Subject: [Tweeters] Sapsucker YES, Sikes Lake birding
Date: Apr 29 08:02:38 2007
From: Wayne C. Weber - contopus at telus.net


Tweeters,

The YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER seems to be settled in
for a while at the Turner home at 510 NW 169th in Shoreline.
I had nice scope views of the bird around noon on April 28,
although it was spending long periods of time away from its favorite tree.
Thanks to the Turners for being so hospitable to visiting birders.

After leaving the Sapsucker, I tried to bird Shoreview Park in Shoreline--
Michael Dossett's old stomping grounds-- but bombed out. There was
no sign of the hoped-for wave of migrants, and a "jamboree" with
hundreds of people made it tough to bird the park.

My next visit was to Richmond Beach Park, where I managed to
find 2 species that were new for my King County list (both so
common that I'd be embarrassed to say what they were). The
main attraction, however, was almost 200 BRANT in several flocks
along the shoreline. Oh yes, and another car with B.C. licence
plates drove in, flying a Vancouver Canucks flag-- GO CANUCKS!!!

I then decided to change plans and bird the Snoqualmie Valley for awhile.
I found some good birds at Sikes Lake, just off the Carnatian Farm Road
a short distance NW of Carnatian. On a visit 3 weeks ago, there were
lots of waterfowl near the west end of the lake (easily viewed from
284th Street), but nothing unusual. Yesterday, there were far fewer
birds, but more interesting species.

Most notable was a late TUNDRA SWAN which was resting on
the lakeshore. Before I left, however, the swan took off silently and
flew off to the NW.

I heard a YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD singing, and sure enough,
found him in my scope on a fenceline to the SW. This is one of my
few sightings in western WA.

There were 5 species of swallows-- mostly TREE and BARN
SWALLOWS-- but among them were 3 BANK SWALLOWS,
which were actively feeding in the area, and perched several times
for good views on the wires along the road bridge (284th Ave.) which
crosses the lake. I assume that this species is a rare migrant in
King Co., as it is in most of western WA.

Also of passing interest were a pair of CINNAMON TEAL and 7
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS. Cormorants seem to be
regulars at Sikes Lake.

I don't see many postings from Sikes Lake, but it may be worth
checking more often.

Good luck and good birding,

Wayne C. Weber
Delta, BC
contopus at telus.net