Hey tweets, today we are back in the black-and-white world of a
Seattle El Nino spring. The contrast between today's gray clouds and
yesterday's blue sky made me realize how beautiful monochome can be. I
have been taking it for granted, given the endless days of cold and
cloud. But as Ansel Adams knew well, leaching out color makes line and
form more visible.

That was surely true today as I scanned Lake Washington for migrants
and saw a lone gull soaring over the wavelets. His black hood stood
out against the gray even at a distance, and when I put up my
binoculars for a closer look, I found a Bonaparte's Gull in full
breeding plumage. I don't know that I've ever seen one in such
perfection at the Fill in all my life. The white leading edge of wing
gleamed all the brighter for the narrow frame of ebon that formed a
Vee at each wing tip. The gray mantle was somehow suffused with light,
like pewter in moonlight.

My husband says I have a special way of saying "Oh" when I am struck
by nature's beauty as I was today. I am not conscious of saying
anything. I am only eyes and soul.

The Fill was not done with me yet. At Leaky Pond, a chiaroscuro of
shadowy Yellow-rumped Warblers was flitting among the willow wands
when something flew up from the leaf litter. I thought it was another
Yellow-rump, until I put my binoculars on it and found a Hermit
Thrush, posing on a branch in hopes that I had not seen it or maybe
would not know it if I had. One of my favorite birds, but so elusive.

Also on view today: Orange-crowned Warbler in the tree beside the
Reading Rocks. This tree was great last spring and fall for warblers,
and it seems to be again. It was loaded with Yellow-rumps today, as
well as a Common Yellowthroat and the Orange-crowned. I encourage you
to give this tree a good look every day from now until the end of May.

The two Greater White-fronted Geese that appeared yesterday are still
here today, floating in the Lagoon. The Cinnamon Teal pair who have
taken over SW Pond were flying back and forth from pond to field,
never staying in one place for long but giving great looks between
flights. The Common Teal is still present, hanging out with bunches of
Green-winged Teals on Shoveler's Pond. A herd of Hooded Mergansers has
taken up fishing in Yesler Cove, and the Brewer's Blackbird colony
keeps expanding in the North Blue Forest. - Connie, Seattle

constancesidles at gmail.com
www.constancypress.com
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