Subject: King Co. Big Day
Date: May 18 10:05:28 2000
From: Sgd24 at aol.com - Sgd24 at aol.com


Tweets,
Did a King Co. Big Day, hadn't done one in 2 years. Had a couple of
highlights in the pass area. The best was a calling DUSKY FLYCATCHER just
inside the gate at the Fire Training Center exit 38 I-90. Also over the
Snoqualmie River at Exit 34 (Tinkham Cr) was 4 BLACK SWIFT and a male
HARLEQUIN DUCK. Had several singing SWAINSON'S THRUSH at the carnation marsh.
Also at the marsh was a calling SORA.
Shorebirds seem to be all but moved out, with stops at such good places as
the fill, kent ponds, and a couple of places in Auburn I had 1 WESTERN
SANDPIPER besides 5 SPOTTED SANDPIPER and numerous KILLDEER. Lots of
BLUE-WINGED TEAL about. There was an amazing concentration of WESTERN GREBES
off of CARKEEK PARK for this late. I estimated 450-500 WESTERN GREBES! Most
sea ducks appear to have pulled out as well with totally missing things like
goldeneyes, Red-breasted Merganser.
My total for the day was 107. This is a few below my other 2 times I've done
this route, I had 112 both times in '97 and '98. Still a nice day.

Scott Downes
sgd24 at aol.com
Seattle WA

To identify a species should not be enough to quench one's thirst,
a proper thirst must seek to understand every facet of the bird's
existence.