Tweeters, this year the westside migration almost seems tangible, there have
been a number of times where I've encountered large flocks of mixed species
or single species confined to just a few trees (usually right at the edge of
the Sound). Today I didn't see the numbers of Western Tanagers like
everyone else had, but instead had 6 Black-headed Grosbeaks (including one
female) at Black Lake Meadows in Olympia. This is a fairly small birding
locale, and it seemed like every bend in the trail had the grosbeak peek
notes or warbling song. Still no westside Orioles for me this spring.

I did see some interesting behavior from a pair of Vaux's Swifts: as they
were in a glide they both changed their wing position to a sharp dihedral,
then they continued their twittering flight with their wings held at this
same angle. Quite bizarre. I was hoping that I'd get to witness their
flight copulation (as all the books seem to say they do) but, alas, another
swift entered the boudouir without knocking and the amorous pair departed.

Anyways, enjoyed a lazy morning of birding before my seven day scramble in
Wisconsin starting tomorrow. I hope to have Hooded Warbler under my belt
before even unpacking the suitcase! It'll be fast and furious birding with
the Paulios brothers...look out Shelmerdines!

Jason Paulios
Jpaulios at hotmail.com
Olympia, WA

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