Hello Tweeters,

Today while sitting in my backyard enjoying the weather I was surprised to get two new birds on my yearly yard list all within the elapsed time of 30 minutes. As I sat listening to the Anna's Hummingbirds and Chestnut-backed Chickadees, I saw a medium sized pigeon-like bird land on the top of a tall conifer not far from the deck. On closer examination I saw its beigeish brown coloring, black spots on its wing feathers, small dark bill, and large black eyes set within its small rounded head. I realized this was no doubt a MOURNING DOVE. As it took flight again I also saw its pinkish red legs and white fringes on its rectrices. Only a few minutes later I heard in the distance what sounded exactly like the song of the male Purple Martins that I see in the spring and summer at Logboom Park. I looked around wildly trying to locate the source of the sound, and sure enough, a few minutes later a very healthy looking male PURPLE MARTIN streaked overhead flying north. I got a nice 7 !
second
look at the bird. Even better, this is the first time I've seen these birds in or around my yard!

Happy birding

Tayler Brooks
Brier, WA
Mailto:greenjaytay at comcast.net