I started birding today at the pond on M Street, near Emerald Downs in Auburn. Quite a few CANADA GEESE were about. A shorebird flew over the pond and landed at the water's edge. While high in the air, this SPOTTED SANDPIPER flew as other shorebirds, unlike the shallow, rapid wingbeat which is typical when the bird is just off the water.

The Lake Fenwick frisbee course was full of "whitting" SWAINSON'S THRUSHES. Only once did one of the birds briefly break into song. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER demanded ale. There was no sign by ear or eye of BARRED OWL. On my departure, a pair of AMERICAN CROWS began to raise a ruckus. Following those sounds brought me to the BARRED OWL that I had almost missed.

At the Old Fishing Hole in Kent I was greeted by the chatter of 3 BULLOCK'S ORIOLES. Totally hidden in the brush, a beautiful male PILEATED WOODPECKER (I found out later) hammered at the base of a small tree. As the bird climbed the trunk, it appeared in full few at close range.

Later in the day, as I approached the intersection of Hwy 167 and 277th in Auburn, I spotted a male NORTHERN HARRIER soaring above. This is the same location where a pair attempted and failed to nest in 2003. Might they be trying again?


Marv Breece
Seattle, WA
mbreece at earthlink.net