Hi Tweeters--

I've had a few pleasant surprises yesterday and today. Not unexpected species, really, but ones that gave me joy.

Yesterday at the Spanaway Marsh, as I was sorting through the hordes of sparrows in the overloaded blackberry bushes (the place smelled like a giant blackberry pie) and scotch broom, I came across 8 California Quail right in my path. I froze, and they let me watch them briefly before they got anxious and darted into the bushes. I also flushed a Mourning Dove at close range. Other pleasant surprises were 3 Red Crossbills and 4 Wood Ducks that were unaware of my presence for a long time--and then they flew away with the most delightful alarm call. You never know what you'll find out there.

Today, I did not find the Great Egret (which would have been a Washington first for me) at the Kent Ponds after searching carefully from the grassy knoll and also from the south observation tower from 9:00AM to 10:00 AM. I did, however, had wonderful looks at a Green Heron who was walking along the rusty "dam" looking for food. I also saw my first Wigeons of the fall, and one Greater White-fronted Goose among the waterfowl population.

The biggest surprise, though, happened as I was studying a "mutt duck" in the southernmost pool. Two American Bitterns came up out of the weeds and flew past me, their striped belly, reddish-brown color, heron-like shape, and dark flight feathers unmistakable. A new life bird for me! What a great view, too. All of a sudden I didn't feel so bad about dipping on the Egret.

I stopped over at the Boeing 59th Ave. ponds at about 10:00 AM, and saw several Yellowlegs (both types present, I believe), Killdeer, swallows, and some ducks. On the eastern pool were two other species of shorebirds, which unfortunately flew away in alarm after being dive-bombed and otherwise harassed by a flock of 100 to 200 Red-winged Blackbirds. I know I have heard those two species before at the ocean, but could not identify them, even after going home and listening to my recordings. Much to learn, much to learn.

As Marv would say, it was a good day.

Linda Adams
Puyallup, WA