Date: 5/20/24 4:49 pm From: Mary Forrester via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] junco vs chipping sparrow
Today I heard a bird calling loudly, and was able to see it in a nearby tree. It was most definitely a dark eyed junco, but Merlin kept flashing 'chipping sparrow' as well as 'dark eyed junco'. I saw no other bird nearby, certainly no chipping sparrow.
Date: 5/20/24 3:05 pm From: Bruce LaBar via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Westport Pelagic Trip, May 18, 2024
A brief early morning shower greeted 18 birders as we boarded the Monte Carlo. Birders from Michigan, Colorado, Oregon and of course, Washington, enjoyed a fabulous day at sea. The weather cooperated with just a few showers, cloudy skies and good sea conditions. May, is a great time to see many breeding plumage seabirds heading north, such as Pacific Loons, Red-necked and Red Phalaropes, Sabine’s Gulls and Arctic and Common Terns. Indeed, we saw these plus many of the sought after shearwaters, albatross and other pelagic birds.
Probably the highlight of the day, for most of the seafarers, was the dolphin show! As we got near the continental shelf, we noticed the water bubbling in the distance. Motoring towards that area we were surrounded by 300 or more Pacific White-sided Dolphins actively feeding and showing off with body slams coming out of the water. With them were 2 small fur seals trying their best to swim like the dolphins. We also saw 6 Humpback Whales at a distance with several observers seeing one breech out of the water.
The bird highlights included a somewhat early South Polar Skua, great looks at a Manx Shearwater, a Flesh-footed Shearwater, a Short-tailed Shearwater and those fore-mentioned breeding Arctic breeders. Here are some of the species and numbers recourted.
Black-footed Albatross-52, Pink-footed Shearwater-183, Sooty Shearwater-1785, Fork-tailed Storm Petrels-82, Brown Pelican-621, Red-necked Phalaropes-252, Red Phalaropes-15, Pomarine Jaeger-1, Parasitic Jaeger-4, Black-legged Kittiwake-1, Heermann’s Gull-2, Sabine’s Gull-132, Arctic Tern-8 and Common Tern-9.
For a complete list of all the sightings and numbers, plus any other information about the pelagic trips, please visit this website, www.westportseabirds.com.
Spotters for this trip were Bill Tweit, Scott Mills and myself. Boat personnel and spotters were Captain Phil Anderson and first mate Chris Anderson. Thanks to all for making this such a great trip!
Date: 5/19/24 7:18 pm From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Caspian Terns on Whidbey and Hayton plus that Fir Island (Hayton) goose nest ...
Hi all,
After getting "tern blanked" at Sequim and Pt. Townsend I found Caspian Terns right here at home - at Hayton - today. Several were sitting on a sandbar and one or two were fishing (diving from on high). Also seen/reported at West Beach on Whidbey by friends.
I caught a Savannah Sparrow, some Gadwall, and other birds as well.
Sad news - the Canadian Goose that had a nest on that cedar stump at Hayton is gone, no evidence of the nest either (not even a few down feathers). Nest raided by a predator? Just abandoned?
The Killdeer nest is also abandoned. This one is "no surprise" because its location "was never going to work" (high traffic/right by the path from the parking lot). - Jim
Date: 5/19/24 2:52 pm From: Doug Santoni via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Brambling still present at Point Robinson 2:30 PM
Male Brambling feeding in gravel path about 50 yards prior to upper parking lot. When driving into the park, the gravel path is on the left. If you get to the gravel path that leads to the giant troll, you have gone too far. The bird was only about 6 feet beyond the initial gate, and will before the chain-link fence across the path a bit further up.
Date: 5/19/24 2:22 pm From: MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Fw: M Street Marsh shorebirds - 5.18.24
I forgot to add the Flickr link to my previous post below. Here it is:https://flic.kr/ps/376fhN
Marv Breece
On Sat, 18 May, 2024 at 2:40 PM, me <marvbreece...> wrote:
To: <tweeters...>
M Street Marsh, Auburn:
Least Sandpiper - 5
Western Sandpiper - 1
Spotted Sandpiper - 4
Solitary Sandpiper - 1 south of main pond
SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER - 1 alone at main pond
Yellow-headed Blackbird - 1 at main pond
LOTS of swallows; 6 species (no Purple Martin)
Date: 5/18/24 8:22 pm From: Joshua Hayes via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Rose-breasted grosbeak in N Seattle
I had an immature male rose-breasted grosbeak on my front sure feed this afternoon; very pretty! We've had several female grosbeaks in the back yard this week while I was at school as well: keep an eye out!
Date: 5/18/24 6:30 pm From: MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] M Street Marsh shorebirds - 5.18.24
You have been busy, Janeanne. Whew!! Part of the issue with IDing the dows is getting close enough to get a good look. And either they are moving so fast you can't see them, or their heads are tucked. On most of my recent shorebird videos I have slowed them by half! Really. These birds move too quickly for us humans to see them.
On Sat, 18 May, 2024 at 5:19 PM, <houstojc...> <houstojc...> wrote:
To: 'marvin breece'; <tweeters...>
Hey, Marv,
….two recitals finished, a demo lesson, juries finished, and a reception in Tacoma. I am wiped out, but I just enjoyed the heck out of your videos, and hope we can make it down there tomorrow. The videos are all so good, and so interesting. Thanks for the location tips, too. You have some very fine documentation in them, and I plan to study that Short billed Dow, too. So clear!
Now, to get comfy and remember who I am….
Janeanne
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...><mailto:<tweeters-bounces...>> On Behalf Of MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters
Sent: Saturday, May 18, 2024 2:41 PM
To: <Tweeters...><mailto:<Tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] M Street Marsh shorebirds - 5.18.24<http://18.24>
Date: 5/18/24 5:22 pm From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] M Street Marsh shorebirds - 5.18.24
Hey, Marv,
….two recitals finished, a demo lesson, juries finished, and a reception in Tacoma. I am wiped out, but I just enjoyed the heck out of your videos, and hope we can make it down there tomorrow. The videos are all so good, and so interesting. Thanks for the location tips, too. You have some very fine documentation in them, and I plan to study that Short billed Dow, too. So clear!
Now, to get comfy and remember who I am….
Janeanne
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> On Behalf Of MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters
Sent: Saturday, May 18, 2024 2:41 PM
To: <Tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] M Street Marsh shorebirds - 5.18.24
Date: 5/18/24 2:43 pm From: MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] M Street Marsh shorebirds - 5.18.24
M Street Marsh, Auburn: Least Sandpiper - 5 Western Sandpiper - 1 Spotted Sandpiper - 4 Solitary Sandpiper - 1 south of main pond SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER - 1 alone at main pond Yellow-headed Blackbird - 1 at main pond LOTS of swallows; 6 species (no Purple Martin)
Date: 5/18/24 11:06 am From: Andy McCormick via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Grays Harbor and Pacific County trip report
Hello Tweets,
Jeremy Lucas and I had a wonderful day of birding in Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties making nine stops in the area. We were on a Big Day to support the Eastside Audubon Birdathon. In addition to a nice list of birds we experienced several special - to us at least - birding events with spring migration in full swing and many birds singing and showing breeding plumage.
At Bottle Beach we found seven species of shorebirds including Red Knot, Black-bellied Plover, and Dunlin in breeding plumage. At the Twin Harbors State Park, we were pleased to find singing Yellow-rumped, Wilson's, Black-throated Gray, and Orange-crowned Warblers, and an active Olive-sided Flycatcher.
On the beach at Grayland Beach State Park, we unfortunately did not locate any Snowy Plovers, but opposite trails 4 and 5 a large flock of Semipalmated Plovers foraged along the beach, and we were especially pleased to see Sanderlings in their red breeding plumage. A small group of shorebirds puzzled us for a few minutes until we realized they were Red-necked Phalaropes. It was almost shocking to see them alternately sitting on the sand and flying low along the beach. They must have been tired from their migration flight.
At the Westhaven State Park overlooking the jetty we had good looks at Rhinoceros Auklet and Pacific Loon in breeding plumage, Bonaparte's Gulls, a large flock of Pelagic Cormorant and a few Brandt's Cormorants, and Common Murre just beyond the breakers.
Most surprisingly, we saw flying Fork-tailed Storm Petrels from the observation platform at the Westport Marina. Neither of us had ever seen them from shore before. They topped off a special day of birding.
Date: 5/18/24 9:42 am From: Victoria Moffatt via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] in search ofgreat gray owls
good morning tweeters, I am planning a trip to Montana with hopes of seeing great gray owls. Looking for suggestions for guides and any other recommendations you all may have. Thank you and happy birding on this rainy day Victoria
Date: 5/17/24 7:25 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) monthly bird walk - 5-16-2024
Tweeters,
A cool (48degF), cloudy start ended mostly sunny and 60degF with some nice Spring birding for the 19 of us that looped around the JBLM Eagle's Pride GC on Thursday, May 16. The walk started with a great sighting: BULLOCK'S ORIOLE pair at the maintenance pond - the third Spring we've had this species here at this exact spot. It appeared that the female was starting a nest in a Douglas-fir (!) at the side of the pond. We'll see if this possible nest site proves valid next month.
Other notable sightings include the following:
First-of-year (FOY) for WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, CEDAR WAXWING, HOUSE WREN, WESTERN TANAGER, WESTERN FLYCATCHER, SWAINSON'S THRUSH, WARBLING VIREO, EVENING GROSBEAK, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, PURPLE MARTIN, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, and RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD. Plus see below for warblers.
YELLOW (FOY), YELLOW-RUMPED, MACGILLIVRAY'S (FOY), WILSON'S (FOY), BLACK-THROATED GRAY (FOY), ORANGE-CROWNED, AND TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, plus COMMON YELLOWTHROAT for 8 of the 9 warbler species we were hoping to tally. (No Hermit Warbler, but maybe next month.)
All three expected vireos: HUTTON'S, WARBLING, and CASSIN'S, with the latter on a nest (photo attached).
The JBLM Eagle's Pride GC birders meet the third Thursday of each month at 8:00AM starting in March. 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:
Date: 5/17/24 11:44 am From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Sequim Trip Report
Hi Tweeters,
We went to Sequim for just a single night stay. We had just one long half day of birding yesterday morning ... not a particularly birdy day but still worth taking the time to get out.
The true highlight was that we were serendipitously there for Bob Steelquist's presentation on The Sandhill Cranes of the Pacific Flyway. It was amazing! Bob has spent the last 8 years photographing the Sandhills "as many places along the Pacific Flyway as possible" and covered their routes and habits (for all 3 sub-species) with an excellent presentation driven by even better photos. Bob says he 'only has about 2 more years' on this journey before he will take a break!
The Audubon Center in Sequim is a fantastic place and if you are ever in Sequim make sure to go see it (plan at least 2 hours). And the Olympic Audubon Society is a LIVELY group.
- Jim in Burlington
P.S. Thanks to Bob Boekelheide for birding location suggestions. I was not able to see any Caspians but still enjoyed your list.
Date: 5/16/24 3:24 pm From: Matt Bartels via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2024-05-16
Hi Tweets -
Once again, a group of us were filling in for Michael while out of town. Today we ran into drizzly overcast weather that really kept the bird numbers down. We had mist, mizzle, drizzle and maybe even a bit of honest to goodness rain. Birds seemed to be taking the day off for good stretches of the day -
Nevertheless, as always we had a good day.
Highlights:
Cinnamon Teal - one fly-by male above the community garden
Spotted Sandpiper - first-of-year (FOY) - one flew by as we approached the slough at the rowing club
Western Wood-Pewee - FOY - one seen, one or two more heard-only
Swainson’s Thrush - several vocalizing, mostly pre-dawn, including some singing this week. Still none seen yet on our walk.
Black-headed Grosbeak - many around singing, even got enjoyable looks on occasion
Lazuli Bunting - FOY - one singing in the off-leash dog area
We had a beaver hauled out on the weir for a bit, and also a coyote across the slough at the weir for a bit.
Date: 5/16/24 2:21 pm From: Megan Lyden via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Evening Grosbeaks/Lake Hills, Bellevue
Hi Tweeters,
Just wanted to mention we have a small flock (maybe 5 birds) of Evening Grosbeaks visiting our feeder. We don't see them here in my neighborhood very often; the last time I saw them in my yard was 3 years ago.
Date: 5/16/24 12:12 pm From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk for Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for 5/15/2024
Dear Tweets,
Approximately 40 of us had a beautiful spring day at the Refuge with partly
cloudy skies early and clearing to sunny skies by late morning.
Temperature was in the 50's to 60's degrees Fahrenheit. There was a Low
6’2” Tide at 8:02am and a High 8’7” Tide at 11:36am, so not much of a tidal
push and we proceeded with our regular route. Highlights included 8 first
of year including WILLOW FLYCATCHER, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, an influx of CEDAR
WAXWING, NASHVILLE WARBLER - heard and seen by few, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE near
the Twin Barns, RED-NECKED PHALAROPE in the freshwater marsh, and RED
CROSSBILLS seen by Tim on the Twin Barns Loop Trail.
Starting out at 8am at the Visitor Center Pond Overlook, things were a
little slow as a BALD EAGLE perched in a Maple Tree Over the Pond. We did
have brief sightings of BLUE-WINGED TEAL and WOOD DUCK. The Visitor Center
Pond was good for numerous sightings of both these species as well as
CINNAMON TEAL and we had good counts for our list.
The Orchard was hopping in the morning with singing BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK,
WILSON'S WARBLER, high count of YELLOW WARBLER, WARBLING VIREO and PURPLE
FINCH. *Merlin* was picking up on Nashville Warbler which I did not see,
but some of our visiting birders heard and observed NASHVILLE WARBLER along
the Twin Barns Loop Trail. We had an influx of CEDAR WAXWINGS which were
singing and courting pretty much everywhere. The BUSHTIT continues to nest
in the Orchard, entrance to maintenance road, and along the north section
of the Twin Barns Loop Trail. Sadly, the RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD nest near the
Land Trust building has been predated on and abandoned.
The Access Roads were good for observing swallows. SORA continues to call
from the flooded fields south of the Twin Barns. The numbers of wintering
ducks were way down and more difficult to spot with the growing grass.
The Twin Barns Loop Trail is great for warblers, chickadees, hummingbirds,
BAND-TAILED PIGEON, WILLOW FLYCATCHER, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, and WESTERN
FLYCATCHER, along with the breeding duck species. Craig located another
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER nest cavity on the outside of the trail just north
of the double bench overlook south of the Twin Barns cut-off. Ken and
others located a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE singing and showing in the Maple Trees
around the Twin Barns Picnic Area. A breeding pair of NORTHERN
ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW are nesting in a knot hole of a large maple tree near
the cut-off to the Twin Barns.
The Nisqually Estuary Trail or new dike was good for few remaining
waterfowl and CACKLING GEESE. A RED-NECKED PHALAROPE was observed
relatively close to the dike foraging in the grassy freshwater marsh. We
also saw approximately 6 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS. VIRGINIA RAIL was heard
and seen. On the muddy tidal saltwater side there are upwards of 11
WHIMBREL continuing west of Leschi Slough.
Out on the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail, some remaining COMMON
GOLDEN-EYE, BUFFLEHEAD, and RED-BREASTED MERGANSER remain in Shannon Slough
and McAllister Creek. A small group of continuing non-breeding GREATER
SCAUP were foraging in Shannon Slough. We had nice numbers of CASPIAN TERN
and GREAT BLUE HERON foraging along McAllister Creek. A single SURF SCOTER
was spotted by Robin on Nisqually Reach in Madrone Slough.
On our return, Jon spotted COMMON MERGANSER merglings x 3 at the Nisqually
River Overlook. Tim located 5 RED CROSSBILLS on the Twin Barns Loop Trail
on his return.
For the day we observed 89 species, with eight FOY we have now seen 151
species this year. Please see eBird report pasted below with details and
embedded photos.
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 15, 2024 7:05 AM - 5:08 PM
Protocol: Traveling
7.409 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Partly cloudy in the morning,
sunny in the late morning and afternoon. Temperature in the 50’s to 60’s
degrees Fahrenheit. A Low 6’2” Tide at 8:02am and a High 8’7” Tide at
11:36am. Mammals seen Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Townsend’s Chipmunk,
Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Eastern Gray Squirrel, and Harbor Seal.
Others seen Bullfrog, Red-eared Slider, Pacific Tree Frog, and Puget Sound
Garter Snake.
89 species (+4 other taxa)
Cackling Goose (minima) 40
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 40
Wood Duck 12
Blue-winged Teal 8
Cinnamon Teal 6
Northern Shoveler 1 Spotted by Robin.
Gadwall 4
American Wigeon 10
Mallard 50
Northern Pintail 6
Green-winged Teal (American) 12
Ring-necked Duck 3 Freshwater marsh.
Greater Scaup 6 Shannon Slough.
Surf Scoter 1 Nisqually Reach, Madrone Slough.
Bufflehead 12
Common Goldeneye 5
Hooded Merganser 5
Common Merganser 5 Nisqually River Overlook.
Red-breasted Merganser 2
Pied-billed Grebe 3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2
Band-tailed Pigeon 20 Twin Barns Loop Trail.
Mourning Dove 3
Vaux's Swift 2
Rufous Hummingbird 6 Nest in the orchard was predated and destroyed.
hummingbird sp. 1
Virginia Rail (Virginia) 3 Freshwater Marsh. Heard and seen.
Sora 2 Heard in flooded fields south of Twin Barns.
American Coot 6
Killdeer 2
Whimbrel (Hudsonian) 11 Mudflats west of Leschi Slough.
Long-billed Dowitcher 6 Freshwater marsh
Red-necked Phalarope 1 Foraging Freshwater Marsh. Dark cap and neck,
white throat patch. Prominent streaks on the mantle/back.
Spotted Sandpiper 1 Shannon Slough
Ring-billed Gull 100
California Gull 3 Deceased gull.
Glaucous-winged Gull 3
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 6
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 20
Caspian Tern 35 No bands.
Brandt's Cormorant 4
Double-crested Cormorant 50
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 40
Osprey (carolinensis) 1
Bald Eagle 20
Red-tailed Hawk (calurus/alascensis) 1
Belted Kingfisher 3
Red-breasted Sapsucker 3 Cavities outside of Twin Barns Loop Trail
just north of Twin Bench Overlook south of Twin Barns cut-off and in Maple
in Twin Barns picnic area.
Downy Woodpecker 2
Western Wood-Pewee 3
Willow Flycatcher 1 Heard “Fitz-bew” call across from Visitor Center.
Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope) 2
Warbling Vireo (Western) 15
Steller's Jay 2
American Crow 6
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 15
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 2
Tree Swallow 25
Violet-green Swallow 2
Purple Martin 4
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 6
Barn Swallow 40
Cliff Swallow 50
Bushtit (Pacific) 4 Nests in orchard, entrance to maintenance road and
north section of Twin Barns Loop Trail.
Brown Creeper 3 Nest in median, left of entrance to Visitor Center.
Marsh Wren 12
Bewick's Wren 7
European Starling 30
Swainson's Thrush 26 Counted individually as we walked throughout the
Refuge. Included orchard, access roads, Twin Barns Loop Trail, Twin Barns
Overlook and Nisqually Estuary Trail. Probably more.
Hermit Thrush 1 Seen by Laurie in the Parking Lot at 7:15am. Red
tail, lacking spectacles around eye, dark speckling on breast in comparison
to Swainson’s Thrush.
American Robin 36
Cedar Waxwing 20
American Pipit 10 Fly over seen by Jon.
Purple Finch (Western) 10
Red Crossbill 5 Seen by Tim on Twin Barns Loop Trail.
Pine Siskin 4
American Goldfinch 12
Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 4
Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 36
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 1
Bullock's Oriole 1 Twin Barns Picnic Area, NW section of Twin Barns
Loop Trail.
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 40
Brown-headed Cowbird 20
Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens) 1 Seen by Jon
Nashville Warbler 1 Heard by a few. Seen by couple from Port Orchard.
Common Yellowthroat 20
Yellow Warbler (Northern) 46
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1
Wilson's Warbler 4
Western Tanager 3 West Bank of McAllister Creek.
Black-headed Grosbeak 15
Date: 5/15/24 9:23 pm From: Jeff Gilligan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Great Knot
I did not see it reported on the daily summary of tweeters that I was sent.
A breeding plumage Great Knot was photographed today in the northern part of Willapa Bay. The bird surveyors who found it among 3,500 Red Knots suggest looking for it at the falling tide or near high tide from one of several view pull-offs on HYW, 105.
Date: 5/14/24 7:41 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] More details: “Tiny backpacks reveal newfound species of the world’s largest hummingbird | CNN”
Date: 5/14/24 5:31 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] On this unassuming trail near LA, bird watchers see something spectacular : NPR
Date: 5/14/24 5:29 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Preventable loss: A billion birds die each year from window strikes
Date: 5/14/24 12:54 pm From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Hayton. Lost and found (Jim Betz via Tweeters)
Hi again,
So that 'thing' I found at Hayton probably isn't a tripod foot. It looks more like it is probably a finger tighten bolt to attach some kind of bracket/what ever to a camera or spotting scope. Think "a 1/4-20 bolt with a molded on thumb screw" and the bolt only sticks out of the molded plastic about a half inch total. Again, black plastic and found near one of the benches out on the dike walk that goes away from the parking lot towards the bay. - Jim
Kevin Lucas 🕊👀🚵
Yakima County, Washington
*Qui tacet consentire videtur*
On Mon, May 13, 2024 at 7:49 PM Dan McDougall-Treacy via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> No water level report but two Western Rattlesnakes on the trail within one
> mile of the river. Around 5:00 p.m. They are out of their dens.
>
> Dan MT
>
> On May 13, 2024, at 6:53 PM, Steve Loitz via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> Neil, the first crossing was mid-shin, i.e., 12-14", a few days ago
> mid-afternoon. It might have been lower earlier in the day.
>
> --
> Steve Loitz
> Ellensburg, WA
> <steveloitz...>
>
> On Mon, May 13, 2024 at 6:29 PM Neil Zimmerman via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>> We have a field trip planned on Saturday to Umtanum Creek, hiking from
>> the bridge on the Yakima River. I was there last month and the creek was
>> still a little high to cross. Anybody have a recent report on the water
>> level?
>> Thanks,
>> Neil Zimmerman
>>
> _______________________________________________
> 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: 5/13/24 6:56 pm From: Steve Loitz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Umtanum Creek
Neil, the first crossing was mid-shin, i.e., 12-14", a few days ago
mid-afternoon. It might have been lower earlier in the day.
--
Steve Loitz
Ellensburg, WA
<steveloitz...>
On Mon, May 13, 2024 at 6:29 PM Neil Zimmerman via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> We have a field trip planned on Saturday to Umtanum Creek, hiking from the
> bridge on the Yakima River. I was there last month and the creek was still
> a little high to cross. Anybody have a recent report on the water level?
> Thanks,
> Neil Zimmerman
>
Date: 5/13/24 6:31 pm From: Neil Zimmerman via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Umtanum Creek
We have a field trip planned on Saturday to Umtanum Creek, hiking from the bridge on the Yakima River. I was there last month and the creek was still a little high to cross. Anybody have a recent report on the water level? Thanks, Neil Zimmerman
Date: 5/13/24 5:52 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] JBLM Eagle's Pride Golf Course Monthly Birdwalk - Thursday, May 16
Hi Tweeters,
The Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) birdwalk is scheduled for Thursday, May 16. The JBLM Eagle's Pride GC birders meet the third Thursday of each month at 8:00AM<outlook-data-detector://2>. Starting point is the Driving Range Tee, Eagle's Pride Golf Course, I-5 Exit 116, Mounts Road Exit. When you turn into the course entrance, take an immediate left onto the road to the driving range - that's where we meet.
Also, to remind folks that haven't been here before, even though Eagle's Pride is a US Army recreational facility, you don't need any ID to attend these birdwalks. Hope you're able to make it!
The forecast looks as if we're REALLY going to have another nice spring outing!
Date: 5/13/24 5:14 pm From: Jim Betz via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Hayton. Lost and found
Hi. Found what is probably the foot from a tripod at Hayton just now. Contact me to arrange return. Small black plastic knob with 1/4 20 threaded post. Jim. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 5/12/24 2:06 pm From: Carol Riddell via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Edmonds Roundup - April 2024
Hi Tweeters,
With April additions we have reach 143 species for our 2024 year list. In taxonomic order, the new species are:
Greater White-fronted Goose (code 3), 3 at Edmonds marsh (ID photo), 4-24-24
Rufous Hummingbird (code 2), 1 at Point Edwards, 4-1-24
Black Oystercatcher (code 4), 1 at waterfront (ID photo), 4-17-24
Whimbrel (code 3), 15 northbound at waterfront (ID photo), 4-20-24
Least Sandpiper (code 1), 3 at Edmonds marsh, 4-17-24
Western Sandpiper (code 1), 1 at Edmonds marsh, 4-19-24
Greater Yellowlegs (code), 4 at Edmonds marsh, 4-10-24
American White Pelican (code 4), 27 northbound over the Edmonds Bowl (ID photo), 4-18-24
Osprey (code 2), at waterfront and Lake Ballinger neighborhood, 4-9-24
Great Horned Owl (code 4), 4 in north Edmonds (subsequently 1 confirmed with a recording), 4-1-24
Hammond’s Flycatcher (code 2), 1 in Yost Park, 4-21-24
Western Flycatcher (code 2), 1 in Yost Park, 4-21-24
Warbling Vireo (code 2), 1 in Yost Park and 1 at Edmonds marsh, 4-22-24
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (code 3), 2 at Edmonds marsh (ID photos), 4-18-24
Purple Martin (code 3), 1 at Edmonds marsh, 4-12-24
American Pipit (code 3), 2 at Edmonds marsh, 4-10-24
Lincoln’s Sparrow (code 3), 1 at home near Pine Ridge Park (ID photos), 4-13-24 (followup sightings of another Lincoln’s at Edmonds marsh)
Brown-headed Cowbird (code 2), 2 at west end of Puget Drive, 4-7-24
Black-throated Gray Warbler (code 2), 1 at Yost Park, 4-21-24
Wilson’s Warbler (code 1), 1 at Yost Park, 4-21-24
Western Tanager (code 2), 1 at Edmonds marsh, 4-17-24
Several code 3 or rarer species have shown up as ticks in eBird checklists with no details. They will not be added to the collective year list. (Our decision does not affect any eBird numbers but should be a caution to those birders that use of the details field is helpful to others who use this public data base. It helps us know that the tick was not a data entry error, something that happens from time to time to all of us who enter eBird checklists. Range distribution is uneven. Birds that are not rare in a county may be quite rare in certain parts of that county.) They include Mourning Dove (code 3), Spotted Sandpiper (code 3), Ring-billed Gull (code 3), and Common Yellowthroat (code 3).
We had a photo-documented Chipping Sparrow (code 4) in March. There are now multiple undocumented eBird ticks of this species in April. These have proliferated with the appearance of Merlin’s Sound ID. Those of you relying on Sound ID as a definitive confirmation need to be aware of its confusion between Dark-eyed Junco and Chipping Sparrow. If you see the bird, say so in the details field of your checklist. Provide critical field marks that you saw. Or get a photo. If you are relying only on a Sound ID suggestion, state that in the details. The mistakes on Chipping Sparrow are common and we would not add it to our collective year list in the absence of evidence. It is rare enough in Edmonds that a tick on a checklist is insufficient for our purposes. There is growing evidence of checklist owners who are creating lists exclusively with the use of Sound ID suggestions. This makes it much more difficult, in the absence of details, to know if any of those birds were actually detected by the human using Sound ID. One example is an April stationary, three minute checklist in Pine Ridge Park that lists one each of 15 species, including one Dark-eyed Junco and one Chipping Sparrow. Sound ID, at this time of year, frequently lists both species when it is actually a singing junco in that park. I don’t think there has ever been a documented Chipping Sparrow in Pine Ridge. There are, however, plenty of juncos. Please remember that Sound ID is a tool, but without more from the human user it is not birding.
Today I learned that one of the pair of Barred Owls in Pine Ridge Park was found dead in the parking lot. I’m not certain how recently this happened. My informant said it was the female. The owl I was looking at today seemed quite large so I asked how it was known that the dead bird was the female. It seems to be word of mouth and I don’t know if the carcass was given to the appropriate agency for a necropsy. This is the second time in maybe the last five years that one of the Pine Ridge owls has been killed. The Yost Park pair of Barred Owls seem to be doing well and are nesting successfully. Perhaps one of this year’s owlets will bond with the remaining Pine Ridge owl.
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 2024 city checklist, with 281 species, please request it from checklistedmonds at gmail dot com. The 2024 checklist, with sightings through April, 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
Abundance codes: (1) Common, (2) Uncommon, (3) Harder to find, usually seen annually, (4) Rare, 5+ records, (5) Fewer than 5 records
Good birding,
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Wednesday evenings 7:00-8:30: May 22, May 29, June 5, June 12
Cost $100
Fish have been a rich source of food for birds for millions of years - certainly long enough for avians to have evolved many styles of fishing. In this series of four classes, master birder Constance Sidles will show you the strategies different species of birds use to go fishing.
Date: 5/11/24 9:26 pm From: Jerry Tangren via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Northern Lights Now
It was unbelievable on Badger Mtn in Douglas Co. last night. Apparently, it was a once in a lifetime explosion from the sun that occurs only every 40 to 60 years. The roads on Badger were clogged with what must have been half the population of Wenatchee.
Jerry Tangren
East Wenatchee
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Saturday, May 11, 2024 2:56:05 AM
To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Northern Lights Now
Tweeters,
I went outside at 1:30 AM and found the Aurora Borealis- bright, and covering much of the sky from directly above to North and east. Also at times all the way to the Seattle skyline.
Mostly greens and at times red.
Less bright and less movement by 2:30.
Even with some house lights in our neighborhood on Mercer Island.
At other locations in darkness, must have been fantastic!
But very impressive even here.
Would love to be at Mt Baker or Mt Rainier-Paradise right now.
Should be many great photos by others in dark places with long exposures by photographers later today on the news or online.
Lets hope for more in the next few days.
Dan Reiff
S. Mercer Island
That brings to 17, the number of banded terns I have seen this spring. They seem to move on, as I have only seen one of the banded birds twice. Today there was frequent copulation, including one of the banded birds.
Date: 5/11/24 8:53 pm From: Steve Hampton via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Hawk watching in Port Townsend -- Swainson's, Broad-winged, others
The hill at Fort Warden State Park can be an excellent hawk watching venue
in mid-May, especially (probably only) on a sunny, calm, and warm day. In
the past couple years, I've encountered Swainson's Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk,
and Golden Eagle -- either there or making their way there via other hills
in town, such as Morgan Hill. They are usually kettling with Turkey
Vultures.
Today was no exception. We hosted a Big Sit Hangout thru Admiralty Audubon
(soon to be something Bird Alliance) and tallied 54 species (plus a
Bullock's Oriole near the lighthouse just before the Big Sit and a
Broad-winged Hawk just as we were leaving.) The highlight during the
hangout were two different Swainson's Hawks. Turkey Vultures were present
throughout, as were good numbers of Red-tailed and Sharp-shinned Hawks.
Both of the Swainson's and nearly all of the Redtails were immatures. I
once heard Redtails won't cross water, but we watched some follow the TUVUs
across Admiralty Inlet three miles to Whidbey Island. Presumably the SWHA
and BTHA did the same.
Date: 5/11/24 2:45 pm From: MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Kent Valley Shorebirding
Today at M Street Marsh in Auburn: Least Sandpiper - several Leucistic Least Sandpiper- 1 Spotted Sandpiper - 2 Long-billed Dowitcher - 7 Pectoral Sandpiper - 1
We will be in Sequim Thursday morning and will have about a half day to go birding. I've been to RR Bridge, Dungeness, and the JW Marina. Are there other locations likely to be good Thursday morning? We will be catching the Coupeville ferry out of Port Townsend at 3:30 ... so if there are highly productive locations in that area we would be interested in that area as well. Anyone know of any regular "Thursday birding walks" in that area that we should consider joining? How about any locations for highly likely views of Caspian Terns?
Date: 5/11/24 3:00 am From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Northern Lights Now
Tweeters,
I went outside at 1:30 AM and found the Aurora Borealis- bright, and covering much of the sky from directly above to North and east. Also at times all the way to the Seattle skyline.
Mostly greens and at times red.
Less bright and less movement by 2:30.
Even with some house lights in our neighborhood on Mercer Island.
At other locations in darkness, must have been fantastic!
But very impressive even here.
Would love to be at Mt Baker or Mt Rainier-Paradise right now.
Should be many great photos by others in dark places with long exposures by photographers later today on the news or online.
Let’s hope for more in the next few days.
Dan Reiff
S. Mercer Island
Date: 5/10/24 10:02 pm From: Pamela Girres via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Monocular lost Ocean Shores
I accidentally left a monocular on a log to the right at the bottom of the steps access to Bill's Spit in Ocean Shores. I know it's a long shot but if anyone found it I would appreciate you contacting me
Date: 5/10/24 5:55 pm From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Help with Billy Frank Jr Nisqually tides
Christina,
Use the Dupont Wharf tide times to get the closest numbers. This week it seems like the best shorebird viewing was about 1.5 to 2.5 hours before or after high tide. Falling tide seems a little better.
The flats are fairly “high” up so the tide goes out very fast.
Eric Kraig
Olympia
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> <mailto:<tweeters-bounces...> > On Behalf Of ck park via Tweeters
Sent: Friday, May 10, 2024 4:19 PM
To: Christina T bean 4 ever <joannabird413...> <mailto:<joannabird413...> >
Cc: <tweeters...> <mailto:<tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Help with Billy Frank Jr Nisqually tides
you can check tide tables online... this might not be closest, but should give you a rough idea...
On Fri, May 10, 2024 at 4:15 PM Christina T bean 4 ever via Tweeters <tweeters...> <mailto:<tweeters...> > wrote:
Hello fellow birders, I want to go to Nisqually this weekend and am looking at the tides to try to time my visit. First when looking up the tides does anyone know the proper name to use and B does anyone know approximately how long it takes for the tide to come in or go out? Timing is important for shorebirds as you know Thanks so much Christina from Tacoma
Date: 5/10/24 5:43 pm From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Help with Billy Frank Jr Nisqually tides
Christina,
Use the Dupont Wharf tide times to get the closest numbers. This week it seems like the best shorebird viewing was about 1.5 to 2.5 hours before or after high tide. Falling tide seems a little better.
The flats are fairly “high” up so the tide goes out very fast.
Eric Kraig
Olympia
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> On Behalf Of ck park via Tweeters
Sent: Friday, May 10, 2024 4:19 PM
To: Christina T bean 4 ever <joannabird413...>
Cc: <tweeters...>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Help with Billy Frank Jr Nisqually tides
you can check tide tables online... this might not be closest, but should give you a rough idea...
On Fri, May 10, 2024 at 4:15 PM Christina T bean 4 ever via Tweeters <tweeters...> <mailto:<tweeters...> > wrote:
Hello fellow birders, I want to go to Nisqually this weekend and am looking at the tides to try to time my visit. First when looking up the tides does anyone know the proper name to use and B does anyone know approximately how long it takes for the tide to come in or go out? Timing is important for shorebirds as you know Thanks so much Christina from Tacoma
Date: 5/10/24 5:15 pm From: Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Ridgefield NWR, Clark County shorebirds
Hi tweeters,
Shorebirding has been interesting at River S NWR in Ridgefield, Clark County over the last several days.
Solitary Sandpipers were seen in various locations from May 1 through about May 7 Semipalmated Sandpiper seen at the first pond on the right on the auto tour loop on May 7 Pectoral Sandpiper seen yesterday and today at different locations. Don't know any further details other than Schwartz Lake and Ruddy Lake. Black-bellied Plover - 1 on Ruddy Lake this afternoon (marker 6) Wilson's Phalarope - 1 on Ruddy Lake near the Black-bellied Plover and 2 more on Schwartz Lake (the pond on the right which is across from the southeast end of Rest Lake) this afternoon.
Nothing super rare but these sightings keep us locals visiting the refuge to find out what will show up next!
Keep your eyes and ears skyward.
