This morning I work up early and drove to Vancouver, WA to try to get
a look at the Black Phoebe reported there. I arrived at 7:05 am and
took a quick walk around the playground with no luck. I wandered
around the parking lot and saw several Robins, Golden Crowned Sparrows
and DEJU. Soon after I ran into Matt Bartels who was arriving to see
the Phoebe as well. Matt and I walked around the park but there was
no Phoebe to be seen, we did however see several MODO, EUST, and W.
Scrub Jays. At about 8:40 after almost completing a full loop around
the northern end of the park Matt spotted something in the trees
surrounding the restroom. Watching the tree intently for any movement
until the bird "flycatched" from its perch. We walked up closer and
saw the Black Phoebe work it's way around the trees which surrounded
the restroom. We both got great looks.

After which we scoped the lake and in awful light we saw Horned and
Pied-billed Grebes, DCCO, and other usual suspects.

I had to get back to Seattle but before we parted Matt spotted a
Pileated Woodpecker which was a new county bird for him (well and me
too).

Before I headed back home I drove up the road a bit and saw several
Great Egrets, and even more Sandhill Crane. What a great way to start
a day!
--
Aaron Martin
Seattle, WA