Our last two trips to Marymoor were a week ago Friday, and this week,
Wednesday. These are our observations and thoughts. Our school has a
spring break this next week, so we'll see you in two weeks, April 25th.
Sorry, our computers e-mail was down yesterday. ugh!!!

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Friday April 5th overcast 60F no wind 6 observers
4-630pm MaryMoor Park 25 species
Highlights: good spot of a SPTO, BAEA in nest, PBGR eating fish
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When we went to a slough like river we saw a GADW floating upon the
water. We weren't able to look at it through the telescope because a dog
came and scared it away. This was the first trip which the goldeneye was
not around.

How can you tell a male GADW from a female?

-Sachiko
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Our class would like to make some suggestions for Marymoor park. We feel
that Marymoor needs more space to preserve the wildlife. We think that
Marymoor should move the airplanes because of the extremely loud noise which
scares off the wildlife. We have the most concerns for the Bald Eagles in
the nest nearby. We think that the eagles are expecting nestlings soon
and the airplanes might drive them away.
We also have a problem with the motorboats that drive into the river
at Marymoor. They scare away all the ducks from
that area. The end of the dock is a really good birding spot, but when
the boats come in and the ducks get scared away. So we think that the
boats should stay further out in the lake.
We also think that Marymoor should put a identification chart out on the
end of the dock so you can identify the ducks
that you see.
We think that the area that dogs can be unleashed should either be moved
or be a leashed area. The dogs also scare away the birds when they go and
play in the water. We feel that this area would be better off with more
wildlife usage. We also think that Marymoor should open up a
spot in the windmill so the barn owls can once
again roost in it.

-Christina


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Wednesday April 10th overcast 60f cloudy slight breeze
4-630pm 5 observers MaryMoor Park 28 species
Highlights: NOHA (male), BAEA in nest, BUSH in nest, YRWA first sighting,
SASP first sighting, BHCO first sighting, BEKI first sighting,
GWTE first sighting,
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We were looking at some Red-winged Blackbirds when we saw a Mallard's
nest across the slough. At a closer glance though we realized one was a
Green-Winged Teal. It was bobbing in the water it was very beautiful!.

Are GWTE common this time of year?

-Tyson
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When the trip to Marymoor park was nearly finished we saw some Brown
headed Cow-Birds. First I thought they were Starlings, but they were
not. Our teacher explained to us about how they use other bird's nest
and stop other species from laying eggs.

Will the BHCB take a larger birds nest?

Dema Shevelenko
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When we were walking around Marymoor, many Swallows were flying around
us. They will fly around with their mouths open to catch bugs in the air
to eat. It is a funny sight if you get a close up of them. Wherever
we looked, there were Swallows swooping down to eat low flying bugs.
Also, while walking on the boardwalk, we saw a sign deep in the bushes
and trees. Tyson, Dema and I went and picked it up out of the bushes. It
said,"Dogs must be on a leash."
People probably pushed it down so if they were caught without a leash on
their dog, they wouldn't get into much trouble.

Has anyone else seen the Swallows?
Is there a difference between the Male and Female?

Stephanie B
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The day we went birding we saw a Savannah Sparrow flickering around in
the low bushes. We thought it might be a Grasshopper Sparrow, but the
bird book proved us wrong. It was foraging in the bushes looking for
insects. We don't know if it caught anything. This was the first birding
trip I have gone on and I hope there will be a lot more in the future.

Has anyone found out a way to tell the difference between male and female
without dissecting it?

John Kim
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We saw two Bushtits hopping around in the bushes. Then one of them flew
into a nest. Bushtits are nondescript gray, no obvious markings. They are
very small plain birds. There habitat is bushes and trees. They move from
bush to tree in straggling flocks, conversing in light gentle notes.

Will Bushtits breed even though there is a parking lot nearby?

Shannon Bunn
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Have a nice Spring vacation!