Subject: [Tweeters] Bohemian Waxwing ("BOWA") in Kitsap, Jefferson counties
Date: Dec 27 06:34:31 2016
From: Tom Mansfield - birds at t-mansfield.com


Hi Tweets - During the holiday weekend I was chasing BOWA. Thanks to Brad Waggoner for finding/reporting Bainbridge Island's first record BOWA at Ft. Ward. On Christmas Day 12/25/16, I pulled one BOWA out of the massive American Robin ("AMRO") flocks along E. Kitsap Street, a couple of blocks east of Ft. Ward Hill Road, near Kitsap's intersection with Soundview. An incredible number of birds feasting on a massive fruit offering and kept on the move by accipiters attracted by the noisy flock. On Boxing Day 12/26/16, I was searching residential Port Townsend in Jefferson County with its many fruit-bearing trees along Discovery Road, San Juan Ave., Cherry Street when Brad's brother, Dan Waggoner, posted a BOWA sighting on eBird at East Beach Park on Marrowstone Island just across the bay. I raced over there in the howling wind but there were no birds at East Beach. In that I couldn't find Dan's number, I called Brad - who in a few moments very kindly texted back from Panama the number and also texted Dan to call me - the marvel of modern communications and kindness of friends! Headed home on Flagler Road/SR 116, I spotted a large flock of AMRO near Nordland and basically gave chase. Struggling into the wind, the flock settled into trees at Griffin Point Road. Quickly picked through the swaying birds: about 30 Pine Siskin ("PISI"), a bazillion AMRO, several Cedar Waxwing ("CEWA") and finally, at least 1 BOWA clearly seen, poorly photographed. The flock picked up again and headed back north toward Nordland and East Beach. Given the wind and abundance of fruit on Marrowstone Island, probably still in the area.

Tom Mansfield in Seattle.