Subject: Probable Seattle Kingbird
Date: Jul 21 20:26:50 1998
From: "Patrick, Michael" - MPatrick at eldec.com


Good evening,

I was graced with a 30 second view of a robin sized bird in a Seattle
greenbelt. Distinguishing characterstics were stout, flat, dark bill,
dark tail, dark wings, light body and bright, light yellow belly.
Unfortunately, I didn't get a look with binoculars, and it was ~20 yards
away (about 5:30pm tonight, so the lighting was good). If I can find it
tomorrow I'll look for the white outer tail feathers.

I've seen Western Kingbirds before, although only in California
suburban/park settings. This certainly struck me as a Kingbird (and due
to coloration, definitely not an Eastern Kingbird), although it had
never occured to me to expect one in Seattle!

Also, I referenced the Gene Hunn book on birding in King County. He
indicates Western Kingbirds are rare, but regular, visitors to King
County in the summers; so it wouldn't be an outlandish sighting.

Keep your eyes peeled!

Mike Patrick
mpatrick at eldec.com