Hello Tweeters,

I ventured out into my usual areas around Elma this morning taking advantage of the dry weather. The skies were overcast with low clouds. First, I went to Foster Rd. in search of the Blue-winged Teal that Jason Paulios reported there yesterday. Unfortunately, I did not find it. In the grassy field along Foster Rd., shorebird numbers continue to be good. Greater Yellowlegs and Short-billed Dowitchers being the most prevalent species there right now. A few Lesser Yellowlegs are present as well. Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, and Mallard ducks are in the field too. 2 Turkey vultures were seen roosting in a tree at the south end of the field. I moved down Foster Rd. after scoping the field and spotted an American Kestrel perched on some telephone wires. The corn-stubble field at the south end of Foster Rd. is drying up quickly. I only observed one Black-bellied Plover along the water there and no ducks were present. Here are the highlights of the rest of my trip this morning:

Brady Loop Rd.
Northern Harrier - female
Ring-necked Pheasant (heard)
6 Cliff Swallows - gathering mud from the puddles in the public fishing parking lot

Schafer-Boom Rd.
Northern Flicker - red shafted
2 American Goldfinch

Monte-Brady Rd.
4 Brown-headed Cowbird

Wenzel Slough Rd.
2 Cinnamon Teal
Western Sandpiper
Dunlin
Short-billed Dowitcher
Band-tailed Pigeon (10+ flew over)
5 Turkey Vultures

I ended my trip at Vance Creek Park, where I was quite surprised to find 8 Ruddy Duck in the big pond nearest the airport. The males were in full breeding plumage and you can't miss their light blue bills. This is my first record of Ruddy Duck here in Elma. I also checked the main pond at the park that has the walking path around it to see if the recent opening of fishing season had displaced the Western Grebe there. I'm happy to report that it is still there. Happy birding!

Tim O'Brien
Elma, WA
mailto: kertim7179 at centurytel.net