Dated March 5, 1994, 10 AM.

To skip the details and just leave a message punch 5 and wait for the
tone. For sick or injured birds call the Wild Bird Clinic at 941-2174 [or
PAWS at 743-3845 or 743-1884].

A sure sign of spring: the first SAGE SPARROWS singing on territory were
noted Feb. 20 along old Hwy 10 between Kittitas and Vantage along the
Quilomene WRA access road in Schnebly Coulee. VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS had
returned by the end of February to the downtown Walla Walla and the
Montlake Fill, and a very early BARN SWALLOW was spotted at the Montlake
Fill Feb. 24 and 27.

Also ahead of schedule was the CASPIAN TERN over Naselle along the lower
Columbia River Feb. 19.

Two adult and one first winter LITTLE GULLS have been seen sporadically on
American Lake south of Tacoma. The immature was last seen March. 3. They
are most often seen at the southern end of the lake, south of Silcox
Island. Access points include Harry Todd County Park in Tillicum (from
exit 123 off I-5), or off exit 122, marked "Camp Murray." Go west from
this exit one long block, then left on a dirt road to a boat launch.
Access is also possible through the Camp Murray gate, accessible from exit
122. A permit may be obtained at the gate. Follow 41st Division Rd.
south from the gate to a dirt road through a gate along some fences in a
wooded area. This leads to a boathouse and dock on the lake shore. On
Feb. 16 eight TREE SWALLOWS were seen here.

The Tacoma SLATY-BACKED GULL was last reported March 3 in the vicinity of
the Gog-le-hi-te Mitigated Wetland off Lincoln Ave. It was seen near the
mouth of the Puyallup River from Stewart St. Two BAR-TAILED GODWITS were
reported Feb. 3 at the North River delta on Willapa Bay. They are likely
the same birds that remained until late fall at Tokeland. This is also
the best spot now to look for WILLETS, LONG-BILLED CURLEWS, and MARBLED
GODWITS.

Two SNOW BUNTINGS were along Keystone Spit east of the ferry dock
on Whidbey Is. Feb. 12. One ROCK SANDPIPER was reported Feb. 10 with
BLACK TURNSTONES and SURFBIRDS in Penn Cove, also on Whidbey Island. It
was on the mussel platforms near Coupeville. Three were seen Feb. 14 on
Ediz Hook in Pt. Angeles near the gate to the Coast Guard Station.

The GYRFALCON at the "West 90" on the Samish Flats, the corner on Samish I.
Rd. west of the T junction with the Bayview-Edison Rd., has been seen
regularly through February 19. In the same area there have been three
PEREGRINEs, a MERLIN, an adult GOLDEN EAGLE, HARLAN'S RED-TAILED and many
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS and NORTHERN HARRIE RS, NORTHERN SHRIKES, plus many
SHORT-EARED OWLs, conspicuous at dusk.

The winter male RUSTY BLACKBIRD in Lynnwood was seen again March 3. It
has been seen in a mixed blackbird flock near the corner of sw 200th and
50th w. A WHITE-THROATED, a SWAMP, and an AMERICAN TREE SPARROW have been
reported at or near the Russell Rd. P-Patch in early February. This spot
is 200 yds. south of 212th nw of Kent.

A possible YELLOW-BILLED LOON was reported Feb. 24 at the Vashon Island
ferry dock. Confirmation is needed. A SCRUB JAY has been present in
Bremerton for some time. It was seen Feb. 10 at the intersection of 15th
St. and Callow or Montgomery Aves. Up to five GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE
are with Canadas at the Nisqually NWR through Feb. 16.

A WHITE-TAILED KITE was a the Julia Butler Hansen NWR west of Cathlamet on
the lower Columbia River Feb. 19. A male TUFTED DUCK has been seen
regularly nearby in the channel south of Puget Island.

The SAS Winter Bird Tour found a flock of 1000 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS in
Winthrop Feb. 20. A few SNOW BUNTINGS were with HORNED LARKS north of
Lamoine on the Waterville Plateau, also Feb. 20. A BLACK BRANT and a SNOW
GOOSE, unusual along the Snake River, have been reported at Clarkston,
WA., and in adjacent Idaho.

For SAS field trips, or for information on conservation and education
issues please call the office at (206) 523-4483 during office hours, 10-4
Tuesday through Saturday. That's all for now. If you have news to
report, wait for the tone, then give your name, phone number, and the
details. Thanks and good birding.