Tweets,

Had a chance to wander around McChord AirBase this morning and had an
interesting day. Went behind the Skeet Range (it was closed) and found a small
covey of CALIFORNIA QUAIL along a power line road. they flushed into some
scotch broom. Also went into an oak grove and was trying to find what was
making that "woodpecker sound". Never saw it but did see a cuople of FLICKERS
(in a different are) when I spotted some motion low in the brush. Got a pretty
good look at an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, first of the year.

Went over the other side of the airfield where there is a park near a pond.
Lots of REDWINGED BLACKBIRDS and TREE SWALLOWS. Saw a couple of bluebird boxes
and looked for a bluebird or two. Saw a STELLER'S JAY and was about to leave
when I saw a WESTERN BLUEBIRD in a tree on the other side of the pond. Watched
him(?) for awhile and decided it was time to hit the commissary & get my
groceries. As I got back to the truck a YELLOW-RUMPER WARBLER flew over &
landed in a tree about 75 yards away. Now I really wish I had a scope, so I
could have gotten a better view. Soon. I hope, soon.

When I got home I had 5 AMERICAN GOLDFINCH at my feeders (yeah!!) and a
COWBIRD (boo!!). Oh well, we take the good with the not so good.

Not a bad day for some casual birding. Sunday I'll get serious and spend more
time birding. Hopefully the migrants will continue to arrive.

Good birding!

Phil Kelley
Lacey, WA
scrbjay at aol.com