Hi Tweeters:
I walked down to the Green River today from the Muckleshoot Plateau
southeast of Auburn, WA to the Bank Swallow Colony that was discovered on
the Green Riv. about 2 or 3 years ago. There were about 20 Bank Swallows
flying right below me over the river, and you could see about that many more
up and down the river. A few swallows ducked into holes in the bank. The
road/trail down to the river is about a mile long, and probably drops about
350 feet in elevation from the plateau. It's a nice walk, not strenuous and
it has lots of birds singing this time of year.
The area is called O'Grady Park. It's between Auburn and Flaming Geyser
State Park. In the mixed woods on the way down, I heard about 3 different
Red-eyed Vireos singing. Up from the river a couple of blocks, there were
two Barred Owls which were flying a bit. These two could have been
juveniles. I didn't get to see them that well.
To reach O'Grady Park (it's across the Green River from Metzler Park), take
the Auburn Enumclaw hwy (hwy 164) southeast from Auburn past the Muckleshoot
Casino to SE 380th Pl (Cooper's Corner). Turn left on 380th for about 2
blocks, and then bear right onto 160th Pl SE which becomes SE 384th St.
Travel about 2 miles to 188th Ave SE. Turn left (north) and go about 2
miles to the end. Park here and walk down to the river on the wide gravel
trail used by horse people and walkers.
Another great trail is behind the Adventist Academy. It's on Academy Road.
It drops down from behind a sawdust factory, and descends to the valley
below. A great place to hear (and see!) many birds at this time of year
including Olive-sided Flycatcher, Willow Fly, warblers, and more.
On another note, I am a little disappointed that I have been unable to find
Lazuli Buntings for two years on the Muckleshoot Plateau. If anyone knows
where they are in that area please tell me. They used to be near the
Adventist Academy. Thanks for any help on the Laz's.
Yours, Carol Schulz
DesMoines, WA