In reply I did see half of the bird, I can verify that the Swamp Sparrow
did have a white rump patch. Anyway I would like to report on a wonderful
morning spent at Amen's Refuge on Portage Creek near Arlington.
Among the impressive list that I will detail I will also mention that
birds such as Ruffed Grouse, Sreech Owl, and Dipper have been seen. THe
sreech Owl and Grouse this week.
Todays highlights:
1 Rough-legged Hawk
1 Short-eared Owl
2 Northern Harrier
2 Red-tailed Hawk
1 Bald Eagle
1 BEaver
1 Otter
2 SAlmon

This refuge for you that have not visted is a jewel of paradise in a
developed area. You go from developed streets down a hill to a cross
section of portage creek that dumps into a pond. From here you can take a
trail out out into the raptor fields along the marsh and creek or you can
take a trail back along the forest where the grouse frequent along with a
couple of ponds where snipe,bittern, and rail can be found. Here you can
surround yourself with Hardwood Forest, cattail lined pond, and a stream.
Gene Ammon the caretaker,(it was originally his property before
the county bought it)mentioned to me today that some additional habitat
enhahancement projects could be done if there was volunteers. I really
believe this little jewel of property now containing 160 acres would be a
shame if it didn't have some help would be let go and its habitat would be
diminshed. If you would like a nice morning walk take the Hwy.530 exit off
of I-5. Take smokey point blvd. south to cemetary rd. Continue on cemetary
rd. until you hit 54th st. THere is a small sign that says Ammons wildlife
refuge, go down the hill here.
Enjoy, Gene is more than willing to take you on a tour. You probably want
to take boots.


Scott Downes
sdownes at u.washington.edu
Seattle WA


On Mon, 16 Dec 1996, Jim P. Flynn wrote:

> At the end of that trail where it meets the bay was a
> Swamp Sparrow on Sunday. Finding it was a real thrill as it was
> the first I've seen in Washington after many attempts at chasing
> other's finds. I had a good although brief (approx 25 seconds) look
> at it before it flew into the marsh. No amount of pishing could make
> it come out for my friend Scott to see.
>
> Jim Flynn
> Renton, WA
> bf519 at scn.org
>