Hi Tweets,

I woke up early this morning and since I shove off for Alaska tomorrow morning, and because who knows what Wylie Slough will look like when I return in September, I thought I would take one last loop. It was a cold blustery morning in contrast with the last two days of spring sunshine, but the birds seemed oblivious. The trees were full of song, and the birds were plentiful. Along with the usual suspects I was treated to a few early migrants as well, the biggest surprise of the day was a singing Hammond's Flycatcher.

Other highlights:

Lots of Common Yellow-throats, Yellow-rumped and Orange-crowned Warblers.

1 Barn Swallow

1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow

24 Greater Yellowlegs

1 Lesser Yellowlegs

2 Cinnamon Teal

1 Eurasian Teal

1 Great Horned Owl still sitting on the nest near the boat launch

It was a lovely walk, but sad as well. I have birded Wylie Slough more than any other place since coming to birding just three years ago. It feels like my backyard, my comfort birding spot. So many great birds have sought refuge here, and its hard for me to imagine birding Skagit without it. I will miss you Wylie old friend.

I hope everyone has a wonderful spring and summer, full of rare migrants and warm sunny skies. See you next fall.


Joel Brady-Power
Bellingham, Wa 98221
fvnerka at hotmail.com


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