Trip Report: Silvana Roads

Photo: Wilson’s Snipe by Mick Thompson

April 5, 2022

The wet pastures of the Stillaguamish Valley and the marshes of the Port Susan Bay Conservancy provided their usual high numbers of waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors, alhough misty rain in the morning and breezy conditions in the afternoon made for much birding by car rather than extended walking. Thousands of Snow Geese were still near the Conservancy, while other highlights included Wilson’s Snipe, Long-billed Dowitcher, Virginia Rail, Northern Shrike, Rough-legged Hawk, Peregrine Falcon and Common Yellowthroat..

64 Species (Approx. Qty.)

Attendees: Virginia, Phil, Jim, Dianna, Ken, John, Rex, Maureen, Bruce, Rick, Frank, Melinda, Sue, Bev, Judy B., Karen, Wilma, Amy, Doug, Pam, Victor

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Snow Goose (7000), Canada Goose (6), Trumpeter Swan (7), Gadwall (2), American Wigeon (332), Mallard (60), Northern Shoveler (112), Northern Pintail (1), Green-winged Teal (48), Ring-necked Duck (3), Lesser Scaup (40), Surf Scoter (16), Bufflehead (8), Hooded Merganser (1), Ruddy Duck (1).

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Great Blue Heron (1)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (9), Northern Harrier (2), Red-tailed Hawk (3), Rough-legged Hawk (1), American Kestrel (5), Peregrine Falcon (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Killdeer (1), Greater Yellowlegs (3), Dunlin (12), Wilson’s Snipe (2)

GULLS, TERNS: Glaucous-winged Gull (80)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (40), Eurasian Collared-Dove (1), Mourning Dove (2)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (1)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (2)

SHRIKES, VIREOS: Northern Shrike (1), Hutton’s Vireo (1)

CORVIDS: Steller’s Jay (3), American Crow (6), Common Raven (3)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Tree Swallow (40), Violet-green Swallow (40), Cliff Swallow (1), Barn Swallow (6)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (2)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (1), Pacific Wren (2)

THRUSHES: American Robin (55), Varied Thrush (2)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (8)

WARBLERS, CHATS: Common Yellowthroat (2), Yellow-rumped Warbler (4)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (2), Savannah Sparrow (4), Song Sparrow (6), White-crowned Sparrow (12), Golden-crowned Sparrow (2), Dark-eyed Junco (6)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (20), Brewer’s Blackbird (12), Brown-headed Cowbird (2)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: Purple Finch (2), House Finch (3), Pine Siskin (1), House Sparrow (2)

Trip Report: Kiket Island

Photo: Brant by Brian Zinke

March 29, 2022

There were loads of waterfowl to be seen at Kiket Island, Similk Beach and March Point under cloudy and partly sunny skies. They included 1000+ Brants, a single raft of 300+ Buffleheads, Long-tailed Ducks, White-winged Scoters, three loon species and a number of Red-breasted Mergansers. At Similk Beach, we watched at least 20 Wilson’s Snipe fluttering among the cattails. Rough-legged Hawk, Black Oystercatcher, Orange-crowned Warbler, Purple Finch and Rufous Hummingbird were other nice finds.

68 Species (Approx. Qty.)

Attendees: Virginia, Phil, Jim, Dianna, Ken, Jeff, John, Rex, Charlotte, Maureen, Bruce, Sue, Bev, Carlos, Allen, Judy B., Judy Lo., Karen, Wilma, Amy, Junelle, Nancy, Merilee

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Snow Goose (5000), Brant (1000), Canada Goose (24), Trumpeter Swan (150), Gadwall (2), American Wigeon (150), Mallard (200), Northern Pintail (650), Green-winged Teal (80), Greater Scaup (200), Lesser Scaup (200), Surf Scoter (16), White-winged Scoter (6), Long-tailed Duck (4), Bufflehead (335), Common Goldeneye (20), Hooded Merganser (2), Red-breasted Merganser (526, Ruddy Duck (5).

LOONS, GREBES: Red-throated Loon (2), Pacific Loon (1), Common Loon (3), Pied=billed Grebe (1), Horned Grebe (6), Red-necked Grebe (9)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (38), Pelagic Cormorant (100), Great Blue Heron (35)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (6), Northern Harrier (2), Red-tailed Hawk (2), Rough-legged Hawk (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Black Oystercatcher (2), Greater Yellowlegs (2), Wilson’s Snipe (20)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (16), Glaucous-winged Gull (60)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (8), Eurasian Collared-Dove (2), Mourning Dove (1)

ALCIDS, JAEGERS: Pigeon Guillemot (6), Rhinoceros Auklet (2)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (4), Eurasian Collared-Dove (2), Mourning Dove (1)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (1), Rufous Hummingbird (3)

WOODPECKERS: Downy Woodpecker (1), Northern Flicker (1)

CORVIDS: American Crow (13)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Tree Swallow (4), Violet-green Swallow (8)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (2)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (2), Pacific Wren (1)

THRUSHES: American Robin (9)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (2)

WARBLERS, CHATS: Orange-crowned Warbler (1)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (5), Song Sparrow (8), White-crowned Sparrow (10), Golden-crowned Sparrow (2), Dark-eyed Junco (1)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (12), Brewer’s Blackbird (10)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: Purple Finch (2), House Finch (6), Pine Siskin (1), House Sparrow (1)

Trip Report: Snohomish

Photo: Great Blue Herons by Ken Lassman

March 22, 2022

A light mist left us early, and we enjoyed a nice day of birding at several sites around the Snohomish area. Highlights included several Wood Ducks, an active herony and a Rufous Hummingbird at Audubon’s Riverview Wildlife Refuge, newly arrived swallows along the Fobes Road dike, Varied Thrush and Purple Finch. On the Snohomish flats, we saw about 500 Snow Geese take off and head north. Much thanks to Doug and his wife for their lunchtime hospitality.

