For those folks coming to the Seattle area to look for birds, I've found that an FRS (Family Radio Services) radio, tuned to channel 11, code 22, is invaluable. Many birders now carry them, and they usually have a range of 1-2 miles. It took me about 1 minute to find the Redwing when I went, because birders had it in sight, and had their FRS in hand.

I got mine at Radio Shack; just make sure you get a model that lets you douse the ack beep, so the only noise you make is you talking. There's more info here on FRS in general:

www.provide.net/~prsg/frs-faq.htm

Good birding, everyone!

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Rebecca Galloway
Northgate, Seattle