Neil J. Fergusson wrote:

> In addition I found a pair of White-headed WP at Wenas Creek
> Campground which were in the same spot two days running.
>

Myself and Katie O'Reilly saw a couple of White-headed Woodpeckers on the
ridge just above Wenas Creek campground - hike time 10 minutes ;-) last
September so I would guess the area is pretty "reliable" for them.


On more current stuff.

Theres a pair of Bald Eagles taking up residence in the Arboretum, Seattle.
The nest is above the Azalea Walk about 150 yards from the Visitor Centre. The
pair were carrying sticks to the nest 10 days ago. Drew quite a crowd - and
lots of interest/smiles. The nest is about 50 yards from one of the main paths
and easily visible.


Jetty Island,

An exhausting, but FUN (honest) weekend, excavating Broom from Jetty Island.
Most of the stuff has been cleared and should be finished by the end of the
week. Next comes the hard part getting the Brambles and Elderberry out.
Fortunately there is not too much of it.

The finishing touches will be to rake all the grass/twigs/etc out and preapre
the site for the gravel which the terns will nest on. LOTS of pairs of hands
will be needed for this. One day with at least a dozen people would make a
tremendous difference, so if you haven't signed up already, please, please,
please - I'm not begging, or desperate, am I :-))

Contact John Flavin, on (206) 744 0805. There are work parties going out all
week - typically 2-3 people. So if you can spare a few hours, from 9am to 4pm
in sure the terns will be grateful.

The Navy have started to prepare the existing site at the naval base for
building, so there is a real need to get the site a ready as possible. The
first birds are due back in the first week of April.


A new species was recorded for Jetty Island at the weekend, unfortunately it
wasn't Tri-colored Blackbird or Scale Quail, but Deer Mouse - rather cute
little critters to say the least.

I unearthed a nest and managed to catch one of them. When John Flavin said
"Deer Mouse", my reply was "On, no, Hintovirus (?)" Well so far I feel OK, if
you don't hear anything after this you'll know !!!!!

Seriously though, the Deer Mouse carries a virus which is present in its
droppings. If the virus is inhaled, typically from dust from dried droppings
it is FATAL within 48 hours. I think there may be some form of treatment
available but I'm not sure of its efficacy - any ideas ?

The virus has been reported as far north as Mount Baker, so when handling any
rodent it is best to be cautious. The zoology department at UW will have more
detailed info.


Stuart MacKay