55 Species (Approx. Qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Virginia, Jim, Paul, Valerie, Dianna, Rick, Ken, Melinda, Bev, Sue, Bruce, Frank, Judy Lo., Rex, Doug, Karen, Steve, Pam, John, Amy, Wilma, Carlos, Maureen

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Snow Goose (500), Canada Goose (16), Wood Duck (9), Gadwall (24), American Wigeon (4), Mallard (165), Northern Shoveler (12), Northern Pintail (3), Green-winged Teal (6), Ring-necked Duck (30), Lesser Scaup (50), Bufflehead (9), Common Merganser (2), Ruddy Duck (1)

LOON, GREBES: Pied-billed Grebe (7)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (2), Great Blue Heron (25)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (1), Cooper’s Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (7)

GULLS, TERNS: Glaucous-winged Gull (12)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Eurasian Collared-Dove (2)

HUMMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (3), Rufous Hummingbird (1)

WOODPECKERS: Red-breasted Sapsucker (2), Downy Woodpecker (2), Hairy Woodpecker (2), Northern Flicker (3)

CORVIDS: Steller’s Jay (3) American Crow (15)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (4), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (3), Bushtit (1)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (7), Pacific Wren (5), Marsh Wren (1)

KINGLETS: Golden-crowned Kinglet (1), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (8)

THRUSHES: American Robin (28), Varied Thrush (2)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (13)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (5), Fox Sparrow (2), Song Sparrow (10), White-crowned Sparrow (8), Golden-crowned Sparrow (12), Dark-eyed Junco (2)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (10)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: Purple Finch (2), House Finch (2), Pine Siskin (10)

Trip Report: Blaine & Semiahmoo

Photo: Long-tailed Duck by Mick Thompson

March 15, 2022

The rain (and hail) held off until 2:30, so it turned out to be a pretty good day of birding at Blaine, Semiahmoo, Birch Bay and Lake Terrell. A Eurasian Whimbrel at the Drayton Harbor boat launch had to be the highlight bird of the day for some of us. Another was a huge raft of geese and ducks off of the Semiahmoo spit. We also were pleased to find Long-tailed Ducks, Black and White-winged Scoters, Eurasian Wigeons, Sanderlings, Black Oystercatchers, Harlequin Ducks and dozens of Black Turnstones, Common Loons and Pacific Loons.

59 Species (Approx. Qty.)

Attendees: Virginia, Phil, Jim, Dianna, Victor, Ken, Frank, Melinda, Rex, Jeff, Carlos, Doug, Judy B., Judy Lo., Val, Karen

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Brant (300), Canada Goose (8), Eurasian Wigeon (3), American Wigeon (100), Mallard (50), Northern Shoveler (1), Northern Pintail (6), Green-winged Teal (14), Ring-necked Duck (1), Lesser Scaup (2), Harlequin Duck (20), Surf Scoter (700), White-winged Scoter (150), Black Scoter (8), Long-tailed Duck (5), Bufflehead (25), Common Goldeneye (15), Common Merganser (215), Red-breasted Merganser (5), Ruddy Duck (1).

LOONS, GREBES: Red-throated Loon (2), Pacific Loon (50), Common Loon (25), Horned Grebe (9), Red-necked Grebe (5)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (300), Pelagic Cormorant (10), Great Blue Heron (18)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (3), Red-tailed Hawk (1), American Kestrel (1)

RAILS, CRANES: American Coot (100)

SHOREBIRDS: Killdeer (3), Black Oystercatcher (2), Greater Yellowlegs (4), Whimbrel (1), Black Turnstone (53), Sanderling (15)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (15), Iceland Gull (Thayer’s) (2), Glaucous-winged Gull (100)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (8), Eurasian Collared-Dove (2)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (2)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (1)

CORVIDS: American Crow (28)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (2)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (5)

THRUSHES: American Robin (15), Varied Thrush (2)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (1)

SPARROWS, TANAGERS: Spotted Towhee (2), Fox Sparrow (2), Song Sparrow (8), White-crowned Sparrow (5), Golden-crowned Sparrow (12), Dark-eyed Junco (3)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (1)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (1), House Sparrow (1)

Trip Report: Samish Flats and Fir Island

Photo: White-winged Scoter by Mick Thompson

March 8, 2022

A large group of 22 explored the Samish Flats, Samish Island and Fir Island for late winter raptors and waterfowl. No success on the Prairie Falcon, but the tally did include Rough-legged Hawks, Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Peregrine Falcon and numerous Bald Eagles. Other highlights were Long-tailed Ducks, White-winged Scoters and 2022’s first Rufous Hummingbird at Samish Island, plus Wilson’s Snipe, Canvasback, and an early Violet-green Swallow.

71 Species (Approx. Qty.)

Attendees: Virginia, Jim, Phil, Mike, Ken, Frank, Rex, Reg, Jeff, Judy Lo., Judy B., Karen, Wilma, Val, Barb, Pam, John, Amy, Bruce, Dianna, Allen, Victor

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Snow Goose (6,000), Brant (22) Cackling Goose (30), Canada Goose (4), Trumpeter Swan (900), Tundra Swan (3), Gadwall (2), Eurasian Wigeon (9), American Wigeon (400), Mallard (500), Northern Shoveler (24), Northern Pintail (47), Green-winged Teal (25), Ring-necked Duck (1), Canvasback (1), Greater Scaup (450), Surf Scoter (50), White-winged Scoter (4)k Long-tailed Duck (10), Bufflehead (30), Common Goldeneye (6), Hooded Merganser (1), Common Merganser (12), Red-breasted Merganser (14)

LOONS, GREBES: Pacific Loon (1), Common Loon (1), Horned Grebe (1), Red-necked Grebe (1)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (26), Great Blue Heron (17)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (31), Northern Harrier (4), Cooper’s Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (14), Rough-legged Hawk (2), American Kestrel (2), Peregrine Falcon (1)

RAILS, CRANES: American Coot (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Killdeer (3), Greater Yellowlegs (7), Dunlin (1,000), Wilson’s Snipe (3)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (16), Glaucous-winged Gull (15)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (8), Eurasian Collared-Dove (3), Mourning Dove (1)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (1), Rufous Hummingbird (1)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (2)

CORVIDS: American Crow (24), Common Raven (1)

LARKS, SWALLOWS: Violet-green Swallow (1)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (2), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (4)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (1), Marsh Wren (1)

THRUSHES: American Robin (34)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (200)

SPARROWS, TANAGERS: Spotted Towhee (2), Song Sparrow (2), White-crowned Sparrow (4), Golden-crowned Sparrow (3), Dark-eyed Junco (2)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (300), Western Meadowlark (1), Brewer’s Blackbird (23)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (2), Pine Siskin (20), House Sparrow (1)

Trip Report: Northeast Seattle

Photo: Yellow-rumped Warbler by Mick Thompson

March 1, 2022

The Montlake Fill, Arboretum, Magnuson Park and Kenmore was our itinerary for the first time in several years and offered some good birding for our group of 15. The trip finished with a rare Glaucous Gull that has spent several weeks in the Kenmore area. Other highlights were a dozen Greater White-fronted Geese, 17 Wood Ducks, a Redhead, Brown Creepers, Varied Thrushes and Yellow-rumped Warblers.

