Subject: [Tweeters] Martins near Centralia Steamplant etc
Date: Jul 5 12:10:00 2007
From: Paul Hicks - phicks at accessgrace.org


Tweets,
Over the last couple weeks I have encountered Purple Martins in several
places in the vicinity of the Centralia Steamplant, though not consistently
at most of the locations. Nesting birds may be absent at any given time
while foraging elsewhere, apparently. (1) 2 or 3 pair along Teitzel Rd 1.2
mi off Big Hanaford Rd (previously reported) nesting(?) in a short snag
directly up the hill from the access road into the clearcut, and/or in the
utility poles (which all have woodpecker holes, one with lots of wash); (2)
birds heard out in/over the field west of the steamplant at mp3 of Big
Hanaford Rd (near osprey nest & powerlines); (3) birds heard out in/over the
field near east-most settling pond; (4) female seen twice at nest hole in
utility pole on Big Hanaford 1.45 mi E of intersection with Tono Rd (there's
a small, overgrown pulloff opposite); (5) at least one pair, apparently
nesting, in dead trees 2.3 mi from Tono Rd where Big Hanaford turns south 90
degrees; (6) apparent nesting birds in snags in pond on east/north side of
Tono Rd about 1 mile from Big Hanaford.
A number of Lazuli Buntings are present in the area. In the first viewable
pond east of the steamplant (with security booth) this week was a (family??)
group of Ring-necked Ducks that weren't there the previous week, along with
good numbers of Mallards and a few Gadwalls. The Least Flycatcher is still
vocalizing in a row of trees in a cow pasture .7 mi up Teitzel Rd near mp3.
Good birding!
--Paul Hicks, Tenino, s. Thurston Co
phicks AT accessgrace.org