Five Eastside Audubon members did the monthly survey of Soaring Eagle Park on July 7. Soaring Eagle Park, formerly known as section 36, is on Sammamish Plateau. Main entrance is at end of Main St., other entrances at end of NE 8th and at south end off Trossach's Blvd. There are many miles of trails, the trails we walk are about 2 miles and it takes us 4 to 4-1/2+ hours. We start at the NW entrance at the end of NE 8th. It was a cloudy day, but surprisingly birdy for a July day. We recorded 38 species, same as in May, and total of 256 birds which is a high for the survey. Highlights included:

Swainson's Thrushes - We recorded 37 which was probably low as we had estimated about 50-60. They were heard all over, usually 2 or 3 at a time.
Black Swifts - 12 were flying over the NW entrance.
Hummingbirds - confirmed 1 Anna's and 2 Rufous - first for survey which started in March
Cedar Waxwings - 11 - only 3 in June
American Robin - high of 29 for the survey
Red-breasted Nuthatch - high of 7, only 1 in previous months
Red-eyed Vireo - at least 4 heard, only heard 1 in June.
Western Tanager - 12 compared to 7 in May and 0 in June.
Spotted Towhee - 28 was a high count - previous high 16 in April
Song Sparrow - High of 23 - 9 in April
Willow Flycatcher - 5 and first month heard
Red-breasted Sapsucker - only 1 compared to 4-6 previous months
Black-throated Gray Warbler - 1 heard, 2 in May

We also saw 3 Mule Deer and heard a Douglas' Squirrel (Chickaree).
The trails were very dry, but we saw at least 6 banana slugs (the good ones).

Hugh Jennings
Bellevue, WA
h2ouzel AT comcast.net