Subject: [Tweeters] Montlake Fill today
Date: Aug 15 18:08:52 2009
From: Kevin Purcell - kevinpurcell at pobox.com


It seemed rather quiet today although I got there rather late at 9am.

The most interesting activity was around the Central Pond.

A LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER was standing very still head towards the
"viewing spot" off the path. For me a yellowjacket annoyed it just
enough to get it to turn to a nice side on view to see the bars not
spots. Rather cryptic but rather beautiful in a scope. Still a lot of
golden brown of it's breeding plumage in place.

A LESSER YELLOWLEGS cavorted close to the the "viewing spot". It
seemed to be refueling successfully at the edge of the pond (and
trying out a good section of the pond).

At least three LEAST SANDPIPERS scurried around the edges of pond
(especially by the viewing spot) feeding away from the edges.

At least four SPOTTED SANDPIPERS later appeared. Teetering at the edge
and generally being skittish of the lordly Yellowlegs.

Bob Kothenbeutel was there getting many shots of the action including
a visit from a VID tagged juvenile COOPER'S HAWK. Fortunately he took
some photos but didn't notice the blue tag until I asked him if he saw
one. He didn't think so (though he initially though it to be a bit of
sky showing through) but when we reviewed the photos on the camera not
only did he have the tag in a couple of shots he also got the letters!

If you see a Cooper's Hawk anywhere in the PNW don't forget check for
a blue tag on the leg (and if you can get the two letters on the tag
even better) and report it. You'll help some citizen science.

http://www.wos.org/SpecRpts.htm#Species

I also noticed two "just fledged" juvenile BARN SWALLOWS and one "just
fledged" juvenile TREE SWALLOW all with with gape flanges, serious
begging attitude and clumsy landing style on their begging twigs. They
were getting fed too. Must be a few second/late broods amongst the
swallows.

Some BALD EAGLE calling and interaction over the Lake and Union Bay.
There seemed to be three adults around (which is one too many for
there).

Lots of American Goldfinch (with the tan juveniles causing some
interesting confusion).

With ducks in eclipse and Canada Geese in Union Bay (along with the
clouds) it starts to make it feel like it's fall already. But the heat
in the next week will fix that :-)
--
Kevin Purcell
Seattle, WA
kevinpurcell at pobox.com