Yesterday I spent a few hours birding at a couple of sights in the
Carnation area, ending up with only 39 species for the trip but
getting a few year birds in the process. First I stopped by the
Stillwater WMA and had the place almost to myself except for an
occasional jogger or biker. The highlight here was a VIRGINIA RAIL
that was sitting out in the open near a patch of reeds. It is always
cool when you great unobstructed looks at a rail. COMMON
YELLOWTHROATS were everywhere and there were also plenty of
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS in the area. I had a single GOLDEN-CROWNED
SPARROW, and it seems like it is starting to get a little late for
these to be around. A couple of RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS were working
the trees along the trial south of the parking area.
At Tolt McDonald Park PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER was present and at
the Chinook Bend Natural Area there were a few HOODED MERGANSERS.

Cheers and Good Birding;

Michael Fleming
Ballard, Washington
michaelfleming01 AT gmail.com