And a fine day to ye,

Surveyed from mid morning to early afternoon: About 15 adult GREAT BLUE
herons were foraging along the Sound's edge from the Des Moines Beach Park
south to Salt Water State Park. Up to 5 territorial SPOTTED towhees were
noted within a few neighborhood yards on the bluff just north of the Beach
Park.

Approximately 35 active BARN swallow nests can be counted under the wharf
of the main public boat launch. Apparently the BELTED kingfishers are
NOT nesting near the Marina this season; they have not been seen for
months. Also unfortunately observed is the apparent dying of most of the
Madrona trees along the Normandy Park bluff; I am told that this is a
virus or fungus disease. Also, only one nest of BAND-TAILED pigeons is
known for certain in this area for this season. Friends living on the
Normandy Park bluff have seen a slow decline of these pigeons over the
last decade. The BALD eagle nest just north of here is apparently
successful (don't know how many young---does anyone out there know?)

I am delighted to report seeing a pair of CASPIAN terns (uncommon
this time of the year) roosting on the private beach just north of the
Beach Park (below the Normandy Park Bluff) and a single TURKEY VULTURE
(Wow, REALLY uncommon here, especially this time of the year!) glided
overhead just above the Senior Center.

Cheers to everyone,
Maureen Ellis me2 at u.washington.edu Univ of WA and Des Moines, WA

"Finding the occasional straw of truth awash in a great ocean of
confusion and bamboozle requires vigilance, dedication, and courage."
-Carl Sagan-