Good to be able to comment on positive trends in habitat restoration! For
the past year and a half I have been doing a monthly bird census on the six
restoration areas along the Sammammish River in the dog run area of Marymoor
Park to record the return of birds to the developing growth. What started as
bare, trampled areas and heavy blackberries is now fenced, screened habitat
that was planted with native trees and bushes.

Yesterday's count in these areas is a good indication of what is taking
place:

Wilson's Warbler (engaged in a fascinating sparring duel with a Rufous
Hummingbird!)
Swainson's Thrush
Bullock's Oriole
Cedar Waxwing
Downy Woodpecker
American Goldfinch
House Finch
Tree Swallows (perched)
Belted Kingfisher

What is also encouraging is the fact that dog owners and all other groups
involved have been very supportive of these efforts. Shows what can happen
when thoughtful people work together to protect their common interests.

Grant Hendrickson
Redmond, Wa
granth at halcyon.com