Hi Tweets -
Today Tom Mansfield & I spent the day in Kitsap County.
We began south of Port Orchard at the gravel pit across from the old
airport where we got brief looks at 2 MOUNTAIN QUAIL. The quail were
calling and quite responsive to our tape, but took forever to
actually get looks at. Also in the area were many Red Crossbills,
Pine Siskin, and some Purple Finch.

Next, we went north to Virginia Loop road south of Poulsbo where a
ROSS'S GOOSE continues to hang out with a group of bigger barnyard
white geese. Good looks, if in an odd spot.

We continued around the area, checking out various lakes and inlets
which added many waterfowl but nothing out of the ordinary.
Cormorants are really showing their striking breeding plumage these
days, as are the Pigeon Guillemots.

Up at Point-No-Point, we had a kettle of 9 TURKEY VULTURES fly-by
heading off to the north.

Foulweather Bluff turned up BLACK SCOTERS and a pair of LONG-TAILED DUCKS.

Finally, in the Driftwood Keys development, some of the last
remaining marshy lots turned up looks at a couple VIRGINIA RAILS.

Other than the Turkey Vultures, we didn't really see any spring
migrants, despite our hope for Rufous Hummers all day. We did see one
flock of swallows from SR3/16, near the Chico Rd. exit, but never got
back to check them out.


For the day, around 85 species -- definitely a good day .


Directions:
Mountain Quail: [Opperman guide, p. 195]. From the Southworth ferry
dock, drive 7.2 miles west, until the first light after crossing SR
16. Turn left [south] onto Sidney, and drive a bit over 4 miles until
the airport appears on your right. The gravel pits are on the left
[east] side of the road - sign says 'no tresspassing', but a couple
years back birders confirmed that access was ok, as long as county
trucks weren't working there [which usually means weekends are ok].
Just don't block the gate. Once inside, just walk around the scrubby
areas and cross fingers.

Ross's Goose : 4 miles south of Poulsbo on SR 16/3 - Turn east on
308. Turn left on Virginia Loop Rd. in a mile or so, and watch for
the pond on your right after the first couple houses.

Good birding,

Matt Bartels
Seattle, WA