Hi Tweets,

We only added two new year species in February. There was a White-throated Sparrow (code 3) in a private yard in the Edmonds Bowl, starting 2-6 and reported through 2-24. A Swamp Sparrow (code 5) was at the marsh briefly on 2-27. It could not be relocated after it flew.

One big miss so far is Western Meadowlark (code 3), which is usually seen in winter either at Marina Beach or around the marsh. Sanderling reports fell off significantly from the large numbers in January. The Great Horned Owl that spends some time in the Seaview neighborhood was heard calling in late February, for the first tie since it was recorded in late January.

We declined to add more species to our collective year list than we added. We reviewed eBird reports for six other species and opted not to add them as the checklists did not contain either field mark descriptions or a photo or audio recording. They were birds that are unusual for Edmonds or for the time of year, from observers whom we do not know and have no ability to contact for additional information. We, thus, take a conservative approach and hold off for sightings that have documentation.

Late Report: I forgot to include in the January roundup a sighting of Trumpeter Swans (code 4) from Point Edwards on 1-25.

We are at 106 species for the year. As always, I appreciate it when birders get in touch with me to share sightings, photos, or audio. It helps us build our collective year list. If you would like a copy of our 2021 city checklist, please request it at checklistedmonds at gmail dot com. If you bird in Edmonds, I would encourage you to get the checklist so that you can see which birds are less likely to be seen here than in other parts of Snohomish County. It can help you decide when it might be appropriate to add documentation or to let me know about your observation. The 2021 checklist is now posted in the bird information box at the Olympic Beach Visitor Station at the base of the public pier. I will update it periodically.

Good birding,

Carol Riddell
Edmonds, WA
cariddellwa at gmail dot com

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