I spent the early afternoon at Wilson Creek in northern Grant County yesterday. The highlight was a high count of 48 Tri-colored Blackbirds in the marsh. They were all grouped together in plain site at the east south-east corner of the marsh where last years old cattails end and the small lake begins, accessed from road 22 (NE?) off of hwy 28. There is a pullout here about 3/4 mile down Rd 22 and a great spot to scan down onto the marsh. Scope highly advisable.
8 White Pelicans and a pair of Black-necked Stilts also seen from the same vantage point.
I had been searching the red-winged blackbirds that were well separated from each other and hiding down out of site except when in flight or very briefly perched. The open views of the tri-coloreds was a stark contrast. About 80% were males, with always a few displaying.
The Ferruginous hawks were also seen on the north side of the marsh as well as ravens feeding naked, pink chicks in a cliff side nest (the same nest the Ferruginous hawks just got done using?)

Good Birding,

Ed Kane
Renton, WA


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