Sarah Peden and I walked Magnuson this morning, a chilly bright scene with
the birds showing they know that Spring is around the corner. Lots of
chasing and singing, including from my favorite, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet,
everywhere in the park.

The huge flock of scaup persists, but the large numbers of Mew Gulls have
declined to just a few birds today. A couple of Herring Gulls were on the
platform. There were Horned Grebe near the shore, good numbers of Western
Grebe off shore and a few Red-necked Grebe way out in the middle of the
lake. A small group of Red-breasted Mergansers were also easily visible
until chased off by kayakers (not intentionally). The 2 male Eurasian
Wigeon are still around, 1 with the large wigeon flock, the other continues
with a female American Wigeon as a solitary couple in the wetlands.

Numbers of Yellow-rumped Warblers (of both persuasions) continue to
increase. Good numbers of Fox and Lincoln's Sparrows. A dozen or more
Violet-green Swallows were at the south end of the park. And a few Tree
Swallows were checking out the gourds. We're up to 3 Anna's Hummingbirds on
eggs, with a fourth completing nest building.

51 species for the day; with the 2 swallows, up to 81 for the year.
Scott Ramos
Seattle