On a leisurely bicycle ride in the Snoqualmie Valley on Labor Day, we
stopped on the 284th Avenue bridge across Sikes Lake near Carnation Farm
to look for ducks -- no ducks, but there were large numbers of Barn
Swallows, a few Violet Green Swallows and a big flock of Red-winged
Blackbirds. There were Canada Geese in a nearby pasture and one Great Blue
Heron in the grassy margin of the lake. Just as we were scanning the
northwestern edge near the heron, Bill called out "Bittern!" and of course
Erin looked, but by that time it had "down-periscoped" and she did not see
it. But shortly thereafter, looking toward the tall grass southeast of the
bridge, another Bittern popped up its head! Then the first one showed its
head again. Both appeared to be immatures. We bicycle this area often, but
this is the first Bittern sighting we have had in the Snoqualmie Valley.

Earlier in the day we saw an Osprey soaring around the Vincent Flats
Road, and a small flock of Vaux Swifts near Sikes Farm.

Bill and Erin Woods Woods Tree Farm Redmond, WA U.S.A.
<wwwbike at halcyon.com>