Hi Tweeters,

I decided I needed to get outside for a while today after being cooped up in the storm(s), so I headed over to snowy, slushy Magnuson Park.

The most active place was the north shore area along Pontiac Bay - a little bit of exposed shoreline provided one of the few available snow-free foraging areas. ?In addition to Killdeer and a Spotted Sandpiper were cooperative Wilson's Snipe and 2 unexpected Least Sandpipers. ?There was a small group of American Pipits, and most surprising, foraging on bare exposed rocks in the wide open along the beach, was a Townsend's Warbler!

Lots of diving ducks were visible off/to the south of the swim beach as usual. ?The group included 6 Cackling Geese, I think Taverner's, the first time I've seen this species at the park.

The Community Garden had groups of foraging sparrows giving nice views that included both regular Crowned species and more Fox Sparrows than usual. ?No luck with any rare finches.


Good birding,
Evan Houston
Seattle, WA