This afternoon at the Fill I observed the following birds.

In the main pond: 3 juvenile Northern Shovelers had their bills in the water for 10 minutes or more ( I left after 10 minutes) while feeding gracefully (very synchronized swimming-like).

In the alders to the left of the Wahkiakum Lane and in the cottonwoods just before the main pond:

Yellow Warblers - 2-3
Black-throated Gray Warbler - 1. This warbler had a salt and pepper throat. Does that make it a fall adult or a first fall bird? It was starkly black and white but I did notice yellow supralores.

I assume (which I shouldnt I guess) that it was the same group (flock) in both locations.

Also 1 Green Heron adult in dogwoods opposite cottonwoods; a Pied-billed Grebe with one youngster in Lake Washington and 1 Great Blue Heron with a large catfish (don't know who won the struggle). Also, the largest turtle I've ever seen in Lake Washington, must have been 18 inches in length snout to tail or longer.

Closer to home this morning: Walking up the hill, coffee in hand, I heard a distressed Robin. Curious; so I began walking faster as I neared my yard, only to observe a Sharp-shinned Hawk on the lawn with a juvenile Robin in its talons. It flew as soon as it saw me, youngster in "hand". I immediately did the ridiculous (see if I could help?!?) but quickly realized I cannot fly nor am I supposed to help. (Chalk it up to "stupid human tricks/reactions"?) Well, it was sad and uplifting at the same time - is that bittersweet" then. Bummer for the robin and its parent - Yeay for the hawk.



Question re: otter sitings



Is this a result of dispersal or loss of habitat or both?

A. Kopitov
Seattle, WA