Hi Tweets -
This morning I started out at 6:30, looking at the WHITE-FACED IBIS
reported by Margaret Saint Clair yesterday -- it was working the
edges of Llama Lake, on 8th between 228th & 236th, in Sammamish.
Thanks, Margaret, for reporting this.

Next, I headed out to the Stillwater Wildlife Area near Carnation.
Spring definitely had sprung, with all sorts of nice returnees
present.
Best bird wasn't one seen -- Tom Mansfield & I listened to a
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT vocalizing in the same spot 2 were seen last
year around this time. This was along the Snoqualmie Valley Trail,
near the first bridge south[-ish] from the main parking area [which
is just north[-ish] from the one Stillwater gas station/store].

I tried to walk out to the Bank Swallow colony a little north of
there, but found the path flooded by the recent snow melt [many
fields were flooded in the valley today, and some roads were closed
due to standing water]-- I gave up trying to cross when I got knee
deep in just a few steps.

Between the walk out there and the Snoqualmie Valley Trail I also saw
many returned migrants:

LAZULI BUNTING - 2 singing-one on the SVT, one on the way back from
the Bank Swallow spot
SWAINSON'S THRUSH -they have returned in force, mostly just
'whitting' but one sang for a bit.
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE - several calling
BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK - everywhere
BULLOCK'S ORIOLE - a few around
WILLOW FLYCATCHER - one 'fitz-bew'-ing in the fields, never seen.
YELLOW WARBLERS - also back in force, singing away.
BANK SWALLOW - after a long wait, I did turn up a few, away from the
colony spot.

On the way home, at 2:00, I stopped by Llama Lake and the White-faced
Ibis was still present.

Matt Bartels
Seattle, WA