Subject: Parula/Least Flycatcher update
Date: Jun 24 20:32:30 1995
From: "M. Smith" - whimbrel at u.washington.edu



Hi Tweets,

I tried the Ice Cave entrance on Mt. Loop Highway this AM for the Parula,
but no luck. I searched the area for about 30-45 minutes (7:30 - 8:15
AM), with no sign, no song, no nothing. However, I was very impressed by
the abundance of other birds at this site. A very birdy spot (all of you
might want to try it some time). The highlight was a pair of Black Swifts
flying at treetop level, with Vaux's right behind. Undoubtedly the best
look I've had, and the comparison with Vaux's next to them was great.

Better luck for rarities was had at Snoqualmie Rec. Area, where I easily
found the Least Flycatcher at about 9:00 AM. As advertised it was
incessantly singing out its 'chi-beck' for about 20 minutes. I was
actually starting to be annoyed by the song, and then it stopped
singing. And never started again while I was there. I wonder what
prompted that? It perched nicely a few times, yielding excellent views
in good light.

Tonight I'm sure I'll hear 'chi-beck' in my sleep...


Chi-beck chi-beck chi-beck chi-beck chi-beck chi-beck chi-beck (etc.)

-------------
Michael R. Smith
Univ. of Washington, Seattle
whimbrel at u.washington.edu
http://salmo.cqs.washington.edu/~wagap/mike.html