Hello again -
I was all set to get some work done around the apartment today, but
noooo, that weatherjust had to intervene. After some brunch plans
fell through, I got a late start on the day and decided to check out
Spanaway Marsh in Pierce Co, as recently mentioned on Tweeters.

[Directions, mostly from Linda Adams' earlier message: From I-5, take
exit 127 west [sr512]. Turn south on Hwy 7. Spanaway Marsh is found
at the end of 176th Street, 1/2 mile west of Pacific
Ave (Hwy 7). Delorme pg.63 D-5] - Although the signs kept me from
taking the trails that cross the fence into the edges of Ft.Lewis, it
seemed like I was the only one heeding them - Many locals on foot &
horseback seemed to wander all over in this area throughout the
afternoon - Made it awfully tempting]

COMMON RAVEN - one flew over, chased by crows, as I turned onto
176th. It landed on one of the tall first just across the Ft. Lewis
fenceline; maybe it is local?

RED BREASTED SAPSUCKERS - Right along the trail, at the first dip, 2
working the trees

ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER - I couldn't figure out who was making that
trilling sound, and the first time I went past the spot where it was
singing away, I looked in vain and couldn't find it. Then, after
moving on, a little frustrated at not remembering the song, I checked
out my Sibley's guide and was surprised to see a song description
that actually reflected what I was hearing! On my way back, I
persisted in tracking this guy down and eventually got great looks at
a very yellow looking OCWarbler. First of the year, and singing to
boot.

PURPLE FINCH - Many around, singing way. Eventually I got a great
full scope view of a male singing away.

COMMON YELLOWTHROAT - I heard singing from out on the marsh, but the
fenceline just kept me too far away to actually see one here....

YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS - a couple 'whit'-ing and flycatching.

BALD EAGLES - One adult, and one juv, at different times. Several
locals referred to a pair that hangs out here, so I assume there's at
least another.

VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW - Hard to id most of the swallows due to
distance, but a couple were kind enough to come in closer.

WOOD DUCKS - one pair on the pond near the
'sapsucker-dip-in-the-road, another[presumably] pair on the main pond.

MOURNING DOVE - One fly-by here, two later at Gog-le-hi-te.



On the way home, I made a brief stop at Gog-le-hi-te :
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT - After being denied a look at one over at
Spanaway, it was awfully kind of this one to pop up and sing away in
plain view for me. I believe I saw a second one nearby, but couldn't
get any clear looks to see whether it was a female.

WILSON's SNIPE - One in the fields popped up and flew away.

A short, but good day again. Time now to start listening to those
warbler recordings.

Matt Bartels
Seattle, WA


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