Tweets, Despite the fog Friday morning I checked the fields along Gibson Rd
(2.5 mi E off I-5 Grand Mound exit 88 via Old Hwy 99 near the race track),
since I had to go that way anyway, hoping perhaps to detect a longspur among
the pipits. At 175th flying at me out of the fog appeared a SANDHILL CRANE.
Roger Orness reported this bird 10/9 and 10/16, but after 2-3 attempts I
had given up on finding it. Apparently it hangs out close to the road
near/within the grassy edges of the side streets and/or dry retention ponds.
(You may need to walk a short distance around a gate to check behind the
grass.) If this bird is injured, I observed no indication (at very close
range). Also present were at least 11 W MEADOWLARKs, lots of KILLDEER, and a
N HARRIER. The WHITE-TAILED KITEs were not visible due to fog, but on Sunday
I saw at least two adults in the Christmas tree farms on the north fringe,
including north of the chicken barns (check also the SE part of the field),
and one adult on Melville further east. (The bird on Melville, when present,
offers the best chance at close views, both perching and hunting.) By the
way, for spectacular fall colors Tilley Rd (from Old Hwy 99 north thru
Millersylvania SP to Tumwater/Oly airport) will be hard to beat this week
end. Good birding! --Paul Hicks / Tenino / phicks AT accessgrace.org