Subject: [Tweeters] Dash Point area birding 10-6-05
Date: Oct 6 16:20:49 2005
From: Ruth and/or Patrick Sullivan - godwit at worldnet.att.net


Hello Tweets,

Today we spent a few hours scouting a small route for an upcoming field trip we have for the ACOW in the Dash Point area of Pierce and King Cos. Waterbird numbers were impressively low with nearly no alcids or other waterbird species from the 3 locations we checked that are normally productive. Near the end of our searching we made a few stops along S.R.509(Marine View Drive)south of the Tyee Marina that produced several highlights. Our main highlights of the day were passerines,of which were all noted in Am.Robin and mixed chickadee and kinglet flocks at Dash Point State Park. While attracting passerines in a riparian area near the lower beach access area at the park a single Pacific-slope Flycatcher and a Black-throated Gray Warbler were brought in by a Northern Pygmy Owl imitation. In the upper portion of the park near a restroom area a single Western Tanager was picked out amongst a large Am.Robin flock that actively foraged on Madrona berries overlooking the East Passage. Other highlights noted at ash Point State Park included the following:

1 adult Bald Eagle
90 Bonaparte's Gulls
3 Anna's Hummingbirds
1 Hairy Woodpecker
1 Downy Woodpecker
1 Hutton's Vireo
1 Orange-crowned Warbler
25+ Yellow-rumped Warblers
14 Townsend's Warblers
2 Varied Thrushes
12+ Cedar Waxwings

A short visit to nearby Palisades Park along S.R.509 in Federal Way produced a single Hermit Thrush. Next, a visit to the Browns Point Lighthouse Park produced a migrant Savannah Sparrow,which seemed somewhat out of place as it foraged along the grassy edges of the lawn area. Finally, a few stops made along S.R.509 south of the Tyee Marina produced some additional species for the day,as we carefully scoped the floating logbooms and Commencement Bay. Our main highlights here included the following:

1 male Eurasian Wigeon
1 Cooper's Hawk
17 Black Turnstones
15 Least Sandpipers
55+ Bonaparte's Gulls(amongst a roosting flock of California and Mew Gulls)
1 Hutton's Vireo



Good birding,

Ruth and Patrick Sullivan
Fircrest,WA
godwit at worldnet.att.net