site where used birding optics are offered? _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/13/26 11:58 am From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] How 'Seabird Sue' Blends Art and Science to Attract Birds Back to Lost Habitat
Date: 5/13/26 9:32 am From: Thomas Good - NOAA Federal via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] CATE in Dumas Bay (Tweeters list - 10 May)
Can anyone confirm a CATE colony at the Port of Tacoma alluded to in
Hans-Joachim's post? I am trying to document current CATE breeding sites in
the Salish Sea.
Tom Good
On Mon, May 11, 2026 at 12:01 PM via Tweeters <tweeters...>
wrote:
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> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Dumas Bay Caspian Terns (Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters)
> 2. Birders push back on hantavirus fears tied to Argentine city
> (Dan Reiff via Tweeters)
> 3. Hawk Watch, the Movie Thursday, May 14th 7 pm Olympia
> (Kathleen Snyder via Tweeters)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Sun, 10 May 2026 20:11:15 -0700
> From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Dumas Bay Caspian Terns
> Message-ID:
> <CAEo0Ymq_8=
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> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> This afternoon at low tide there were at least 27 Caspian Terns at Dumas
> Bay Sanctuary, Federal Way. Several were actively fishing while most were
> loafing on the tidal flats. Of course a couple of people had to walk along
> the waterline and disturb them and had them move further down the flats.
> Some of them were actively flying to and from Commencement Bay. I believe
> somebody mentioned a small breeding colony at the Port of Tacoma.
>
> Good Birding !
>
> Hans
>
> --
> *Hans Feddern*
> Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
> <thefedderns...>
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> Date: Sun, 10 May 2026 20:42:54 -0700
> From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Birders push back on hantavirus fears tied to
> Argentine city
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> Date: Mon, 11 May 2026 08:00:00 -0700
> From: Kathleen Snyder via Tweeters <tweeters...>
> To: <tweeters...>
> Subject: [Tweeters] Hawk Watch, the Movie Thursday, May 14th 7 pm
> Olympia
> Message-ID:
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> We are proud to offer a viewing of the documentary, Hawk Watch. This movie
> follows a group of devoted birders in Southern California during spring
> migration as they collect information to protect Swainson's Hawks. As
> thousands of raptors begin to pass overhead, the spectacle of nature itself
> becomes their well-earned reward. The directors of the film, Alicia
> Wszelaki and Matthew Nothelfer, will be with us virtually to introduce the
> film and answer questions afterwards.
>
> You can join us at Temple Beth Hatfiloh for social time starting at 6:30
> pm, 201 8th Ave SE Olympia. We will then view the movie on a big screen.
> Or you can watch from home via Zoom. Registration for Zoom is below. This
> is a free program from South Sound Bird Alliance.
>
> https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/E3HGBN4DQqOEOpwGsu5bKA > -------------- next part --------------
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> End of Tweeters Digest, Vol 261, Issue 11
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--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thomas P. Good
Research Biologist
NOAA Fisheries - Ecosystem Science Program
Northwest Fisheries Science Center
2725 Montlake Boulevard East
Seattle, WA 98112
206-860-3469
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
