I've enjoyed observing birds for years, but much like Jack Connor recounts
in "The Complete Birder," felt relatives had staked out high ground and hence
had avoided anything that might be called "birding." But recent trips to
Bickleton in pursuit of bluebirds, passages through the Wenas Valley and Yakima
River canyon, not to mention Malheur last Spring, can do wonders.

But really I'm still a neophyte. Caught the Barred Owl in our neighborhood,
missed the Oriole in Magnolia and BB woodpecker at Elk Heights. Have
relished Caspian Terns at pier downtown and Purple Martins at Jack Block. Thank
you Tweeters!

Last Thursday at mid-day I walked Myrtle Edwards trail and observed two
all-black sinuous-necked waterbirds diving for prey close to the riprap shore.
My best guess from bird guides is that they were juvenile pelagic cormorants.
However, county list suggests these are not overly common here. Other
obvious more-common possibilities?

I was stunned in late morning today, looking out at feeder in yard here in
North Beach between Carkeek and Golden Gardens, to have large bird swoop in.
Multiple shades of brown and unquestionably a raptor. The visit was very
brief, probably at least in part because of crow racket. No chance for glasses,
camera, or guidebook. Observation was probably only a couple
second-fractions. Redtail hawk description matches reasonably well, and Sibley seems to
have this as only "common" possibility. Others?

Adult osprey circled overhead later in the day, not an uncommon occurrence.

Paul Johanson
North Beach
Seattle
_pjgumbo at aol.com_ (mailto:pjgumbo at aol.com)