Hello Tweeters,



I have been visiting this site off and on for a while now and have always found it very interesting and useful.



I especially want to thank Ruth Sullivan for her postings about her many birding trips. One of Ruth's resent posts led my brother and I to the exact location at the Nisqually NWR where on May 3rd we observed 8 American Bitterns - birds I have wanted to see since I started a life list three years ago. Also at the refuge we were pretty sure we saw a Bullock's Oriole near the Twin Barns, seems a little early to me though, and I can't say it was a positive I.D.



In the last few weeks I have noticed that I often see migrants before many of the posts noting first-of-the-year sightings. This is probably because I'm a little south of many of you, between Chehalis and Morton. So I thought I should start posting here when I can to give a heads up on new arrivals.



Most recently (May 4th) we had a Lazuli Bunting at the feeder, three weeks earlier than last year. The last two years there has been a pair nesting in the blackberries along our little creek, the male spent much of his time singing.



I'm on my way out to the coast this Saturday with stops near Elma (Brady Loop) and the Johns River if not more.



Once again, thank you all for the great posts!



Happy Birding,



Pat Esterly

Cinebar WA