We were unable to relocate the Western Bluebirds or Vesper Sparrow seen at
the Ausable property (Smith Prairie outside of Coupeville) this weekend. My
wife and I did encounter a female Lazuli Bunting Sunday evening, an island
1st for us. They've only been reported a few times from Whidbey. I can't
explain the appearance of 3 unusual species except to say the site, a former
Fish and Wildlife Dept. pheasant raising area, is just and odd assortment
of habitats: grassland, native prairie, hegerows, conifers.
Birders are welcome; you might want to check in at the office if you
visit during the week. I'm on the advisory board for the institute and would
welcome any and all sightings of uncommon species discovered there.
Steve Ellis
Coupeville Wa
sellis at coup.wednet.edu