Tuesday I saw my first of the year northern harrier at the marsh,?white-crowned sparrow at the marina, and what I believe was a red crossbill on my backyard birdfeeder.? I am waiting further confirmation on the crossbill. Unfortunately, it had what appeared to be avian pox on?both eyes. ??

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Tuesday?was only?the second time I have seen a northern harrier at the marsh.? Although the marsh would appear to be a?good spot for?northern harriers and short-eared owls,? I have only seen a short-eared owl there once.? Like today's?harrier, the short-eared owl was being chased by a pack of crows when I saw it.? I suspect the constant vigilance of the evil minions of the Dark Lord keep the harriers and short-eared owls from?feeling welcome at the marsh or anywhere in Edmonds, for that matter.??

Bill Anderson; Edmonds, WA. USA