Tweeters,

Was finally able to locate the American Golden-Plover, late last evening in poor light on my second attempt of the afternoon, off of "M" street in Auburn. Thanks to all for directions and posts.

Today, Sunday, I joined Marv Breece along Wylie Road in Skagit County. The Ruff was present and viewed by both of us upon my arrival, although later in the day proving difficult to re-locate. Many Pectoral Sandpipers were present, at least 15, possibly as many as 30. At least 4 Pacific Golden Plovers continue in the field as well. Marv re-found the Rusty Blackbird and had at least a couple brief views of it through the scope at the same location. I jumped to his scope briefly and caught a glimpse of it. The Blackbird flock gathers and disperses on and off, as does the Rusty Blackbird associating with the flock. We were joined later by the Olivers, Michael Fleming and several others.

Moving on to the game range parking lot was a nice Taiga type Merlin. We spent over an hour looking for the Waterthrush near the restrooms along the slough, but no luck. In the area were several Purple Finches, Winter Wrens, Varied Thrush, Song Sparrows and Kinglets. We thought a couple times we may have heard a Waterthrush type "chip" call, but unable to locate.

I then explored on out along the Island, with nothing much else of note to report. On my way back I drove into the game range parking lot again to try my luck there a second time. This time in response to pishing, the Northen Waterthrush made about a 45 second appearance for me near the restrooms in the parking lot. I had great views of this little tail pumper at close range. Thank you Gary for the find!

The Waterthrush was silent. I could not re-locate it during almost 30 minutes I continued to look after. The exact location is about 20 feet west and slightly north of the 2 outhouse bathrooms. You can still be standing in the parking lot, looking at the slough that is approx 6-8 feet across. Off to your left (south) about 15 feet away is a dark plank, at some point was probably used to bridge the water. The Waterthrush was observed about 2-3 feet off the ground in the brush just across the water from the parking lot.

Michael Willison, sendtomichael at hotmail.com, Stanwood
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