Hi Tweets,

Seas were flat on the Sound this morning (6-26-10) and bird activity
remains quiet. Since the first Heermann's Gull returned last
weekend, as many as twelve have been seen during the week. Seven
were on the marina's south breakwater this morning with several other
fly-bys. The only alcid around was Rhinoceros Auklet and there were
maybe six scattered in the distance. Both the male and female Belted
Kingfishers were seen in the marina and a couple of Pelagic
Cormorants are continuing around the ferry dock. Purple Martins have
been busy all week transporting mud and twigs from the Marsh to the
gourds.

The Marsh had a lot of Mallards, a young Bald Eagle, and a number of
Killdeer. June 22nd has been the date in the past when the first
returning Least Sandpiper is seen. Still no sign of them but surely
they are on their way south.

The Point Edwards Public Path, with all of its berrying shrubs, was
again very birdy. Young birds included Northern Flicker, White-
crowned Sparrow, Rufous Hummingbird, Mallard, and Gadwall. A Gadwall
hen had one Mallard among the brood following her on the small
retention pond. Towhees, Goldfinches, both House and Purple Finches,
and Red-winged Blackbirds were abundant. So were the Violet-green
and Barn Swallows swirling about. We saw a Cooper's Hawk as we
headed back to our cars.

Carol Riddell
Edmonds