Hi all,

The last report of the Citrine Wagtail that I heard was from Jan 13. There have been unsuccessful searches, all but one 45 minutes or less, by locals since then.

For those going for the Red-flanked Bluetail, especially the photographers, I recommend learning the birds favored perches, and then setting up there and waiting. The bird keeps making a loop through the park. You're much more likely to get a decent shot waiting rather than pursuing. It is particularly fond of the tangle between the restrooms near the parking lot and the playground. There's a large, short log there that it often perches on. Right next to it is a large tree (cedar, I think). The Bluetail also forages ground next to this cedar (on the side opposite the large log).

There was great sunlight this afternoon. If that happens again, set up about 50 feet in from the sidewalk with your back to the sun. I was able to get a good photo today by doing that. I posted it to the Surfbirds North American Stop Press page (http://www.surfbirds.com/gallery/display.php?gallery=gallery10).

John Puschock
Matthews Beach, Seattle
g_g_allin at hotmail.com
http://www.zbirdtours.com