Shorebird southbound migration started at the Edmonds marsh in late June. In July we had the following shorebirds, in addition to the usual Western and Least Sandpipers: Semipalmated Sandpipers (code 3) on July 5th; several sightings of Long-billed Dowitchers (code 3); Lesser Yellowlegs (code 4) and a Short-billed Dowitcher (code 4) on July 24th; and two Pectoral Sandpipers (code 3) on July 31st. A Green Heron (code 3) was at the marsh July 30-31st and a Willow Flycatcher (code 2) has been around the since July 1st.

An American Kestrel (code 4) was in Edmonds on July 16th.

Southbound passerines are moving through. Recently around the marsh there have been an Olive-sided Flycatcher, Black-throated Gray Warblers, Wilson?s Warblers, Orange-crowned Warblers, and Warbling Vireos.

In my last roundup I reported that Purple Martins were not using the nest boxes we installed on the pilings between the ferry dock and the public pier. I was wrong. At least a couple of the six boxes have been used and I counted seven martins around those pilings this morning. There are adults and juvenile birds. Hopefully, this nascent colony will grow next year.

We are at 162 species for the year. Species on our collective list are noted in the bird information display box at the Olympic Beach Visitor Station at the base of the public pier. If you would like a copy of the current Edmonds checklist, please request it at checklistedmonds at gmail.com <mailto:checklistedmonds at gmail.com>.

Carol Riddell
Edmonds, WA

Abundance codes: (1) Common, (2) Uncommon, (3) Harder to find, usually seen annually, (4) Rare, 5+ records, (5) Fewer than 5 records