58 Species (Approx. Qty.)

Attendees: Virginia, Jim, Graham, Ken, Rick, Rex, Reg, Melinda, Jeff, Sue, Judy La., Kameron, Judy B., Karen, Carlos

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Greater White-fronted Goose (12), Brant (1) Canada Goose (6), Wood Duck (17), Gadwall (15), Eurasian Wigeon (2), American Wigeon (50), Mallard (60), Northern Shoveler (12), Green-winged Teal (6), Redhead (1), Ring-necked Duck (65), Greater Scaup (2), Bufflehead (10), Common Goldeneye (1), Hooded Merganser (7), Common Merganser (5)

LOONS, GREBES: Pied-billed Grebe (6)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (14), Great Blue Heron (5)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (4), Cooper’s Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (1)

RAILS, CRANES: American Coot (25)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (40), Ring-billed Gull (1), Glaucous Gull (1), Glaucous-winged Gull (12)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (2)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (1)

WOODPECKERS: Downy Woodpecker (1), Northern Flicker (5)

CORVIDS: Steller’s Jay (1), American Crow (50)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (4), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (2), Bushtit (6)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (2), Pacific Wren (1), Marsh Wren (6)

THRUSHES: American Robin (23), Varied Thrush (2)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (20)

LONGSPURS, WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped Warbler (2)

SPARROWS, TANAGERS: Spotted Towhee (1), Fox Sparrow (3), Song Sparrow (6), White-crowned Sparrow (6), Golden-crowned Sparrow (10), Dark-eyed Junco (6)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (16)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (2), Pine Siskin (20)

Trip Report: Spencer Island

Photo: Pied-billed Grebe by Mick Thompson

February 22, 2022

Chilly conditions did not deter 15 intrepid birders from birding at Spencer Island, the Everett Sewage Lagoons and the Ebey Waterfront Trail. Teri and Jeff spotted a Tufted Duck x Scaup hybrid in the north sewage lagoon. A Peregrine Falcon (Peale’s), Northern Harriers, and a pair of Long-billed Dowitchers also were seen among the expected ducks, raptors and shorebirds. Alas, no Common Redpolls.

41 Species and 1 Hybrid (Approx. Qty.)

Attendees: Virginia, Jim, Teri, Ken, Dianna, Rick, Rex, Melinda, Val, Reg, Jeff, Sue, Judy Lo., Doug, Karen

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Canada Goose (15), Gadwall (6), American Wigeon (8), Mallard (115), Northern Shoveler (500), Northern Pintail (300), Green-winged Teal (100), Ring-necked Duck (200), Greater Scaup (2), Lesser Scaup (1000), Tufted Duck x Scaup (1), Bufflehead (4), Common Merganser (2), Ruddy Duck (120).

LOONS, GREBES: Pied-billed Grebe (1)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (1), Great Blue Heron (3)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (6), Northern Harrier (2), Cooper’s Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (4), Peregrine Falcon (1)

RAILS, CRANES: American Coot (15)

SHOREBIRDS: Killdeer (12), Greater Yellowlegs (7), Dunlin (150), Long-billed Dowitcher (2)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (10), Ring-billed Gull (4), Glaucous-winged Gull (120)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (35)

WOODPECKERS: Downy Woodpecker (1), Northern Flicker (1)

CORVIDS: American Crow (3)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (2)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (2), Marsh Wren (1)

THRUSHES: American Robin (6)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (2)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Song Sparrow (2), Golden-crowned Sparrow (2)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (4)

Trip Report: North Whidbey Island

Photo: Redhead by Mick Thompson

February 15, 2022

Mostly cloudy skies and calm winds made for great waterbirding, although the land-based passerines were scarce. Long-tailed Ducks at Hastie Lake Beach Access made for a great finish after a day that also included Redheads, Canvasbacks, Harlequins, Black Oystercatchers, Surfbirds, Black Turnstones, Virginia Rails, Wilson Snipe, numerous Red-throated Loons, Brandt’s Cormorants with white breeding feathers, a pair of Varied Thrush and a Merlin.

76 Species (Approx. Qty.)

Attendees: Virginia, Phil, Jim, Graham, Teri, Ken, Dianna, Rick, Victor, Rex, Merilee, Val, Junelle, Nancy, Charlotte, Reg, Jeff, Sue, Bev, Melinda, Doug, Steve, Barb, Bruce, Karen

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Snow Goose (52), Canada Goose (10), Trumpeter Swan (60), Gadwall (4), American Wigeon (12), Mallard (2), Northern Pintail (24), Green-winged Teal (6), Ring-necked Duck (1), Canvasback (75), Redhead (4), Greater Scaup (13), Lesser Scaup (12), Harlequin Duck (4), Surf Scoter (10), Long-tailed Duck (5), Bufflehead (37), Common Goldeneye (5), Barrow’s Goldeneye (4) Hooded Merganser (14), Common Merganser (12), Red-breasted Merganser (37), Ruddy Duck (20).

LOONS, GREBES: Red-throated Loon (102), Pacific Loon (1), Common Loon (8), Pied-billed Grebe (3), Horned Grebe (5), Red-necked Grebe (7), Western Grebe (29)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Brandt’s Cormorant (8), Double-crested Cormorant (24), Pelagic Cormorant (15), Great Blue Heron (7)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (5), Northern Harrier (1), Cooper’s Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (9), American Kestrel (2), Merlin (1)

RAILS, CRANES: Virginia Rail (2), American Coot (23)

SHOREBIRDS: Black Oystercatcher (4), Greater Yellowlegs (3), Black Turnstone (2), Surfbird (4), Wilson’s Snipe (3)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (25), Glaucous-winged Gull (30)

ALCIDS, JAEGERS: Common Murre (4), Pigeon Guillemot (34), Marbled Murrelet (2)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (2), Eurasian Collared-Dove (1)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (1)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (2)

WOODPECKERS: Downy Woodpecker (1), Northern Flicker (1), Pileated Woodpecker (1)

CORVIDS: American Crow (16), Common Raven (1)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (4)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Red-breasted Nuthatch (1), Brown Creeper (1)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (1), Pacific Wren (1), Marsh Wren (1)

THRUSHES: American Robin (2), Varied Thrush (2)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (300)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (2), Song Sparrow (4), Dark-eyed Junco (6)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (15), Brewer’s Blackbird (4)

Just Another LBB?

Photo above: Dark-eyed Junco by Rex Guichard

By Susan Cooke

I recognize eagles. I watch them soar, circling upward, from my living room windows. From my third-floor condo, they look like they are heading into the clouds. Occasionally, a smaller bird, usually with what I think of as a courageous friend, chases them away. Are those crows? Sparrows? Hawks? I have absolutely no idea, to me, they are nearly all LBB (little brown/black birds).

