Thanks Ken and especially thanks to the Tweeters community at large.
The reports and tips posted (keep 'em coming) on Tweeters led to many of
our birds but some special Tweeters members shared not only tips but
joined in the hunt: Matt, MaryFrances, Ryan, Michael, Brian, Grace &
Ollie, Marv, Kraig, Brad, Wilson and Mountain Quail Mary on the westside
of the mountains, Khanh and his kharmah in the mountains, and Mike &
MerryLynn, Andy & Ellen, Nancy, Michael and his Dad Roger, and Meredith
on the eastside of the mountains. Many thanks.

Since county listing is all about statistics, a few: After 4 years of
birding, I had over 100 in just 5 counties when my Big (half) Year began
- 34 counties to go in six months. The "new" Jeep got old fast with
33,156 miles driven - I am embarrassed about my carbon footprint but
feel a little better for helping the local economy in some pretty remote
corners of the state. It was not an inexpensive pursuit. But we had
some pretty amazing birds along the way (I added a slug of Lifers to
reach 330 for my Washington Life List...without a pelagic) including the
Northern Hawk Owl found at Hart's Pass with Khanh, and county firsts in
Asotin and Wahkiakum with Matt and Ken. As the founder of Washington
Birder and King of County Listing, Ken (and Laurie!) was an amazing
guide who freely shared his long Washington birding experience - and way
too many of his corny jokes...

In the end, the important part is to keep sharing on Tweeters your
sightings, birding experiences, and special birding places.

Tom Mansfield in Seattle.

________________________________

From: tweeters-bounces at mailman2.u.washington.edu
[mailto:tweeters-bounces at mailman2.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of
washingtonbirder.Knittle
Sent: Saturday, December 06, 2008 8:14 PM
To: TWEETERS
Subject: [Tweeters] Another Washington Birder over the 100 mark in all
39counties


Congradulations go to Tom Mansfield for hitting the 100 or more birds in
all 39 counties today. It happened this way around 12:30pm when Tom and
I stopped for lunch at Altoona. Adding up Tom's county list it showed
only 2 to go. A few minutes later I had both of them nailed in the
scope. They were Surf Scoter and Red-breasted Merganser. But which one
was the number 100? Well we may need to ask Tom. 30 mins. later the
total hit 104 and off we were for the Clark Co. Swainson's Hawk.

It all began in July helping Tom with many of the counties making it to
the 100 or more in all. Days where we got out and walked so Tom's jeep
wouldn't roll trying to get down to Grouse Flats in Asotin Co. And the
long hot!! walk into Turnbull NWR just to get Great Egret and Baird's
Sandpiper for Spokane Co. in close to 100 degrees and full sun carrying
a scope. I really doubted Tom would make it this year, but as the
weekends began to get closer to the end of the year it all became
clearer that it was going to be close and very possible. We both put in
some long hours and long weekends and obviously some counties are a snap
such as Clallam and others much tougher like Garfield.

So Tom's last county was Wahkiakum. Mine was Benton Co. back on Dec. 8,
1993. Matt Bartels who hit the mark this year was Ferry County, but
don't know the date. The elite group is small but growing. The list
includes other birders such as: Patrick Sullivan-1997; Dan Stevens,
Wayne Weber, Howard Armstrong-all in 2004; and Marv Breece-2005.

I believe there may be more being added to this list. Keep us posted
about when and highlights.
Today is Tom's Big Day hitting his mark. Who will follow?

Congradulations Tom!!





Ken Knittle
Vancouver WA 98665
mailto:washingtonbirder at hotmail.com
<mailto:washingtonbirder at hotmail.com>
Washington Birder online
http://www.wabirder.com/ <http://www.wabirder.com/>






This electronic message contains information from the law firm of K&L Gates LLP. The contents may be privileged and confidential and are intended for the use of the intended addressee(s) only. If you are not an intended addressee, note that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of this message is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please contact me at tom.mansfield at klgates.com.