James Neitzel wrote:

>I have also seen nighthawks in the Lacey area. About 2 years ago I
>moved to the Hawks Prairie area and have ocassionally seen nighthawks
>flying over the gas station-parking lot complex. My crude notes
>indicate that most sightings for me have been mid-late summer (esp
>August) which suggests some post-breeding dispersal? This
>neighborhood also seems to be good for orioles; last summer our house
>had a succesful nest that fledged young, and there are singing
>orioles present again in the neighborhood, though I have not yet
>found a nest this year.

James, I'd like to know more about your oriole-infested neighborhood.
My mail package didn't give me your e-mail address; you can reach me
directly at the one below.

Incidentally, the Hawks Prairie area (northeast part of Lacey) seems
to be good for other birds that I would consider more "eastern" (east
of the mountains, at least). The clearcuts north of the
freeway/landfill support many Mourning Doves and House Wrens, as well
as a few breeding pairs of Lazuli Buntings. Unfortunately, it won't
be long before they're converted to housing, horse-race tracks, etc.


Eric Kraig
Olympia, WA
kraig at wln.com