Tweeters,
Sunday after 9 pm at the Fill I saw two species I couldn't (or wouldn't)
identify. They were both flying over Shoveler Pond.
Two swifts swooped to a few feet above the water, gliding. When they
flapped, beats appeared slower than what I expect from a Vaux's. Something
about their proportions--maybe a stouter swift than a Vaux's, with broader
wings? I got to wondering about Blacks, but my "experience" with that
species is limited to one 3-second sighting at Snoqualmie Pass. I know Black
Swifts come down to the lowlands under certain conditions, but didn't think
the clear and calm end of a 90-something degree day fit that pattern. I
won't mind not identifying these two birds, but want to hear whether the
above description of a couple of silhouettes is anywhere near a "clincher".
A couple of minutes later and a few candles darker...
A bigger bird coming in from the east. My initial reaction: What? Black
Tern? But I think this was a nighthawk. It's pointed wings were held up in a
V after some beats and its flight was direct, not buoyant at all. It seemed
all business, beelining past and out of sight toward the University. It's
just been a while since I've seen a nighthawk fly by, and it's never
happened to me in King County. Should I be watching the skies at dusk more
often?
None of these birds peeped or chittered or pee-ah'd, unfortunately.
What do you think?

--
Scott Richardson
NE Seattle
salix at halcyon.com