Tweets -; Dare I say it? The Summer Doldrums are over? It felt that way today, as we had at least six species today that do not breed in the park. It was very nice to have *surprises*. The day was about perfect for birding, with mostly sunny skies, clear still air, and temps in the low 60s. Birding at this time of year takes patience and awareness, as many birds are no longer singing and there are a lot of drab juveniles.

Highlights:
a.. Hooded Merganser -; five at the Rowing Club ponds. Our first sightings on a Thursday since April
b.. California Quail -; one heard well on far side of slough, just above the weir. Only 2nd of the year; other record was from the end of March
c.. Virginia Rail -; two heard (one glimpsed by Kazuto) from far side of slough just south of the Dog Area -; our first in months
d.. "Black-wingtipped" Gull -; one that we couldn't quite get to species. Probably Ring-billed or California
e.. Caspian Tern -; several. We've had Caspians 9 of the last 10 weeks, far more regularly than in most years
f.. Green Heron -; juvenile at weir and along slough; our first group sighting of the year (I had a brief look at one in May as I left the park)
g.. Hairy Woodpecker -; one in the East Meadow
h.. Merlin -; several sightings, including two at one time with some calling between them
i.. OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER -; one in the East Meadow -; only our 2nd July sighting ever
j.. Tree Swallow -; 2+, after a two week absence. Will likely leave in the next 1-3 weeks
k.. Yellow Warbler -; down to just one, at the Rowing Club, not singing
l.. BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER -; apparent juvenile at the Rowing Club, first since May
m.. Black-headed Grosbeak -; down to two non-singing adult males
n.. Lazuli Bunting -; had only 1-2 males near the Viewing Mound, not singing
We had some nice looks at RIVER OTTER in the slough

I did a quick analysis, and 2021's ten records of CASPIAN TERN represent over 10% of all CATE records for the survey. Given that the survey is in its 28th year, that's quite notable.

A late scan of the lake was very fruitful, with the only GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, VAUX'S SWIFT, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW, and BAND-TAILED PIGEONS of the day.

Misses for the day were Pied-billed Grebe, Rufous Hummingbird, Cliff Swallow, Red-winged Blackbird, and Brown-headed Cowbird.

For the day, 62 species!

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

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