Tweets - only seven of us this morning, on a fine morning. A bit chilly to
start, but somewhat sunny and warming. Fall migration has begun, so there
was some excitement there. Also, still lots of babies, so the awwww factor
was pretty high. The Blue Angels passed over the park (at least 4 of them
in formation), so we had some roaring speed as well.

Highlights:

We again had three RIVER OTTERS just above the weir. Other mammals included
a FAWN at the Rowing Club and two MUSKRATS from the Rowing Club dock.

High flybys included a CASPIAN TERN and the first TURKEY VULTURE we've ever
had in the June-July-August period.

Between Dog Central and the south end of the dog area we had a great mixed
flock of birds, which included:

Yellow Warbler (5+)
Wilson's Warbler (2-3)
Orange-crowned Warbler (3+)
Black-throated Gray Warbler (1)
Warbling Vireo (2)
Red-eyed Vireo (2+)
Black-headed Grosbeak
Purple Finch
Swainson's Thrush
Possible Pacific-slope Flycatcher
...and at least a half-dozen other species

The Big Cottonwood Forest featured a male WESTERN TANAGER and three HAIRY
WOODPECKERS

The best sighting was probably the three baby WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES nestled
side-by-side on a branch among the Oregon Ash trees near the east end of the
boardwalk. Parent(s) flew down to feed them (very quickly) every minute or
so. Awwww.

This Saturday, Eastside Audubon (formerly ELWAS) is holding a Grand Opening
of the Marymoor BirdLoop, from 10-2. They have adopted the old Interpretive
Trail and have installed a couple of informational kiosks (one of which is
finished), and they will be putting in some new interpretive signs. They've
created two new trails, and will be extending the boardwalk so we won't be
as hampered by high water as in the past. For more information, see
www.eastsideaudubon.org

For the day, 60 species of bird, 5 species of mammal (plus one unidentifid
furry scurrier), 2 non-native turtles, bullfrog, and Garter Snake.

== Michael Hobbs
== Kirkland, WA
== http://www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
== http://www.marymoor.org/BirdBlog.htm
== birdmarymoor at verizon.net