I hosted a Big Sit for the second year in a row. The women I bird with (our team is known as the Willettes) thought this was a good idea since the circle could be anywhere. We decided that my house would be good because it was in a rural setting with feeders and a pond. Of course, we then began to plan a champagne brunch including quiche and a hot lunch. All the things you don't usually get when birding. We had such a good time the first year, that of course we did it this year too. Sorry to say we didn't climb any ladders, sleep in a camper, or get cold. We had flush toilets all day and food to die for. This year my husband, son, and daughter-in-law joined us. I hope that this makes others feel that a great day of conversation and low-impact birding is appreciated at certain times Normally the Willettes are traveling to ABA conferences and leading field trips for the Tahoma Audubon, but on this one day a year, we are sitting and enjoying the birds.
Some interesting observations from doing the same place two years in a row came about. While I have lived on this nine acres for 25 years and kept a home list, I have never compared lists from one year to the next by weekend. In comparing last years Big Sit list to this years there was a 23% change in species reported. Since there has been no change in the main birders and no change in the habitat during that time, I thought that was a significant difference. I wonder what next year might bring. Our most unexpected bird last year was an Emperor Goose and our last bird this year was a Northern Pygmy-Owl. You just never know what might fly into or over your 17 foot circle. I might add that birds that I see on a regular basis did not come by on Oct. 22 to be counted. They are just so free to make up their minds on what to do each day.

Our list for the day was:
Canada Goose
Mallard
Red-tailed Hawk
Killdeer
Band-tailed Pigeon
Rock Dove
Mourning Dove
Northern Pygmy-Owl
Northern Flicker
Downy Woodpecker
Steller's Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Bewick's Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Varied Thrush
American Robin
European Starling
Spotted Towhee
Song Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch
Evening Grosbeak

I encourage more tweeters to form circles next year and enjoy a day of having the birds come to you.

Louise Fountain
Eatonville, WA
dale.fountain at gte.net

birders present:

Louise Fountain
Diane Kerlin
Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Dale Fountain
Andrew Fountain
Kristin Fountain

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