I saw a yellow-headed blackbird on Paradise Lake rd just off of Hwy 522 four springs ago and for the last two years running I have seen (and heard) them at Johnson Marsh on Fort Lewis. I have also seen one in Discovery Park. My Paradise Lake friend insists I didn't see one but now I can tell her of your Monroe sighting. That should shut her up.

Thanks for filling me on where you saw bitterns.
(If you should want more info on finding Johnson Marsh or want to go looking, let me know and I can either tell you where or show you.)
Rahne Kirkham
Federal Way
----- Original Message -----
From: Patricia Brent
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 1999 1:07 PM
Subject: Bitterns and friends


I have spotted American Bitterns in a couple places: On Spencer Island up in Everett, on the north side of the levy about half way across. There was also a Virginia Rail in the same area. Also, North of Stanwood out by the water where the duck hunters are (I can't remember the name of the area or road), there is a large area where you park with cattails next to it. I have also seen one there, plus in the winter you might catch some Bohemian Waxwings in the trees nearby.

Has anyone ever seen a Yellow-headed Blackbird on this side of the Cascades? I can't remember seeing one. But I had one in my backyard on Sunday. He stuck around all day (I have pictures).

Then the very next day a Bullock's Oriole showed up in my yard. He didn't stay but a minute, then flew.

Patti Brent, Monroe, WA. p.brent at worldnet.att.net