Wow, whew! These past few days in Pierce County have been remarkable! Besides returning summer breeders, we have had some vagrants that has had us going from one corner to another.
The wintering Black Phoebe continues at Gog-le-hi-tee. Lesser Goldfinches are being seen regularly on Riverside Drive near Sumner. We are pretty sure they are breeding in this area.
A Western Kingbird was seen at JBLM on April 26. A Yellow- headed Blackbird was seen by several at the 56 Street Mitigation ponds on the 26-27. On April 27, four White Pelicans at the same ponds, were found by Christopher Clark and remained on the 28th for the WOS trip I was leading!
While on this trip, I get a message from Will Brooks that he has just found a Black-headed Gull, in breeding plumage, at the McNeil trail overlook in DuPont!! Second record for Pierce, the first since 1993! Our group tried for it but the tide was not in our favor. Meanwhile, another Western Kingbird was found by Will off Taylor street in the tide-flats.
On the 29th, several of us were able to re-find the gull! Later at this site, 4 Whimbrel were seen which are very rare for Pierce.
Several of us also saw the Kingbird on Taylor street.
So, as I am going to a birthday party, Tom Mansfield, who saw the gull earlier, goes out to Riverside Drive to look for the goldfinches and finds Pierce County's first Lark Sparrow. At the party, I finally excuse myself and rush out to see it. Success! Several others also got to see this one day wonder.
Meanwhile, Will finds a migrating Lewis's Woodpecker in Ashford. Also a Mountain Bluebird was seen in Tacoma, by Scott Saunders.
Yesterday and today one Whimbrel remains and 5 Long-billed Dowitchers were found at 56 street by Ed Pullen today.
Off to ballgame tonight and see what tomorrow brings. Many thanks to all who are exploring Pierce!
Bruce LaBar
Tacoma