In spring, I see small birds with flashes of yellow. They flit in and out of the tree in front of my windows, frequently taking a quick detour from the tree limbs to my deck. They land on the railing, and then head back to the safety and shade of the tree. I decided they must be Goldfinches. It helps that the Goldfinch is the state bird of Washington, so that really clinched my uninformed decision.

If you consider broad classifications, I recognize owls. I wouldn’t know a Barred Owl from a Barn Owl. Owls are large and unusual looking. It makes it much easier to see them. Clearly, my knowledge of our avian companions is neither deep nor wide.

So, why was I signed up for an Audubon class? I clearly have not had a lifelong interest or fascination with birds. I can name, at most, twenty birds. I can recognize about ten. The expression “LBB” was invented for people like me. All birds look alike to me. Birds that are colorful, like the Steller's Jay, cardinal, or Wood Ducks, stand out enough to be noticed and recognized. Otherwise. I simply can’t see them. And I’m not about to spend $1000 on great binoculars in the hopes of looking for wildlife that I can’t even name.

I hike. Walking up trails, through the trees in the spring, I hear bird song. I had decided they are all robins, because that way I can give them a name and feel like I’m more at home in the woods. Except, there are a lot of different bird songs, different calls. Who am I kidding? They can’t all be robins! But then, what are they? Still not buying $1000 binoculars to figure it out.

In March, the Seattle Times had an article on birds in the spring, and it included links to the songs of each bird (https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/9-common-seattle-backyard-birds-to-listen-for-in-the-spring/). Even I, a person with absolutely no ability to find birds, might be able to recognize just one bird that I hear. So, I found the Pilchuck Audubon class, Who’s calling, please? Introducing ‘birding by ear.’ Perfect. The course promised we would learn the song of one bird. It suggested we might learn more, but really, I felt learning one bird was do-able. Not five, not ten. Just one bird.

My sister, Joyce, and I logged onto the online class and our instructor, Whitney Neufeld-Kaiser, a Master Birder, introduced us to the junco. I had no idea what a junco was, where they lived, or what they looked like. She played their calls, showed us spectrographs of the calls, and took us to the Cornell website (https://www.macaulaylibrary.org/) and to xeno-canto (https://www.xeno-canto.org/) to hear more. By the end of the class, I knew that if I walked in the woods and heard a sound like the ringing of an old-fashioned land line, brrrrring, brrriiing, brrrring, it was a junco.

Suddenly, I heard juncos everywhere! On a hike in the Redmond Watershed, walking up the street by my house, simply everywhere. Joyce and I were doing an easy walk along through a neighborhood. I heard a sound, was it a junco? Two women were walking towards us, and just as they got near us, we crossed the street, so we could hear the bird better. With Covid on everyone’s mind, they called to us, “We didn’t mean to make you cross the street!”

“Oh, no. We were listening to that bird and wanted to get closer. We think it’s a junco.” We explained about the telephone like calls. Now two more women can identify a junco.

Last week, a friend who has become an avid birder sent a picture of a bird enjoying her water feature on her deck.

“What is the bird?” I messaged back to her.

“A junco,” she texted.

Ah, I still don’t know a junco when I see one. But if, when, I hear the sound in the woods, I know a junco when I hear it.

Dark-eyed Junco by Mick Thompson

Dark-eyed Junco by Mick Thompson

Dark-eyed Junco by Mick Thompson

Trip Report: Monroe to Carnation

Photo: Whooper Swan by Phil Dickinson

February 8, 2022

A Whooper Swan clearly was the highlight among highlights during our tour of sites from Lake Tye in Monroe to Tolt-McDonald Park in Carnation. When Rex Guichard discovered this Eurasian swan species near the Monroe prison farm pond, it was only the second recorded sighting in Washington (the first was 15 years ago). Dozens of birders have been able to enjoy this bird in the following days. Two male Redheads at Lord’s Lake, Merlin on a post next to our cars on Tualco Loop Rd., Black Phoebe at Crescent Lake WMA and Short-eared Owl at Sikes Lake were other uncommon species seen during our trip.

Whooper Swan, in the middle with the yellow and black bill.

66 Species (Approx. Qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Virginia, Graham, Valerie, Victor, Dianna, Rick, Reg, Judy Lo., Rex, Judy La., Kameron, Doug, Karen, Joe, Sandy

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Cackling Goose (154), Canada Goose (109), Whooper Swan (1), Trumpeter Swan (400), Tundra Swan (10), Wood Duck (1), Gadwall (2), Eurasian Wigeon (1), American Wigeon (300), Mallard (250), Northern Shoveler (3), Northern Pintail (200), Green-winged Teal (58), Ring-necked Duck (40), Redhead (2), Greater Scaup (1), Lesser Scaup (1), Bufflehead (12), Common Goldeneye (1), Hooded Merganser (4), Common Merganser (4)

LOON, GREBES: Pied-billed Grebe (6)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (2), Great Blue Heron (5)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (14), Northern Harrier (4), Sharp-shinned Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (5), American Kestrel (4), Merlin (1), Peregrine Falcon (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Wilson’s Snipe (2)

GULLS, TERNS: Glaucous-winged Gull (12)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (4), Eurasian Collared-Dove (4), Mourning Dove (20)

OWLS: Short-eared Owl (1)

HUMMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (2)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (1)

WOODPECKERS: Red-breasted Sapsucker (1), Downy Woodpecker (2), Northern Flicker (1), Pileated Woodpecker (1)

FLYCATCHERS: Black Phoebe (1)

CORVIDS: Steller’s Jay (1) American Crow (315), Common Raven (30)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (6), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (3)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (1), Marsh Wren (2)

KINGLETS: Golden-crowned Kinglet (2), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (6)

THRUSHES: American Robin (4)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (200)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (1), Song Sparrow (11), Lincoln’s Sparrow (1), White-crowned Sparrow (2), Golden-crowned Sparrow (6), Dark-eyed Junco (4)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (58), Brewer’s Blackbird (150),

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: Pine Siskin (30), House Sparrow (1)

Trip Report: Fir Island/Samish Flats

Photo: Prairie Falcon by Evan Barrientos/Audubon Rockies

February 1, 2022

Gyrfalcon, Prairie Falcon, Peregrine Falcon and American Kestrel made it a four-falcon day and were life birds for several. The first two led us to detour from some of our regular Fir Island stops to head north to the Samish Flats, and it was well worth it. We also saw several Rough-legged Hawks, Northern Harriers and Bald Eagles during the day. Other interesting birds included Sharp-shinned Hawk, Long-billed Dowitcher, Pileated Woodpecker and Northern Shrike, plus Frank Caruso’s singing Townsend Solitaire.

