I went out this morning on a search for the Stillwater yellow-breasted chat
between Carnation and Duvall. It hadn't been reported on list for the last
few weeks, but that had happened once before and then it showed up again, so
I figured it was worth a look. Unfortunately my timing wasn't what it might
have been - the chat was calling from its usual spot at the first clearing
south of the WDFW car park but it was right on the far side, and a
thunderstorm rolled in half an hour after I arrived, so I retreated to the
car.



I was hoping the rain would be fairly short-lived and move away with the
storm, but it persisted at variable levels of heaviness for some time after.
I heard the chat call once during a lighter drizzle, and much closer to the
path this time, but it didn't continue so I couldn't track it down. And then
I had to leave. So I never got a sighting, but the bird's still around and
advertising itself for those with more luck and better weather.



Louise Rutter

Kirkland