Jim -- Jim Danzenbaker Battle Ground, WA 360-702-9395 <jdanzenbaker...>
Date: 5/10/24 5:01 pm From: Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Migration floodgates opened on Larch Mountain, Clark County
Hi Tweeters,
With Birdcast showing 1.183 million birds passing through Clark County last night through sunup and windy.com showing a sustained 9 mph east wind with gusts to 25, 5 of us visited the Larch Migration Viewpoint and enjoyed some spectacular migration watching. Highlight was undoubtedly the PALM WARBLER that landed right in front of us for all to see. This is only my second Palm Warbler in Clark County in 18 years! The other species highlight was watching two LEWIS'S WOODPECKERs for over an hour. This species is seen almost every year in Clark but you really need to put in your time to see one. Other highlights were the following birds in active migration:
Cassin's Vireo - 2 Warbling Vireo - 17 CALIFORNIA SCRUB JAY - 1 (rare on Larch Mountain) individual warblers of 10 species - 559 Bullock's Oriole - 4 Western Kingbird - 5 Western Tanager - 122 Lazuli Bunting - 46
On Fri, May 10, 2024 at 4:15 PM Christina T bean 4 ever via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Hello fellow birders, I want to go to Nisqually this weekend and am
> looking at the tides to try to time my visit. First when looking up the
> tides does anyone know the proper name to use and B does anyone know
> approximately how long it takes for the tide to come in or go out? Timing
> is important for shorebirds as you know Thanks so much Christina from Tacoma
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 5/10/24 4:18 pm From: Christina T bean 4 ever via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Help with Billy Frank Jr Nisqually tides
Hello fellow birders, I want to go to Nisqually this weekend and am looking at the tides to try to time my visit. First when looking up the tides does anyone know the proper name to use and B does anyone know approximately how long it takes for the tide to come in or go out? Timing is important for shorebirds as you know Thanks so much Christina from Tacoma
Date: 5/10/24 6:59 am From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Hayton on Fir Island - a Surprise ... (via Tweeters)
Hi,
I went back to Hayton yesterday and spent several hours watching that Canada Goose on top of the upside down stump. There's a very nice bench that faces the stump that you can sit on - comfortable even for long sits.
She (?) is definitely sitting on at least one egg. She gets up and changes position and readjusts the egg "about every 15 to 30 minutes". So if you wait/come back you can get a picture with the head in the right direction for the lighting. And often this including adjusting the down (feathers) that are being piled around the egg to plug the space between her body and the egg. I briefly got to see the top of the egg as it was being rolled. Three or four times she clearly "raised/strained her neck looking towards the gate area". Always in the same direction. Anticipating where the mate would return from? Several times an eagle flew near by - every time she dropped her head low and stretched it out in front of her in what I would call a "threat posture". This happened even when the eagle was a -long- way off. If you see that posture - there's an eagle somewhere but not necessarily in the direction her head is stretched out. I tried to wait until the mate returned - to photo "the exchange". It didn't happen. I was there until almost 6. At one point another CG flew near, circled around near but not around the stump, and then left. The mate? No visible/audible response from the one sitting. The tide was at its lowest when I arrived and was fully flooding the large bay by the time I left. It was interesting to sit there and watch the bay change from mud to water - at times you could actually see the water 'taking back ground' as it moved/spread out/ran up into the long channels (IRC they are called "leads"?). It was not a particularly birdy day - in fact I'd have to call it a slow day. Perhaps there is more active when the tide is going out than when it is coming in? - Jim
Date: 5/10/24 1:37 am From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Birdwatching can help students improve mental health, reduce distress | ScienceDaily
Date: 5/9/24 4:54 pm From: MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Kent Valley Birding 5.9.24
The SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER continued today at M Street Marsh in Auburn.
Other shorebirds at M St today: Least Sandpiper - 7 Western Sandpiper - 3 Spotted Sandpiper - 2 Long-billed Dowitcher - 1
Additional birds: Minima Cackling Goose - 8 Greater White-fronted Goose - 6 American Pipit - 6 Western Kingbird - 1 (south of the ungated road closure & east of the house)
Date: 5/9/24 3:29 pm From: Matt Bartels via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2024-05-09
Hi Tweets -
With Michael out of town today, it fell on the rest of us to suffer through a beautiful spring day at Marymoor Park.
Our hopes were high - this is historically about the best week of the year for Marymoor’s walk, in terms of total # of species reported - almost anything could show up this time of year. While it was birdy and enjoyable all day, we ended up without any big rarities or surprises.
Highlights:
Swainson’s Thrush are back - several heard whitting, one song heard pre-dawn [FOY]
6 warbler species - Yellow-rumped numbers are thinning out, but we had several Yellow Warblers [FOY], 2 Wilson’s Warblers, a few Black-throated Gray Warblers [at the Rowing Club], a few Orange-crowned and many Common Yellowthroats.
Cedar Waxwing - although we had some over the winter, this appeared to be our first of the summer Cedars
Black-headed Grosbeak & Warbling Vireos - several singing away, some of each even glimpsed.
Western Tanager - two over at the Rowing Club spared us from totally missing an expected bird for this week.
Golden-crowned Sparrow - still a few left in the park.
Misses include many departed [presumably] winter birds - no Bufflehead, Ring-necked Ducks, or Am. Wigeon. Also missed any of the hoped for flycatchers
Date: 5/9/24 12:50 pm From: Morgan Edwards via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Canon R5 for Sale, etc.
I'm selling my Canon R5 body (in perfect condition) for $2300 which I haven't used since upgrading to a R3 in Dec of 2021. Can meet for a try & buy in the Bellevue area. Also accepting offers on a 5DMK2 body,7DMK3 body, 200mm F2 prime lens/case, 500mm F4 prime lens/case & 800mm F5.4 prime lens/case. All purchased new by me. Email <morgan...><mailto:<morgan...> if interested.
Date: 5/9/24 11:06 am From: Patty Cheek via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Items for newsletter
Program Meeting Thursday, May 9 - Coupeville and online
American White Pelicans with Kurt Licence
Join us to learn about American White Pelicans in Washington State and Puget Sound. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Kurt Licence, will be discussing White Pelican biology, status, history, management and factors that may be affecting population growth. His program is illustrated with photos by local photographer David Walton. Bring your pelican interest, curiosities and questions to this presentation.
Thursday, May 9 at the Coupeville Recreation Hall, 901 NW Alexander St., Coupeville. Hybrid meeting - to register for Zoom meeting register at Whidbey Audubon Society at https://www.whidbeyaudubonsociety.org/events-list/meeting-program-american-white-pelicans-with-kurt-licence.
Wings over Whidbey (WoW) May 11
The second annual Wings over Whidbey Bird Festival is from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday, May at Pacific Rim Institute (PRI), 180 Parker Road, Coupeville. Visit the Whidbey Audubon Society website https://www.whidbeyaudubonsociety.org/wings-over-whidbey-festival to discover all the activities and registration. Presenter, activities, vendors and sponsors include Aidan Harsh of the Washington State Native Bee Society, David Droppers Birds and Butterfiies..Which do I choose?, and Cindy Daily and Joseph Molotsky of Discovery Bay Wildbird Rescue will talk about a rehabilitation facility for wild birds, Suzanne Ohrvik will read from her children’s book and offering an art workshop, and Karen DeWitz will read from her children’s books., etc. Many activities. Come join us for a fun day for both adults and children.
Date: 5/8/24 8:49 pm From: mary hrudkaj via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Late evening Mt. Quail snack
When I sat down at the computer a couple minutes ago, I noticed a low branch on a scotch broom plant by the driveway was bobbing up and down. With no wind what was making the plant bob??? Getting the bins out showed a pair of Mt. Quail feeding on the bright yellow flowers on the lower part of the plant. By stretching their neck they could get flowers almost out of reach but not quite.
My best guess is they were after the pollen and what every might pass for nectar in scotch broom flowers. Now if we could get quail big enough to eat all the flowers off all the scotch broom plants, we could eradicate the broom. But then we'd have 5ft tall Mt. Quail to deal with.
Date: 5/8/24 7:40 pm From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Hayton on Fir Island - a Surprise ...
Hi all,
I was out at Hayton today. The tide had just turned when I arrived so it was not a particularly birdy day. But I did find 3 separate Canada Goose nests - all with a sitting bird so I'm saying "eggs". Two of the nests had just one bird but the third (just across the creek) had two birds.
The surprise was that one of the nests was on top of that old cedar stump that is out past the end of the trail that goes out along the dike. You know the stump - it's the one that is upside down and 'planted' in the mud and has been there for a long time. The 'resident' Canada Goose was not particularly upset about me - but you can't get super close to the nest (which I wouldn't do) but she (he?) didn't move or get nervous about my presence.
Other observations were a -few- shore birds, a few ducks, a few sparrows (White-crowned and Song), and 3 RWB. No finches.
After leaving Hayton I had lunch at The Rex and then drove to the East 90. Not many raptors - but it was during the mid-day doldrums.
Date: 5/8/24 4:26 pm From: Dee Dee via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Subject: More excitement - BH Grosbeaku
Like Joan, this morning I also was surprised (and pleased!) to see our first Black-headed Grosbeak of the year, a female, hanging on the suet feeder. Extra surprised because in the past have only had them visit one of the seed feeders.
A day or so ago I had 12 White-crowned Sparrows in the yard (at one time) which my aging brain thought was a new yard record until I looked back at my E-bird checklists to discover I had reported 13 at once, last February….
Enjoying reading of folks’ excitement and enthusiasm at seasonal sightings, thanks for sharing!
Dee Warnock
Edmonds
– – – – – – – – – – – –
Date: Wed, 8 May 2024 11:13:45 -0700
From: Joan Miller via Tweeters <tweeters...>
To: <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] More excitement - BH Grosbeaku
Message-ID:
<CAG7a_8Rb-W2xy5YXbajpT+<UN5KvVvbr7MMkw6n-y1-GKM1BfSQ...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
I just saw my FOY Black-headed Grosbeak at my feeder! A female. I am so
excited to have them back. I had not been hearing them, but now will
listen for them.
Date: 5/8/24 3:07 pm From: Alan Knue via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Gitzo GH1720QR Birdwatching Tripod Head For Sale
Hello Tweeters Folks,
Spring cleaning continues with a Gitzo GH1720QR Birdwatching Tripod Head for sale. Single lock system for both pan and tilt and this compact lightweight head worked great with my Swarovski 65mm scope. Two quick release plates are included. It is in good working shape after several years of of family light use (I don’t actually take my scope out very often!). Asking for $50. Send a private message to me at podoces at iCloud.com if interested.
Date: 5/8/24 3:01 pm From: MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Kent Valley Birding 5.8.24
Today there was a SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER with 10 LEAST SANDPIPERS & 3 WESTERN SANDPIPERS at M Street Marsh in Auburn. There was also a SPOTTED SANDPIPER as well as 8 MINIMA CACKLING GEESE.
video: https://flic.kr/p/2pQ3gYT
At the intersection of West Valley & 277th in Kent, the JUVENILE (1 year old bird in juvenile plumage, but molting) EASTERN RED-TAILED HAWK continues.
video: https://flic.kr/p/2pQ1ydc
In spite of all the beaver activity along 204th St in Kent, what I saw swimming in the ditch there today was a Muskrat. Much smaller than a beaver with a rat-like tail. Bird-wise at 204th, the ADULT EASTERN RED-TAILED HAWK continues.
video: https://flic.kr/p/2pPVUYr
Date: 5/8/24 11:41 am From: Doug Santoni via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] White-crowned Sparrows
I also recorded my largest ever count of White-Crowned sparrows in my backyard yesterday. Five birds feeding simultaneously. I have been in my house for 10 years and have never seen more than two or three at a time previously.
Doug Santoni
Ph 305-962-4226
<DougSantoni...>
Seattle/Madison Park
> On May 8, 2024, at 11:23 AM, Patricia Quyle Grainger via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> My yard, too, has had an extraordinary number of white-crown sparrows this spring. I haven’t tried to count them, but they’re all around—under the feeders, foraging on the lawn, and flitting in the trees. Right now, except for robins, I think they’re outnumbering everything. They are fun to watch!
>
> Pat Grainger
> Port Townsend
>
>>> On May 8, 2024, at 9:22 AM, Joan Miller via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>>>
>>
>> Hi Tweets,
>>
>> Yesterday was a record for my yard! I counted seven white-crowned sparrows feeding under my seed feeder at the same time. I have never seen more than a single one, maybe once a year, in my yard in 17 years. Then I spotted a Wilson's Warbler, who flitted around my small tree briefly. Anyone else experiencing a bounty of white crowns? They are a delight to see.
>>
>> Joan Miller
>> West Seattle
>> jemskink at gmail
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/8/24 11:30 am From: Patricia Quyle Grainger via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] White-crowned Sparrows
My yard, too, has had an extraordinary number of white-crown sparrows this spring. I haven’t tried to count them, but they’re all around—under the feeders, foraging on the lawn, and flitting in the trees. Right now, except for robins, I think they’re outnumbering everything. They are fun to watch!
Pat Grainger
Port Townsend
> On May 8, 2024, at 9:22 AM, Joan Miller via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi Tweets,
>
> Yesterday was a record for my yard! I counted seven white-crowned sparrows feeding under my seed feeder at the same time. I have never seen more than a single one, maybe once a year, in my yard in 17 years. Then I spotted a Wilson's Warbler, who flitted around my small tree briefly. Anyone else experiencing a bounty of white crowns? They are a delight to see.
>
> Joan Miller
> West Seattle
> jemskink at gmail
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
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Date: 5/8/24 11:17 am From: Joan Miller via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] More excitement - BH Grosbeak
I just saw my FOY Black-headed Grosbeak at my feeder! A female. I am so excited to have them back. I had not been hearing them, but now will listen for them.
Date: 5/8/24 9:30 am From: Patty Cheek via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Whidbey Audubon Society Program Meeting Thursday, May 9
Program Meeting Thursday, May 9 - Coupeville and online
American White Pelicans with Kurt Licence
Join us to learn about American White Pelicans in Washington State and Puget Sound. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Kurt Licence, will be discussing White Pelican biology, status, history, management and factors that may be affecting population growth. His program is illustrated with photos by local photographer David Walton. Bring your pelican interest, curiosities and questions to this presentation.
Thursday, May 9 at the Coupeville Recreation Hall, 901 NW Alexander St., Coupeville. Hybrid meeting - to register for Zoom meeting register at Whidbey Audubon Society at https://www.whidbeyaudubonsociety.org/events-list/meeting-program-american-white-pelicans-with-kurt-licence.
Date: 5/8/24 9:26 am From: Joan Miller via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] White-crowned Sparrows
Hi Tweets,
Yesterday was a record for my yard! I counted seven white-crowned sparrows feeding under my seed feeder at the same time. I have never seen more than a single one, maybe once a year, in my yard in 17 years. Then I spotted a Wilson's Warbler, who flitted around my small tree briefly. Anyone else experiencing a bounty of white crowns? They are a delight to see.
Date: 5/8/24 9:18 am From: Patty Cheek via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wings over Whidbey (WoW) May 11 - newsletter material
Wings over Whidbey (WoW) May 11
The second annual Wings over Whidbey Bird Festival is from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday, May at Pacific Rim Institute (PRI), 180 Parker Road, Coupeville. Visit the Whidbey Audubon Society website https://www.whidbeyaudubonsociety.org/wings-over-whidbey-festival to discover all the activities and registration. Presenter, activities, vendors and sponsors include Aidan Harsh of the Washington State Native Bee Society, David Droppers Birds and Butterfiies..Which do I choose?, and Cindy Daily and Joseph Molotsky of Discovery Bay Wildbird Rescue will talk about a rehabilitation facility for wild birds, Suzanne Ohrvik will read from her children’s book and offering an art workshop, and Karen DeWitz will read from her children’s books., etc. Many activities. Come join us for a fun day for both adults and children.
Date: 5/8/24 7:59 am From: Marie and Craig via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] NATUREFEST at Flaming Geyser State park
Rainier Audubon Society's 3rd annual Nature Festival at Flaming Geyser State Park Saturday JUNE 8th from 9am to 4pm. We will have nature walks, children's activities, presentations, nest box design, astronomy viewing, bird identification. This is an event for the whole family. No Discover Card? No worries! This is State Parks FREE day and National Get Outdoors Day! Bring the whole family and have some fun!
MarieRainier Audubon Society
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Just wondering if anyone has been birding at Hardy Canyon recently. I'm going to go out that way in a couple weeks. I haven't been there since before the fire in 2020. I'm curious as to what's been seen there recently. Not much reported on eBirds.
Thanks,Kyle
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/6/24 11:47 am From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Gambel's White-crowned Sparrows
Hi Tweeters,
It's migration time and I've never had so many White-crowned Sparrows in my back yard. Right now there are probably 10 scampering around under my feeders, over by the water, under the bushes. They are a little hard to count! I'm guessing most of these are the kind of sparrow we normally associate with eastern Washington-Gambel's WCSP. The song sounds distinctly different from the Puget Sound White-crowned. Otherwise I have some trouble distinguishing between the two subspecies. Right now I am going by how much brown is on the flanks of the bird. Many of these visitors are almost completely gray-breasted. I understand that the beaks of the Gambel's are supposed to be more orange. This is a little harder to spot. And to me, it seems like the white stripes on the crown are a bit more pronounced. I'd be happy to hear how the rest of you tell these two subspecies apart. Happy birding, Charlotte Byers, Edmonds <byers345...> <mailto:<byers345...>
Date: 5/6/24 7:57 am From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Indigo bunting at Biscuit Ridge
I was on my way home to Port Angeles from an extended road trip and decided to do a bit of birding. I used the WA Guide to go to Biscuit Ridge road in Walla Walla county. While there I met several birders who very kindly shared their day list and tips. While creeping and stopping I saw a male Indigo bunting. It flew in, perched on the power line for good looks. It was solid dark blue with no apparent markings in good light. The tail was slightly scalloped. I have seen Indigos many times having grown up in AR. and just saw several there last week, so I'm confident of my ID. However when I looked up the ebird reports for Biscuit Ridge I did not find any historical reports, so I decided I should report my sighting.
I am not putting on ebird since I didn't keep track of time, distance, or count of birds seen - just a listing for my personal records. also, I imagine if I tried to submit it on ebird it would be bounced for lack of context, photo and rarity. But I just felt the need to post it in case anyone was interested.
Date: 5/6/24 6:34 am From: Kathleen Snyder via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Hummingbirds – Masters of the Air – Thursday May 9th 7 pm via Zoom
Master birder, educator and author Connie Sidles will show us the wonders
of hummingbirds and how to attract them to your garden. Who doesn’t love
to see these little dynamos perform their acrobatics and flash their colors?
You can attend through Zoom by registering at the link below or join us at
Temple Beth Hatfiloh, 201 8th Ave SE, Olympia at 6:30 pm for social time
and 7 pm to view the program on a big screen. This free program is offered
by Black Hills Audubon.
Date: 5/5/24 2:31 pm From: Mary Forrester via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] chipping sparrows?