57 Species (Approx. Qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Virginia, Jim, Graham, Valerie, Victor, Dianna, Charlotte, Rick, Melinda, Ken, Reg, Teri, Frank, Judy Lo., Amy, Rex, Judy La., Kameron, Merilee, Junelle

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Snow Goose (500), Canada Goose (2), Trumpeter Swan (1000), Tundra Swan (2), Eurasian Wigeon (7), American Wigeon (3000), Mallard (700), Northern Shoveler (1), Northern Pintail (7), Green-winged Teal (36), Ring-necked Duck (12), Bufflehead (2), Common Hooded Merganser (8)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (1), Great Blue Heron (8)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (24), Northern Harrier (7), Sharp-shinned Hawk (1), Cooper’s Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (10), Rough-legged Hawk (4), American Kestrel (5), Gyrfalcon (1), Peregrine Falcon (2), Prairie Falcon (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Greater Yellowlegs (12), Dunlin (200), Long-billed Dowitcher (6)

GULLS, TERNS: Glaucous-winged Gull (15)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Eurasian Collared-Dove (8), Mourning Dove (14)

HUMMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (3)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (1)

WOODPECKERS: Downy Woodpecker (1), Northern Flicker (4), Pileated Woodpecker (1)

CORVIDS: American Crow (6), Common Raven (5)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (1), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (1)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (1)

THRUSHES: Townsend’s Solitaire (1), American Robin (5)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (300)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (5), Fox Sparrow (1), Song Sparrow (2), White-crowned Sparrow (30), Golden-crowned Sparrow (26), Dark-eyed Junco (6)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (100), Brewer’s Blackbird (25),

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: Purple Finch (1), House Finch (4), Pine Siskin (100), House Sparrow (6)

Trip Report: Camano Island

Photo: Green-winged Teal by Gerald Lisi / Audubon Photography Awards

January 25, 2022

It was foggy at home, but surprisingly good visibility and even some mid-afternoon sunshine led to some great birding on Camano Island. Among 75 species, a Merlin enjoying breakfast, ten Surfbirds, two nice groups of Black Turnstones and a raft of several dozen Western Grebes were highlights for the group. Passerines were scarce, but we did find two or three of most of the common species.

75 Species (Approx. Qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Graham, Ken, Reg, Teri, Frank, Jim, Robin, Judy Lo., Carlos, Pam, John, Amy, Rex

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Snow Goose (75), Cackling Goose (200), Canada Goose (2000, Trumpeter Swan (55), Tundra Swan (1), Gadwall (4), Eurasian Wigeon (1), American Wigeon (50), Mallard (40), Northern Pintail (12), Green-winged Teal (700), Ring-necked Duck (12), Greater Scaup (5), Surf Scoter (22), Bufflehead (18), Common Goldeneye (6), Barrow’s Goldeneye (36), Hooded Merganser (1), Common Merganser (14), Red-breasted Merganser (6)

GALLINACEOUS BIRDS: Wild Turkey (1)

LOONS, GREBES: Red-throated Loon (7), Common Loon (3), Horned Grebe (2), Red-necked Grebe (5), Western Grebe (150)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (6), Pelagic Cormorant (2) Great Blue Heron (22)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (4), Northern Harrier (3), Sharp-shinned Hawk (1), Cooper’s Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (5), Merlin (1)

RAILS, CRANES: American Coot (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Greater Yellowlegs (4), Black Turnstone (17), Surfbird (10), Sanderling 2)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (250), Ring-billed Gull (2), Glaucous-winged Gull (50)

ALCIDS, JAEGERS: Pigeon Guillemot (6)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (32), Eurasian Collared-Dove (4), Mourning Dove (2)

HUMMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (4)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (2)

WOODPECKERS: Hairy Woodpecker (1), Northern Flicker (6)

CORVIDS: Steller’s Jay (1), American Crow (4)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (2), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (2), Bushtit (1)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Red-breasted Nuthatch (3), Brown Creeper (3)

KINGLETS: Golden-crowned Kinglet (3)

THRUSHES: American Robin (2)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (300)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (4), Fox Sparrow (4), Song Sparrow (3), White-crowned Sparrow (3), Dark-eyed Junco (6)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Red-winged Blackbird (150), Brewer’s Blackbird (75), Brown-headed Cowbird (4)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (4), Pine Siskin (20), House Sparrow (3)

Trip Report: Port Townsend

Photo: Surf Scoter by Mathew Malwitz/Audubon Photography Awards

January 18, 2022

The birds made up for the issues presented by limited ferry service, although the latter made for a late evening for all. Our car found it impossible to pick a Bird of the Day among five Black Scoters at Port Gamble, Surfbird, at least nine Black Oystercatchers, dozens of Common Murres, all three loons, and both Ancient and Marbled Murrelets. We did fail to find the Port Townsend Blue Jay, although it apparently turned up only three blocks from where were looking.

62 Species (Approx. Qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Graham, Joe, Sandy, Ken, Rick, Reg, Teri, Allen, Robin, Judy La., Kameron

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Canada Goose (1), Brant (300), Trumpeter Swan (8), Gadwall (2), American Wigeon (500), Mallard (300), Northern Pintail (400), Green-winged Teal (7), Harlequin Duck (5), Surf Scoter (50), Black Scoter (5), Long-tailed Duck (1), Bufflehead (40), Common Goldeneye (40), Barrow’s Goldeneye (3), Hooded Merganser (12), Red-breasted Merganser (200)

LOONS, GREBES: Red-throated Loon (2), Pacific Loon (56), Common Loon (12), Pied-billed Grebe (1), Horned Grebe (75), Red-necked Grebe (6), Western Grebe (1)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Brandt’s Cormorant (1), Double-crested Cormorant (10), Pelagic Cormorant (12) Great Blue Heron (2)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (4)

SHOREBIRDS: Black Oystercatchers (9), Greater Yellowlegs (5), Black Turnstone (9), Surfbird (1) Sanderling (15), Dunlin (10)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (20), Glaucous-winged Gull (100)

ALCIDS, JAEGERS: Common Murre (200), Pigeon Guillemot (18), Marbled Murrelet (12), Ancient Murrelet (4)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (15), Mourning Dove (10)

HUMMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (4)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (3)

CORVIDS: Steller’s Jay (1), American Crow (6), Common Raven (2)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Bushtit (20)

KINGLETS: Golden-crowned Kinglet (1)

THRUSHES: American Robin (2)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (8)

WAXWINGS, PIPITS: Cedar Waxwing (16)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (3), Fox Sparrow (2), Song Sparrow (6), White-crowned Sparrow (2), Dark-eyed Junco (8)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (6), House Sparrow (20)

Trip Report: Samish Flats

Photo: Emperor Goose by Lynne Murphy / Great Backyard Bird Count

January 11, 2022

A half day of great birding is better than none, especially when a rarity like an Emperor Goose is involved. Before hitting the Samish Flats our group stopped behind the Swinomish Casino to see this bird that has been hanging out with Brants for a few weeks – a life bird for many of our crew. There was a massive flock of Snow Geese on Padilla Bay, lots of ducks and eagles on the very wet flats, plus a Rough-legged Hawk at the West 90. A mid-day stop on Samish Island featured Long-tailed Ducks and a few songbirds before the rain finally arrived. There was not much chance for a Short-eared Owl on the East 90 in the rain; we tried but were unsuccessful.

