I walked through the Montlake Fill (UBNA) today at about 11:30 and finally saw the Western Meadowlark that others have mentioned. I didn't have my binoculars, but he (?) was perched in a bare shrub on the south part of the main (south) meadow looking very yellow and unmistakable. Of course, the most unmistakable part was the song. It was so busy singing, it sounded like 2-3 birds. I wonder if it will soon realize its chances of finding a mate here are pretty slim.

Last Thursday, I was 90% sure I saw an American Pipit in the same area. It sure looked like one. It landed on the trail in front of us twice, vocalizing vigorously and pumping its tail up and down repeatedly. No binoculars that time either (rats!) since I was heading to class.

Brenda Burnett

Seattle

beaknbird at hotmail dot com