Tweets - Eight of us braved moderate, steady rain all morning, but were
barely rewarded for our efforts. It was dark, wet, and quiet just about
everywhere. The water level was almost a foot higher than last week, and
tall boots (10" +) are needed to get to the boardwalk.

Highlights:

Green Heron Same place as last week, almost invisible
Wilson's Snipe Seen well across slough from Dog Central
Brown Creeper One at Rowing Club

We had a LONG-TAILED WEASEL near the weir.

Also near the weir was a male SPOTTED TOWHEE that seemed brighter,
spottier, and more contrasty than our usual fare. It was suggested that
the individual looked more like the towhees east of the Cascades.

There was one male RING-NECKED DUCK at the Rowing Club ponds. He was
notable for being especially bright, and because his chestnut-colored neck
ring was very visible. He, or one just like him, was there last week too.
It is the first time I've seen the namesake ring of the species.

The cottonwoods in the cottonwood row have now all been cut. Most have
been girdled, but have been left as snags. A planting party on MLK day
planted a few hundred trees and shrubs, more plantings in February will
bring the total to about 1500 plants. Split-rail fencing will also be
installed to protect the plantings. The corridor of trees will be much
larger than the old row of cottonwoods, and is being planted with a mix of
(mostly) natives. In 10+ years, it should provide one of the better birdy
bits at Marymoor.

Starting February 1 there will be a new parking fee at Marymoor. The
price will be $1/visit. A pass, good through August 31, is also available
for $50, for those who visit often. They will start with the usual fee
envelope/collection box setup.

For more information about the tree project, the parking fees, and many
other issues concerning Marymoor Park, see the Friends of Marymoor Park
website at http://www.scn.org/fomp

For the day, only 39 species. Brown Creeper was new for the year,
bringing the 2003 total to 67.

BTW - you may have seen on last night's local news that a semi truck lost
control while exiting SR 520 at West. Lake Samm. Parkway yesterday around
noon. The truck crossed the parkway, crashed through the fence, and
plunged almost 20 feet, coming to rest upside-down next to the Sammamish
River Trail. My understanding is that the driver was unhurt, though I
can't imagine how. They were working today to pull the truck out. I'm
glad to say that while we were at Marymoor this morning, only rain fell
from the skies, not trucks.

== Michael Hobbs
== Kirkland, WA
== http//www.scn.org/fomp/birding.htm
== hummer at isomedia.com