Hi Tweets,

Migrating shorebirds are starting to pass through Edmonds. The first
showed up in Edmonds Marsh yesterday--1 Western and 3 Least
Sandpipers--two days later than they typically arrive. This morning
(4-23) we saw 1 Dunlin, partially molted into alternate plumage, 1
Western and about 10 Least Sandpipers, as well as the resident
Killdeer. At least two Virginia Rails were calling and we saw one
Marsh Wren. Three of the heronry nests on the south side of the marsh
had Great Blues perched in them. Barn and Violet-green Swallows were
about, along with Red-winged Blackbirds, Anna's Hummingbirds, Black-
capped Chickadees, Bushtits, and Song Sparrows. Ducks included Green-
winged Teal, Mallard, and Gadwall. Canada Goose was also there.

At the Willow Creek Hatchery there were Cooper's Hawk, Northern
Flickers, Crows, Robins, Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadees,
Yellow-rumped and Townsend's Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Bushtits
and Song and Golden-crowned Sparrows. The distant tapping of a Downy
Woodpecker was heard. Still no sign of a Rufous Hummingbird in that
area. Red-tailed Hawk and Bald Eagle (1 ad.) were also seen. On the
Point Edwards pond there were Gadwalls, Northern Shovelers, and a
Mallard family with 11 ducklings. Lots of chow for raccoons and other
predators. A number of Anna's Hummingbirds and some House Finches were
along the public path.

Lots of Brant are still along the waterfront from Marina Beach to the
Shell Creek outlet. Ducks included Mallard, Bufflehead, Common
Goldeneye, Surf Scoter and 8 black Scoters. The Black Scoters were
just north of the dive park, seen by scope from Sunset Avenue. There
were still a number of Red-necked and Horned Grebes, all in alternate
plumage. Only Double-crested and Pelagic Cormorants were seen. A pair
of Belted Kingfishers flew low along the water at Marina Beach. A
Common Loon in alternate plumage was north of the ferry dock. One has
been reported off and on for the last two weeks so I assume this was
the same loon. I saw no alcids this morning.

Good birding,

Carol Riddell
Edmonds