Tweeters,

On the way through Fort Lewis this morning, I decided to check the birdlife
at the Muck Creek Bridge. In just over 20 minutes, I noted 22 species.
During the whole time, only one vehicle passed by, which made it very
pleasant, as well as quiet, as I strolled alongside the road. I watched the
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT preening in a small oak tree, about 200 yards south of
the bridge. This is the same tree we originally spotted the bird on May
31st. In addition, I heard two NORTHERN BOBWHITES calling from the area just
north and west of the bridge (Mortar 13 range).



One reason why I decided to check the area was to see what might be bathing
or drinking on the dirt-road potholes given that last night a major
lightning and rainstorm hit the area about 7PM. Apparently the storm was
extremely localized to the southeast Roy area (Fort Lewis was still dusty)
as it moved northeast - my rain gauge registered 1.3 inches of rain fell in
just over an hour - everything here was soaked. Soooo, no pothole-bathing
birds at the Fort.



The 22 species I identified are listed below:

California Quail

Northern Bobwhite

Mourning Dove

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Western Wood-Pewee

Willow Flycatcher

Common Raven

Purple Martin

Tree Swallow

Violet-green Swallow

N. Rough-winged Swallow

Swainson's Thrush

American Robin

Cedar Waxwing

Yellow Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

Yellow-breasted Chat

Song Sparrow

Black-headed Grosbeak

Red-winged Blackbird

Brown-headed Cowbird

American Goldfinch



In addition, as I drove through the wooded area just to the east and north
of Muck Creek, I heard ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, WILSON'S WARBLER, SAVANNAH
SPARROW, and PURPLE FINCH.



May all your birds be identified,



Denis DeSilvis

Roy, WA

Mailto: avnacrs4birds at q.com