Subject: [Tweeters] Tahoma ABC field trip to Vashon
Date: Apr 30 17:32:15 2014
From: Ed Swan - edswan at centurytel.net


Had beautiful weather for the Tahoma Audubon ABC group on Vashon yesterday.
Numbers of individual species, especially the new incoming warblers, seemed
really low and slow, but adding up the species seen I was surprised to find
the species list reach 70. A few of many of the saltwater birds were still
present as well as the incoming migrants. We had a few good highlights. At
Pt. Robinson, we saw a first of season Western Tanager in the trees at the
base of the bluff. On the radar towers, Steller's Jays bunched up to
attempt migrating across the channel to the mainland but gave up part way
out each time. Yesterday there were only 10-12, but in some years I've seen
as many as 30-40 trying it. At this time of year, migration means Pt.
Robinson can have just about anything might show up, especially if the
weather has birds on the move. Yesterday was beautiful but so calm it kept
the birds pretty quiet. At Tramp Harbor, a female Black Scoter was still
present and a leucistic crow that was a very pale light brown latte color.
I've been getting lots of calls about this bird over the last couple of
months but saw it myself for the first time yesterday. At Fisher Pond, one
of the Pied-billed Grebes sat on a reed nest, a first time view for many on
the field trip.



I'll be leading a Rainier Audubon trip from Fauntleroy ferry to Vashon next
Wednesday the 7th. Yesterday's trip was full up with participants but next
week's sign ups are pretty low, I will probably have some spots open if
anyone is interested in meeting us on the 8:25 boat. Contact me at
edswan at centurytel.net <mailto:edswan at centurytel.net> if you think you might
like to come.



Ed Swan

Nature writer and guide

www.theswancompany.com <http://www.theswancompany.com>

edswan at centurytel.net <mailto:edswan at centurytel.net>

206.463.7976