Hello Tweets,

Today was the Tacoma CBC and the preliminary count came to 125 species with 83 species that were seen in our area alone. The weather was great all day with calm,cloudy conditions with no precipitation. Our area hosted several key highlights of which a single COMMON REDPOLL was observed at natural area behind the Tacoma Community College. The bird was with a large flock of 70 Am.Goldfinches,where they foraged in a birch tree before scattering and flying off to an unknown location. This was our second personal Pierce Co. record of Common Redpoll to date with our last sighting being on 2005 Tacoma CBC. Perhaps more Common Redpolls will show up on other western WA CBC's! Our second highlight of the day was crisp,bright SWAMP SPARROW observed in a wetland area near a recent subdivision near University Place. The bird was observed primarily by itself,but 3 Lincoln's Sparrows and a single Marsh Wren were nearby in the same reedy area. Near the same subdivision and in a more wetland area were 10 calling Virginia Rails and a single Common Raven that flew overhead heading south. Both the Common Raven and Swamp Sparrow were new species for our area!

Other highlights in our day included 2 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS including an immature bird noted at the same location where we observed an adult bird during the 2005 Tacoma CBC. The eastern part of area produced a pure raft of 75 Barrow's Goldeneyes,as well as 6 Western Scrub Jays at various locations. Our area also produced 6 species of raptors and 5 species of woodpeckers,which was notable for the day! We had 3 separate flocks of Pine Siskins in our area too that yielded 260 birds. It was great day and at the compilation it was memorable to meet the man that started the Tacoma CBC back in 1969! Other reports may follow from other birders on this year's Tacoma CBC.


Good birding,

Ruth and Patrick Sullivan
Fircrest,WA
godwit512 at msn.com