Subject: [Tweeters] Point no Point: Eurasian Collared-Dove & Lazuli Bunting
Date: May 11 17:59:01 2007
From: Brad Waggoner - wagtail at sounddsl.com


Hi Tweets,

After a spectacular migration show Wednesday morning at Point no Point, I
thought I would give it a try again this morning. There was very little bird
movement in comparison to Wednesday when the obvious highlight for Vic and
me was the female Lesser Goldfinch and the huge flight of Western Tanagers.
Today I did have a couple birds of interest.

A single Eurasian Collared-Dove was on the power wire about a tenth of a
mile beyond the Hansville store. It was display posturing and calling next
to a Mourning Dove. Whatever that means!? This is at about the same time
period as last year when four were present at the feeder in the trailer area
at Vic's place near the point.

A lovely male Lazuli Bunting hung around the parking area and lighthouse
area at the point. We had one on Wednesday at this spot so I assume this is
likely the same bird. There was no sign of the female Yellow-headed
Blackbird. I did have one Western Kingbird in the winery/farm area south a
mile south of Hansville. I had seven total on Wednesday in the north-end of
Kitsap County.

It is interesting to watch the large flock of Steller's Jays (40+-) fly back
and forth in the general area of the point. Migrants? I have watched them do
this at this time of year at Point no Point and also at the far south-end of
Bainbridge Island. So a reluctance to cross water in a northward movement
does not seem to apply given the flock at the south-side of Bainbridge
Island. How about "first-year, non-breeding wanderers"?

I know that Point no Point does not compare to places such as High Island,
Texas for a Spring fall-out migration show. However, it can be an amazing
place to sit and observe our "western" migrants moving. The best time is
morning. The best conditions for observing this movement is when there is a
brisk north wind. A recent weather change probably helps also. The birds do
land in some of the trees near the lighthouse or near the trailer park. It
can be quite incredible.

Cheers and good birding,

Brad Waggoner
Bainbridge Island, WA
mailto:wagtail at sounddsl.com