Subject: A few migrant highlights
Date: May 1 22:27:30 2004
From: Kurt Ranta - kckar at earthlink.net


I thought I'd mention a few highlights on a trip from the Mt. Vernon to
Port Townsend, via Keystone:

Western Tanager: first of the season at Fort Casey SP at the battery
(adjacent to Keystone ferry dock).

Bonaparte's Gull: one on a crab float approaching Port Townsend dock.

Warbling Vireo: first for '04 at Old Fort Townsend SP. I have yet to hear
one singing but I have a feeling there are many around; just got lucky to
see this one gleaning.

Wilson's Warbler: first one this year. Old Fort Townsends SP

House Wren: in full song at the field next to parking area at Old Fort
Townsends SP. I have never found this wren in the area, so I was pretty
surprised. Took me a second to associate the song with the bird. I have
seen this bird a million times in the tropics, but never here (even though
I know its supposed to be around).

Also briefly saw a loon on the ferry that had the wonderful silver neck to
it, but I only saw it for a second before the ferry forced it underwater.
My seabird savvy is lacking, so I wondered if anyone could tell me what
loon it is likely to be this time of year. Referencing the book, I figure
it is either Red-throated or Pacific (or the extremely unlikely Arctic).
It seems that all three should be further north at this point, so maybe its
a straggler.

Hope you're all having success finding those new migrants!


Kurt Ranta
Mt. Vernon, WA
kckar at earthlink.net