Steven and I took a pleasant walk to logboom park (aka Tracy Owen(s?)
Station) on the Burke-Gilman trail at midday today, to see what birds
were on the water--we didn't even think about land birds we might see.
We eventually saw many more species than we expected--a very nice birding
experience!

On the water were hundreds (probably) American Coots; many Mallards; two
to four pairs of American Wigeon; two identified Green-winged Teal
males--if there were females there, we didn't recognize them. A few
Northern Shovelers were snoozing on the water--we're pretty sure of the
ID though we didn't see their diagnostic beaks. The above-mentioned
birds were all in the more sheltered water near the shore; out at the end
of the long pier and on the more open-water side of it were different
species, including Cormorants on pilings (Double-crested, we think,
though we've not yet nailed down that ID) along with one Great Blue
Heron. Also seen were a Pied-billed Grebe, a few Western Grebes, a pair
of Buffleheads, Gadwalls (also in the first-mentioned area), several
Scaup, both male and female, but again, we can't tell Greater from Lesser
(argh!). A nice surprise just before we left the pier was a lone male
Common Goldeneye--we think it was alone! Flying over were of course
Gull species--we don't even try! On land near the water were Canada
Geese and American Crow. After we had sat on shore for awhile, we began
noticing some fun land birds active right there: a very good look at a
Ruby-crowned Kinglet with a vivid red crown! We also saw a few other
Ruby-crowned Kinglets along with Black-capped Chickadees and what we
think were Yellow-rumped Warblers--one or two, anyway; we never got a
really good look at them, though. A flock of Goldfinches flew among the
trees there, too. One of our best spots was a female Downy Woodpecker;
as we were leaving the Station on our return home, Steven spotted a House
Finch, but I never got a look at it. Along the way home we saw some
Sparrows, probably Song Sparrows, but we're not sure; also a pleasant
surprise was first hearing and then seeing two Bewick's Wrens along the
trail. Now for the BUSHTIT RESEARCH BUNCH REPORT: Accompanying us on our
homeward walk for awhile was a flock of 15 7/8-plus Bushtits in their
usual territory on the trail. They're so fun to count! Sorry for the
length (those of you still there), but we wanted more than just a list.
--Anna and Steven Coles, Seattle, WA acoles at serv.net scoles at serv.net