Tweets,
I led a field trip for Ranier Audubon today in Renton. Our group of 10 met at 8:30am at Coulon Park in Renton under cloudy conditions. Notable species in addition to the usual suspects were numerous HORNED GREBES, a BONAPARTE'S GULL on the log boom, RUDDY DUCK, CANVASBACK, and REDHEAD DUCK. Also, a VERY large raft of 750+ WESTERN GREBES about a 1/2 mile out to the north. They were too far out to look for Clarks Grebe among them. Another highlight at Coulon was an adult PEREGRINE FALCON flying and perching on the Boeing buildings and offering great views in the scope. At the mouth of the Cedar river there was a small gathering of gulls which included 2 very nice HERRING GULLS and another BONAPARTE'S GULL. Also, there were female HOODED MERGANSER'S. Our next stop was at a strangely deserted Cavanaugh ponds just off Highway 169. The only notable sighting was the salmon volunteers that were giving tours down to the fish weir. At noon we headed back to a much more active Ron Regis Park also just off Highway 169 and added an additional 11 species to the list. First we spotted a VERY small possible RED-TAILED HAWK which I at first mistook to be a coopers hawk due to size. The barring on the breast was horizontal in pattern versus vertical, with no notable chest band. Also strange was its unusually long/hooked bill. Jeff took a photo through the scope that I hope he will post so that we can get some opinions on this bird. This was by far the smallest Red-tailed (if that is was it was) I have ever seen. If you are reading this please post Jeff! Further on in the NW corner of the park there is a path through the blackberries to some beautiful riparian woodlands. Here we saw and heard GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS, some late CEDAR WAXWINGS, FOX SPARROW, BROWN CREEPER, HAIRY WOODPECKER, DOWNY WOODPECKER, and RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER. Total count for the day was 50 species and 10 very happy birders. Thanks to all for coming today, I had a blast!
Amy Schillinger
Renton
schillingera at hotmail.com
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