Tweeters:



Inspired by Gary's post and the sense that I'd missed alot on back on May 24, I went back to central Skagit County today and had a very good outing--June rarely disappoints in this area. The first highlight was a male INDIGO BUNTING at Corkindale Creek. There is a little road that heads north along the east side of Corkindale Creek, from 20 (marked for the mule farm), I ventured in a couple hundred yards. I was rewarded by views of the bunting perched on blackberry (Rubus) thickets west of the creek. When I dashed to get my camera, the bird flew across and perched on a telephone wire at the residence east, a farm directly opposite Ponder Roses Lane (private). From this site the bird was visible (briefly) right from 20 before dropping down into thickets. I never did manage a photo but got great looks and this singing bird, which is just the 2nd or 3rd for Skagit County. Also here were four W. KINGBIRDS (the most I'd ever had here), two EASTERN KINGBIRDS, 4 LAZULI BUNTINGS, and two BANK SWALLOWS.



The other big news was the appearance of an ad. male BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER in tall cottonwoods from NP 213 Rd. Heading out of Marblemount in the direction of Newhalem, this little dirt road heads right (toward the river, at the end of which there is a boat access) just before you come to a prominent sign for North Cascades National Park with a pull-through. The bird was only seen fleetingly, but I did note the diagnostic black-and-white streaking (those flanks are black-streaked), and white streaks on the scapulars in particular; the bird was with an Audobon's type Yellow-rump and Warbling Vireo; there are also numbers of RED-EYED VIREOS here (in general they are now common throughout). Also of interest at NP 213 Rd: a singing ad male AM. REDSTART very close to the others mentioned.



Another singing ad. male AM. REDSTART was at the south end of the County Line ponds. Before you get to the best-known access at the "entering Whatcom County" sign, though the gate where the rock pile greets you, there is a little dirt road about 100-150 yards southwest that comes right in on the ponds at the south end. A SHARP-SHINNED HAWK turned up here as well. Also, a male NASHVILLE WARBLER responding to pishing, and there was odd Empid of the Willow/Alder type (silent). The habitat is pretty enclosed riparian forest so I was puzzled by this bird. Another NASHVILLE WARBLER was singing at the Rockport Quarry.



Otherwise, two E. KINGBIRDS were at Barnaby Slough; I could not park at the visitor building but it is a short walk in around the gate. The mosquitos are pretty bad here. At Martin Rd., there was one other LAZULI BUNTING, this being a regular site.



Scott Atkinson

Lake Stevens

mail to: scottratkinson at hotmail.com





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