All those posts about Townsend's Warblers got me to wishing...

Yesterday (7 Jan) at East Bay, Olympia, Phil Kelley and I saw a female
Townsend's, my first detection of this species at the site. Sure does seem like
a banner year for this beauty. This particular bird was about 200 meters (or
yards--take your pick) from any tree or shrub taller than an average birder;
the landscape there, for those who haven't seen it, is barren.

A brilliant "Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warbler perched in mid-day's sunshine
made it a two-warbler day at East Bay. Quite a thrill. This in addition to the
best turnout of Barrow's Goldeneyes, Surf Scoters, and early Greater Scaup in
years. Add three grebe species, Black Scoters, Ruddy Duck, a male kingfisher,
and a dainty flock of Mew Gulls for an outstanding lunch-break walk!
--
Scott Richardson
northeast Seattle
salix at halcyon.com
http://www.halcyon.com/salix/swm_what.htm