Hi Tweets -
Today for the weekly Marymoor walk Brian Bell & I were subbing for Michael. This time of year, the day can be all over the place -; early winter bird arrivals, lingering summer birds, both of them, or nothing. You never really know. Well today started off looking like the day would be a strong one, but before long things calmed down and we ended up with a pretty quiet day. A decent breeze throughout might have made a difference, but overall it was still a fun day with several birds.

Highlights:
Cackling Goose - one came in with a small flock of Canada's - some of the group heard the distinct call first among the other birds, and it was great to have the visual confirmation of this FOF [First of Fall]
Vaux's Swift- about a dozen flew by - getting late
Green Heron - 2 flybys by presumably the same bird -Northern Harrier - one over the East Meadow just before the official start
American Kestrel - one over the soccer fields, another unusual Marymoor bird
Barn Swallow - about 10 from the lake viewing platform were our only swallows for the day
Swainson's Thrush - still several around 'whit-ing' pre-dawn, maybe 10ish?
American Pipit - several flew over before start - part of that early sign of a birdy day - we never heard or saw them again, alas
Fox Sparrow - once again present for the walk, but heard only in the bushes
Golden-crowned Sparrows - a handful around for another FOF
Orange-crowned Warbler - two at the rowing club
Yellow-rumped Warbler - a handful below the weir, still not moving through in large numbers

Misses:
Biggest miss was Great Blue Heron
Also missed Ring-necked Pheasant, owls, European Starling.


For the day 56 species

Matt Bartels
Seattle, WA