May 30 '07

I saw Vesper Sparrows on neighboring Fort Lewis, back when I first moved to the Northwest. They were on the open grassy areas near a road I was walking along, following shopping at the PX. I didn't know they were supposed to be rare in those parts.

Around the same time frame, 1979 to early 80's, I saw a Northern Mockngbird on McChord AFB. Since I still vividly remember it, I count it. Even though I don't have the scribbled notes any longer. At the time, I was trying to turn it into a Townsend's Solitaire, since mockingbirds weren't supposed to this far north. I didn't have any birding friends at the time, with whom to consult.

Phil Hotlen
Bellingham, WA
-----------------------------