Some Tweets have said that several calls reported on Merlin as chipping sparrows' were probabaly dark eyed juncos. Granted those reporting had not seen the birds. Over the past few days I've heard, but not seen, birds which Merlin ID'd as chipping sparrows. All I can say is that these calls were unlike those of juncos, so I am inclined to think they probably were chipping sparrows (which I have heard in the East, although I couldn't swear these were the same)
Date: 5/5/24 12:46 pm From: Alan Knue via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Opticron 8x32 Traveller BGA ED Binoculars For Sale
Hello Tweeters Folks,
I have a lightly used pair of Opticron 8x32 Traveller BGA ED Binoculars for sale. These are in really great shape with pristine lens. They are compact, waterproof , and have a wide field of view. I have all of the original lens covers, ocular lens rain cover, straps, pouch, and box. Asking for $300 or best offer. Send a private message to me at podoces at iCloud.com if interested.
Date: 5/4/24 8:02 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] JBLM - Western Kingbird and Purple Martins
Tweeters,
I drove a few miles on paved roads around the 91st Division Prairie at the Ft. Lewis part of Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) today looking for nesting Western Bluebirds - found none in the cool (!) rain. However, two sightings stood out:
WESTERN KINGBIRD - at 47deg 2' 5" N; 122deg 33' 48" W. (Road name unknown on east side of 91st Div. Prairie.) Well seen at 12:56pm and will enter this on eBird tomorrow. Feeding from Scotch broom to ground. First I've found on this side of JBLM for a decade.
PURPLE MARTIN - at 47deg 1' 58" N; 122deg 35' 2"N, east of observation post 8 at 1:30pm. No big deal to find these here, but the 23 of them hanging out in a double snag on the north side of Story Road was a notable finding.
May all your birds be identified,
Denis DeSilvis
avnacrs 4 birds at outlook dot com
Date: 5/4/24 12:02 pm From: Jay Eisenberg via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Bank swallow??
I was visiting the Columbia Gorge yesterday and stopped at Government Cove near Cascade Locks ( I know it’s not the Washington side - I hope it’s okay). This lone bird was perched on a rock on a cliff. I think it’s a Bank Swallow based on plumage, but I’m happy to be corrected.
Date: 5/4/24 10:56 am From: mary hrudkaj via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] FOY Cowbird
It pays to look up from one's computer now and then. Just now I find a male Brown-Headed Cowbird is feeding in the yard. Now if I could get it to stand next to the male American Goldfinches that came back last week that would make a stunning photo.
Date: 5/4/24 10:03 am From: Thomas M Leschine via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Slow migration startup?
Yellow-rumped Warbles have been regular on West Queen Anne hilltop for at least the past week. In fact a few have been here through the winter. This morning I counted five just after dawn in a maple outside my window. All have been Audubon’s.
May be fairly localized though, as I found none yesterday at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery or on the walk there from my home. No other warblers or migrating passerines noted here so far.
Tom Leschine
West Queen Anne
Seattle
> On May 3, 2024, at 6:07 PM, Anna via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Just orange crowned, Wilson’s and yellow rumped but only a couple here and there
>
> AKopitov
> Seattle
>
> Sent from my iPhone with all the auto correct quirks.
>
> On May 3, 2024, at 1:47 PM, BRAD Liljequist via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi all,
>
> I keep waiting to hear the warblers moving through Phinney Ridge - but haven't heard much of anything. How about others? I know it's maybe a touch early, but seems like in past things started last week of April.
>
> Brad Liljequist
> Phinney Ridge, Seattle, WA
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/4/24 4:26 am From: Mark Walton via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Slow migration startup?
I enjoy recording nocturnal flight calls and I've generally found BirdCast
to be pretty accurate, in terms of predicting when I'm going to hear the
most calls. One odd thing about this spring's migration so far: I've heard
virtually no warbler NFCs during the hours when I'm typically listening
(3am to 4:30 or 5:00). So far, of the calls I've been able to identify,
I've had three soras, three dunlin, and a lot of savannah sparrows. In
previous years I've reported a lot of "new world warbler sp" calls but none
so far this spring. Not sure I understand why, because I'm seeing/hearing
plenty of spring warblers during daytime birding. I guess that, so far,
they've been following a migration route that doesn't take them over my
house?
Mark
Ar Aoine 3 Beal 2024 ag 14:01, scríobh Steve Hampton via Tweeters <
<tweeters...>:
> BirdCast was pretty accurate last night, at least here in Port Townsend.
> There was a big movement of Yellow-rumped Warblers -- mostly Audubon. I
> counted 51 moving from tree to tree out near the lighthouse. We've been
> swimming in Orange-crowns for a week or more. Western Flycatchers arrived
> en force a couple days ago. No other flycatchers that I've seen yet.
> There's been a scattering of Wilson's, Black-thr Gray, and I've seen a
> couple of each of these: MacGillivray's, Warbling Vireos, BH Grosbeaks. I
> suspect we'll get a large pulse with the coming high pressure in about a
> week.
>
>
>
> On Fri, May 3, 2024 at 1:46 PM BRAD Liljequist via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>> Hi all,
>>
>> I keep waiting to hear the warblers moving through Phinney Ridge - but
>> haven't heard much of anything. How about others? I know it's maybe a
>> touch early, but seems like in past things started last week of April.
>>
>> Brad Liljequist
>> Phinney Ridge, Seattle, WA
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tweeters mailing list
>> <Tweeters...>
>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>
>
>
> --
> Steve Hampton
> Port Townsend, WA (qatáy)
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 5/3/24 6:43 pm From: Rick Taylor via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Use of Merlin app
That is now Merlin works. It converts the audio to a sonogram and compares the sonograms.
Rick Taylor
Everett, WA
________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of kathy kuyper via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Friday, May 3, 2024 4:50:08 PM
To: <tweeters...> <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Use of Merlin app
How about comparing the sonogram of your flycatcher with the sonograms of that flycatcher on eBird or xeno-canto?
I think you can rely on the accuracy of the sonogram even if you don't feel confident of Merlin's ID.
Date: 5/3/24 6:12 pm From: Anna via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Slow migration startup?
Just orange crowned, Wilson’s and yellow rumped but only a couple here and there
AKopitov
Seattle
Sent from my iPhone with all the auto correct quirks.
On May 3, 2024, at 1:47 PM, BRAD Liljequist via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Hi all,
I keep waiting to hear the warblers moving through Phinney Ridge - but haven't heard much of anything. How about others? I know it's maybe a touch early, but seems like in past things started last week of April.
Date: 5/3/24 5:16 pm From: Kevin Lucas via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Use of Merlin app
I would love it if Merlin could highlight just the parts that it identifies
as a particular species, not just take me to where it thinks it heard it,
since often there are numerous species vocalizing, and it's not clear to me
that it always takes me to immediately before the identified vocalization
occurs.
That would be a major help in comparing sonograms, and in pointing out
errors to the magic man's developers.
On Fri, May 3, 2024 at 4:50 PM kathy kuyper via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> How about comparing the sonogram of your flycatcher with the sonograms of
> that flycatcher on eBird or xeno-canto?
>
> I think you can rely on the accuracy of the sonogram even if you don't
> feel confident of Merlin's ID.
>
> Kathy Kuyper
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 5/3/24 4:50 pm From: B B via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Merlin Photo ID - Yes and No
I use and value Photo ID on Merlin. It is very useful in identifying photos taken in the field but far from bulletproof and always reliable. It does better of course with higher quality photos and where there are few ID questions based on subtle (and at times even non-subtle) field marks. Even with crisp quality field marks evident in photos, however, it is often unable to make an ID or makes an incorrect one - sometimes suggesting truly bizarre suggestions. I also use INaturalist for the same purpose and have similar results.
This by no means is intended to denigrate the app. It is VERY useful but although perhaps to a lesser degree than the Sound ID which is very helpful as a pointer but not as a final authority, it too is not always reliable and needs to be used as A TOOL and not THE FINAL SAY.
I wonder if there are other apps used by folks in Tweeterdom that serve the same purpose. If so please share. Final comment - I have found the Facebook Community incredibly helpful (and usually kind and non-judgmental) when I post a photo and ask for ID help. I expect there are other resources that serve the same purpose and again ask any with good results to share.
Blair Bernson
Date: 5/3/24 2:50 pm From: MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Kent Valley birding
Today there was a WESTERN KINGBIRD at 204th St in Kent. The bird was flying around within the horse track. https://flic.kr/p/2pP2tbr Also at 204th was the continuing adult EASTERN RED-TAILED HAWK. https://flic.kr/p/2pP1hsn
At M Street Marsh in Auburn, a KILLDEER nest that had 4 eggs in it yesterday held 2 spanking new chicks today. https://flic.kr/p/2pNUD8g
Today I couldn't find the 1 year old RED-TAILED HAWK at West Valley & 277th in Kent. I believe it may be an eastern but I'm not certain. I saw this bird yesterday and observed it casting a pellet. https://flic.kr/p/2pNDof2
Date: 5/3/24 2:41 pm From: Scott Ramos via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Slow migration startup?
Regarding monitoring status of migrants, you can use eBird's Bar Charts for an overview. By filtering you can get a pretty decent picture. Here is a bar chart for just King County in 2024.
Date: 5/3/24 2:26 pm From: Dan Tufford via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Slow migration startup?
Earlier this week we saw a Townsend's Warbler at Grayland Beach SP and several Orange-crowned at Bottle Beach.
DanLacey, WA
On Friday, May 3, 2024 at 02:17:23 PM PDT, Zora Monster via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
On Wednesday I had two orange-crowned warblers, an Audubon’s yellow-rumped and a Wilson’s in the morning eating worms in my plum tree. Haven’t seen them since.
Zora DermerPhinney Ridge
Sent from my iPhone
On May 3, 2024, at 2:03 PM, Steve Hampton via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
BirdCast was pretty accurate last night, at least here in Port Townsend. There was a big movement of Yellow-rumped Warblers -- mostly Audubon. I counted 51 moving from tree to tree out near the lighthouse. We've been swimming in Orange-crowns for a week or more. Western Flycatchers arrived en force a couple days ago. No other flycatchers that I've seen yet. There's been a scattering of Wilson's, Black-thr Gray, and I've seen a couple of each of these: MacGillivray's, Warbling Vireos, BH Grosbeaks. I suspect we'll get a large pulse with the coming high pressure in about a week.
On Fri, May 3, 2024 at 1:46 PM BRAD Liljequist via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Hi all, I keep waiting to hear the warblers moving through Phinney Ridge - but haven't heard much of anything. How about others? I know it's maybe a touch early, but seems like in past things started last week of April. Brad LiljequistPhinney Ridge, Seattle, WA_______________________________________________
Tweeters mailing list
<Tweeters...>
http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/3/24 2:04 pm From: Steve Hampton via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Slow migration startup?
BirdCast was pretty accurate last night, at least here in Port Townsend.
There was a big movement of Yellow-rumped Warblers -- mostly Audubon. I
counted 51 moving from tree to tree out near the lighthouse. We've been
swimming in Orange-crowns for a week or more. Western Flycatchers arrived
en force a couple days ago. No other flycatchers that I've seen yet.
There's been a scattering of Wilson's, Black-thr Gray, and I've seen a
couple of each of these: MacGillivray's, Warbling Vireos, BH Grosbeaks. I
suspect we'll get a large pulse with the coming high pressure in about a
week.
On Fri, May 3, 2024 at 1:46 PM BRAD Liljequist via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I keep waiting to hear the warblers moving through Phinney Ridge - but
> haven't heard much of anything. How about others? I know it's maybe a
> touch early, but seems like in past things started last week of April.
>
> Brad Liljequist
> Phinney Ridge, Seattle, WA
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 5/3/24 2:03 pm From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Use of Merlin app
Stephen, thanks much for your great discussion of this topic. That’s pretty much how i see Merlin Sound ID. I think it can be very helpful in learning songs, and I hope few if any people are using it as a substitute for that.
But that makes me think about the new binoculars that are claimed to identify every bird for you—not that most of us can afford them. Will no one who has such binocs ever look in a field guide again, searching for that unknown bird and learning a lot as they search? AI is such a mixed blessing.
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
> On May 3, 2024, at 1:32 PM, Stephen Chase via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Hi Tweeters,
> I'd like to offer a bit of a different perspective with Merlin. It's a bit long, so if you're interested in the topic, I ask that you bear with me a bit. It's specific to Merlin Sound ID.
>
> I would have no concern whatsoever with seeing an empid, having Merlin ping "Hammond's," and then reporting to eBird as Hammond's. We're quick to think of Merlin in human terms, like a mistake-prone birder, which it is not. As humans, we occasionally make mistakes with similar songs - likely even the same ones that Merlin mistakes. I'll be the first to admit that I've mistaken a flat Orange-crowned Warbler song, and probably a Chipping Sparrow song, for Dark-eyed Junco. That said, once I see the bird, I have no doubt. Orange-crowned Warblers, Chipping Sparrows, and Dark-eyed Juncos look nothing alike. I'd argue the reverse is true as well: Kenneth, in your case you clearly identified the bird as an empid. Hammond's and Dusky Flycatchers, while very similar by sight, have unique songs that are considered diagnostic for identification. In fact, many guidebooks argue that they are the only reliable way to differentiate between the two. Merlin did not even see an empid, and yet it, listening to the wide world of sound, immediately flagged hearing a Hammond's Flycatcher. I can't think of a better way to confirm Hammond's, especially if you did not (cannot) hear the song yourself.
>
> On here and on eBird, I see birders are adjusting to Merlin. Quite often on eBird, birders like to comment about mistakes Merlin made. I do the same thing. You know what that tells me? It tells me that both new and experienced birders are using Merlin - often! So am I. Since I finally got around to buying a spotting scope, I think no tool has had a more significant impact on my birding than Merlin - and undoubtedly for the better. Last week in Newhalem, a fellow birder and I were trying to figure out a quiet flycatcher that was behaving like a Dusky. Then it began calling. I know that my fellow birder knows Dusky's dry whit, and I like to pretend that I do too, and yet we both simultaneously whipped out our phones, turned Merlin Sound ID on, and yes - it immediately pinged Dusky for both of us. Woohoo!
>
> I often turn Merlin on while I'm walking along quiet trails or country roads, and virtually always when I'm parked and scoping a pond or field. I love to have Merlin running on the side. It provides a list of the birds I am hearing, allowing me to concentrate on scoping. It doesn't do well with road noise, and I find it tends to miss lower notes, especially American Bittern. But on the other hand, I find it remarkably good at picking up some species, particularly American Robin from even very long distances. Then as I'm birding, I can refer to the list Merlin pulls up when I'm inputting information into eBird, which I do at regular intervals while I'm scoping. If Merlin hears something I don't, I'll make a point of listening for that bird. I usually let Merlin run for no more than five minutes at a time before turning it off to input seen and heard data into my eBird checklist. If I let Merlin run too long, it can take a while to save the file, and it becomes a hassle to use that file later on if I need it to document a species. The biggest downside with Merlin is that it drains my phone's battery very quickly - and probably isn't good for the long-term health of my battery. Oh well - birding is good for my long-term health and Merlin makes birding even more fun!
>
> A challenge I like to play with Merlin is comparing what I hear with what Merlin hears. I'm blessed at this stage in my life to have better ears than Merlin does - I'm sure that will change as I get older. I usually hear and identify a bird well before Merlin does, especially when I'm walking, which causes a lot of white noise that affects Merlin's ability to keep up with me. Sometimes it beats me to a bird, and when it does, then I've got a target to try to find! I have found Merlin very reliable at differentiating between sounds I find challenging, in particular Townsend's and Black-throated Gray Warblers - certainly significantly more reliable than I am. When it pings one or the other, I'll make a point of looking closely for that bird. If I see it, great! If not, of course I won't add it to my checklist, except maybe as Townsend's/Black-throated Gray Warbler. As I bird, Merlin gives me frequent targets to find and focus on along the way, as it picks up species that I would have otherwise missed. In this way, it improves the accuracy of my checklists, reducing human error and helping me develop more thorough checklists that paint a more accurate picture of what really is in the area. Does that not significantly improve the quality of the eBird database?
>
> This morning <https://ebird.org/checklist/S171698023> while birding, Merlin beat me twice, as it picked up Mourning Dove and Solitary Sandpiper before I did. The Solitary ping was a flyby Solitary Sandpiper that I might have missed altogether. I did not catch the initial call myself, but Merlin did, and as soon as Merlin pinged it, I got excited, listened closely, and heard it myself. At first, I was a bit torn about whether or not to include it on my checklist. But I felt confident in doing so, even though it felt a bit lame to not get a nice look at the bird. Because Merlin allows me to save my recordings, I even had a good audio clip to back up the observation should anyone want confirmation. Thanks, Merlin! A few minutes later, I saw a (the?) Solitary Sandpiper in the wet spot I was walking towards: taller than a Spotted with greenish legs, a slight body bob once in a while - yep, that's a Solitary!
>
> To be clear, if Merlin had pinged the bird, and I did not see or hear it, I would not report it. As many have said, Merlin's IDs are suggestions. A few weeks ago, Preston Mui previously shared a link from Cornell that explains the science of Merlin. Merlin is AI - artificial intelligence. The link is here <https://www.macaulaylibrary.org/2021/06/22/behind-the-scenes-of-sound-id-in-merlin/?<doing_wp_cron...> if you missed it. I'm a high school teacher, and AI is very much at the forefront of my attention in my profession. The debate in school settings is what to do about AI: ban it or encourage it? In a school setting, we're talking about AI in the context of Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT or Bing AI, but I think the principle still applies to Merlin. I absolutely recognize the concerns about AI - in a school setting cheating/plagiarism is the major concern. In birding, the concern is users inputting data based on what Merlin hears and IDs, not on what they hear and ID. On the other hand, the potential of AI in my profession is enormous. It's fantastic for improving differentiation for my students, and does a wonderful job of simplifying mundane teacher tasks like making schedules or turning lecture notes into a test. If used correctly, I think Merlin has incredible potential as well. Two examples in particular: 1) identifying unfamiliar sounds to help new and experienced birders to get onto birds, and 2) databasing audio clips of recorded birds for improved documentation.
>
> One buzz word in the AI world is "hallucination." Every once in a while ChatGPT will hallucinate - produce content that is clearly false or in some cases makes no sense whatsoever. When Merlin IDs Dark-eyed Juncos as Chipping Sparrows, that's an example of a hallucination. As you get to know AI products, you'll quickly see how hallucinations tend to fall into patterns. Orange-crowned Warblers, Chipping Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos all fit within those regular hallucination patterns that Merlin makes. I'm sure there are many other examples as well - Swainson's Thrush seems to be a regularly-hallucinated ID on Merlin too. Going back to Kenneth's dilemma, I'd argue that it's extremely unlikely that Merlin would hallucinate a Hammond's for a Dusky. Besides, if you still do feel uncomfortable about IDing the empid as Hammond's just because Merlin did, remember that if you saved the audio file, you can upload that clip to your Hammond's observation on your eBird checklist, documenting your sighting with an audio clip that others can review.
