It was with rather varied emotions that I spotted two "yard" firsts this
morning on the shores of West Seattle. While neither species is
extraordinary around the state, one wouldn't exactly travel to this location
looking for them.



Eurasian Collared-Doves were moving in and out of a couple of trees at the
Alki Lighthouse property; at one point 10 of them all parked in a large
Maple. About a half dozen of the customary neighborhood passerine species
occupied took up branches nearby, making the tree quite entertaining to view
for a few minutes.



It must have looked interesting from the air, too, because then a Chipping
Sparrow alighted atop the Maple. It made brief remarks and flew on.



It would appear that I will not be surprised to see the Eurasian
Collared-Doves more often from now on, but I guess the Chipping Sparrow
sighting is just one of those pleasant surprises of migration.



Good spring birding to you all.



--g



Gary T. Smith

Alki Point, Seattle