Tweeters:



Was on a bike ride today across Fir I. in Skagit County and although not really birding, my wife and I ran into a couple of notable species.



Just after we ran into Steve Mlodinow and Debbie Fischer at Jensen, we saw a WESTERN KINGBIRD fly right over the busy parking area for Snow Goose Produce just NNE of Jensen right along the main Fir I.-La Conner Rd., prominent on the left before you cross the bridge (if heading north). The bird launched from a telephone pole on the east side of the road, caught something right over the road, and then flew westward. The other bird of interest was seen at the Fir church, visible right along the main road eastward: here perched on a telephone pole was a EUR. COLLARED-DOVE. I have not heard of another on Fir I. previously, although there are the Bow and Stanwood populations to the north and south respectively. This bird spooked readily and also headed westward.



Western Kingbirds aren't known to nest on Fir I., so I found the encounter a surprise; interesting that another was at the Mtlk Fill today.



Scott Atkinson
Lake Stevens

mail to: scottratkinson at hotmail.com

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