Today while planning this weekends route for the WOS field trip I heard a
Black Phoebe along Steamboat Slough right before turning into the driveway
to the headquarters at Julia Butler Hansen NWR. I stopped and backed off
the road trying to see it when it took off towards the headquarters
building. I jumped back into the car and had great looks at it sitting and
calling on the peak of the roof. Just yesterday having seen a Black Phoebe
at Ridgefield NWR I thought it might be the bird that spent the winter
around the Julia Butler headquarters. Well today knocks that idea to bits
which leaves me thinking Black Phoebes just might be moving north and
expanding their range. 5 years ago they were super tough in Washington
state. Pretty nice to have seen 2 Black Phoebes in two consecutive days.
Maybe a first in Washington.

I tried to locate the Tropical Kingbird, but could not shake it loose from
where ever it was hiding. It could still be around there because Tropical
Kingbirds tend to be difficult a lot of the time. There is lots of habitat
which doesn't help either.

I also observed a 'Dusky' Canada Goose with a red neck band with white
letters A F vertically read on it. I wasn't sure where to report this and
to who. This was with many other Canada Geese of 3-4 races being
represented at Julia Butler Hansen NWR just west of the yellow barn.


Ken Knittle, Vancouver, WA
washingtonbirder at hotmail.com


_________________________________________________________________
Unlimited Internet access for only $21.95/month. Try MSN!
http://resourcecenter.msn.com/access/plans/2monthsfree.asp