Tweeters:

So this is my very first chance to report on a whirlwind trip to look for the
Rockport Bl-throated Sparrow, yesterday morn. I did not find the bird,
and time ran out before I had time to check the redstart situation at
County Line and NP 213 Rd. However, the birding was super and
of 65 species found, the following were highlights.

Just east of the Rockport Quarry there is a small dirt road along Hwy 20
that overlooks the marshy area below to south. Shortly after stopping,
here, I heard what was assumed to be a singing CASSIN'S VIREO, but
for the fact that the song seemed a little "off": burrier, lower-pitched
(lacking the higher-pitched phrases) and with the most notable being
the low, slurred upward "quee" note. The frequency of vocalizations
also seemed too few for CASSIN'S. (And a CASSIN'S sang on the
hillside above throughout this time). So I decided to try for a visual.

Moments later I had the bird in Doug-Fir right along the southside of
Hwy 20. From 40 ft, the bird was a dead match for PLUMBEOUS:
entirely and uniformly medium/slate gray above, bold white spectacles,
a heavy bill that seemed (along with overall length and primary
extension) a bit longer than normal for CASSIN'S. Most striking--long
study revealed no yellow anywhere on the flanks or underparts; there
was a weak gray wash on the flanks. The bird had two bold white
wingbars. It worked the branches about 20-30 ft above ground level,
mostly in filtered sunlight; at one point it captured a caterpillar,
thrashing it fiercely before consuming.

In a word, the bird looked and sounded perfect for PLUMBEOUS:
but there were two "problems." First and most important--
the secondary tips were yellowish. And despite attempts to
collect photos, I was unsuccessful. I have much experience with
PLUMBEOUS in the past, but have never read or heard anyone
say that yellowish primary tips are present for the species.

For birders who might want to relocate this bird: there was
also a territorial CASSIN'S on the hillside right above the bird
singing continuously. Two NASHVILLE WARBLERS also came
down off the hillside in response to my pishing.

Up along the road going north from Hwy 20 along Corkindale
Creek, the LEAST FLYCATCHER was back at the exact spot
one was there in June 2011. You have to wonder about
breeding here. And better, among 8 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS
darting about at the end of the road, I stumbled upon an
ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER. It was a brief but very
close view in the birch/alder growth at the edge of the
field. This is about the 6th overall for Skagit I believe.
There were also the usual LAZULI BUNTINGS (8) and
several BANK SWALLOWS here. No sign of any
kingbirds, however.

Finally, among surprises, at the Marblemount Boat Launch,
I repeatedly heard a SEA-LION, sp. barking;
with the fish run there, it seems one of the marine
animals had simply ventured much further upriver than
normal. I couldn't believe it but fishermen there
confirmed hearing the animal also They also said several
BLACK BEARS were reported in the vicinity lately.

I would provide more detail onthe day but time is tight
(down for another baseball tournament, this time FL).
Feel free to email if you have any question/comment
on the above.

Scott Atkinson
Lake Stevens
mail to: scottratkinson at hotmail.com