Hey tweets, The Montlake Fill Northern Shrike put in an extended
appearance today, adding vocals to his visuals. He emitted two kinds of
calls, both distinctive. One is a kind of referee's
whistle/screech-burble (I know, I know, but *you* try describing it!);
the other is a kind of nasal nattering noise, spoken more quietly. An
altogether entrancing bird. He seems to appear around 10 a.m. and then
hang around for the best part of the day. Usually, he first appears in
the lagoon area south of the southwest pond, but I've seen him pretty
much anywhere west of the CUH building and south of Wahkiakum Lane.

Also on view today: 4 American Pipits, 17 Hooded Mergansers, a few
Dark-eyed Juncos (uncommon for the Fill), and one of the Red-tailed
Hawks eating a bird (!) near the snag at the lagoon. The Wood Ducks are
in breeding plumage, Shoveler's Pond is water again, Marsh Wrens are
abundant, and Lincoln's Sparrows are common. A great day. - Connie,
Seattle

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