The CHAT that Keith Brady found at Black Lake Meadows in Olympia was present
yesterday and this morning (as of 7:30 AM). Gary Wiles, Kristin Stewart and
I found it today. Directions to Black Lake Meadows I believe are on the
Black Hills Audubon website on the Peepers link: www.blackhillsaudubon.org

The bird was heard from the main gravel road/trail on the right side just
after the huge Big Leaf Maple. I believe there is a smaller path that heads
off to the right towards the shelter, the bird was behind the shelter in the
thicket created by Scotch Broom, Vine Maple and others. There is a stump
here where a Willow Flycatcher calls from, the CHAT seemed to stay around
this area. He sang in the open for about 15 seconds before taking off for
cover again. Be very patient with this bird, I would not recommend
"pishing"...instead just hang out and keep your eyes peeled for anything
that isn't a Cedar Waxwing (they are also in this area building a nest).
Whew.

After that we headed off to Nisqually to find the AVOCET with no luck. We
did find a few other interesting birds though, the best being a male LAZULI
BUNTING. This bird can easily be found by walking the gravel road that
heads towards the Twin Barns area. The bird was seen after flushing from
the tall grass near where the willow trees start. He was with Goldfinches
first, then later seen with Savannah Sparrows. Check the willow edges
thoroughly, as well as the sides of the gravel road. Also seen were 5
WILSON'S PHALAROPES (1 male included) at the pond where Dave Hayden refound
the Avocet. This is just after you come to the observation tower at the
reach side of the refuge. We had 70 species by 1:00, a great day to be out!

Other notables:
10+ Blue-winged Teal
4 A. Wigeon (1 female)
1 Wood Duck (hen w/ chicks including 2 H. Merganser chicks)
1 Common Merganser (female)
4 Virginia Rail (all seen-incredible luck)
1 Sora (heard)
1 Greater Yellowlegs
1 Whimbrel (on reach)
2 Spotted Sandpipers (pond with new Willow plantings near Hdqtrs)
7+ Common Terns (on reach)
1 Mourning Dove
2 Western Wood-Pewees
2 N. R/W Swallows

Jason Paulios
JPaulios at hotmail.com
Olympia, WA

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