Tweets,

Sat, Dec 4 I found a REDPOLL in a flock of ~200 siskins near Tenino. Took 10-15 minutes of scanning the flock before finding it--a mediocre view against gray overcast. Then tracked the flock for 40 minutes and finally got a definitive second view--moments before a sharpy sent the flock scattering. Reddish forehead, dark in face and pale pinkish wash on upper breast were observed, but the best fieldmark was the comparatively gleaming white underparts. Location: From Tenino (south Thurston Co), take SR507 eastward (toward Rainier/Yelm) a short distance to Mull/Churchill. Turn right on Churchill, park at the first pullout, walk into the Heernet Foundation Property/nature preserve (birder friendly) via the old logging road at the second pullout.
(Saw 8+ VARIED THRUSH here, usually Hutton's Vireos further in.) The siskin flock, seemingly the same one that's been present for 6 weeks, hangs around the pond and is most consistently seen along the roadway from the culvert at the bottom of the hill to the crest of the hill, and downslope toward the pond. I could not relocate the flock after the second sighting and predator ambush.

Good birding!

Paul Hicks
Tenino
phicks AT accessgrace.org