48 Species (Approx. Qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Jim, Graham, Dianna, Joe, Sandy, Ken, Reg, Rick, Frank, Melinda, Teri, Jane, Pam, John, Jan, Arnie

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Emperor Goose (1), Snow Goose (15,000), Brant (80), Trumpeter Swan (300), Eurasian Wigeon (1), American Wigeon (1000), Mallard (2000), Northern Shoveler (1), Northern Pintail (200), Green-winged Teal (12), Greater Scaup (500), Surf Scoter (20), Long-tailed Duck (3), Bufflehead (10), Red-breasted Merganser (8)

LOONS, GREBES: Red-throated Loon (2), Common Loon (4)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (10), Great Blue Heron (6)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (28), Northern Harrier (3), Cooper’s Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (6), Rough-legged Hawk (1)

RAILS, CRANES: Virginia Rail (2), Sora (1), American Coot (5)

SHOREBIRDS: Greater Yellowlegs (13), Dunlin (500)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (100), Ring-billed Gull (4), Glaucous-winged Gull (200)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Eurasian Collared-Dove (1)

WOODPECKERS: Downy Woodpecker (1), Northern Flicker (5)

CORVIDS: American Crow (2), Common Raven (5)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (3), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (4)

THRUSHES: American Robin (2)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (300)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (2), Fox Sparrow (1), White-crowned Sparrow (1), Golden-crowned Sparrow (1), Dark-eyed Junco (2)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (1), Pine Siskin (20), House Sparrow (5)

Trip Report: Everett and Marysville

Photo: Rough-legged Hawk by Rex Guichard

December 21, 2021

American White Pelican, Eared Grebe, Sora, 250 Canvasbacks, Rough-legged Hawk! And, no rain! What more could you ask for during a local tour of North Everett and Marysville birding spots. Well, we also had a Herring Gull, two Iceland Gulls (Thayer’s), Red-breasted Mergansers and two Virginia Rails during our visit to Everett waterfront sites, the Everett Sewage Lagoons, Jennings Park and Harborview Park. Indeed, it was an excellent day of birding.

58 Species (Approx. Qty.)

Attendees: Phil, Jim, Ken, Bev, Bruce, Larry, Anne, Melissa, Charlotte, Reg, Rick, Pam, John

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Cackling Goose (253), Canada Goose (89), Gadwall (7), American Wigeon (20), Mallard (300), Northern Shoveler (500), Northern Pintail (1000), Green-winged Teal (30), Ring-necked Duck (2), Canvasback (250), Lesser Scaup (500), Bufflehead (34), Common Goldeneye (20), Barrow’s Goldeneye (3), Common Merganser (2), Red-breasted Merganser (7), Ruddy Duck

LOONS, GREBES: Pied-billed Grebe (1), Eared Grebe (1)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (37), American White Pelican (1), Great Blue Heron (2)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (10), Northern Harrier (2), Cooper’s Hawk (4), Red-tailed Hawk (4), Rough-legged Hawk (1)

RAILS, CRANES: Virginia Rail (2), Sora (1), American Coot (5)

SHOREBIRDS: Dunlin (95)

GULLS, TERNS: Bonaparte’s Gull (3), Short-billed Gull (80), Ring-billed Gull (12), Western Gull (1), Herring Gull (1), Iceland Gull (Thayer’s) (2), Glaucous-winged Gull (255)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (47), Eurasian Collared-Dove (1)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (13)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (1)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (11)

CORVIDS: Steller’s Jay (4), California Scrub-Jay (1), American Crow (25)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (10), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (2), Bushtit (30)

WRENS: Marsh Wren (3)

KINGLETS: Golden-crowned Kinglet (1)

THRUSHES: American Robin (4)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (23)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (4), Song Sparrow (4), Dark-eyed Junco (8)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: Pine Siskin (30), House Sparrow (1)

Trip Report: Lummi Nation and Sandy Point

Photo: Long-tailed Duck by Mick Thompson

December 14, 2021

How nice to be precipitation free for our outing to the Lummi Reservation and Sandy Point in Whatcom County. It was quite windy at waterfront sites, but a large group of two dozen birders still enjoyed finding all three scoters, Long-tailed Ducks, Black Oystercatchers, Black Turnstones, Rough-legged Hawks, Northern Shrike and much more.

60 Species (Approx. Qty.)

Attendees: Virginia, Phil, Jim, Graham, Teri, Ken, Dianna, Rex, Ray, Lauren, Bev, Bruce, Melinda, Maureen, Larry, Ann, Valerie, Jeff H., Melissa, Robin, Charlotte, Judy La., Cameron

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Brant (55), Canada Goose (100), Trumpeter Swan (30), Gadwall (1), Eurasian Wigeon (12), American Wigeon (500), Mallard (50), Northern Shoveler (8), Northern Pintail (200), Green-winged Teal (7), Greater Scaup (4), Lesser Scaup (2), Surf Scoter (250), White-winged Scoter (20), Black Scoter (3), Long-tailed Duck (2), Bufflehead (40), Common Goldeneye (7), Barrow’s Goldeneye (1) Hooded Merganser (1), Red-breasted Merganser (7)

LOONS, GREBES: Pacific Loon (1), Common Loon (7), Pied-billed Grebe (1), Horned Grebe (8), Red-necked Grebe (2), Western Grebe (1)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Brandt’s Cormorant (1), Double-crested Cormorant (37), Pelagic Cormorant (6), Great Blue Heron (4)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (5), Northern Harrier (6), Red-tailed Hawk (1), Merlin (1), Peregrine Falcon (1)

RAILS, CRANES: American Coot (130)

SHOREBIRDS: Black Oystercatcher (4), Black Turnstone (3), Dunlin (10)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (50), Ring-billed Gull (1), California Gull (1), Glaucous-winged Gull (50)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (3), Eurasian Collared-Dove (1)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (1)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (4)

SHRIKEs, VIREOS: Northern Shrike (1)

CORVIDS: American Crow (25), Common Raven (2)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Chestnut-backed Chickadee (1)

KINGLETS: Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (200)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Song Sparrow (2), White-crowned Sparrow (5), Golden-crowned Sparrow (1), Dark-eyed Junco (20)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (2), Pine Siskin (175), House Sparrow (1)

Trip Report: Snohomish Area

Photo: Orange-crowned Warbler by Mick Thompson

December 7, 2021

A very cooperative Prairie Falcon afforded good looks to all and undoubtedly was the highlight of the trip around various hotspots in the City of Snohomish area. Other notable birds were a large flock of Snow Geese, Trumpeter Swans, Canvasbacks, Eurasian Wigeon, a dozen Bald Eagles, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Shrike and Orange-crowned Warbler.

