Tweeters...

After being humbled by Gene Hunn's totals on our rival King County Big Day,
I decided to seek solace at Juanita. Most of the same birds seen by David
White (except the Hammond's.that would be a new bird for the park!), but on
the road behind the fire station (across from the main park entrance) I had
a pretty incredible flurry. Five woodpeckers: DOWNY, HAIRY, PILEATED,
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER and NORTHERN FLICKER. A small flock of WESTERN
TANAGERS, along with at least 3 male BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS and several
Robins were all alternately singing. What a great way to compare the songs
of these three sound-alikes.

In addition, ORANGE-CROWNED, WILSON'S, and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, and
WARBLING VIREO were all vocalizing, while a flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS added to
the sounds. After about 20 minutes everyone seemed to leave at the same
time, and the only songs came from the Chickadees, Song Sparrows and
Bewick's Wrens (and oh yes, several Brown-headed Cowbirds).

Quite a nice morning.

On another note, Mike West reported on Friday that he saw a female PURPLE
MARTIN sitting on one of the newly installed gourds for about 30 minutes,
much to the consternation of several Tree Swallows. If anyone sees any
others, please let me know. We've built it, now we're waiting for them to
come.

MaryFrances Mathis
Kirkland
mf.mathis at verizon.net