Hi Tweeters,

I have been rambling around some prairie parcels in Thurston County south of Olympia.
I have been most interested in finding Vesper Sparrows (and fixing their song into my
stubbornly uncooperative mind). I was most surprised yesterday to find a Black Swift circling
over the North Unit of Scatter Creek Wildlife Area (near Maytown along Case Road).

I found Vesper Sparrows (and Meadowlarks) at the Olympia Airport. I think I have their song
down now. I think I heard them at another prairie location but I'll have to go back now that
I feel more competent. The prairies are absolutely fantastic places to be at this time of year,
full abloom with Camas and other wild flowers and the fringing oaks are loaded with warblers,
vireos, and other songsters.

Kelly McAllister
District Wildlife Biologist
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Thurston and Pierce counties