Tweets,

Today, at the Vail Tree Farm in Thurston County, Washington, north side of Thompson Creek, I
got a good look at a bluebird perched low in a clearcut area. There was a snag riddled with
cavities about 50 m away. The bird was brown dorsally, gray on the underparts, with blue tail
and rump. The primaries were also blue, though the blue was more extensive and, therefore
more obvious, on the tail. I left the area thinking I had just seen a female Mountain Bluebird
but, now that I am home with my Sibley Guide, I am puzzling over the picture of the drab
adult Western Bluebird. I didn't notice any buff or orange on the breast/belly region so I
am tending to think it was a female Mountain Bluebird. The back was not spotted with white,
which might indicate a juenile Western Bluebird(?).

Identification tips would be great though I may not be able to remember any additional
details that will help me be more certain with this bird. But... to get better for future
sightings....

Any comments on Mountain Bluebird occurrence west of the Cascade Mountains would be useful.

I keep thinking I am hearing Purple Martins when I am out lately. But I hear them in short
bursts and I look around and can't anything martin-like. Maybe it's my age.

Kelly McAllister
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Olympia, Washington
Reply to: mcallkrm at dfw.wa.gov