Tweets,

Spent an hour or so at Sikes Lake this morning. Both the Virginia Rail and
Sora treated us to out-in-the open views at close range. The Virginia was
particularly vocal, making it easy to find.

On the bridge across the lake I found a dead Violet-green Swallow, which I
put on top of one of the bridge's fence posts. It was immediately the focus
of attention of several others, which came to investigate, seemingly unaware
that I was present as well. These birds flew by me at top speed, within a
foot of my head. Very odd.

On the way home, we stopped at the bridge (closed to the public) across from
the Nestle's Training Center (marked by the huge Carnation cow) a few
hundred yards closer to town, at the very end of Sikes Lake. Spent but a few
minutes there, and found another Virginia Rail, also plainly visible almost
directly under where I stood.

I believe the good viewing was somehow in atonement for the Mariners' game
not being telecast today. It was worth it!


David Chelimer
Seattle
david_lynne at attbi.com