Though I haven't kept close tabs on the Band-tail numbers at Carkeek, I've
seen them there before and consider Carkeek to be among the best remaining
Band-tail habitat in the city. Though not in the numbers of former years,
they can be expected in any of the larger pieces of woodland in the city
with relatively mature second growth and in the 3 parks with some remenant
old growth trees. More connected forest or pieces of forest strung together
between relatively short flight paths is another thing to look for in
Band-tailed habitat. I still want to know just what types of nest sites
they prefer and how much this is a limiting factor in their population. I
would also wonder if Rock Pigeons carry any pathogens that end up harming
Band-tails.

Stewart Wechsler
Ecological Consulting
West Seattle
206 932-7225
ecostewart at quidnunc.net

-Advice on the most site-appropriate native plants
and how to enhance habitat for the maximum diversity
of plants and animals
-Educational programs, nature walks and field trips
-Botanical Surveys


-----Original Message-----
From: Josh Hayes [mailto:josh at blarg.net]
Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2007 2:38 PM
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Subject: [Tweeters] Band-tailed pigeons in Carkeek


I saw a smallish flock of about eight birds clustered together in an alder
tree a bit inland from the bluff, above the "model airplane field". I've
never seen them in Carkeek before. Is this unusual?

There's also a raucous flock of about a hundred pine siskins rioting about
along the South Bluff trail. Been in the same spot the last two times I've
walked that trail last week and today. Good to see the population doing so
well.

-Josh Hayes, josh at blarg dot net



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