Tweets,

While scouting for a field trip I am leading on the 6th of April to Lake Sammamish State Park I set up shop in the large meadow overlooking the Heron rookery Tuesday around 11:00 am. I parked in the boat launch parking lot and walked the trail about a 1/2 mile to the meadow. This trail wanders through marsh, meadows, and a small alder/cottonwood forest and finally comes to the area with a nice seating area to look at the Herons. You can also access this meadow by parking in the swimming area parking lot. There is a small wooden footbridge that crosses a creek and the trail then bends immediately to the right. Look to your left across the field to the Herons. All of the nests I observed were occupied. I imagine they are incubating as the sitting birds looked quite comfy and only left if another bird arrived to take its place. Some were still bring nesting material. While watching the Herons I noticed a Robin being chased by a slightly smaller bird across the open meadow. The pair landed in a couple of willows along the perimeter so I swung my scope to get a look. I observed a Northern Shrike sitting to the left and just below the Robin. The Shrike let out a few call notes several times and after a minute or two the Shrike was in hot pursuit again, this time both flying south towards the swimming beach. I know that Shrikes are predatory song birds, but a Robin seemed to me to be a bit large for a Shrike. Amusing site.... Perhaps the Shrike was extra hungry after a long Easter fast? LOL. Or perhaps just burning off some energy. Other than the usual suspects (all singing.. I love spring!) I picked up plenty of Purple Finches, Fox Sparrows, Brown Creepers, Pileated Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Virginia Rail, Hooded Merganser, and a Raven. I expect to start hearing the Wilson's Warblers any time now.


Amy Schillinger
Renton, WA
schillingera at hotmail.com


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