Hola Tweeters,

I drove down to Yacolt today with both of my kids to see the Monk Parakeets. I had never been in that region before, and the drive out there, particularly with the Autumn colors, was beautiful. Upon arriving in town, we quickly located three stick nests on telephone poles, but no birds. After driving around for about ten minutes, we heard their loud squawks on one of the side streets and located a small flock in a big-leaf maple tree. After a bit more cruising, we found a second small group in what I think is a Chinese chestnut tree. They were peeling away the pods and opening up the nuts, occasionally dropping them in the general vacinity of our heads. We located a third flock back at one of the stick nests. I know that they are exotics and I have worked extensively in the past to help eradicate exotic species in Hawai`i and other locations, but they are still very endearing and beautiful birds.

While driving along Steamboat Island Road in West Olympia this morning, we passed a couple of escapee geese on a large expanse of lawn. They appeared to be mostly Swan (Chinese) Geese, but at least one had a large waddle-like flap of skin under its jaw, and they had Muscovy-like knobs on their bills. They were gone when we returned a little while ago. I'll head out later to see if they have returned and for a better look.

Good birding,

Lonnie Somer
Olympia, WA
wheelermombi at comcast.net