55 Species (Approx. Qty.)

Attendees: Virginia, Jim, Graham, Frank, Ken, Rick, Melinda, Bev, Rex, Maureen, Ray, Lauren, Bruce, Steve, Carlos

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: Snow Goose (5,000), Canada Goose (20), Trumpeter Swan (50), Gadwall (6), Eurasian Wigeon, American Wigeon (150), Mallard (300), Northern Shoveler (2), Northern Pintail (2), Green-winged Teal (2), Ring-necked Duck (47), Canvasback (9), Lesser Scaup (30), Bufflehead (10), Common Goldeneye (1), Hooded Merganser (1), Common Merganser (8), Ruddy Duck (3)

LOONS, GREBES: Pied-billed Grebe (4)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Double-crested Cormorant (7), Great Blue Heron (2)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (12), Northern Harrier (1), Sharp-shinned Hawk (1), Cooper’s Hawk (2), Red-tailed Hawk (2), American Kestrel (1), Prairie Falcon (1)

GULLS, TERNS: Glaucous-winged Gull (10)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Eurasian Collared-Dove (1), Mourning Dove (1)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (1)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (1)

WOODPECKERS: Downy Woodpecker (1), Northern Flicker (14)

SHRIKES, VIREOS: Northern Shrike (1)

CORVIDS: Steller’s Jay (4), American Crow (223), Common Raven (3)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (2), Bushtit (2)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (1), Pacific Wren (1), Marsh Wren (1)

KINGLETS: Golden-crowned Kinglet (1), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1)

THRUSHES: American Robin (18)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (60)

WARBLERS, CHATS: Orange-crowned Warbler (1)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (3), Fox Sparrow (1), Song Sparrow (21), White-crowned Sparrow (12), Golden-crowned Sparrow (1), Dark-eyed Junco (1)

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES: Brewer’s Blackbird (12)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (3), Pine Siskin (40)

Trip Report: Anacortes

Photo: Marbled Murrelet by Phil Dickinson

November 30, 2021

Once again, a rainy day forecast did not deter our intrepid group aa we headed to Anacortes in search of murres, murrelets and other interesting seabirds. Periodic showers held off during most of our stops and, yes, we did find Common Murres along with numerous Ancient and Marbled Murrelets, along with 14 Black Oystercatchers. Also, a Merlin perched atop a pine for a long time, affording great views for all.

59 Species (Approx. Qty.)

Attendees: Virginia, Phil, Jim, Graham, Teri, Ken, Dianna, Rick, Rex, Melinda, Charlotte, Marty, Ann, Larry

CHECKLIST:

WATERFOWL: American Wigeon (100), Mallard (25), Greater Scaup (6), Harlequin Duck (3), Surf Scoter (20), Bufflehead (61), Common Goldeneye (4), Hooded Merganser (18), Common Merganser (12), Red-breasted Merganser (12)

LOONS, GREBES: Red-throated Loon (200), Pacific Loon (1), Common Loon (5), Pied-billed Grebe (4), Horned Grebe (3), Red-necked Grebe (10)

PELICANS, HERONS, IBIS: Brandt’s Cormorant (5), Double-crested Cormorant (32), Pelagic Cormorant (13), Great Blue Heron (4)

RAPTORS: Bald Eagle (3), Cooper’s Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (2), Merlin (1), Peregrine Falcon (1)

SHOREBIRDS: Black Oystercatcher (14)

GULLS, TERNS: Short-billed Gull (8), Glaucous-winged Gull (50)

ALCIDS: Common Murre (4), Pigeon Guillemot (43), Marbled Murrelet (20), Ancient Murrelet (20), Rhinoceros Auklet (2)

DOVES, PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon (12)

HUMMINGBIRDS: Anna’s Hummingbird (1)

KINGFISHER: Belted Kingfisher (2)

WOODPECKERS: Northern Flicker (2)

CORVIDS: American Crow (10), Common Raven (1)

CHICKADEES, BUSHTIT: Black-capped Chickadee (5), Chestnut-backed Chickadee (1), Bushtit (2)

NUTHATCHES, CREEPER: Brown Creeper (2)

WRENS: Bewick’s Wren (1), Pacific Wren (1)

KINGLETS: Golden-crowned Kinglet (1), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3)

THRUSHES: American Robin (2), Varied Thrush (6)

MIMIDS, STARLINGS: European Starling (50)

LONGSPURS, SPARROWS: Spotted Towhee (5), Fox Sparrow (1), Song Sparrow (3), Golden-crowned Sparrow (6), Dark-eyed Junco (13)

FINCHES, WEAVER FINCH: House Finch (4), Pine Siskin (24), American Goldfinch (2), House Sparrow (3)

A Marsh Through Time

Compiled by Marty Jones

Native Use of the Marsh

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Let’s start our journey through the Edmonds Marsh a thousand or more years ago. The Coast Salish Native Peoples used the Puget Sound shorelines in many ways to sustain their livelihood, including fishing, shellfish gathering, and harvesting of plants to make clothing, mats, and baskets. This map drawn in 1986 by Snoqualmie Elders Earnest Barr and Ed Davis (who was 98 years old at the time and witnessed Native daily life throughout Puget Sound in the late 1800s and early 1900s) shows that the current Edmonds area was indeed a historical fishing village and clam digging site shared by the coastal tribes, a tradition that continues today under tribal fishing rights.

The Tule Gatherers. Photo by Edward S. Curtis.

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Homeward. Photo by Edward S. Curtis.

The Edmonds Marsh and coastal wetlands initially encompassed about 100 acres along the shoreline of what is now the city of Edmonds as shown in this map from the Tulalip tribal archives. Creeks later known as Willow and its tributary Shellabarger flowed through the marsh to the Sound and salt water moved into the marsh through these tidal openings, allowing native salmon to enter the creeks in the marsh.

