Enjoyed the afternoon today watching some good birds in the Kent Valley. It started at 3:00PM with 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS at the Boeing Ponds on 59th Street in Kent. The birds were in the smaller pond to the SE. One of the GREAT EGRETS was also at this location. The pecs (and the egret) were still there at 6:30PM.

216th Street showed off a SOLITARY SANDPIPER. At the Riverview Marsh, I heard the AMERICAN BITTERN several times. There were also noisy VIRGINIA RAILS and BULLOCK'S ORIOLES at the marsh. I did not see or hear Green Heron.

Next I climbed the south tower at the Kent Ponds in hopes of seeing or hearing the chat, but it was not to be. During the search, a LAZULI BUNTING abruptly and loudly began to sing from the tree next to the tower. A good look at the bunting confirmed that this was not a goldfinch.

The good birding continues in the Kent Valley.

Marv Breece
Seattle, WA