Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2018-03-08
Date: Thu Mar 8 16:12:48 PST 2018
From: Michael Hobbs - birdmarymoor at frontier.com

Tweets -; We were in and out before it actually RAINED, though we did have mizzle turning into a soaking drizzle this morning. After the last couple of days of nice weather, it was a bummer. But contrary to expectations, it was pretty birdy for the first several hours.

Highlights:
a.. Cackling Goose -; still ~750, but all were flyovers around 6:30 a.m.
b.. American Wigeon -; pair below weir; only our 3rd record for 2018
c.. Horned Grebe -; one that was close enough to spot with the naked eye, for a change
d.. HERRING GULL -; one with a mixed flock of gulls; first of 2018
e.. Barn Owl -; again only flying around late, from about 6:10-6:20 a.m.
f.. Western Screech-Owl -; Matt heard one near east end of boardwalk; first of 2018
g.. Pileated Woodpecker -; two called and chased each other around 7 a.m.
h.. HUTTON'S VIREO -; one singing near mansion, 6:45 a.m.; first of 2018, and only 18th ever
i.. Tree Swallow -; five seen late in the morning; our only "spring" birds of the day
j.. Varied Thrush -; one heard across the slough south of the weir; first of 2018
k.. COMMON REDPOLL -; Four in an alder just north of last dog swim beach
Yes, at Marymoor this spring, we only get "common" finches. We had ZERO House Finch, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, or American Goldfinch today, ONLY the COMMON REDPOLLS. This is just the 6th record of the species at Marymoor, but already the 3rd for 2018. These guys were silently working the catkins just over the main slough trail, and most of us presumably walked under them without noticing. Luckily, Sharon was back from travels, and she was playing "caboose" as usual, trailing 30 yards back, and spotted them.

Other misses included Hooded Merganser, Rock Pigeon, Virginia Rail, Cooper's Hawk, Bushtit, and Eastern Gray Squirrel, but we did have the first MUSKRAT of 2018.

For the day, 57 species. For the year, adding 4, we're up to 85 species. The next couple of weeks should bring the first real wave of spring migrants.

== Michael Hobbs
== www.marymoor.org/birding.htm
== BirdMarymoor at frontier.com
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