Subject: [Tweeters] Swan Creek Lower and Upper including undeveloped
Date: Apr 20 15:40:10 2015
From: Shep Thorp - shepthorp at gmail.com


Hi Tweets,

I reported earlier on the 3 TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE that Nanthanael Swecker
initially spotted and Donna LaCasse and I got to enjoy in the meadow with
charred trees just south of the undeveloped neighborhood and adjacent to
the bike riders access in upper Swan Creek around 11am.

We started the morning at 6:30am and immediately heard the first of many
high count BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, counted 25, through out the park.
By noon we were watching this species bathe in puddles of the upper creek,
very cool. As we walked in from the north through lower Swan Creek off
Pioneer Way, we came across a hunting BARRED OWL that was being harassed by
two AMERICAN/NORTHWESTERN CROWS.

Continuing south we started to hear and see high count ORANGE-CROWNED
WARBLERS, approximately 25, and spotted our first of three HERMIT THRUSH.
VARIED THRUSH were also heard and seen. As temperatures started to rise
and we made our way up to undeveloped town or upper Swan Creek, we came
across singing CASSIN'S VIREO and early arrival WARBLING VIREO, both
visualized for confirmation.

By 10am the PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS were singing and a least six observed
for another high count of 12 in the entire park.

The PINE SISKIN and RED CROSBILLS were everywhere. In the undeveloped town
we had great looks at CHIPPING SPARROW, TOWNSENDS WARBLER and singing
HUTTON'S VIREO.

Additional sightings worth mentioning were many PACIFIC WREN, PURPLE FINCH,
and DARK-EYED JUNCO nesting. COMMON RAVEN also nest in the park.

44 Species for the day. When I lead a TAS/RAS trip here last year 4/22, we
dipped on the TOSO, but observed 6 Hammond's Flycatcher which were not to
be seen today. Also last year, no Pine Siskins, which we may have
seen/heard upwards of 100 today.

Good birding,
Shep

--
Shep Thorp
Browns Point
253-370-3742
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