I spent a couple hours birding at the Skagit Game Range on Fir Island this
morning. It was an outstanding day for birds despite the rain. 49 total
species. Some highlights: 2 green heron, 2 Gadwall (at the
headquarters), 1 cinnamon teal, 1 townsend's warbler along with hundreds
of yellow warblers, a flock of 10 black swifts, several band-tailed
pigeons, all five swallows, willow flycatchers (are back), and the definite
highlight of the day was a singing male AMERICAN REDSTART. I saw him a
couple times very well around the headquarters. This is the first one I
have seen in the Skagit. I know they are scarce and local in the area. He
is singing a lot so if you make it to the game range this weekend, listen
for his call as you walk around the headquarters area.



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