Subject: 2/7/04 Elma birding (Grays Harbor Co.)
Date: Feb 7 11:53:22 2004
From: Tim O'Brien - kertim7179 at centurytel.net


Hi Tweets, I made a quick trip out this morning around Elma. The weather
was great with partly cloudy skies. I walked out into the rather wet
Chehalis Wildlife area (CWA) first. Make sure you have your waterproof
boots on here! At the parking area, I caught a glimpse of a very yellow
little bird. It didn't hang around very long so I wasn't able to get an ID,
but my first thought was an Orange-crowned Warbler. Seems early for one of
them though. Moving out to the ponds, there were two Trumpeter Swans, four
Canada Geese, one male Common Goldeneye, one male Ruddy Duck, and a couple
Pied-billed Grebes. Also at the far western end of the big pond at the end
of the grassy road that heads due south, there was at least 20 swallows
flying around. Unfortunately, they were too far away for me to ID.
Singing birds included Marsh Wren and Song Sparrows.

When I returned to the parking area, I walked out of one the trails that
goes through some of wooded area there. In the trees, there were a few
Ruby-crowned Kinglets and chickadees. As I was trying to figure out a
finch-like bird near the top of a tree, the birds went into an alarm state
and I immediately noticed the presence of a Sharp-shinned Hawk who didn't
stick around too long. In the same area, there were several singing
Bewick's Wrens.

I drove around Wenzel Slough Rd. also today. By the way, it is open again
as the waters have receded somewhat. All the usual ducks are still present.
I saw several Red-tailed Hawks and one adult Bald Eagle out on the distant
trees. The highlight of the day was at the main pond at Vance Creek county
park, where there was a Common Loon.

Good birding,

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