My 7 month old son Ryan and I would like to report the results of this
morning's visit . . .

On the way in through Langus Riverfront Park, Ryan saw his first BALD EAGLE
cooperatively posing in a tree by the road just down the way from a
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK. A quick stop in the park yielded a BELTED KINGFISHER
across Snohomish, a couple DC CORMORANTS in the Snohomish, and a WOOD DUCK
flying overhead.

Unfamiliar with Spencer Island trails (and certain seasonal activity), we
erroneously started up the west side of Union Slough going north. Ryan saw
his first PILEATED WOODPECKER up-close and personal off to the left making
some quick work of a small snag. Also saw a small group of PINE SISKINS in
the treetops and a couple GB HERONS in flight (ooh big bird) before making
more progress north. A quick about-face was in order, however, when we
heard a couple shotgun blasts across the slough to the east. Evidently the
northern part of the sanctuary is open-season, so to avoid any stray bit 'o
wee metal raining down on our persons, we decided to head back down the
path to cross the slough onto Spencer Island proper.

A good move, as we found the helpful orientation map, signs about hunting
(where we weren't going to go) and the promise of much better terrain to
view. We did the loop counter-clockwise down to Steamboat Slough and
around to cut back on the dike toward the barn area and back to the car.

Ryan managed to see another PILEATED WP vocalizing as he flew south and saw
a female N. HARRIER startle a fair number of MALLARDS into flight (she was
around all morning). A snack of a bottle and some Cheerios was next (for
Ryan, not daddy) before continuing, plus daddy (needing the rest) didn't
intend such a long walk as he left the kid-toting back pack at home.

The woodpeckers proved too much excitement for the boy. He spent the rest
of the walk asnooze in dad's arms (like an 18 pound sack of potatos).
Among the sightings he missed as the action picked up included:

(along Union Slough --- the southern boundary)
VARIED THRUSH
BC CHICKADEES AND SPOTTED TOWHEES
HOUSE FINCH (1) among the SONG SPARROWS (everywhere)
The woodpecker (again)

(Up along the dike)

RC KINGLET

A flock of BIRDS UNLIMITED folks pondering along with me as to which
DOWITCHERs we were observing (I figure they were juvenile LONG-BILLED's
given the slightly darker shading extending down the front of the neck -- a
first for me, so if I'm wrong, please let me know why and I'll switch it to
short-billed -- still a first.

KILLDEER
GADWAL
NORTHERN PINTAIL
AM. COOT
WESTERN MEADOWLARK
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK
probable GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (based on call -- severely back-lit with
the sun popping out)

on the way out, the BALD EAGLE was joined by another (same spot).

We'll have to return soon (with the backpack next time).

If any of you BIRDS UNLIMITED folks reads this, what else did you see that
we missed? Thanks.


Ned and Ryan McGarry
Kirkland, WA