This morning while out for a brief walk in Preston - before yardwork - my
partner and I came upon a flock of about 400 Robins feeding on Blackberries,
Apples, and worms in our upper field - well over half of the birds were
juviniles. I saw only one Varied Thrush in this impressive and very noisy
flock - my partner said he felt as if he was in "the Birds" since every
bush, shrub, and lawn was filled with the birds which we constantly flushed
accompanied by loud scolding.

I spent the afternoon cutting and rooting out blackberries (including some
as with canes as thick as my wrist growing over the leach field). While
working I observed a single flock where I saw at least 55 OC Warblers, and
could hear many, many more. There were at least 2 Yellow, and 5 BTG
Warblers accompanying them. Has anyone else notice that this has been an
outstanding Autumn for OC's? Also passing through the property was a flock
of 31 Stellars Jays.

While coming home from lunch I had a kettle of 17 Turkey Vultures just to
the south of Fall City.

I remember there was a thread last year on King County Sandhill Cranes - so
for whoevere was keeping count there was a magnificent line (only one side
of a V) of these birds winging their way SE along the Snoqualmie Valley this
morning - calling loudly. I lost sight of them near Snoqualmie Falls.
Maybe watch for them in the Enumclaw area and south over the next couple of
days.

Cheers and good birding -

Rob Conway
Preston and Newcastle, WA

robin_birder at hotmail.com