[Tweeters] 167 in Renton

[Tim Brennan via Tweeters]

Hey Tweets!

Although my birding has been focused on Jefferson and Kitsap counties this year, the appearance of a Pacific Golden-Plover at the mouth of the Cedar River got me out for some local birding. It was a life bird for me - and as it turns out, it was the 167th species I'd found in the city limits of Renton.

I have admittedly been jealous of the Pierce County 253 club - the number representing their area code. It's also the number of species that must be seen in Pierce County to earn a celebratory beverage from the founding members. Renton, in its 425 area code, has a bar set a little too high! This is true even if other gems like Bellevue, Newcastle, and (surprise!) Edmonds could be lumped in.

But looking at my patch total on eBird, and seeing it hit 167 (and actually 168, as I added Green Heron there too), made me think that 167 may be just plenty of species. Having Hwy 167 start (end?) in Renton makes it a good fit as well. Having many years with a feeder in Renton helped, of course (Harris's Sparrow being one of the best feeder birds). The Cedar River Mouth has of course been great for ducks, geese, shorebirds, and gulls. Historically, the Black River Riparian Forest has been great for some species, but it has felt far less safe over the past few years. The Renton Natural Area, above the Maple Valley Highway, has been good for almost 100 species, including many passerines, four species of owls, and some tough King County birds like American Kestrel and California Quail.

I know there have been some far more active, long-running, and flat-out better birders than me in Renton, though. I'm curious to know if anyone else has crested that mark. I'm happy to at least found the tradition of the celebratory beverage. 😄

Cheers!

Tim Brennan
Technically ahead of the curve, in Renton
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