Hi Tweets

Michael is in Prague and Matt is back in Minnesota so I got to lead the group out at Marymoor this morning. We had a great day with good weather, cool early then warming up, clear early and some high cirrus later.

Lots of singing today, and lots of young birds around - plenty of practice in recognizing those unusual looking juvenile Dark-eyed Juncos and even some juvenile Yellow-rumped Warblers.

The Great Blue Heron young are getting really big and looking like fledging is imminent for many of them - one had fledged and was perched in a snag across from the second dog access point. Terrific bill clacking and complaining from the nest.

I had one Barn Owl early over the East Meadow. We wound up seeing and hearing 63 species today.

We had so much early activity that it took us from 5:30 to 8:30 to get to Dog Central.

Notable species:
Barn Owl (East Meadow at 4:13)
Green Heron (maybe 2 or 3)
Peregrine Falcon - over dog area quickly moving away to the north
Black Swift - one bird - very unusual for clear conditions
Cassin's Vireo - singing and excellent views
Purple Martin - male and two females at gourds at lake platform
Western Tanager (heard by Sharon)

Brian H. Bell
Woodinville Wa
mail to bell asoc at iso media dot com