Hi all -

This morning at the Fill, I came across my first BULLOCK'S ORIOLE of the year. It was singing away in the bushes at the south end of the main pond at about 7:00am. I found it by looking directly above the male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD, working the ground at the south edge of the pond. Quite the colorful pair. The Bullock's Oriole eventually flew off towards the E-5/Dime/gravel parking lot to the west. If it remains as vocal as it was this morning, it should be pretty easy to relocate. In contrast, I didn't hear a peep out of the Yellow-headed.

Add to them a single Western Meadowlark, many Red-winged Blackbirds & Brown-headed Cowbirds, and it was a 5 icterid morning. Couldn't turn up the Brewer's Blackbird pair that sometimes hangs out over in the E5 lot, but that was fine.

Other Fill birds:
Solitary Sandpiper - back on the southeast pond where it has most frequently been seen, after checking out the main pond yesterday evening.
Least Sandpipers -several also with the Solitary. Yesterday evening there was a bright Western Sandpiper in the mix too.

Warbling Vireos - singing in the cottonwoods between the garden and the loop trail.

Wilson's, Orange-crowned, Yellow-rumped Warblers & Common Yellowthroats.

Cinammon Teal - many pairs scattered around the various ponds.

baby Killdeer, Canada Goose, Mallard & probably others. And Pied-billed Grebes on eggs.

A good way to start the day

Matt Bartels
Seattle, WA