Hi Tweets, I headed out around the Elma area this evening after work. I
checked the pond along North Blockhouse Rd. hoping to find a Blue-winged
Teal, but all I saw there was a single Greater Yellowlegs and a female
Mallard. I then moved on to Dunlap Rd. (off of Hwy 12 heading towards
Oakville), which turned out to be my best stop today. This was actually my
first trip out this road and I was surprised to find a nice wetland that has
a lot of potential. I found Cinnamon Teal, Green-winged Teal, Northern
Pintail, and Mallard ducks at the wetland here. Also, there were several
Greater Yellowlegs and a small flock of "peeps" that consisted of some Least
Sandpipers. The sun was not in my favor so I was unable to get good looks
at the small flock of "peeps" which were moving around quite a bit. I'll be
checking this location more for sure.

I also drove out Wenzel Slough Rd. and part of the Brady Loop complex. At
Vance Creek park, there were two Osprey on the nest snag. Also, an immature
Bald Eagle was playing in a puddle near the ponds closest to the airport. I
watched the eagle tear at some cardboard that was lying in the water of the
puddle. I lingered here for awhile hoping to see the eagle fly away, but it
remained. On my trip home, I drove by the area again and I was glad to see
the eagle was gone which dispelled my thoughts of it being hurt. I then
checked the area that the Loggerhead Shrike had been frequenting with no
luck. The Sullivans are correct that my last sighting of the shrike was on
April 13th.

I then travelled the Brady Loop area concentrating my time on Foster Rd..
In the corn stubble field at the intersection of Brady Loop Rd. and Foster
Rd., I did spot one Black-bellied Plover in breeding plumage and a single
Greater Yellowlegs. After reading the Sullivan's report, I can't believe I
missed the Sandhill Cranes again! They must be avoiding me. I missed the
Pink-footed Goose also.

Good birding,

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