Hey tweets, after the rain quit this morning, I scurried down to the
Fill to see what had flown in. Numerous Northern Rough-winged Swallows
were skimming Main Pond, and a DUNLIN flew in as I watched. The
Cinnamon Teal pairs are numerous - I've seen some in University
Slough, Southeast Pond, Southwest Pond, Main Pond, and Yesler Cove. A
few Ring-necked Ducks are still here, and American Wigeons seem to be
coming up from the south, staying a little, then moving on. An
uncharacteristically silent Western Meadowlark has been lurking along
the Loop Trail near Canoe Island - I've seen it every day for the past
week. Several pairs of Common Yellowthroats are setting up shop, and a
few Lincoln's Sparrows linger. Our resident Cooper's Hawk chased off
an interloper this morning, then puffed himself up on Leaky Pond,
surveying the domain he claims. He didn't daunt the Yellow-rumps, who
were too busy fighting each other to notice any outsiders. Both Myrtle
and Audubon's are resplendent and singing. The Brown-headed Cowbirds
are beginning to show up, the worm in the apple of paradise.

Back near my car, a flock of Violet-greens created a carousel around
the alder grove kitty-corner from the kiosk. While watching the show,
I saw a long-tailed, warm brown wren hop into a brush pile near the
Wedding Rock. I saw enough to think it was a HOUSE WREN. The tail was
too long for Pacific, the overall brown was not the mahogany-on-top-
white-below of a Bewick's, the back was too plain for Marsh. So what
else is left? Seems a bit early, though. On the other hand, I think
this cold spring will produce some unusual migration patterns,
especially given the fact that the rest of the country seems to be
experiencing a heat wave. Last year was cold too, and the year before.
As I recall, spring migration came in a big rush last year, with early
species waiting down south and later migrants being on time, with the
net result of a big pile-up at the Fill. I have a notion tomorrow will
see a push through our area. Here's hoping, anyway. - Connie, Seattle

constancesidles at gmail.com
www.constancypress.com
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