Some shorebirds gathered yesterday (9/24/04) at Thomas Wetland.

Killdeer - 6
Wilson's Snipe - 5
Short-billed Dowitcher - 1 juv
Long-billed Dowitcher - 24 or more
Greater Yellowlegs - 2
Lesser Yellowlegs - 2
Spotted Sandpiper - 3
Least Sandpiper - 5
Pectoral Sandpiper - 6 or more

Also in attendance were:

Cooper's Hawk - 1
American Kestrel - 1
American Pipit - 7 or more


Numbers of birds are conservative.

The SB Dow was a very bright and vocal juv. Patterned tertials were
obvious. This is the best day in terms of variety and numbers of birds
that I have experienced at this location since it was created only a few
weeks ago. This is a mitigation project in connection with the
construction at 167 and 277th.

Thomas Wetland is a stone's throw south of Thomas Pond. Both are located
in south King County east and south of the intersection of Hwy 167 and
277th, south of the Willis exit on Hwy 167 in Kent. Use Toysmith as a
landmark at 167 & 277th. Travel a short distance south past Toysmith on
Frontage Road.

It was a good day.

Marv Breece
Seattle, WA