The rain earlier in the week did nothing to the wetlands which are now almost dry outside of the main ponds. Although today was very mild from a 50 F start, the next several days are going to extend the drying even more. The beaver, though, continues to exploit the right-sized alders along the pond edges, even though the water level has been stabilized. Nothing really new today--activity has quieted now that breeding is underway or finished. A few notables:

Common Merganser - a female was towing around a couple of chicks just south of the swim beach
video: https://youtu.be/mN_anoMR7qQ
California Quail - several, along the paved trail, in the meadows and near the wetlands
Pied-billed Grebe - calling, still, from the Promontory Ponds
Cooper?s Hawk - female still on nest; recent sightings suggest there may be hatchlings in the nest, but no visual confirmation; male calling nearby
Virginia Rail - several juveniles calling, W edge of Entrance Pond
Caspian Tern - calling, high over park
Band-tailed Pigeon - a couple flying over S end
Barn Owl - the two fledglings were calling near the box by the tennis center when I arrived; after checking the other box (no action there) and returning, they were gone
Vaux?s Swift - a few
Rufous Hummingbird - at least 9; this time, at least one adult male
Pacific Slope Flycatcher - a few and these were the only flycatchers for the day
Cedar Waxwing - a few; one with nesting material
Lazuli Bunting - calling from Kite Hill
Bullock?s Oriole - male was calling and visible from the tall cottonwood at intersection of N-S and E-W trails, N end
Red Crossbill (type 3) - calling from Promontory Point

For the day, 51 species.
Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S23776080 <http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S23776080>
Scott Ramos
Seattle