Subject: [Tweeters] Stanwood Snow Bunting
Date: Nov 20 18:46:40 2011
From: Michael Willison - sendtomichael at hotmail.com



Tweeters, Although I was not the observer of the Snow Bunting, I was shown a picture on the camera of a fellow birder, who had observed it a short time before my my arrival. The Bunting's location was on Eide Road, on the gravel at the entrance to the first of two parking areas prior to the barricade. (where the old house used to stand). One of the Snowy Owls was easily and closely seen from the end of this road, viewed by standing up on the dike and looking towards the end of Thomle Road. There were at least 6 Short-eared Owls, likely more, over the fields to the west. I parked close to the north end of Eide and walked in the entire length, observing hundreds of Sparrows. Mostly Song and White-crowned, but also Golden-crowned, Lincoln's and Savannah. These fields likely hold thousands of Sparrows. The Black Phoebe was seen by at least some throughout the day. I did observe it from about 10-1015am but then it disappeared at least through 1115am when I, along with others, had all left. I was able to find the Skagit Thomas Rd. Blackbird flock later but could not pick out a Rusty. Western Meadowlarks were "everywhere" today. I don't believe I've seen more in W. Wa in a single day. Michael WillisonStanwood