>
> If you made it this far, thanks for reading!
>
> In Everson,
> Stephen Chase
I keep waiting to hear the warblers moving through Phinney Ridge - but haven't heard much of anything. How about others? I know it's maybe a touch early, but seems like in past things started last week of April.
Date: 5/3/24 1:36 pm From: Stephen Chase via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Use of Merlin app
Hi Tweeters,
I'd like to offer a bit of a different perspective with Merlin. It's a bit
long, so if you're interested in the topic, I ask that you bear with me a
bit. It's specific to Merlin Sound ID.
I would have no concern whatsoever with seeing an empid, having Merlin ping
"Hammond's," and then reporting to eBird as Hammond's. We're quick to think
of Merlin in human terms, like a mistake-prone birder, which it is not. As
humans, we occasionally make mistakes with similar songs - likely even the
same ones that Merlin mistakes. I'll be the first to admit that I've
mistaken a flat Orange-crowned Warbler song, and probably a Chipping
Sparrow song, for Dark-eyed Junco. That said, once I see the bird, I have
no doubt. Orange-crowned Warblers, Chipping Sparrows, and Dark-eyed Juncos
look nothing alike. I'd argue the reverse is true as well: Kenneth, in your
case you clearly identified the bird as an empid. Hammond's and Dusky
Flycatchers, while very similar by sight, have unique songs that are
considered diagnostic for identification. In fact, many guidebooks argue
that they are the only reliable way to differentiate between the two.
Merlin did not even see an empid, and yet it, listening to the wide world
of sound, immediately flagged hearing a Hammond's Flycatcher. I can't think
of a better way to confirm Hammond's, especially if you did not (cannot)
hear the song yourself.
On here and on eBird, I see birders are adjusting to Merlin. Quite often on
eBird, birders like to comment about mistakes Merlin made. I do the same
thing. You know what that tells me? It tells me that both new and
experienced birders are using Merlin - often! So am I. Since I finally got
around to buying a spotting scope, I think no tool has had a more
significant impact on my birding than Merlin - and undoubtedly for the
better. Last week in Newhalem, a fellow birder and I were trying to figure
out a quiet flycatcher that was behaving like a Dusky. Then it began
calling. I know that my fellow birder knows Dusky's dry whit, and I like to
pretend that I do too, and yet we both simultaneously whipped out our
phones, turned Merlin Sound ID on, and yes - it immediately pinged Dusky
for both of us. Woohoo!
I often turn Merlin on while I'm walking along quiet trails or country
roads, and virtually always when I'm parked and scoping a pond or field. I
love to have Merlin running on the side. It provides a list of the birds I
am hearing, allowing me to concentrate on scoping. It doesn't do well with
road noise, and I find it tends to miss lower notes, especially American
Bittern. But on the other hand, I find it remarkably good at picking up
some species, particularly American Robin from even very long distances.
Then as I'm birding, I can refer to the list Merlin pulls up when I'm
inputting information into eBird, which I do at regular intervals while I'm
scoping. If Merlin hears something I don't, I'll make a point of listening
for that bird. I usually let Merlin run for no more than five minutes at a
time before turning it off to input seen and heard data into my eBird
checklist. If I let Merlin run too long, it can take a while to save the
file, and it becomes a hassle to use that file later on if I need it to
document a species. The biggest downside with Merlin is that it drains my
phone's battery very quickly - and probably isn't good for the long-term
health of my battery. Oh well - birding is good for my long-term health and
Merlin makes birding even more fun!
A challenge I like to play with Merlin is comparing what I hear with what
Merlin hears. I'm blessed at this stage in my life to have better ears than
Merlin does - I'm sure that will change as I get older. I usually hear and
identify a bird well before Merlin does, especially when I'm walking, which
causes a lot of white noise that affects Merlin's ability to keep up with
me. Sometimes it beats me to a bird, and when it does, then I've got a
target to try to find! I have found Merlin very reliable at differentiating
between sounds I find challenging, in particular Townsend's and
Black-throated Gray Warblers - certainly significantly more reliable than I
am. When it pings one or the other, I'll make a point of looking closely
for that bird. If I see it, great! If not, of course I won't add it to my
checklist, except maybe as Townsend's/Black-throated Gray Warbler. As I
bird, Merlin gives me frequent targets to find and focus on along the way,
as it picks up species that I would have otherwise missed. In this way, it
improves the accuracy of my checklists, reducing human error and helping me
develop more thorough checklists that paint a more accurate picture of what
really is in the area. Does that not significantly improve the quality of
the eBird database?
This morning <https://ebird.org/checklist/S171698023> while birding, Merlin
beat me twice, as it picked up Mourning Dove and Solitary Sandpiper before
I did. The Solitary ping was a flyby Solitary Sandpiper that I might have
missed altogether. I did not catch the initial call myself, but Merlin did,
and as soon as Merlin pinged it, I got excited, listened closely, and heard
it myself. At first, I was a bit torn about whether or not to include it on
my checklist. But I felt confident in doing so, even though it felt a bit
lame to not get a nice look at the bird. Because Merlin allows me to save
my recordings, I even had a good audio clip to back up the observation
should anyone want confirmation. Thanks, Merlin! A few minutes later, I saw
a (the?) Solitary Sandpiper in the wet spot I was walking towards: taller
than a Spotted with greenish legs, a slight body bob once in a while - yep,
that's a Solitary!
To be clear, if Merlin had pinged the bird, and I did not see or hear it, I
would not report it. As many have said, Merlin's IDs are suggestions. A few
weeks ago, Preston Mui previously shared a link from Cornell that explains
the science of Merlin. Merlin is AI - artificial intelligence. The link is
here
<https://www.macaulaylibrary.org/2021/06/22/behind-the-scenes-of-sound-id-in-merlin/?<doing_wp_cron...> if you missed it. I'm a high school teacher, and AI is very much at the
forefront of my attention in my profession. The debate in school settings
is what to do about AI: ban it or encourage it? In a school setting, we're
talking about AI in the context of Large Language Models (LLMs) such as
ChatGPT or Bing AI, but I think the principle still applies to Merlin. I
absolutely recognize the concerns about AI - in a school setting
cheating/plagiarism is the major concern. In birding, the concern is users
inputting data based on what Merlin hears and IDs, not on what they hear
and ID. On the other hand, the potential of AI in my profession is
enormous. It's fantastic for improving differentiation for my students, and
does a wonderful job of simplifying mundane teacher tasks like making
schedules or turning lecture notes into a test. If used correctly, I think
Merlin has incredible potential as well. Two examples in particular: 1)
identifying unfamiliar sounds to help new and experienced birders to get
onto birds, and 2) databasing audio clips of recorded birds for improved
documentation.
One buzz word in the AI world is "hallucination." Every once in a while
ChatGPT will hallucinate - produce content that is clearly false or in some
cases makes no sense whatsoever. When Merlin IDs Dark-eyed Juncos as
Chipping Sparrows, that's an example of a hallucination. As you get to know
AI products, you'll quickly see how hallucinations tend to fall into
patterns. Orange-crowned Warblers, Chipping Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos all
fit within those regular hallucination patterns that Merlin makes. I'm sure
there are many other examples as well - Swainson's Thrush seems to be a
regularly-hallucinated ID on Merlin too. Going back to Kenneth's dilemma,
I'd argue that it's extremely unlikely that Merlin would hallucinate a
Hammond's for a Dusky. Besides, if you still do feel uncomfortable about
IDing the empid as Hammond's just because Merlin did, remember that if you
saved the audio file, you can upload that clip to your Hammond's
observation on your eBird checklist, documenting your sighting with an
audio clip that others can review.
If you made it this far, thanks for reading!
In Everson,
Stephen Chase
On Fri, May 3, 2024 at 5:58 AM Rob Faucett via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Hi Phil & TEEETERS - If you find a regular or repeatable Merlin
> problem/mistake (like this one) it would be great if you could let me or
> the Merlin People know.
>
> Users are the best form of improvement assistance.
>
> Thanks and good Merlining!!
>
>
> rcf
> —
> Rob Faucett
> +1(206) 619-5569
> <robfaucett...>
> Seattle, WA 98105
>
> On May 2, 2024, at 6:48 PM, Philip Dickinson via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> I would list it as empid, especially given Merlin’s regular suggestion
> that juncos are Chipping Sparrows. Indeed, remember that Merlin is only a
> suggestion, not a certain ID.
>
> Phil Dickinson
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On May 2, 2024, at 6:25 PM, Kenneth Brown via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> I use Merlin mostly when I'm birding alone. I'm hard of hearing, using it
> alerts me to the possibility of nearby birds I didn't hear. I don't list
> birds I didn't hear if I didn't see them. I toured the Darlin Creek
> Preserve this afternoon, among the birds Merlin ID'd but I didn't list were
> Black-throated Gray Warbler, Hermit Warbler, Wilson's and Yellow warbler,
> Lesser Goldfinch and a couple of others because I didn't see them. I did
> rely on Merlin for one species ID though, and now I'm wondering if I should
> have. Hammond's Flycatcher appeared on my phone and I found the bird. It
> was active and so not staying in place very long but it fit the description
> and I listed it. After consideration, I have to say that without Merlin's
> prompting I wouldn't have been sure I could distinguish it from a Dusky
> Flycatcher. In this situation, where voice is critical, is using Merlin to
> make that determination acceptable? Or should I have listed it as an Empid
> species? What does the birding world think?
> _______________________________________________
> 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: 5/3/24 1:34 pm From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Use of Merlin App
Hi,
The truly reliable part of using Merlin is the PhotoId. It is very close to bulletproof - even for birds that are in foreign countries. I use it all the time when processing my bird pictures and it is -very- good. And even when the picture you are using is from the back or front on. The way I use it for PhotoId is to take a picture of my photo - just after I've done my post processing and just before I save it to my hard drive ... with my iPhone using PhotoId and it is "spot on". Try it this way and you will be amazed.
There are a -lot- of the IDs in these images that were done this way ...
Date: 5/3/24 1:03 pm From: BRAD Liljequist via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Chipping Sparrows, Juncos, and Merlin
I had to chuckle at the Junco/Chipping Sparrow conversation and Merlin...that's because I can't distinguish between Chipping Sparrows and Juncos by my own ear, but Merlin taught me to pay attention last year - had it out in Woodland Park and it flashed "Chipping Sparrow" and I thought, no way, that's a Junco...and then lo and behold, singing to its heart's content, a Chipping Sparrow!
Woodland Park btw is a great place this time of year for Chipping Sparrows...caught our FOY last week in fact, in the War Memorial Park area...but they can be in the open meadows, or up by the lawn bowling area...
Date: 5/3/24 6:02 am From: Rob Faucett via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Use of Merlin app
Hi Phil & TEEETERS - If you find a regular or repeatable Merlin problem/mistake (like this one) it would be great if you could let me or the Merlin People know.
Users are the best form of improvement assistance.
Thanks and good Merlining!!
rcf
—
Rob Faucett
+1(206) 619-5569
<robfaucett...>
Seattle, WA 98105
> On May 2, 2024, at 6:48 PM, Philip Dickinson via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> I would list it as empid, especially given Merlin’s regular suggestion that juncos are Chipping Sparrows. Indeed, remember that Merlin is only a suggestion, not a certain ID.
>
> Phil Dickinson
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>>> On May 2, 2024, at 6:25 PM, Kenneth Brown via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>>>
>>
>> I use Merlin mostly when I'm birding alone. I'm hard of hearing, using it alerts me to the possibility of nearby birds I didn't hear. I don't list birds I didn't hear if I didn't see them. I toured the Darlin Creek Preserve this afternoon, among the birds Merlin ID'd but I didn't list were Black-throated Gray Warbler, Hermit Warbler, Wilson's and Yellow warbler, Lesser Goldfinch and a couple of others because I didn't see them. I did rely on Merlin for one species ID though, and now I'm wondering if I should have. Hammond's Flycatcher appeared on my phone and I found the bird. It was active and so not staying in place very long but it fit the description and I listed it. After consideration, I have to say that without Merlin's prompting I wouldn't have been sure I could distinguish it from a Dusky Flycatcher. In this situation, where voice is critical, is using Merlin to make that determination acceptable? Or should I have listed it as an Empid species? What does the birding world think?
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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: 5/2/24 7:18 pm From: Kenneth Brown via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Use of Merlin app
Thanks Jim and Phil. I knew the likely answer before I asked the question. I have edited that checklist.
> On 05/02/2024 6:25 PM PDT Kenneth Brown via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote: > > > I use Merlin mostly when I'm birding alone. I'm hard of hearing, using it alerts me to the possibility of nearby birds I didn't hear. I don't list birds I didn't hear if I didn't see them. I toured the Darlin Creek Preserve this afternoon, among the birds Merlin ID'd but I didn't list were Black-throated Gray Warbler, Hermit Warbler, Wilson's and Yellow warbler, Lesser Goldfinch and a couple of others because I didn't see them. I did rely on Merlin for one species ID though, and now I'm wondering if I should have. Hammond's Flycatcher appeared on my phone and I found the bird. It was active and so not staying in place very long but it fit the description and I listed it. After consideration, I have to say that without Merlin's prompting I wouldn't have been sure I could distinguish it from a Dusky Flycatcher. In this situation, where voice is critical, is using Merlin to make that determination acceptable? Or should I have listed it as an Empid species? What does! the birding world think? > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > <Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 5/2/24 6:49 pm From: Philip Dickinson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Use of Merlin app
I would list it as empid, especially given Merlin’s regular suggestion that juncos are Chipping Sparrows. Indeed, remember that Merlin is only a suggestion, not a certain ID.
Phil Dickinson
Sent from my iPhone
> On May 2, 2024, at 6:25 PM, Kenneth Brown via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> I use Merlin mostly when I'm birding alone. I'm hard of hearing, using it alerts me to the possibility of nearby birds I didn't hear. I don't list birds I didn't hear if I didn't see them. I toured the Darlin Creek Preserve this afternoon, among the birds Merlin ID'd but I didn't list were Black-throated Gray Warbler, Hermit Warbler, Wilson's and Yellow warbler, Lesser Goldfinch and a couple of others because I didn't see them. I did rely on Merlin for one species ID though, and now I'm wondering if I should have. Hammond's Flycatcher appeared on my phone and I found the bird. It was active and so not staying in place very long but it fit the description and I listed it. After consideration, I have to say that without Merlin's prompting I wouldn't have been sure I could distinguish it from a Dusky Flycatcher. In this situation, where voice is critical, is using Merlin to make that determination acceptable? Or should I have listed it as an Empid species? What does the birding world think?
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/2/24 6:28 pm From: Kenneth Brown via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Use of Merlin app
I use Merlin mostly when I'm birding alone. I'm hard of hearing, using it alerts me to the possibility of nearby birds I didn't hear. I don't list birds I didn't hear if I didn't see them. I toured the Darlin Creek Preserve this afternoon, among the birds Merlin ID'd but I didn't list were Black-throated Gray Warbler, Hermit Warbler, Wilson's and Yellow warbler, Lesser Goldfinch and a couple of others because I didn't see them. I did rely on Merlin for one species ID though, and now I'm wondering if I should have. Hammond's Flycatcher appeared on my phone and I found the bird. It was active and so not staying in place very long but it fit the description and I listed it. After consideration, I have to say that without Merlin's prompting I wouldn't have been sure I could distinguish it from a Dusky Flycatcher. In this situation, where voice is critical, is using Merlin to make that determination acceptable? Or should I have listed it as an Empid species? What does t! he birding world think? _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 5/2/24 2:09 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2024-05-02
Tweets - This is the time of year with peak diversity. Some wintering birds are lingering in the lowlands. Some summer birds are arriving already. And pass-through migrants are passing through. So we were very eager setting out this morning, and were not disappointed. We WERE a bit cold at first, though, as the day started out at 35 degrees (warming to 55 by the time we were done). No wind, sunny skies. Birds.
Highlights: American Wigeon - One below the weir. We've only had wigeon later twice in spring Green-winged Teal - Two below the weir. Almost as late as the wigeon Ring-necked Duck - One at the Rowing Club - Ditto Mourning Dove - One at the south end of the East Meadow pre-dawn Anna's Hummingbird - Female on a nest near the start of the boardwalk SOLITARY SANDPIPER - One landed right next to us in the slough below the weir. Stayed a while for good looks (FOY) LEAST SANDPIPER - Came in with the SOSA and landed 6 feet away from it, also lingering for good looks (FOY) Barn Owl - Eric saw one pre-dawn Barred Owl - Tony heard one pre-dawn, west of the boardwalk California Scrub-Jay - One clearly heard between the Dog Meadow and the East Meadow. First of Year (FOY) American Robin - Juvenile making very strange calls at the Rowing Club American Pipit - Ten on the grass/gravel lot in the NE part of the park. (FOY) for the survey Black-throated Gray Warbler - One near the windmill (FOY) Wilson's Warbler - Two heard singing, neither seen (FOY) Black-headed Grosbeak - Perhaps two heard singing, one of which we eventually saw, near the boardwalk (FOY)
Misses today included Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Green Heron, and Western Tanager.
For the day, 68 species. For the year, adding seven, we're at 112.
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 5/2/24 11:16 am From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk for Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR 5/1/2024
Hi Tweets,
Thirty of us had a fine spring day at the Refuge with mostly sunny skies
and cool temperatures in the 30's to 50's degrees Fahrenheit. There was a
High 9'10" Tide at 10:50am. Highlights included FOY YELLOW WARBLER and
PURPLE MARTIN. We had a wonderful push of over 500 VAUX'S SWIFTS in the
morning and fantastic views of VIRGINIA RAIL and SORA in the Freshwater
Marsh. We observed 89 species for the day and have seen 137 species for
the year. See eBird Report below with details and embedded photos.
Until next week when we meet again at 8am, happy birding.
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
May 1, 2024 6:41 AM - 5:58 PM
Protocol: Traveling
8.897 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Mostly sunny with light rain.
Temperatures in the 30’s to 50’s degrees Fahrenheit. A High 9’10” Tide at
10:50am. Mammals seen Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Eastern Gray Squirrel,
Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Townsend’s Chipmunk, Harbor Seal. Also
Red-eared Slider and NE Salamander egg cluster.
