I found two magnolia warblers along the Chehalis Western Trail this
morning about 1/4 mile south of Yelm Highway. They matched Sibley's
pictures perfectly, their bright yellow undersides and highly contrasting
black stripes were a welcome, if unusual, site to the winter understory.
The olive back and striking tail pattern were quite apparent as the bird
allowed me a nice half-hour look without venturing more than 50' or so from
where I found it. If you're interested in the search, directions below.

The birds were found about 1/4 mile south of the Chehalis Western Trail
bridge over Yelm Highway. The best access to it would be the 67th St.
trailhead off of College Rd. (called Rainier south of Yelm Hwy).
>From southbound I-5 exit 109, turn right then quickly left onto College
Ave. Take College for a few miles (going south). When College intersects
with Yelm Hwy., the road's name changes to Rainier Ave. Continue south on
Rainier for a few blocks to a roundabout and turn right onto 67th Ave SE.
Head to the dead end where there'll be a trailhead. Park your car, then
head north (right) on the trail. In a short time, there'll be a mixed black
cottonwood/douglas-fir stand of trees on the west (left) side of the trail;
the understory is mainly indian plum. The east side of the trail is mostly a
blackberry bramble. I found the warblers at the north end of this small
forest edge near where the tall trees end. The birds commuted between the
blackberries and the tall trees. They appeared to keep close company with
ruby-crowned kinglets.

Joe Dlugo
Lacey, WA.
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