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].=20

More signs of spring: the first SAGE SPARROWS were singing on territory
Feb. 20 along old Hwy 10 east of Ellensburg between Kittitas and Vantage
in Schnebly Coulee at the Quilomene WRA access road. Says Phoebes and
Mountain Bluebirds were back in Schnebly Coulee March 5. Also ahead of
schedule was the CASPIAN TERN over Naselle along the lower Columbia River
Feb. 19 and an AMERICAN AVOCET at the Yakima River mouth March 5, both
several weeks ahead of previous early arrival dates. TREE and
VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS are now widespread in the Puget Sound area in
numbers. RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS have been reported since March 6 in
Discovery Park, Seattle, in the North Bluff area feeding on early blooming
salmonberries.=20

At Lake Sammamish State Park near Issaquah RED-TAILED HAWKS and GREAT BLUE
HERONS are active at nest sites, while four SWAMP SPARROWS remain at
various points in the park as at the boat launch off East Lake Sammamish
Dr. and near the Egghead Software ware house.=20

The Tacoma SLATY-BACKED GULL was last reported March 11 in the vicinity of
the Gog-le-hi-te Mitigated Wetland off Lincoln Ave. It was on the
Puyallup River near the lowest bridge. The immature GLAUCOUS GULL was
last seen there March 3.=20

If you're headed for Spokane you might drive up Mt. Spokane north of the
city. Andy Stepniewski found singing WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS, PINE
GROSBEAKS, SNOW BUNTINGS, and BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS between the snowpark lot
at 4200 feet and the summit March 6. He also located a GYRFALCON and a
SNOWY OWL near Mondovi west of Reardon.=20

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.=20

The Hansville YELLOW-BILLED LOON was seen again Feb. 26 both at the
Hansville Store and at the Pt. No Point lighthouse. This is at the
northern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula.=20

Two adult and one first winter LITTLE GULLS have been seen sporadically on
American Lake south of Tacoma. The immature was last reported March. 3.=20
They have most often been seen at the southern end of the lake, south of
Silcox Island. The best access points are 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 at
exit 122. A permit and directions may be obtained at the gate.=20

Up to five GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE are with Canadas at the Nisqually
NWR through Feb. 16.=20

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 between Little Is. and Puget Island near
Cathlamet. After crossing the bridge from Little to Puget Is. turn right
1/8 mile to the Roda house. Look for it here.=20

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.=20

A BLACK BRANT and a SNOW GOOSE, unusual along the Snake River, have been
reported at Clarkston, WA., and in adjacent Idaho.=20

For SAS field trips, or for information on conservation and education
issues please call the office at 523-4483 during office hours, 10-4
Tuesday through Saturday.=20

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.=20










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