Hi Tweeters,

Headed north yesterday for a day o birding. I could see Swans from I-5 near Mt Vernon (n of) they were way out in a field. I think their groups look clumpy compared to a more uniform flat shape of Snow Geese. I also saw about 8 fly over fairly low near the town of Bow calling.

The Snow Geese are back in force, saw threee large groups, one on Maupin Rd. One at the Hayden Snow Goose Preserve and one adjacent to but beyond the Snow Goose Preserve.

Other birds included many Bald Eagles including about 5 apparent mated pairs that were likely on territory already. Many Red-tailed Hawks including one beautiful dark morph on Mann Rd. Two Rough-legged Hawks. One Peregrine Falcon, one American Kestrel, three spread out Merlins one of which was plucking and consuming prey on a telephone wire. Two Northern Shrikes, one making very weird noises at the Snow Goose Preserve.

One Yellow-headed Blackbird in a blackbird flock. It was either a bright female or a juvenile male, the yellow was mostly on the throat but bright and made him/her stand out. This was near Sullivan Rd nearby to where the Dunlin hung out last year and apparently again this year.

North was a great choice, no rain at all, brisk and breezy but no wet stuff.

Kathy
Roosting in Kent, near Lake Meridian
(chukarbird at yahoo dot com)
Any driving directions contained within this message are given as a courtesy, beware, author is directionally challenged and will not vouch for them.