Hey tweets, Yesterday was our big loosestrife-pulling day. Many, many
thanks to all who turned out to help. We had great weather for our effort -
cloudy and cool. By the end of the day, the entire main pond was cleared of
loosestrife, thanks in large measure to Stewart McKay and John Sidles, who
chopped and chopped and chopped without stopping. Also thanks to you, Randy
and Mary, for your hard work. I don't know about everyone else, but John
said he ached so much from wielding his Scissorhands chopper that he said
I'd have to duct tape his hands to the wheel if I wanted him to drive. It
truly was an impressive machine. In fact, the rental company required John
to wear a red sign that said: Danger. Keep 50 feet away. He said his one
regret when he returned the chopper was that he also had to give back the
sign. He wanted to give it to me to wear, for obvious reasons.

Our rewards were many and immediate. While we were all pulling, a gigantic
peregrine swooped in, scaring the living daylights out of the shorebirds on
the pond. It powered its way to the dead beaver-tree, where it perched for
some time. It was a whopper, the biggest I've ever seen. That evening,
after the work was done, John and I returned to walk around the pond. It
looked fantastic, much like it had 10 years ago. Shorebirds were feeding
all around, and the ducks (including green-winged and blue-winged teal)
were especially happy with all the overturned mud.

We were just turning for home when the rain started pouring down. We
slogged ahead until we saw a sora preening itself under the small clump of
willow scrub on the north end. Well, how could we leave then? We watched
for 20 minutes while the sora, no dummy, stayed dry under cover and we got
soaked. My poor hat will never be the same. But what a lovely, lovely sight.

Today around noon, I saw 3 semipalmated sandpipers, numerous leasts and 5
westerns on the main pond. The blue-winged teals were still there too,
stretching out their wings so I didn't have to guess what the heck they
were. I also saw a male shoveler. On the small pond near the dead
beaver-tree, the immature sora was out in full view, eating and swimming
around. At one point, it actually dove underwater. I'm sure it was hatched
on that pond, because I've seen an adult there too. In the bay were two
green herons. The Fill delivered its multiple pleasures, as it always does.
I am unbelievably grateful to the Tweeters who helped with the loosestrife.
The Fill is such a treasure for all us birders, but it's one we will have
to work to preserve. Thank you to those who helped make the fall migration
the success it has already become. A special thank-you to David Chelimer,
who paid for the chopper rental. I didn't cash your check until I felt we
morally deserved it. I will cash it now. - Connie