89 species (+4 other taxa)
Greater White-fronted Goose 21 Freshwater Marsh
Brant (Black) 40 Nisqually Reach from Puget Sound Observation Platform.
Cackling Goose (minima) 100
Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 20
Wood Duck 7
Cinnamon Teal 6 Visitor Center Pond, flooded field south of Twin
Barns, freshwater marsh.
Northern Shoveler 100
Gadwall 15
American Wigeon 20
Mallard 30
Northern Pintail 40
Green-winged Teal (American) 700 Several groups of 100-200 birds seen
flying around the refuge like shorebirds. On the mudflats of the surge
plain, on mudflats west of Leschi Slough along Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk
Trail, and mudflats between Shannon Slough and McAllister Creek. Numerous
pairs and small groups in flooded fields and freshwater marsh. Counted
approximately 50-100 in freshwater areas. Counted 100-200 on mudflats.
Observed 4 groups of 100-200 birds flying from mudflats to Nisqually Reach.
Ring-necked Duck 6
Greater Scaup 9 Foraging in Madrone slough on falling tide, seen from
Puget Sound Observation Platform.
Bufflehead 50
Common Goldeneye 6
Hooded Merganser 6
Common Merganser 4
Red-breasted Merganser 4
Pied-billed Grebe 2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 3
Band-tailed Pigeon 18
Mourning Dove 2 Orchard.
Vaux's Swift 500 Huge push of swifts moving through in the morning.
Anna's Hummingbird 1 Juvenile in Orchard.
Rufous Hummingbird 5 Nest in Pear Tree across path from USGS Tech
building. Look for tree with purple insect trap. Observe tree directly to
the left of it. Nest is on dangling outer branch at approximately 8
o’clock. Sitting on nest for more than 1 week. Males seen in Orchard and
north section of Twin Barns Loop Trail.
Virginia Rail 4 Freshwater Marsh
Sora 4 Flooded field south of Twin Barns and Freshwater Marsh.
American Coot 25
Black-bellied Plover 3 Nisqually Reach
Whimbrel 1 Reported by other birders. Some in our group observed the
bird, described as large gray brown shorebird with long decurved bill.
Heard flight song, “quiquiquiquiqui” from Puget Sound Observation Platform.
Spotted Sandpiper 1 West Bank of McAllister Creek.
Greater Yellowlegs 3
Dunlin 4 Heard only. Flight calls.
Least Sandpiper 200 Freshwater Marsh and Mudflats.
Western Sandpiper 1 Broken leg. Freshwater marsh.
Short-billed Gull 40 Counted. Likely more. Observed foraging along
Shannon Slough, McAllister Creek, and mudflats west of Leschi Slough.
Multiple groups some as large as 20 birds.
Ring-billed Gull 20
Glaucous-winged Gull 2
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 5
Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 20
Caspian Tern 8
Common Loon 1
Brandt's Cormorant 5 Channel marker.
Double-crested Cormorant 30
Great Blue Heron 25
Cooper's Hawk 1
Bald Eagle 50 Occupied nest in tall cottonwood west side of Nisqually
River north of dike and West Bank of McAllister Creek from Puget Sound
Observation Platform. Just left of tallest Conifer in ridge.
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Red-breasted Sapsucker 2 Maple Trees in Twin Barns picnic area.
Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 3 Nest Cavity in Large Maple Tree on
outside of path from Visitor Center to east side parking lot.
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Merlin 1
Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope) 1 Stand behind flagpole.
Warbling Vireo 1 West entrance to Twin Barns Loop Trail.
Steller's Jay 1 West Bank of McAllistet Creek.
American Crow 12
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 12
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 2
Bank Swallow 1
Tree Swallow 30
Violet-green Swallow 3
Purple Martin 2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 10
Barn Swallow 75 Nest at Visitor Center.
Cliff Swallow 50
Bushtit (Pacific) 10 Nest in Orchard, nest east of Maintenance
Building Road just north of Entrance Road, across north section of Twin
Barns Loop Trail from old Owl Nest Tree.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Brown Creeper 3 Nest in Alder under bark shingle in median adjacent to
entrance road to Education Center.
Pacific Wren 1
Marsh Wren 12 Freshwater Marsh.
Bewick's Wren 4
European Starling 16
American Robin 27 Visitor Center.
Purple Finch 3 Orchard and Visitor Center.
Pine Siskin 2 Orchard.
American Goldfinch 15
Golden-crowned Sparrow 15
Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 7 Nisqually Estuary Trail.
Song Sparrow 15
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 1
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 35
Brown-headed Cowbird 15
Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens) 6
Common Yellowthroat 15
Yellow Warbler 8
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 100
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 200
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's) 1 Male, white rimmed yellow
throat patch with white supercillium and white spur from throat up behind
auricles.
Wilson's Warbler 4
Date: 5/2/24 8:10 am From: Hank Heiberg via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Osprey and Dipper part 2
Here is the rest of the story which might be of interest.
We birded a nearby road for an hour plus and then returned to the Tokul Creek bridge. The Osprey was back in position on the wire staring at the water under the bridge. A Robin was not happy with the situation and repeatedly dive bombed the Osprey. The Osprey noticed the Robin, but did not seem to be disturbed by it. No further action occurred while we were there.
Date: 5/1/24 8:39 pm From: Hank Heiberg via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Would an Osprey Eat a Dipper?
Today at the Tokul Creek bridge located in King County between Fall City
and Snoqualmie Falls we came upon an Osprey perched on a wire just upstream
from the bridge, an American Dipper hotspot. Here are some photos.
We observed the Osprey for maybe 30 minutes while it stared downstream
towards the water under the bridge. We were hoping for some action.
Eventually a Dipper flew in from downstream vocalizing and landed under the
bridge. The Osprey swooped down from its perch and flew under the bridge.
We didn’t see what happened under the bridge nor did we see the Osprey fly
off. We never heard or saw the Dipper again.
Date: 5/1/24 7:58 pm From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] REMINDER: WOS Monthly Meeting, May 6, 2024 (in person and via Zoom)
The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) is pleased to announce our next Monthly Meeting: on Monday, May 5, Dennis Paulson will present, "Cormorants—perhaps you didn’t know they were so interesting!"
Cormorants occur worldwide, and we are fortunate to have three species of them in the Pacific Northwest. They share a common ancestry and many similar anatomical modifications, but each of them has its own way of life. And cormorants around the world add even more variation to this plan.
Dennis Paulson grew up in Miami, exposed to nature in all its glory while southern Florida was still largely unspoiled. After receiving his Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Miami, he moved to Seattle where he has lived ever since. He continues to work regularly at the Slater Museum of Natural History, University of Puget Sound where he was Director for 15 years. Dennis is an iconic figure in the birding community, a noted naturalist and dragonfly authority, and perhaps most of all, a dedicated, generous and respected educator.
This meeting will be conducted both IN-PERSON at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture, and virtually, via Zoom. At CUH (3501 NE 41st Street, Seattle), our social time starts at 7pm, and the formal program begins at 7:30pm.
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.
Sign-in will begin at 7:15 pm, and once again, the meeting commences at 7:30 pm.
This meeting is open to all as WOS invites everyone in the wider birding community to attend. Thanks to the generosity of our presenters, recordings of past programs are available at the following link to the WOS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonornithologicalso7839/videos
If you are not yet a member of WOS, we hope you will consider becoming one at https://wos.org
Date: 5/1/24 7:27 am From: Steve Hampton via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Short Farm access and Jefferson Co birding
I'm happy to see Jefferson County is trending. Please come bird and find
more!
Lately, most of the attention has been at Short's Family Farm (aka Short
Farm). This is a privately-owned farm along Center Rd about a mile or so
south of Chimacum and Finn River Cidery (a fun afternoon and evening stop,
often with live music). The Port of Port Townsend will be taking over
ownership of the farm in August. That's another story, but we're hoping for
continued access and possibly even maybe stream restoration along Chimacum
Creek (that ag ditch that runs north-south in a straight line).
Basic access rules: It is a working farm, so please be respectful of
equipment and operations.
There are two access points - one within the property and one at a pullout
along Center Rd. Neither of these are well-marked.
1) within the property -- parking is permitted at the far side of the
valley after you drive slowly between the buildings (47.9871917,
-122.7817738). Please do not park among the buildings. The entrance off
Center Rd is a very small green sign. Please look at a satellite map first
to familiarize yourself. The parking spot on the far side is just where the
road bends left and begins to leave the valley on the west side. From here,
you can walk on the road you just drove on, as well as the T junction road
toward the old barn in the middle of the valley.
2) Center Rd pullout -- you can park here -- there's room for just a few
cars (47.9821766, -122.7711858) and then walk down the diagonal dirt road
(open and closing the gate). You can then walk left and right hundreds of
yards and overlook the fields. A scope is useful. The trees to the left can
host lots of warblers.
Birds - In winter, much of this floods and has waterfowl, including swans
(mostly Trumpeter but sometimes a Tundra or two). Currently it is mudflats,
so there has been Solitary Sandpiper (behind the barn in the middle of the
valley), both yellowlegs, pipits, all three teal, lots of Soras (rather
rare on the Olympic Pen), etc. I recommend birding from both access points.
OTHER NEARBY BIRDING SPOTS:
Oak Bay County Park is good at medium and lower tides -- access via Oak Bay
Rd and Portage Way.
Indian Island pullouts across Oak Bay.
Fort Flagler -- both the spit and Marrowstone Pt. Note the spit has lots of
people on weekends.
East Beach County Park, Marrowstone -- great at tides below 1', especially
1/4 mile north and 1/2 to 1 mile south - whimbrel and godwits lately.
Morningtide Open Space on Schwartz Rd, Marrowstone -- fabulous for dawn
chorus and morning birds of the wood
-- and even birding along Larson Lake Rd and others like it are good for
morning warblers.
In Port Townsend, there is Kah Tai Lagoon and Fort Warden/Pt Wilson.
Date: 4/30/24 3:29 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] How do birds flock? Researchers do the math to reveal previously unknown aerodynamic phenomenon | ScienceDaily
Date: 4/30/24 3:28 pm From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Rare bird sighting: What to know about blue rock thrush seen in Oregon
Date: 4/30/24 2:45 pm From: Brian Zinke via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Puget Sound Bird Fest registrations open at 7am tomorrow (May 1)
Hi Tweets,
Registration for the field trips and workshops for the Puget Sound Bird Fest will open at 7:00am tomorrow morning, May 1st. Space is limited in each so be sure to save your spot!
Date: 4/30/24 2:38 pm From: Tim Brennan via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Jefferson County chasables
Hi Tweets,
I am not going to hop in my car to chase a bird just because it's a code 4 in a given county. But 6 code 4 birds reported in one location got me out to Jefferson for a quick bit of chasing today. Reported: Cinnamon Teal (found it), Blue-winged Teal (nope), Green Heron (nope), Sandhill Crane (not yet), Solitary Sandpiper (found it), and Western Kingbird (found it) out at Short Farm on Center Road.
There is a parking spot on Short Road that allows for a little walk past a chained gate. This was not where I found any of the birds in question, but it's worth a stop, as it provides a nice view from above the fields, and gives access to some passerines that aren't as easy once you're out in the fields. There is also a north entrance, signed Short Farm, that allows you to drive past a couple houses and down to roads that run along the fields. All three of these birds were found along (or very near) the central road.
Other Jefferson County goodies included Cackling Geese, Soras (so loud, calling throughout the morning, and photographed by another birder), Virginia Rails, and House Wrens. 64 species<https://ebird.org/checklist/S171196597> in all for the morning! It's great habitat, although access seemed confusing on my first trip or three.
Date: 4/29/24 8:25 pm From: Megan Lyden via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Scott Ramos/Texas Trip photos and report
Hi Scott,
Thanks so much for making your amazing photos available. Thank you also for your detailed trip report.
I was in Concan for the eclipse, and fortunately our experience was like yours; breaks in the clouds at exactly the right time! Then I spent the rest of the day birding in Lost Maples.
I had limited time for birding on this trip, but going down there again next year so I really appreciate your trip report; lots of places to check out that I haven't been to yet.
Tried to email you directly, but my email bounced back. Thanks again...and great photos!
Date: 4/29/24 1:57 pm From: jimullrich via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival 5/3-5
Howdy Tweets: Please consider joining us this weekend 5/3-5 at the Grays Harbor Shorebird & Nature Festival based out of the Hoquiam Middle School and Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge. Visit: https://shorebirdfestival.com Details on Friday and Saturday speakers, trips, fund raising dinner and Pub Visit. Great weekend to revisit your favorite haunts in general Aberdeen, Hoquiam and Ocean Shores area. Yours for the Birds n the Bees Jim Ullrich Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/28/24 10:54 pm From: Larry Schwitters via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] New chimney cams
The Courteney BC Museum has set up two cameras at their Vaux’s Swift chimney roost. It's really slick and you can "rewind” it to watch the 1500 that went to roost tonight.
Date: 4/28/24 7:55 pm From: Michael Hobbs via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2024-04-25
Tweets - I never posted about Marymoor last Thursday, since we left for the WOS Conference down in Long Beach immediately afterwards.
But last Thursday started gray and misty, and every hour the weather got worse. Darker, WETTER, windier. Matt & I even skipped the loop around the mansion, since we were pretty sure we'd add nothing new for the day. But the day was not a total waste.
Highlights: Common Goldeneye - Three females at the weir, after a two week absence. Getting late for them Vaux's Swift - One or two, First of Year (FOY) for us Common Loon - One on the lake (FOY); the first since January 2023! Five Woodpecker Day Warbling Vireo - One heard singing several times, Dog Meadow (FOY). Our second-earliest sighting ever (earliest 2015-04-23) Cliff Swallow - One from the Lake Platform (FOY) Hermit Thrush - One heard and glimpsed by Matt pre-dawn White-crowned Sparrow - Tight flock of 20 Gambeli-type across Marymoor Way from the Viewing Mound; also 5-10 Pugetensis scattered Lincoln's Sparrow - Two at the Viewing Mound, first since January Nashville Warbler - One seen briefly south of the East Meadow; (FOY) for us
Misses included Hooded Merganser, Pied-billed Grebe, Rock Pigeon, Double-crested Cormorant, Red-tailed Hawk, Barn Owl, Belted Kingfisher, and House Finch.
Despite those many misses, we managed 62 species for the day. We're up to 105 for the year.
= Michael Hobbs = <BirdMarymoor...> = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
Date: 4/28/24 10:38 am From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Would like to do this again ...
Hi all,
As previously reported we have just returned from a birding tour in Belize. It was a fabulous trip and we'd like to "rinse and repeat" at other similar locations. So we're looking for recommendations for similar experiences. The things I see as important are the places you stay and the guide(s) you get.
We were staying at Crystal Paradise (aka "Birding in Belize") and had Abimael Morales as our guide. The rooms, food, and environment at Crystal Paradise were all excellent - they even put out bird feeders with fruit on the deck just off of the covered dining area.
===> If you have been to/stayed at Crystal Paradise and have had other similar birding tours we'd like to hear about it! ANYwhere in the world.
- Jim and Loretta
P.S. If you want to see the bird pictures click on this link and use the small arrow on the right to see the pictures.
Date: 4/28/24 9:31 am From: Doug Santoni via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Birding in southeast Texas
Scott — Thank you for sharing all of these beautiful pictures (avian, insect, and celestial!), and for sharing where you’d visited. That was an amazing picture of a Sprague’s Pipit. All of the pics were great!
Doug Santoni
Seattle
> On Apr 24, 2024, at 2:31 PM, Scott Ramos via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Earlier this month, Dave Swayne and I made a trip to Texas with the hope of catching an early wave of migrants. While the weather did not cooperate, providing only southerly winds, and we missed the charm of a fallout, by visiting a variety of habitats in the southeast part of the state we were able to have a productive trip. We were able to see over 200 species of birds, many of them lifers for both of us. Here is a flickr link with photos of many favorites.
>
> https://www.flickr.com/photos/farpost/albums/72177720316399297/ >
> We camped most of the trip which added a little complexity to travel arrangements but gave us some flexibility to be in good places when we wanted. Most locations we visited are well-known eBird hotspots and we chose them for the possible collection of birds we might see. Some spots were from suggestions by local birders we met on the trip (Hazel Bazemore Park is a must!) while others we stumbled upon when en route and in need of a break from driving (Sikes Road Catfish Ponds, but beware the skeeters!). The trip report below gives detail on the itinerary and links to the hotspots should you want to visit.
>
> https://ebird.org/tripreport/218231 >
> Oh, and not entirely unplanned, we had a chance to witness a total eclipse. Many of the popular parks were closed to entry the days before and of the eclipse but we didn't intend to be part of a crowd. Instead, we found a backroad that borders the Balcones Canyonlands NWR, didn't have that much traffic and had plenty of sky view for watching the event. Sadly, as time approached the clouds which had been with us all morning seemed to grow denser. We despaired that the effort was not going to pay off. While laying on the edge of the road, we could occasionally see the sun being encroached upon by the moon (eclipse glasses!) then more clouds passed overhead, obscuring the sun entirely. As time neared, so did an even larger black cloud. Sigh. But serendipity prevailed and at the last moment when totality started, the skies cleared and we enjoyed a full 4+ minutes of the awesome phenomenon. It was spectacular!
>
> As is often reported, when totality approached and the whole scene moved to darkness, all bird song ceased, with the exception of a pair of Mourning Doves. And when the event ended, the birds returned to their singing and calling as if nothing had happened. And we continued on our way to more birding.
>
> In the end, the trip was successful in many ways. Hope you enjoy the report.
> Scott Ramos
> Seattle
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/27/24 10:27 am From: birdbooker via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Peterson guide turns 90
Hi All:
Today marks the 90th anniversary of the first Peterson field guide.
Here’s an article that I wrote for the ABA about PRE Peterson field
guides:
Date: 4/27/24 1:26 am From: Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Magnificent Frigatebird
When living in Littleton, Colorado I saw a Frigatebird, which turned out to
be the first state record. I did not have a camera with me, so no photo,
but I had a witness and I was familiar with it from STt. Thomas, Virgin
Islands. Of course my sighting was not accepted, especially since we had
just moved to Colorado. Then the bizarre story unfolded two weeks later:
the bird attacked a windsurfer on a reservoir and was stoned and killed.
Eventually it was turned over to the Denver Museum of Natural History and
now rests in a drawer there as a skin! Now there was proof and everybody
believed me!
Good Birding!
Hans
On Fri, Apr 26, 2024 at 7:47 AM Robert Gray via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> I believe that most rare birds that we observe are doomed to never seeing
> another member of their species and that their lives are a tragedy. I try
> to never experience joy from another's suffering and will not drive for
> miles to experience it close up.
