Subject: [Tweeters] Possible Kingbird in North Mason County area
Date: May 16 15:31:59 2012
From: mary hrudkaj - mch1096 at hotmail.com






Was out birding the hinterlands of the north Mason County area this morning and came across a possible Western Kingbird in a large wet meadow along the Dewatto River. The bird was larger than a sparrow but just a bit smaller than a robin. Had a grayish head with a dark 'mask' from the bill back along the cheek area. My first thought was shrike but the rest of the coloring was more kingbird-ish. The head color shaded to a subtle yellow on the lower chest and into the belly area. The back and wings were more dark brown that black as shown in Sibley's and NatGeo books. The tail had a slight forking to it but I did not see any white edging on it. But then, the bird was about 200 yds away downhill from me with bright sunlight on its back. It was sallying between several clumps of bushes, reeds and an old snag. I watched it for a couple minutes and, of course, once I turned away to retrieve my Sibley's, the bird disappeared. I could hear no calls from it but lots of other bird sounds in the meadow. Any thoughts? Mary HrudkajBelfair/Tahuya