Subject: [Tweeters] Palm Warbler at mouth of Cedar Creek, Renton
Date: Dec 11 20:24:05 2006
From: Grace Oliver - grace.ollie at verizon.net


Tweeters,

Today at 12:30p, in a light rain, we re-found the Palm Warbler which has
previously been reported by Gene Hunn and Kathy Andrich at the mouth of the
Cedar Creek. King Co. Thomas Street Guide Map 626 square 6B.



First a Yellow-rumped Warbler was heard giving its call note. The Palm
Warbler was seen shortly afterwards following a Yellow-rumped Warbler into
the ~20' tall deciduous tree that is at the north end. There is a wind
swept evergreen tree close to it and just to its south. The birds were
insect catching and very active. After only about a minute of working the
deciduous tree; both birds moved north. The Palm Warbler moved to the black
chain link fence to the left of the walkway that goes to the kayak rental
office. It would perch briefly, bobbing its tail nearly constantly, then
move to another spot. It fed on the ground on the inside of the fence. The
area was mowed and is cut short so it was easy to watch it there. It sat on
the top, middle and low in the chain link fence. This bird's belly is olive
overall so has a warmish appearance. The undertail coverts are yellow, but
not as screaming yellow as others I've seen in the past. Its supercilium
was cleanly white. The constant tail wagging when perched is very useful
for separating it from Yellow-rumps.



We looked for 6 hours on Sunday in rain and did not find this bird. During
this period we had just a couple times where one, two or at most 3
Yellow-rumped Warblers were observed. One was insect catching at the top of
the tall Boeing building on the side facing Lake Washington. You could tell
this was not the Palm Warbler because when it lit, it did not bob its tail.
I'd say the Palm Warbler is not necessarily easy to find, although others
have been very lucky to find it quickly. Hopefully the wind storm tonight
will not cause it to move.



Good Birding,

Grace



Ollie & Grace Oliver

Redmond WA

grace.ollie at verizon.net