Today I found a single male Purple Martin flying all about the gourd nesting site at the end of the walkway at Marymoor Park. The gourds are currently being used by nesting Tree Swallows. The Martin seemed to be unhappy about the current occupants! Still it was my first Purple Martin of the year.
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I also saw my first Willow Flycatchers and Western Wood-pewees of the year. There were many Black-headed Grosbeaks, Cedar Waxwings and Yellow Warblers. I didn't find any Lazuli Buntings.
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There was some excitement over the presence of Salmon Fry. The Fry were leaping out of the water in many sections of the river. The Green Heron was very excited about this. I also saw Smallmouth Bass hanging about among the Lilypads.
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It is great time to bird at Marymoor...but then isn't it always?
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Mark Vernon
Renton, WA
mailto ma_vern at yahoo.com