Tweets, A pair of BANK SWALLOWS was observed on Monday on the north edge of
the town of Rainier at a county gravel and sand pit/pile on 133rd a few
blocks W of Center St/Hubbard Rd. They were foraging with other swallows
around an oversize puddle in an excavated depression and appeared to be
feeding or picking nesting material(?) together from what appeared to be a
pile of yard waste or wood chips. My impression was that they are nesting
here, though this appears to be an active gravel/sand pit site so any
nesting may soon be disturbed. This is my personal first spring sighting of
Bank Swallow in Thurston Co. Access to a viewpoint from the east is via dirt
tracks on the north side of 133rd. I was exploring new locations and this
was the most birdy spot. Judging from the many singing Yellow Warblers
around (in unexpected habitat) there may have been a mini-wave passing thru.
Other highlights include LAZULI BUNTING (personal FOY, at least two males
together, both singing) on Solberg Rd (x ~139th) south and east of
Rainier--apparently a reliable location as I've always found them here
though it's been 8-10 years since last visit. I also heard a BOBWHITE
calling from the Silver Springs Organics property at Waldrick x Military
Rds. I wonder if it's from the population that disappeared from Weir Prairie
several years ago--about two miles away. 72 species on the morning. Good
birding!
-- Paul Hicks / Tenino, s. Thurston Co / phicks AT accessgrace.org