Yeah, we were lamenting the lost opportunity - Michael absences are usually an invitation for rarities, and we struck out - good birds, for sure, but the system seems to have missed a golden opportunity.

Matt


> On May 23, 2024, at 4:14 PM, Louise via Tweeters <tweeters at u.washington.edu> wrote:

>

> Michael's been away for two weeks and you still haven't found any amazing rarities for him to miss out on? The system must be broken!

>

> Louise Rutter

> Kirkland

>

> On Thu, May 23, 2024 at 4:05 PM Matt Bartels via Tweeters <tweeters at u.washington.edu <mailto:tweeters at u.washington.edu>> wrote:

>> Hi Tweeters -

>> Unlike last week's walk, we stayed dry today - not particularly sunny, but dry - the birds were much more cooperative than last week, and we enjoyed a pleasant day at Marymoor.

>>

>> With Michael still away, 6 of us combined forces to take on the walk today. We came up with 62 species for the day.

>>

>> Highlights:

>> 2 Blue-winged Teal males - first-of-year [FOY] flew past us, then circled around and landed for great views just below the weir

>> Black Swift - several overhead near the south end of the off-leash dog area - FOY

>> Willow Flycatcher - 2 or 3 fitz-bew-ing away, never seen, but still a good FOY, right on schedule

>> Western Kingbird - 2 , FOY for the walk [3 reported at Marymoor yesterday, and others earlier]

>>

>> Black-headed Grosbeak - seemingly constantly auduble throughout the walk

>> Swainson's Thrush - they, too, are fully back - lots more singing today, along with regular whits and other calls throughout

>> Vaux's Swifts - large flock hunting low over the dog area

>> babies seen included: Mallard, Great Blue Heron, and Dark-eyed Juncos

>>

>> Misses for the day: Spotted Sandpiper, Green Heron, Virginia Rail, Pileated Woodpecker, Bullock's Oriole [might have heard a little chattering] and Yellow-rumped Warbler.

>>

>>

>> Matt Bartels

>> Seattle, WA

>>

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