Before I traveled to Mason county today, I checked on my Mountain Quail spot in the foothills north of Satsop this morning. It was pretty quiet with no sign of any quail or grouse. I did get to see a Merlin perched right next to a logging road though.

In Mason county, I drove up Highway 3 to Belfair and then out to Tahuya and Dewatto. The latter two places are ones I have never been to. Nothing spectacular to report, but the birds were definitely out and about today. I also visited the Theler Wetland for the first time as well.

Theler wetland: (I didn't investigate all the trails)

Winter Wren (singing)
Purple Finch (singing)

Tahuya river mouth: (viewed from the bridge)

Spotted Sandpiper (county lifer)
Barrow's Goldeneye
Common Merganser

Dewatto:

Lots of Barrow's Goldeneye
Common Loon - one in full breeding plumage

WDFW pullout next to the Union River:

Marsh Wren (singing)
Bushtit (county lifer)
Fox Sparrow
Killdeer

On the way back home, I drove through downtown Shelton looking/listening for Western Scrub Jay since my sister said she has some pale blue birds in her yard. No luck on the scrubs though. Also, I visited the Highland Road bluebird boxes and didn't see any Western Bluebirds today. This is the second time I have checked here this late winter. Although, at that spot I did hear two Red Crossbills flying over.

Tim O'Brien
Elma, WA
mailto: kertim7179 at yahoo dot com







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