Tweets,

Mark Crawford, Sharon Cormier Aagard and I visited some interesting
Snohomish County locations today, and despite the gloomy weather, had
some nice finds.

Big 4/Ice Caves Trail
A Red-breasted Sapsucker was working over some young alders at the
parking area. When we returned to the lot, a Douglas Squirrel was
exploiting the sap wells. A couple of female Common Mergansers were on
the river and a Spotted Sandpiper was heard. Both Black and Vaux' Swift
were flying over the picnic area; several Vaux' were also up at the snow
caves. A young American Dipper was seen in the creek near its source,
and a Townsend's Solitaire was bouncing around in the treetops. Several
Puget Sound White-crowned Sparrows were seen in the meadows by the snow
caves, as well as a possible Gambel's (based on song, bill color, gray
nape). Many views of a flock of 35-40 Red Crossbills, working over the
Mountain Hemlocks, dropping the cones on our heads!

Monte Cristo Trail
Many common mountain species, including calling Gray Jay and a Sooty Grouse.

Portage Creek Wildlife Area, in Arlington
A Red-tailed Hawk being harassed by an American Kestrel, and a male
Northern Harrier clearly disturbed by our walking through his hunting
grounds. Plus, an Eastern Kingbird.

Good birding.
Scott Ramos
Seattle