Steve Pink and I had a fun excellent day in Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish Counties - mostly around Highway 20 today. ?Our main quest was to look for American Redstarts and Red Eyed Vireos and to hit some spots for Steve's Snohomish County year list. ?Although Ebird keeps track for me, "County Listing" is not an ailment I have at this time, but it is great to be out with Steve or others who do and in their hands I see places that are new and unfamiliar to me. ?No long details, but we had at least 5 and probably more American Redstarts at the Agg Ponds in Whatcom County and at least 2 at the very close by Agg Ponds in Skagit County - both near Newhalem. ?We also had a Ruffed Grouse and a Red Eyed Vireo at the former. ?We had started the day with three Red Eyed Vireos singing loudly and nonstop at Steve's go to spot for them in Snohomish County- on the Whitehorse Trail near Arlington. ?I just saw my first Willow Flycatcher a couple of days ago - incidentally when at the Off Leash Area at Marymoor Park. ?Today they were at almost every stop - their fitz bew calls a great aid in finding them. ?We probably had close to a dozen all told. ?Beautiful scenery and weather and excellent birds.
Blair Bernson