Seven birders went on monthly ELWAS field trip to the Tukwila and Kent Ponds
on a beautiful Thurs. morning. We had a total of 34 species. We started out
with two adult Bald Eagles at the Newport Hills P&R before we left. At Kent
Ponds we had 13 waterfowl species including No. Pintail and Hooded and Common
Mergansers. The highlight of the trip was an OSPREY. This is two months
earlier than any we have seen there before. We first saw one in a tall dead
snag from the south tower. Then at the north tower we got a closer look at
one taking a bath in the water next to a snag near the shoreline. We assumed
it was the same bird. It appeared to be a female, most likely, or a juvenile.
We saw two NORTHERN HARRIER flying high. Could not see a yellow tag on
either. Also, three RED-TAILED HAWK, a female BELTED KINGFISHER, and heard a
number of MARSH WRENS. We could not find the Barn Owl although we did see
fresh pellets.

Hugh Jennings
Bellevue, WA
hughbirder at aol.com