Hal Opperman, David Swayne, and I spent the better part of the weekend
atlasing in the Green and White River areas of King County. Had a kestrel
just west of Enumclaw on the Muckleshoot Reservation, but couldn't follow
it to see if it had a nest. Had goodly numbers of Common Nighthawks over
clearcuts in two locations, first Saturday evening along Griffin Creek
east of Carnation, including one pair flying together and a male that
nearly took my and my wife's dog's heads off with an attack dive. Does
that imply a nest nearby or is it just the male's territorial machismo?
The other spot was in the headwaters of the Green River at Meadow and
Tacoma Passes. Also heard six Nashville Warblers (Andy, take note!)
singing in brushy vine maple thickets etc. near the crest just north of
Tacoma Pass and below Stampede Pass (King County). We had one male and
one female Red-naped Sapsuckers near the headwaters of the Green River in
King Co. also, in two separate locations. Fox Sparrows (of the dark gray
headed form) were the most abundant bird in 8-10 year old clearcuts at
4500-5000 feet elevation along the Cascade Crest Trail a few miles south
of Stampede Pass. Nest Lincoln's Sparrows were far less common and
confined to shrubby marshy borders. Heard Mourning Doves calling along
Griffin Creek in two spots and saw a couple near Enumclaw. Also found
Lazuli Buntings to be rather widespread in the Muckleshoot Prairie area
northwest of Enumclaw. Enjoyed watching adult and newly fledged Pileated
Woodpeckers conversing near Pipe Lake. Hal & David found a Barrow's
Goldeneye with a brood on a tiny lake just west of Meadow Pass (the next
pass north of Stampede Pass) and we "had" [in the participatory not the
possessory sense of that verb] a female Harlequin Duck way up the Green
River towards Tacoma Pass. Red-eyed Vireos are now in in abundance where
there were none two weeks ago. I also had snipes winnowing or chirping at
Cherry Valley WMA north of Duvall (where bitterns nest) and over Griffin
Creek marsh east of Carnation.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head.

PS: Next weekend we plan to blitz the Tacoma Watershed lands east of
Kanasket along the Green River. If you'd like to join us give me a call
at 524-8112 (we have permission).

Gene Hunn.