>
> On Friday, April 26, 2024 at 07:18:32 AM PDT, Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
>
> Tweets, I was on the Washington Bird Records Committee for many years, and
> I agree strongly with Steve’s comments. Those items in his last paragraph
> never convinced any reviewer. There has to be a good description at the
> least, and much better than that a photo, even a mediocre one.
>
> I have been looking at the eBird rarities daily reports for some time now,
> and they contain quite a few observations that are very unlikely, with no
> documentation. “Merlin said” is fraught with difficulty, as Merlin makes
> mistakes all the time, and I don’t think it should ever be used as evidence
> of a bird rare at that place or time. Whenever that happens, the observer
> should make every effort to see the bird.
>
> I have much sympathy for all the vetters who put time and energy into
> figuring out which of those observations is valid. And please think about
> the fact that every misidentification in eBird compromises its value. It
> was set up as an aid to our gaining a deep understanding of bird
> distribution, abundance, and seasonality, and that makes those data
> priceless, as long a they are correct.
>
> Dennis Paulson
> Seattle
>
>
> On Apr 26, 2024, at 6:30 AM, Steve Hampton via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> I'm not a reviewer, but I've watched eBird best-practices presentations
> and talked to reviewers about how to describe a flagged (rare) bird.
>
> They want a description of what you saw, meaning at least 3 field marks,
> vocalizations if any, and the context -- angle, lighting, distance -- how
> good of a look you got, etc. Someone should be able to read your
> description and guess the species just from your description. Obviously,
> even a poor photo or audio is great. Audio can be gotten with a cell phone
> pretty easily.
>
> Descriptions such as "Clearly identified" "I know this species" "front
> yard" "highlight of the day" "Merlin said" and "yep" don't help the
> reviewer evaluate the record.
>
>
>
>
>
> On Fri, Apr 26, 2024 at 12:14 AM Michael Price via Tweeters <
> <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Hi tweets
>
> This issue of acceptance/rejection of extraordinary rarity reports has
> always been a fraught one, leading to frustration on either side of the
> rarities committee: on one side, irritation with undocumented, possibly
> frivolous reports; on the other, frustration and resentment at sometimes
> haughty and insensitively bureaucratic committee dismissal. It doesn't
> have to be this way. There is a simple workaround: the 'pending' file.
> This category ensures that potentially valid
> migrational/dispersion/trending data are not lost.
>
> Longer ago than I care to think, I operated a Rare Bird Alert for five
> years, and I became suspicious of a connection between a cluster of
> undocumented reports of subtropical vagrants in the Greater Vancouver
> region and BC generally and a then-occurring El Nińo episode. Lacking
> documentation, none of them could be accepted under then-current committee
> acceptance protocols at either the metro or the provincial committees. The
> same lack of flexibility existed in many US and Canadian committees. The
> result? data lost.
>
> Well, we now know that many of these tropical and subtropical rarities
> which heat up our alerts are climate refugees, whether displaced by global
> heating or cyclical atmospheric phenomena such as El Nińo. But how much of
> the early warnings were lost for want of a 'pending' category in our
> rarities committees?
>
> best wishes, m
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
>
>
> --
> Steve Hampton
> Port Townsend, WA (qatáy)
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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 >
--
*Hans Feddern*
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA
<thefedderns...>
Date: 4/26/24 5:57 pm From: Nick Bayard via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] BirdNote Friends and Family
Hello, Tweeters!
BirdNote officially launched its online shop today, and we wanted to offer everyone on here a Friends and Family promo code. You can use FRIENDS25 for a 25% discount on any order. https://birdnote.myshopify.com Hope you like what you see!
We're proud to be featuring some original art for BirdNote by the artist/writer/cartoonist Rosemary Mosco. If you haven't seen her bird comics, they are worth checking out! https://rosemarymosco.com/comics/bird-and-moon/all
Date: 4/26/24 5:13 pm From: Odette B. James via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Red-breasted Merganser
I don't know if this is worth posting, but it's only the second time I've seen this bird over the last 4 years in this location.
This afternoon at about 1:45 pm, there was a female Red-breasted Merganser with Common Mergansers just west of the Cedar River Delta, in the area near the trailer parks. The brown head did not have the sharp boundary with the neck plumage that the brown head of the Common usually has, the crest was very shaggy with several very long feathers, there was no white throat patch but there was an elongate pale patch between the eye and the bill, and the bill was thinner at its base than in the nearby Commons, giving the bird the appearance of a stronger forehead. Also, the head looked slightly smaller than the heads of the nearby Common females.
Odette James, at the Lakeshore Retirement Community (a wonderful place for birders to retire!)
Date: 4/26/24 1:59 pm From: Kersti Muul via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] So many birds today
West Seattle is full of Red Crossbills, multiple warbler sp. (Black-throated greys, orange-crowned, Wilson's, butterbutts...) Western flycatchers and black-headed grosbeaks..
Date: 4/26/24 12:06 pm From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Skagit Area "Survey"
Jim, thanks for your detailed accounts, helpful to birders and helpful to our knowledge of what’s going on with the birds.
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
> On Apr 26, 2024, at 11:48 AM, via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> Hello all,
>
> Having just returned from Belize I was anxious to see the changes that
> have happened in just 3 weeks since I had last gone out birding in Skagit
> County. The following represents what I saw/noticed. I drove out to the
> East 90, then to Fir Island, then back to the East 90 - in about 5 or 6
> hours and stopping to just sit and watch at many different locations.
> I left the house just before noon and didn't return until just before
> sunset (7-ish).
>
> Significantly less Bald Eagles, all of them I saw were probably
> associated with active nests. Most of the active nests had "one
> white head sticking up". I did not observe any young but I was
> looking up from below so wouldn't have seen them until they are
> getting ready to fledge. I saw around a dozen or so eagles - at
> all the usual places (Samish River/East 90, Hayton, Allen West, etc.).
> (I found Shep's report of 75 eagles at Nisqually to be Amazing - are
> there fish running there that aren't in the Samish or Lower Skagit?)
>
> Very few Red-tailed Hawks. Less than half a dozen, probably more like 3.
>
> Zero Short-eared Owls at the East 90. This was in spite of sitting and
> just watching for an hour about 1 and another hour from 5:30 to 6:30.
>
> About 6 Northern Harriers. Two of them I saw at the East 90.
>
> No other raptor species. Zip-zero.
>
> At most 1/4 of the ducks of any species as before we left. These were
> scattered around and mostly in ditches/sloughs. There was no standing
> water in the fields which surely contributed. Most of them were
> probably Mallards but I did not have my spotting scope with me to
> Id the ones at long distances.
>
> There are passerines - everywhere - but not in large numbers. We have
> seen the first Goldfinch in breeding colors at our feeder/fountain.
> Our seed feeder went empty while we were gone so the birds are still
> re-discovering our backyard.
>
> There were Dunlin and sandpipers and yellow legs and other shore birds
> and ducks at Hayton. In fact this was the largest aggregation of
> birds I saw. I also stopped for about 1/2 hour at Jensen and there
> were very few birds out on the water. The tide was coming in both
> there and at Hayton.
>
> A "normal" amount of gulls - meaning everywhere but scattered and no
> large flocks.
>
> So that's the story for the Samish Flats, Skagit Flats, and the 90's.
>
> - Keep your eyes to the sky and trees and bushes ... Jim
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/26/24 11:53 am From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Skagit Area "Survey"
Hello all,
Having just returned from Belize I was anxious to see the changes that have happened in just 3 weeks since I had last gone out birding in Skagit County. The following represents what I saw/noticed. I drove out to the East 90, then to Fir Island, then back to the East 90 - in about 5 or 6 hours and stopping to just sit and watch at many different locations. I left the house just before noon and didn't return until just before sunset (7-ish).
Significantly less Bald Eagles, all of them I saw were probably associated with active nests. Most of the active nests had "one white head sticking up". I did not observe any young but I was looking up from below so wouldn't have seen them until they are getting ready to fledge. I saw around a dozen or so eagles - at all the usual places (Samish River/East 90, Hayton, Allen West, etc.). (I found Shep's report of 75 eagles at Nisqually to be Amazing - are there fish running there that aren't in the Samish or Lower Skagit?)
Very few Red-tailed Hawks. Less than half a dozen, probably more like 3.
Zero Short-eared Owls at the East 90. This was in spite of sitting and just watching for an hour about 1 and another hour from 5:30 to 6:30.
About 6 Northern Harriers. Two of them I saw at the East 90.
No other raptor species. Zip-zero.
At most 1/4 of the ducks of any species as before we left. These were scattered around and mostly in ditches/sloughs. There was no standing water in the fields which surely contributed. Most of them were probably Mallards but I did not have my spotting scope with me to Id the ones at long distances.
There are passerines - everywhere - but not in large numbers. We have seen the first Goldfinch in breeding colors at our feeder/fountain. Our seed feeder went empty while we were gone so the birds are still re-discovering our backyard.
There were Dunlin and sandpipers and yellow legs and other shore birds and ducks at Hayton. In fact this was the largest aggregation of birds I saw. I also stopped for about 1/2 hour at Jensen and there were very few birds out on the water. The tide was coming in both there and at Hayton.
A "normal" amount of gulls - meaning everywhere but scattered and no large flocks.
So that's the story for the Samish Flats, Skagit Flats, and the 90's.
- Keep your eyes to the sky and trees and bushes ... Jim
Date: 4/26/24 7:50 am From: Robert Gray via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Magnificent Frigatebird
I believe that most rare birds that we observe are doomed to never seeing another member of their species and that their lives are a tragedy. I try to never experience joy from another's suffering and will not drive for miles to experience it close up.
On Friday, April 26, 2024 at 07:18:32 AM PDT, Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Tweets, I was on the Washington Bird Records Committee for many years, and I agree strongly with Steve’s comments. Those items in his last paragraph never convinced any reviewer. There has to be a good description at the least, and much better than that a photo, even a mediocre one.
I have been looking at the eBird rarities daily reports for some time now, and they contain quite a few observations that are very unlikely, with no documentation. “Merlin said” is fraught with difficulty, as Merlin makes mistakes all the time, and I don’t think it should ever be used as evidence of a bird rare at that place or time. Whenever that happens, the observer should make every effort to see the bird.
I have much sympathy for all the vetters who put time and energy into figuring out which of those observations is valid. And please think about the fact that every misidentification in eBird compromises its value. It was set up as an aid to our gaining a deep understanding of bird distribution, abundance, and seasonality, and that makes those data priceless, as long a they are correct.
Dennis PaulsonSeattle
On Apr 26, 2024, at 6:30 AM, Steve Hampton via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
I'm not a reviewer, but I've watched eBird best-practices presentations and talked to reviewers about how to describe a flagged (rare) bird.
They want a description of what you saw, meaning at least 3 field marks, vocalizations if any, and the context -- angle, lighting, distance -- how good of a look you got, etc. Someone should be able to read your description and guess the species just from your description. Obviously, even a poor photo or audio is great. Audio can be gotten with a cell phone pretty easily.
Descriptions such as "Clearly identified" "I know this species" "front yard" "highlight of the day" "Merlin said" and "yep" don't help the reviewer evaluate the record.
On Fri, Apr 26, 2024 at 12:14 AM Michael Price via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Hi tweets
This issue of acceptance/rejection of extraordinary rarity reports has always been a fraught one, leading to frustration on either side of the rarities committee: on one side, irritation with undocumented, possibly frivolous reports; on the other, frustration and resentment at sometimes haughty and insensitively bureaucratic committee dismissal. It doesn't have to be this way. There is a simple workaround: the 'pending' file. This category ensures that potentially valid migrational/dispersion/trending data are not lost.
Longer ago than I care to think, I operated a Rare Bird Alert for five years, and I became suspicious of a connection between a cluster of undocumented reports of subtropical vagrants in the Greater Vancouver region and BC generally and a then-occurring El Nińo episode. Lacking documentation, none of them could be accepted under then-current committee acceptance protocols at either the metro or the provincial committees. The same lack of flexibility existed in many US and Canadian committees. The result? data lost.
Well, we now know that many of these tropical and subtropical rarities which heat up our alerts are climate refugees, whether displaced by global heating or cyclical atmospheric phenomena such as El Nińo. But how much of the early warnings were lost for want of a 'pending' category in our rarities committees?
best wishes, m
Date: 4/26/24 7:21 am From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Magnificent Frigatebird
Tweets, I was on the Washington Bird Records Committee for many years, and I agree strongly with Steve’s comments. Those items in his last paragraph never convinced any reviewer. There has to be a good description at the least, and much better than that a photo, even a mediocre one.
I have been looking at the eBird rarities daily reports for some time now, and they contain quite a few observations that are very unlikely, with no documentation. “Merlin said” is fraught with difficulty, as Merlin makes mistakes all the time, and I don’t think it should ever be used as evidence of a bird rare at that place or time. Whenever that happens, the observer should make every effort to see the bird.
I have much sympathy for all the vetters who put time and energy into figuring out which of those observations is valid. And please think about the fact that every misidentification in eBird compromises its value. It was set up as an aid to our gaining a deep understanding of bird distribution, abundance, and seasonality, and that makes those data priceless, as long a they are correct.
Dennis Paulson
Seattle
> On Apr 26, 2024, at 6:30 AM, Steve Hampton via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
>
> I'm not a reviewer, but I've watched eBird best-practices presentations and talked to reviewers about how to describe a flagged (rare) bird.
>
> They want a description of what you saw, meaning at least 3 field marks, vocalizations if any, and the context -- angle, lighting, distance -- how good of a look you got, etc. Someone should be able to read your description and guess the species just from your description. Obviously, even a poor photo or audio is great. Audio can be gotten with a cell phone pretty easily.
>
> Descriptions such as "Clearly identified" "I know this species" "front yard" "highlight of the day" "Merlin said" and "yep" don't help the reviewer evaluate the record.
>
>
>
>
>
> On Fri, Apr 26, 2024 at 12:14 AM Michael Price via Tweeters <tweeters...> <mailto:<tweeters...>> wrote:
> Hi tweets
>
> This issue of acceptance/rejection of extraordinary rarity reports has always been a fraught one, leading to frustration on either side of the rarities committee: on one side, irritation with undocumented, possibly frivolous reports; on the other, frustration and resentment at sometimes haughty and insensitively bureaucratic committee dismissal. It doesn't have to be this way. There is a simple workaround: the 'pending' file. This category ensures that potentially valid migrational/dispersion/trending data are not lost.
>
> Longer ago than I care to think, I operated a Rare Bird Alert for five years, and I became suspicious of a connection between a cluster of undocumented reports of subtropical vagrants in the Greater Vancouver region and BC generally and a then-occurring El Nińo episode. Lacking documentation, none of them could be accepted under then-current committee acceptance protocols at either the metro or the provincial committees. The same lack of flexibility existed in many US and Canadian committees. The result? data lost.
>
> Well, we now know that many of these tropical and subtropical rarities which heat up our alerts are climate refugees, whether displaced by global heating or cyclical atmospheric phenomena such as El Nińo. But how much of the early warnings were lost for want of a 'pending' category in our rarities committees?
>
> best wishes, m
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...> <mailto:<Tweeters...> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters> >
>
> --
> Steve Hampton
> Port Townsend, WA (qatáy)
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/26/24 6:35 am From: Steve Hampton via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Magnificent Frigatebird
I'm not a reviewer, but I've watched eBird best-practices presentations and
talked to reviewers about how to describe a flagged (rare) bird.
They want a description of what you saw, meaning at least 3 field marks,
vocalizations if any, and the context -- angle, lighting, distance -- how
good of a look you got, etc. Someone should be able to read your
description and guess the species just from your description. Obviously,
even a poor photo or audio is great. Audio can be gotten with a cell phone
pretty easily.
Descriptions such as "Clearly identified" "I know this species" "front
yard" "highlight of the day" "Merlin said" and "yep" don't help the
reviewer evaluate the record.
On Fri, Apr 26, 2024 at 12:14 AM Michael Price via Tweeters <
<tweeters...> wrote:
> Hi tweets
>
> This issue of acceptance/rejection of extraordinary rarity reports has
> always been a fraught one, leading to frustration on either side of the
> rarities committee: on one side, irritation with undocumented, possibly
> frivolous reports; on the other, frustration and resentment at sometimes
> haughty and insensitively bureaucratic committee dismissal. It doesn't
> have to be this way. There is a simple workaround: the 'pending' file.
> This category ensures that potentially valid
> migrational/dispersion/trending data are not lost.
>
> Longer ago than I care to think, I operated a Rare Bird Alert for five
> years, and I became suspicious of a connection between a cluster of
> undocumented reports of subtropical vagrants in the Greater Vancouver
> region and BC generally and a then-occurring El Nińo episode. Lacking
> documentation, none of them could be accepted under then-current committee
> acceptance protocols at either the metro or the provincial committees. The
> same lack of flexibility existed in many US and Canadian committees. The
> result? data lost.
>
> Well, we now know that many of these tropical and subtropical rarities
> which heat up our alerts are climate refugees, whether displaced by global
> heating or cyclical atmospheric phenomena such as El Nińo. But how much of
> the early warnings were lost for want of a 'pending' category in our
> rarities committees?
>
> best wishes, m
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tweeters mailing list
> <Tweeters...>
> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >
Date: 4/26/24 12:17 am From: Michael Price via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Magnificent Frigatebird
Hi tweets
This issue of acceptance/rejection of extraordinary rarity reports has
always been a fraught one, leading to frustration on either side of the
rarities committee: on one side, irritation with undocumented, possibly
frivolous reports; on the other, frustration and resentment at sometimes
haughty and insensitively bureaucratic committee dismissal. It doesn't
have to be this way. There is a simple workaround: the 'pending' file.
This category ensures that potentially valid
migrational/dispersion/trending data are not lost.
Longer ago than I care to think, I operated a Rare Bird Alert for five
years, and I became suspicious of a connection between a cluster of
undocumented reports of subtropical vagrants in the Greater Vancouver
region and BC generally and a then-occurring El Nińo episode. Lacking
documentation, none of them could be accepted under then-current committee
acceptance protocols at either the metro or the provincial committees. The
same lack of flexibility existed in many US and Canadian committees. The
result? data lost.
Well, we now know that many of these tropical and subtropical rarities
which heat up our alerts are climate refugees, whether displaced by global
heating or cyclical atmospheric phenomena such as El Nińo. But how much of
the early warnings were lost for want of a 'pending' category in our
rarities committees?
