Tweeters,

Like Jim Danzenbaker's experience in Battle Ground, there was an
exceptional fallout of western migrants this morning (4/16) during
the Wed. AM birdwalk at RR Bridge Park in Sequim, perhaps the best
we've seen in spring for the last 6 years of walks. In our small
linear survey route, at least 75 (probably several hundred) Yellow-
rumps (somewhat more Audubon's than Myrtles), at least 15 Orange-
crowneds and 10 Townsends Warblers, the first Cassin's Vireo and
Brown-headed Cowbirds of the season, plus two Townsend's Solitaires
and one Hermit Thrush. Also substantial increases in Ruby-crowned
Kinglets and Savannah Sparrows. Mostly males in the warbler mix,
many singing. Extrapolating up and down the Dungeness River riparian
forest, there were likely several thousand Yellow-rumps hopping
through the trees.

Skies were clear overnight, then became overcast between 6 and 8
a.m., great conditions for big movements last night. Once here,
birds foraged ravenously through the morning in the newly budding
maples, alders, cottonwoods, and willows.

We had pretty good warbler numbers yesterday morning, but this
morning was truly exceptional. I wonder if the warm weather last
Friday and Saturday (temps in the 70s and low 80s throughout western
WA and OR, low 90s in Red Bluff CA) lit a fire under these birds,
sending them on their way. Let's see how they fare this coming
chilly weekend.

Anybody else seeing similar movements?

Bob Boekelheide
Sequim


Hi Tweeters,

I was happy to have a large fallout of warblers over and around my
yard in Battle Ground, Clark County this morning. Of the ~85
individuals, 84 were Yellow-rumped (50-50 Audubon's-Myrtlle) and one
Orange-crowned Warbler.

Jim

--
Jim Danzenbaker
Battle Ground, WA
360-723-0345
jdanzenbaker at gmail.com

Bob and Barb Boekelheide
bboek at olympus.net



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