Hello Tweets,

This afternoon we observed the immature male TUFTED DUCK in the flooded area along 212th Street(Orilla Rd.) in Kent,which by us was well observed from the end of 204th Street. A total of 5 birders were able to get good scoping views of the bird until around 4pm at the same listed location. We observed the bird amongst a large flock of Ring-necked Ducks containing approximately 90 birds between 2:30pm-3pm. The Tufted Duck was very active during nearly our entire observation by actively diving in and amongst the Ring-necked Ducks and a times it was hard to relocate,if it was behind a duck. 204th Street is accessed just north of where Orilla Rd. turns into 212th Street at 42nd Ave. S,but the flooded area is vast but you can drive past a cemetery then eventually reach a group of homes then the flooded area. The Tufted Duck and the large flock of Ring-necked Ducks were observed in the western most flooded area as you look south from the end of the road.

Nearby,a quick check of the flooded area further east along 212th Street produced a large gathering of Mew Gulls,as well as good numbers of various waterfowl species including 2 male Eurasian Wigeon. A flock of 25 Dunlin was also present from this heavy traffic location.

The bird may move around alot within the Kent Valley(due to great amounts of flooded areas)and associate with any flock of scaups or Ring-necked Ducks,but it is a striking bird!

We also looked unsuccessfully for the Iceland Gull from various areas between 212th Street to 196th Street surrounding the Boeing complex during the mid to late afternoon,primarily along 59th Place South,but were again unlucky in relocating the bird. There continue to be small numbers of Larus gulls that gather in 2 separate fields with the majority of the gulls seeming to favor the gravelly,stubble field along 59th Place S. just north of 212th Street. Most of these gulls are Glaucous-winged Gulls with a few that are hybrids,but very small numbers of Herring,Thayer's and up to 2 Western Gulls have been noted too.

A few additional highlights from these locations included the following:

2 Cooper's Hawks
1 Northern Harrier
1-2 adult Peregrine Falcons

1 SHORT-EARED OWL this afternoon with 4 birds observed yesterday afternoon fairly high overhead near the intersection of 212th Street and 59th Place South. During both observations the Short-eared Owls were primarily flying alone,but also being slightly pursued by mobbing Am.Crows. The Am. Crows appeared to be gathering for the evening for a nightly roost just north of the Green River Natural Area with large flocks flying eastward towards S.R.167.

1 Am.Pipit


Good birding,

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