I came across a YELLOW WARBLER today along the Kiwa Trail at the River
S Unit of Ridgefield NWR in Clark County. While not earth shattering,
it seems a bit late, at least for this location -- I believe it has
been at least 2 weeks, if not longer, since the previous sighting of
Yellow Warbler at Ridgefield. (The Kiwa Trail was open today for the
Birds & Bluegrass Festival, but is now closed until May 1, 2009).

I foolishly thought I might be able to pin the YELLOW WARBLER down to
subspecies, but I have since learned I am in over my head on Yellow
Warbler subspecies identification. I welcome any comments. Photos
online at: http://www.westerngrebe.com/YEWA/ Not shown in the
photos is the ever so light streaking I observed on the breast.

Also present among the festival crowds were three calling VIRGINIA
RAILS and several GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE. CACKLING GEESE numbers
are way up over a week ago, and there were a couple of PEREGRINE
FALCONS working the area.

Scott Carpenter
Portland, Oregon