The following message from Houston Flores was sent last night but for some reason it was not posted. Sorry for the delay.

- Tim Perkins
Sammamish, WA


Tim Perkins and I birded around Carnation this evening and there were some
great birds to be seen.

Here are the highlights from an hour spent at Sikes Lake (7:45-9:00pm):

Common Nighthawk 4 birds; I haven't seen many reports this
year
BANK SWALLOW 3 birds offered nice views of their
breastband and paler rump
YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD 1 adult male flew over the road a few times

We also heard a few Sora, Virginia Rail and American Bitterns at the lake.

Prior to birding at Sikes Lake we birded the Carnation Marsh and areas just
south of the golf course. The birds were abundent at the marsh and in full
song. There were lots of pewees, flycatchers and Swainson's Thrushes,
though we were disappointed that weren't able to conjure up any vireos.
About a half mile south of the course, Tim heard a singing LAZULI BUNTING.
After further investigation, it turned out that there were at least three
Lazuli Buntings (2 males, 1 female) working the various hedgerows just east
of the road. All in all, it was a great evening of birding.


Good Migrations,

Houston Flores
Sammamish, WA
houstonflores AT hotmail.com