Tweets,

The present tally for the Clallam Co./Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society
Birdathon on May 10, 1997, stands at 164 species. This is down from last
year's 172. We have yet to receive the tallies from several counters,
such as from Neah Bay and Forks, so we're hoping this may rise a little
more.

The progression of spring migration this year appeared significantly
advanced over last year. Whereas last year late spring migrants such as
Swainson's Thrush and Black-headed Grosbeaks were first reported on
Birdathon day (May 11, 1996), this year they were seen well before our
count. We had no problem seeing a full complement of species that arrive
in large numbers in late April and May, such as flycatchers, orioles,
house wrens, etc. Conversely, things like Golden-crowned Sparrows were
much scarcer than last year, apparently already having fled to their
northern mountain breeding spots. Shorebird numbers were also
significantly down, especially things like Dunlin and Sanderlings, who
were mostly long gone. The big high pressure system that built in during
the first week of May seemed to have pushed things along this year.

Noteworthy species sighted included one Pectoral Sandpiper on Dungeness
Spit, a female Wilson's Phalarope near the Dungeness Recreation Area, and
a nesting pair of Northern Goshawks in Olympic Nat'l Forest. Also
numbers of Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal, a full complement of alcids on
and around Protection Island (excepting C. Auklet, all others were
reported), and unusual Chipping and late Lincoln's Sparrows in the
lowlands. Owls cooperated well -- several Sawwhets, some Screeches, one
Pygmy, a Short-eared, plus GHO and Barn. No Spotted or Barred, though.

The misses were equally interesting. So far, no reports of Red-throated
Loons, Pied-billed Grebes, Ring-necked Ducks, Marbled Godwits (which
wintered here in record numbers this year), Townsend's Solitaire, or W.
Meadowlark, all of which were possible. No unusual gulls, but perhaps
when we hear from Neah Bay and La Push that will change. Only one flock
of Red Crossbills in the whole county, seen between Pysht and Clallam
Bay.

We'll keep you posted as the returns come in.

Bob Boekelheide
Sequim