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Development Degrades the Marsh

In 1870 George Brackett bought the property that would become Edmonds, and soon afterward ditches and tide gates were built to drain the marshy area near the waterfront for development. Sawmills and the Great Northern Railway were built along the waterfront, and the marsh was used for agricultural purposes. In the early 1920s Unocal began filling and developing the marsh property in order to build a bulk fuel terminal and asphalt plant at the south end.

During the Unocal ownership of the marsh property, Willow Creek was diverted to a drainage ditch along a detention pond on their site and then entered a 1300-foot underground culvert beneath the railroad tracks and Marina Beach out to Puget Sound. A tide gate in the culvert stopped the natural inflow of saltwater. Freshwater cattails became the dominant plant in the marsh. In 1948 the Port of Edmonds was formed and a new ferry terminal and marina with breakwater were built in the 1960s. Filling of the northern part of the marsh (where Harbor Square is now located) by the City of Edmonds, the Port of Edmonds, and various businesses who leased property from Unocal during the 1950s to the 1980s reduced the marsh to its current size of 22.5 acres. The Harbor Square area was sold to the Port of Edmonds in 1978, and in 1981, Unocal deeded the remainder of the marsh property to the City of Edmonds.

View of the marsh in 2016.

Recent Changes in the Marsh

In 1988 the tide gate was reopened during part of the year (it is closed during late-fall and winter high tides to prevent flooding of surrounding areas) allowing flow of saltwater from Puget Sound into the marsh and a partial return to its former condition including the salt-tolerant native plants. A few salmon defiantly made their way back into the marsh creeks despite the long trek through the culvert. The marsh was declared a wildlife sanctuary, and a boardwalk and viewing platforms with informational panels were installed. Volunteer work parties have planted native species around the edges of the marsh. The Unocal fuel terminal was closed in 1991 and cleanup of the site began soon after and continues today. In the early 2000s, the culvert was extended farther out into Puget Sound because of blockage by sediment in the pipe. No salmon have been seen in the marsh creeks since that time.

Photo courtesy of Friends of the Marsh.

Marsh Forward

The Edmonds marsh and adjacent areas welcome over 190 bird species and other wildlife (including deer, river otter, coyote, amphibians, reptiles, and insects) in addition to birders, photographers, students, and walkers out for a breath of nature. It is the first stop on the Cascade Loop of Audubon Washington’s Washington State Birding Trail and hosts the annual Puget Sound Bird Fest every September attracting visitors from all over the country.

Photo by Jeanine Harles.

Photo by Bill Anderson.

Plans are underway to liberate Willow Creek from the underground culvert, allowing free exchange of fresh water and salt water to encourage the return of salmon and the restoration of native plant and wildlife habitat to its pre-urban condition. Serious threats to the health of the marsh continue, including storm water runoff from roads and other paved surfaces and plans for new development adjacent to the marsh. Save Our Marsh is dedicated to restoring and protecting this ancient treasure which was preserved and used sustainably by the Coast Salish tribes for countless generations and now is one of the few saltwater marshes left in urban Puget Sound.

The Mussel Gatherer. Photo by Edward S. Curtis.

Photo by Bill Anderson.

Photo by Bill Anderson.

Trip Report: Weekend Birdwalk to Gene Coulon Memorial Park

Photo: Chestnut-backed Chickadee by Mick Thompson

November 7, 2021

By Jonathan Blubaugh

Pilchuck Audubon Society visited Renton’s Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park on November 7th. After having found the park to be often crowded, I suggested we meet at the nearby Lowe’s. But this day it was not necessary maybe due to the early hour and chilly temperature. Some went on ahead to the park directly, and the rest of us followed them a few minutes later.

This was the first birdwalk I had led since the viral attack over a year ago. I organized no carpools in deference to public health guidelines. Our chapter now requires participants to be vaccinated, maintain social distancing, and sign an annual waiver.

We had eight people as we began at the swimming hole parking lot, which was basically empty to my surprise. In addition to some of the usual suspects (my best friends in the world) we welcomed a couple of newcomers to Weekend Birdwalks who were already members of the Pilchuck chapter. They found the trip announcement in our newsletter, the Profile, which can always be found on the Pilchuck Audubon website. The swimming hole parking lot started us out at the west end of the park at the very south tip of Lake Washington. That end of the park is next to a new Hyatt hotel and the Boeing Renton 737 factory where I work on the airfield preparing the aircraft for their first flights. It’s pretty much my sandbox.

Early on a Brown Creeper was spotted scurrying up a tree trunk and a big flock of American Robins was gorging on Mountain Ash berries. A couple of floating, anchored logs had almost three dozen Double-crested Cormorants, a few of them holding up their wings to dry. A Gadwall drake was whistling at one of several Gadwall hens. Mixed in with local, tame Mallards were three Mallard x domestic hybrids easily spotted by their blotchy white plumage.

From there we headed north along the southeast corner of Lake Washington State on ADA grade paved trails. A Peregrine Falcon (who nests just inside factory’s lakeside hanger doors) attacked the mighty Mallards, but missed. As I recall there was an adult and an immature Bald Eagle. When one of them glided down to perch on a post in the water the entire flock of gulls flushed, more than my count reflects. Continuing along the path we came across the resident Canada Goose flock, 65 strong. They are utterly tame, grazing and roosting on the grass right up to the edge of trail, not bothered in the least by the people walking or jogging by. They are really pretty up close! The ganders tend to stand sentinel duty whilst most of the flock grazes or snoozes.

It was absolutely wonderful to get back out with our old friends and new Pilchuck friends after the lengthy shutdown as you can easily understand, since we all experienced it.

We wanted to gather for lunch afterwards. Providently we found a café that was mostly empty, so our afternoon ended with good food, good friends, and God willing, a return to some type of normalcy.

Here’s a list of most of the birds that we saw: 65 Canada Geese, seven Gadwall, 30 Mallards plus 3 domestic hybrid ducks, three Ring-necked Ducks, a Bufflehead, nine Common Mergansers, a Western Grebe, two Anna’s Hummingbirds, a couple hundred American Coots, twelve Short-billed Gull (until this year known as Mew Gulls), a Ring-billed Gull, 33 Glaucous-winged Gulls, 35 Double-crested Cormorants, a Great Blue Heron, two Bald Eagles, heard a Norther Flicker, saw a Steller’s Jay, 19 American Crows, four Black-capped Chickadees, a Chestnut-backed Chickadee, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, a Golden-crowned Kinglet, the Brown Creeper, a Bewick’s Wren, 25 American Robins, two House Sparrows, three Dark-eyed Juncos, a Song Sparrow, a Spotted Towhee, and the Peregrine Falcon. All were uploaded to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology via the eBird mobile application (https://ebird.org/checklist/S97258694).