Hi Tweets,

I got a late start this morning so I did not check for birds on the
Sound. I went directly to the Willow Creek Hatchery and Point
Edwards Public Path. When I arrived at the hatchery there was a
feeding flock of BUSHTITS with a RUBY-CROWN KINGLET among them. A
SPOTTED TOWHEE flew across the road to hide in the blackberry
brambles. Up on the path I pished along the slope that had been
illegally clear-cut by Triad Development and then replanted with
native bushes. There were HOUSE FINCHES and three FOX SPARROWS.
Down by the small surface water retention pond I found an ANNA'S
HUMMINGBIRD, a BEWICK'S WREN, a small flock of JUNCOS and four RED-
WINGED BLACKBIRDS. It was nice to see some Blackbirds back as they
haven't been around the Marsh for a while. There were also CROWS,
GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS, a COOPER'S HAWK, and several CANADA GEESE on
the wing. BUFFLEHEADS and GADWALLS were on the pond south of Willow
Creek that can only be seen from Point Edwards.

I still had a little time so drove around to the viewing platforms
and path on the north side of the Marsh. The ongoing rains have
filled the Marsh. There were at least 14 GREEN-WINGED TEALS, some
vigorously-bathing MALLARDS, and several NORTHERN SHOVELERS. Along
the path there were more ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, BLACK-CAPPED
CHICKADEES, another BEWICK'S WREN, several more RUBY-CROWNED
KINGLETS, and HOUSE FINCHES. SONG SPARROWS were out and singing.
One LINCOLN'S SPARROW was in the blackberry brambles near the middle
viewing platform. None of the Great Blue Herons or Killdeer were
observable in the Marsh this morning. No warblers were around.

Good birding,

Carol Riddell
Edmonds