I birded the Everett STP ponds and Spencer Island today. I had a great day
at about 50 species, including a Merlin and a Franklin's Gull by the
settlement ponds, and a Cinnamon Teal and Purple Finch on Spencer. I had a
novice birder with me who labeled the finch as "new potato" color, a better
description than raspberry jam in my opinion.
I had a glance at a shrike just as flew off and couldn't get a positive ID.
Which species is most likely this time of year? I'm leaning toward a
Northern but it's just a guess.

Jack Stephens
jsteph02 at sprynet.com
Edmonds, WA