Date: 4/25/24 8:12 pm From: Ed Newbold via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Migration was yesterday at Butyl, but today, do birds not bathe in the rain?
Hi all,
Yesterday the migration was up and running on Butyl Creek, with an estimated 45 Yellow-rumped Warblers, an estimated 8 Orange-crowned Warblers, plus a Wilson's Warbler, Lincoln Sparrow (3 bath visits), a Hermit Thrush and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3 visits) (counting that as a migrant) plus a whole heck of a lot of bath-taking. When you have a creek and see the amount of bathing these birds do, you begin to wonder if it is really important to them in some way that people don't fully appreciate. Also, they seem to do it socially. Nobody bathes in the morning but around lunchtime everybody comes in, then a couple hours later then of course you need an evening bath.
Today the creek was unbelievably quiet with only a few Warblers and some resident non-migrants stopping by.
It was raining. Maybe they don't bathe as much in the rain? It might seem to make sense. There is so little actual day-long rain in this area that we don't get a feel for whether the no-bathing-in-the-rain thing is real.
We'll see what tomorrow brings.
Cheers,
Ed Newbold (and Delia Scholes who keeps us in the game and does the research.)
_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/25/24 6:44 am From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk for Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for 4/24/2024
Hi Tweets,
Approximately thirty of us had a very active day of birding at the Refuge
with cloudy skies, intermittent light rain and temperatures in the 40's to
50's degrees Fahrenheit. There was a Low -0'7" Tide at 12:53pm.
Highlights included First of Year WILSON'S WARBLER, WARBLING VIREO, SORA,
WESTERN TANAGER, BANK SWALLOW and VAUX'S SWIFT. We also had really nice
looks of CINNAMON TEAL, nesting RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD and MERLIN. There were
high counts for YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, swallow species, and BLACK-BELLIED
PLOVER.
For the day we observed 96 species. We enjoyed 8 FOY and have seen 134
species this year. See eBird Report pasted below with details and embedded
photos.
Until next week when we meet again at 8am, happy spring birding!
Shep
--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US
Apr 24, 2024 7:01 AM - 5:50 PM
Protocol: Traveling
7.704 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Cloudy skies with intermittent
light rain and temperatures in the 40’s to 50’s degrees Fahrenheit. A Low
-0’7” Tide at 12:53pm. Mammals seen Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Columbian
Black-tailed Deer, Eastern Gray Squirrel, and Harbor Seal.
96 species (+4 other taxa)
Greater White-fronted Goose 13 Freshwater marsh.
Brant (Black) 40 Nisqually Reach scoped from Puget Sound Observation
Platform.
Cackling Goose (minima) 400
Canada Goose (canadensis Group) 25
Wood Duck 6
Blue-winged Teal 2 Flooded field south of Twin Barns.
Cinnamon Teal 7
Northern Shoveler 125
Gadwall 20
American Wigeon 75
Mallard 30
Northern Pintail 45
Green-winged Teal (American) 800
Ring-necked Duck 6
Greater Scaup 1 Shannon slough.
Surf Scoter 12
Bufflehead 60
Common Goldeneye 20
Hooded Merganser 4
Common Merganser 5
Red-breasted Merganser 8
Pied-billed Grebe 2 Freshwater Marsh
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 7
Band-tailed Pigeon 9
Mourning Dove 3
Vaux's Swift 25
Anna's Hummingbird 0
Rufous Hummingbird 5 Nest in Pear Tree near entrance to Technician
Building.
Virginia Rail (Virginia) 1 Heard only. Freshwater marsh.
Sora 2 “Sora” call heard multiple times in the morning in flooded
fields south of Twin Barns.
American Coot (Red-shielded) 75
Black-bellied Plover 20 Counted. 18 seen on the reach with other
shorebirds from the Puget Sound Observation Platform with 60x spotting
scope. 3 additional seen from Nisqually Estuary Trail on mudflats west of
Leschi Slough.
Killdeer 2
Semipalmated Plover 2 Mudflats west of Leschi Slough.
Whimbrel (Hudsonian) 1 Mudflats west of Leschi Slough at 3:30pm on
incoming tide.
Wilson's Snipe 1
Greater Yellowlegs 25
Dunlin 300
Least Sandpiper 200
Western Sandpiper 30
Bonaparte's Gull 15
Short-billed Gull 120
Ring-billed Gull 15
Western Gull 1
California Gull 2
Glaucous-winged Gull 3
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 15
Larus sp. 50
Caspian Tern 6
Common Loon 3
Brandt's Cormorant 6
Double-crested Cormorant 35
Great Blue Heron 20
Turkey Vulture 2
Bald Eagle 75 Occupied nest west side of Nisqually River north of dike
and across McAllister Creek from Puget Sound Observation Platform.
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 1
American Kestrel 1
Merlin 1
Warbling Vireo 1 Spotted by Jason at Twin Barns Picnic Area.
Steller's Jay 3 West side of McAllister Creek.
California Scrub-Jay 1
American Crow 12
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 10
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 3
Bank Swallow 1 First spotted by Jason foraging over flooded fields
south of Twin Barns with other swallows. Observed with 10x bins. Small
brown topped swallow with white throat and necktie. Observed by many on
walk.
Tree Swallow 200
Violet-green Swallow 200
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 4
Barn Swallow 300
Cliff Swallow 50
Bushtit (Pacific) 3 Nests in Orchard, entrance to Maintenance Building
and north section of Twin Barns Loop Trail.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Brown Creeper 6 Next in medium next to entrance road to Education
Center Parking Lot.
Pacific Wren 2
Marsh Wren 10
Bewick's Wren 4
European Starling 10
American Robin 25
American Pipit 1 Fly over Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail.
Purple Finch 5 Orchard.
Pine Siskin 6
American Goldfinch 6
Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 1
White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's) 1
Golden-crowned Sparrow 30
Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 5
Song Sparrow 20
Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 2
Red-winged Blackbird 50
Brown-headed Cowbird 15
Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens) 8
Common Yellowthroat 16
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 65
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 130
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's) 6 High count of
yellow-rumped warbler. Hundreds seen approximately 30% Myrtle variety.
Several yellow and white throated warblers with variable eyebrows and black
masks consistent with intergrades and suspected crossbacks. Multiple seen
by multiple birders. Could be more.
Wilson's Warbler 5
Western Tanager 1 Seen by Eric along the Nisqually Estuary Trail in
the Willow Trees between the dike and slough. Male. Orange head, yellow
body, black wings with wing bars.
Date: 4/24/24 2:35 pm From: Scott Ramos via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Birding in southeast Texas
Earlier this month, Dave Swayne and I made a trip to Texas with the hope of catching an early wave of migrants. While the weather did not cooperate, providing only southerly winds, and we missed the charm of a fallout, by visiting a variety of habitats in the southeast part of the state we were able to have a productive trip. We were able to see over 200 species of birds, many of them lifers for both of us. Here is a flickr link with photos of many favorites.
We camped most of the trip which added a little complexity to travel arrangements but gave us some flexibility to be in good places when we wanted. Most locations we visited are well-known eBird hotspots and we chose them for the possible collection of birds we might see. Some spots were from suggestions by local birders we met on the trip (Hazel Bazemore Park is a must!) while others we stumbled upon when en route and in need of a break from driving (Sikes Road Catfish Ponds, but beware the skeeters!). The trip report below gives detail on the itinerary and links to the hotspots should you want to visit.
Oh, and not entirely unplanned, we had a chance to witness a total eclipse. Many of the popular parks were closed to entry the days before and of the eclipse but we didn't intend to be part of a crowd. Instead, we found a backroad that borders the Balcones Canyonlands NWR, didn't have that much traffic and had plenty of sky view for watching the event. Sadly, as time approached the clouds which had been with us all morning seemed to grow denser. We despaired that the effort was not going to pay off. While laying on the edge of the road, we could occasionally see the sun being encroached upon by the moon (eclipse glasses!) then more clouds passed overhead, obscuring the sun entirely. As time neared, so did an even larger black cloud. Sigh. But serendipity prevailed and at the last moment when totality started, the skies cleared and we enjoyed a full 4+ minutes of the awesome phenomenon. It was spectacular!
As is often reported, when totality approached and the whole scene moved to darkness, all bird song ceased, with the exception of a pair of Mourning Doves. And when the event ended, the birds returned to their singing and calling as if nothing had happened. And we continued on our way to more birding.
In the end, the trip was successful in many ways. Hope you enjoy the report. Scott Ramos Seattle
Using eBird's "Explore" by species I found reports of the Magnificent Frigatebird in the Portland and Lyle areas. Based on that I would not consider your report worthy of being rejected - it seems to be an "unlikely". However, not having a photo or some other evidence may have been the reason.
All,
I have found that eBird is geared to accept the reports of some people (do they have a "user rating"?) much more readily than others. This is not bad or wrong - it's a good thing because none of us wants just anybody to be able to report something rare (or even unlikely) - the quality of the database -has- to take precedence over the feelings of the users.
Having said the above - I once had a report I made of a Great Egret at Ship Harbor rejected. Since my report was just one of -many- that were made that day and week for that same location (same bird?) ... I have never understood why "mine" was rejected when others were accepted ... it seemed/seems kind of arbitrary (to me). Still does. - Jim
Date: 4/24/24 7:07 am From: Bruce LaBar via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Westport Pelagic Trip
A new pelagic trip has been added by Westport Seabirds on Saturday, May 4. It's a great time to catch colorful migrating seabirds heading north plus the usual ones seen on most trips. All other trips are full for the year. So, now is a great time to sign up. To make reservations please visit the website at www.westportseabirds.com. On behalf of Westport Seabirds, Bruce LaBar _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/24/24 12:19 am From: Kevin Lucas via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] seeking Magnificent Frigatebird info
On August 19th of last year we'd traveled down to the Columbia River,
hoping to get a break from wildfire smoke in the Yakima Area. The air stunk
of smoke there too, and we found a "park" that we'll not bother visiting
again - Avery Recreation Area, but I'll never forget it. When I got out of
the car I saw a Magnificent Frigatebird flying upriver just off shore. Once
past, it u-turned overhead then headed back down river. It ignored the lone
gull that was resting on the river, not feeding. I suspected it was quite
lost in the smoke. It sure was hot enough for it. I'm pretty sure I've
never seen a loner before, and I've only seen them down Mexico way. I did
not have my camera with me, and I had my phone turned off and stored. I
didn't post about my sighting. I did submit my sighting to eBird:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S147648669 It was not accepted. I was asked to submit a report to the WBRC. I did. My
sighting was not accepted by the Washington Birds Records Committee (WBRC).
While it didn't clear their bars, my only question was whether it could
have been a different species of frigatebird than Magnificent.
Tonight I was reading about past reported sightings of improbable birds. I
followed a google search that lead to the Second Report of the WBRC,
published in Washington Birds 5:7-28, 1996. I read the account regarding
the species I'd chased down this rabbit hole, Piñon Jay, then scrolled to
the top to see the paper's title, authors, publication date, and such. As I
scrolled up, I caught sight of an account for Magnificent Frigatebird. It
notes "The immature photographed in the interior over the Columbia River at
Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge, BE on 1 Jul 1975, TMc, +KMi (MAFR-75-11
was the first Washington record. Details were published (M 57:43-44)"
Umatilla is about 73 miles east up the Columbia River from where I saw the
frigatebird.
If there is anyone out there in Tweeterdom who saw, or heard of another
report of, a frigatebird last summer in Washington or Oregon, I'd sure like
to hear about it. Even one along northern California would be interesting.
Replying directly to me rather than copying Tweeters is fine.
I haven't searched for sightings. eBird's range map is
understandably useless for sightings that have not been "confirmed". I
don't know of an effective search strategy for this.
Date: 4/22/24 6:12 am From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Extraordinary: “Baby penguins dive off 50-foot cliff in 1st-of-its-kind footage from National Geographic”
Date: 4/22/24 5:57 am From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] “Birds rest on rafts of eelgrass when they can't find a safe space to roost onshore: “As Coastal Habitat Shrinks, Scientists Take Inspiration from Surfing Shorebirds”| Audubon
Date: 4/22/24 5:48 am From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] I highly recommend watching the two-part Nature series—“Raptors: a Fistful of Daggers”
Hello Tweeters,
I am highly recommending to you the Nature TV series episodes: “Raptors: a Fistful of Daggers”, a two-part series.
Episode one was on Wednesday, April 10 at 8 PM PBS.
Episode two aired Wednesday, April 17.
Goggle for other show times.
This is an extraordinary compilation of video captures of raptor behaviors.
Truly stunning video images, many close-up, of many species hunting.
This was the result of Nature’s excellent production company, top writers and editors working with several masterful photographers who spent many hundreds of hours in the field capturing terabits of video.
This was all edited down to show the viewer the beauty and fascinating behaviors of each of the species shown.
I give Two talons up and RRTS: 10/10.
Enjoy!
Dan Reiff
Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
Date: 4/21/24 9:19 pm From: via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] WOS Monthly Meeting, May 6, 2024 (in person and via Zoom)
The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) is pleased to announce our next Monthly Meeting: on Monday, May 5, Dennis Paulson will present, "Cormorants—perhaps you didn’t know they were so interesting!"
Cormorants occur worldwide, and we are fortunate to have three species of them in the Pacific Northwest. They share a common ancestry and many similar anatomical modifications, but each of them has its own way of life. And cormorants around the world add even more variation to this plan.
Dennis Paulson grew up in Miami, exposed to nature in all its glory while southern Florida was still largely unspoiled. After receiving his Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Miami, he moved to Seattle where he has lived ever since. He continues to work regularly at the Slater Museum of Natural History, University of Puget Sound where he was Director for 15 years. Dennis is an iconic figure in the birding community, a noted naturalist and dragonfly authority, and perhaps most of all, a dedicated, generous and respected educator.
This meeting will be conducted both IN-PERSON at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture, and virtually, via Zoom. At CUH (3501 NE 41st Street, Seattle), our social time starts at 7pm, and the formal program begins at 7:30pm.
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 mute your device and make certain that your camera is turned off.
Zoom sign-in begins at 7:15 pm, and once again, the meeting commences at 7:30 pm.
This meeting is open to all as WOS invites everyone in the wider birding community to attend. Thanks to the generosity of our presenters, recordings of past programs are available at the following link to the WOS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonornithologicalso7839/videos
If you are not yet a member of WOS, we hope you will consider becoming one at https://wos.org
Date: 4/21/24 4:39 pm From: Larry Schwitters via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Lots of wee birds
A traveling flock of 1000 wee birds showed up at the Selleck Village last night. They circled the chimney roost in silence for 15 minutes before entering.
That’s not the way it’s supposed to go down.
Our Vaux’s Happening project needs some more community involvement.
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of John Riegsecker via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Sunday, April 21, 2024 11:18:44 AM
To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Banded Caspian Tern Update
From USGS:
Band Number 0875-98169 C116
Banded 07/12/2007 WAS TOO YOUNG TO FLY WHEN BANDED IN 2007
Location NEAR CHINOOK, CLATSOP COUNTY, OREGON, USA
(COORDINATES:LAT: 46.25833; LON: -123.97500 )
Wow! That bird is getting old, happily!
________________________________
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces...> on behalf of John Riegsecker via Tweeters <tweeters...>
Sent: Sunday, April 21, 2024 11:18 AM
To: Tweeters <tweeters...>
Subject: [Tweeters] Banded Caspian Tern Update
From USGS:
Band Number 0875-98169 C116
Banded 07/12/2007 WAS TOO YOUNG TO FLY WHEN BANDED IN 2007
Location NEAR CHINOOK, CLATSOP COUNTY, OREGON, USA
(COORDINATES:LAT: 46.25833; LON: -123.97500 )
Date: 4/21/24 11:22 am From: John Riegsecker via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Banded Caspian Tern Update
From USGS:
Band Number 0875-98169 C116 Banded 07/12/2007 WAS TOO YOUNG TO FLY WHEN BANDED IN 2007 Location NEAR CHINOOK, CLATSOP COUNTY, OREGON, USA (COORDINATES:LAT: 46.25833; LON: -123.97500 )
Date: 4/21/24 8:22 am From: Robert Gray via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: Re: [Tweeters] multiple emails
Voluntary restraint is an admirable trait.
On Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 07:50:16 PM PDT, Diann MacRae via Tweeters <tweeters...> wrote:
Hi, Tweets Just a note to say I don't mind the multiple emails at all. If I'm not interested, I just delete them, but lots of them are interesting and worth looking into. Cheers, diann
Diann MacRae
Olympic Vulture Study
22622 - 53rd Avenue S.E.
Bothell, WA 98021
<tvulture...>
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Date: 4/20/24 10:42 pm From: Shep Thorp via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Pacific Golden Plover at Hoquiam STP Sat 4/20/24
Hi Tweets,
I observed a breeding plumage Pacific Golden today at the Hoquiam STP around 1pm and again at 7:45pm. It was foraging in the bulldozed dirt between Paulson Road and the Lumber Mill along the Grass Edge within 50 feet of the road. Last seen: 46°58'31.6"N 123°55'03.3"W
We have just returned to the States from a birding tour in Belize.
It was great! The rooms were comfortable, the food was simple/basic
and excellent, the 2 different resorts we stayed in were both convenient
(close to the birding) and accommodating, and the people of Belize are
friendly and honest. If that isn't enough to make you consider Belize
then I'll add in that our guide was one of the best, if not the best,
birding guide we've ever had - and he was also a history, cultural,
and archeological guide as well!
Are you "into numbers"? We had 9 days of guided birding, 3 different
guides but 2 of those were one day only, and we saw 201 species (by my
count). At the end of each day we sat down with the guide and checked
boxes in a comprehensive list/chart. In addition, our primary guide
shared his eBird checklists with us.
Most of the birding was done walking, one boat trip, and some "car
birding" where we drove, stopped, birded, and drove some more. We
went to pine savanna, oak-transition, jungle, wetlands, and one full
day of island birding on Caulker Caye.
Belize is the 2nd smallest country in Central America, English is
the official language and the exchange rate is 2 Belizean dollars to
1 U.S. There are many different language/cultural groups with
Hispanic and Mestizo (Mayan+Hispanic) being the most common. There
were many whose preferred language was Spanish, but they all spoke
English well enough to speak with us.
Yes, this is a "Third World Country" ... no, we didn't care. We
felt safe and welcomed every where we went. There are about 500,000
people living in Belize and the population density is under 20 per
square kilometer.
We -highly- recommend Belize, Crystal Paradise (aka "Birding in
Belize"), and our excellent guide Abimael Morales.
- Jim
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