Hey tweets, Mark Robinson re-located the Vesper Sparrow today, in the same general area as before (Hoyt Meadow, Hunn Meadow West, SW Pond). He told me we had just missed it, but he said so with so much regret that I couldn't find it within me to gnash my teeth. Otherwise, the ol' molars would have been grinding away.

Mark also reported a Western Meadowlark and an Orange-crowned Warbler in Hunn Meadow East, along with some returning Golden-crowned Sparrows. After chatting awhile, my little group turned to go and almost stepped on the Vesper Sparrow, who had somehow sneaked up behind us and was foraging on the Loop Trail. It flew to a little tree, and I got great looks at its white tail feathers, almost as prominent a feature as a junco's tail.

Also present today: a beautiful Merlin, a Peregrine, a couple of Cooper's Hawks, a little flock of Ring-necked Ducks joined by a single female Greater Scaup, a juvenile Hooded Merganser on Main Pond (been there for several days now), and a singing Fox Sparrow at the Wedding Rock.

Very birdy, *very* beautiful. I wish I could have stayed all day! - Connie, Seattle

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