From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 1 08:16:38 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Tim Brennan via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 1 08:16:50 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Jefferson-Kitsap Birding - blog updates Message-ID: Heya Tweets, I've continued to poke away at Jefferson County (183 species for the year) and Kitsap County (141). Three single day trips in August are up in the blog: https://jkcountybirding.blogspot.com/2024/08/august-7th-booby-prizes.html - A nice trip out to chase the Red-footed Booby in Jefferson County. https://jkcountybirding.blogspot.com/2024/08/august-11th-mount-townsend.html - A lovely hike up Mount Townsend, with zero new birds added! https://jkcountybirding.blogspot.com/2024/08/august-21st-shorebird-trip.html - Late August trip that wasn't as productive as I'd hoped, but I did chip away a little bit at both Jefferson and Kitsap. Enjoy! -Tim Brennan Renton [https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9x9tOdab8z4Aj6LVlXnHYwuN77e37dYMe9CAvPS-PXqbzw62efuka5GptOU0noe5tRvTyNg4m5-lzak8olLazpibRhmPrfLBVidcgluX1fY0IO5JEWRx4vMJLZBEHRnjYi2mpvX3Ej7TYFs9lRUVgfB8P1s1BvzfQ6R6NS5OTrLh0zWaXXOvHolYYk0v8/w1200-h630-p-k-no-nu/DSC_0020.JPG] August 21st - Shorebird Trip Days had passed since my trip out to see the Red-footed Booby, since my trip to Mount Townsend, and it seemed that each passing day brough m... jkcountybirding.blogspot.com [https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XDlCf9MzRfpGtWznQ-lynwdLw36OiBMqEbfG5ETISC69VZa7_Ku0P5eTpkxWXXA2I0N0JgiL_7-E8ONZA5ImkPD9WSXXFR481LvdMXoPOowTCK4KVYP8e-gw4XGUeGPfWsc7sQtzZj6XCBjJxQxf4z8Yx6Erj0glSdQwgasBQK7VYDTf3Q_E_TpKAud_/w1200-h630-p-k-no-nu/IMG_2905.webp] August 11th - Mount Townsend Getting the band back together Early on in this endeavor, I'd started an annual tradition of heading out on an annual hike with my son, Decl... jkcountybirding.blogspot.com [https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJX5j7qUTbvGatz-LDvEGvEBVClvVgEnW3n1OmWVNq7ER1GXoyxRhuIF3UVez1Vs8ZqESYsxuq3Fqi987a-MoHDy0FLelRdGw0dBYFzsE7YnnziC5_24rtHjQzcAqUGFRltv66YuafUvfDujr8JmlLADEqlzi4AkPB8pObJfdMWRS5tjPk_LxA1FI8r5c/w1200-h630-p-k-no-nu/DSC_0030.JPG] August 7th - Booby Prizes Boobies Late July and early August are an interesting time of year for the birds. Songbirds in the lowlands have usually quieted down. Ducks... jkcountybirding.blogspot.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 1 12:48:22 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jeff Harrell via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 1 12:49:03 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Black-headed Grosbeak In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Jim, thank you for your pic and description of your fountain! It's beautiful. During hot days we put out water for the birds, but we've tried various placements in preparation for a fountain and the crows always take it over and run off all the songbirds from the yard, so we haven't put in a fountain (also my wife took over the yard for her ducks, which is where I was going to put the fountain). Last year we actually had a crow nest in our (very tiny yard with a very large maple) and when their baby fledged it was a mess. The whole crow extended family came and yelled encouragement (or something? warnings to everyone else?) for several days until they all flew off together and left our ducks and songbirds alone. Don't get me wrong, I love my crow friends, but they do tend to elbow everyone else out of the way in our yard. :) Re: the black-headed grosbeak, I did get a couple of direct emails from folks close to me that have also seen some recently. Haven't seen our male in a couple of days though. Happy Saturday, Jeff On Sat, Aug 31, 2024 at 12:03?PM via Tweeters wrote: > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2024 12:38:44 -0700 > From: Jim Betz via Tweeters > To: via Tweeters > Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Black-headed Grosbeak > Message-ID: > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed > > Jeff, > > ? You do not mention a fountain.? As soon as we added a fountain to our > backyard - everything > > changed.? And especially so for those mid-sized birds such as Grosbeaks, > Waxwings, Towhees, > > and even the Robins and Stellar's.? Our fountain is a 3.5 foot tall > "rectangular stone column" > > sitting on a large water reservoir that is self-repleneshing.? We have > the pump on a Casa > > switch that can be turned on/off or even programmed from my phone > (literally from anywhere > > in the world).? The end result is that the bubbling (not spouting) water > is always there when > > the birds are around (programmed for sunrise to sunset) - and it is rare > for there to be even > > ten minutes without a bird on it. > > ? The birds may come-for-the-feeder but they return-for-the-water > ...??? *G*? - Jim > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2024 13:45:17 -0700 > From: Blythe Horman via Tweeters > To: TWEETERS tweeters > Subject: [Tweeters] Birding Lynnwood Question > Message-ID: > zhkfEN9w77yFXzxUomYY9_voKZC08SshSbDw@mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Hi Tweeters, > > I?m looking for a park near the Alderwood area for some decent birding and > some actual quiet solitude. Everything I?ve found so far has playgrounds > and/or traffic noise. I?d be most grateful for suggestions. > > Also a long shot, but is there any beach access on the sound in the Edmonds > area that?s not packed with people? > > Thank you, > Blythe Horman, Lynnwood > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: < > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20240830/59b1c639/attachment-0001.html > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2024 14:34:34 -0700 > From: Jim Betz via Tweeters > To: Tweeters List > Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Black-headed Grosbeak > Message-ID: > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed > > Hi, > > ? Here's what our fountain looks like ... > > > > https://eamon.smugmug.com/Family-pics-from-jim/Birds-and-Stuff-from-Jim/n-4Cw3NF/Birds-Web/i-kCgrcff/A > > > ? A few things for you to notice - first, there is a 'bed of rocks' > around the base.? Those are covering the > > in ground reservoir.? The reservoir is about 3' across and 10-12" deep.? > There is an "auto-fill" valve in the > > reservoir that automatically replenishes the water when the sprinkler > line is charged (timed valve) - think > > "like a toilet valve" in terms of how that works.? Those rocks are on > top of the lid of the reservoir.? Look > > carefully at the top of the fountain and you will see the bubble of > water - it doesn't squirt or spray, it > > merely bubbles - that's controlled by a one time setting of a valve > between the pump and the block of > > rock (the fountain). > > ? To answer Stef - yes, the reservoir does build up algae over time - > and that eventually plugs the filter > > on the intake of the pump.? I have to clean the filter on the pump about > 3 or 4 times a year.? I do not > > clean the entire reservoir and when I go to open it up the water in the > reservoir is clear - not crystal > > clear but definitely can see thru it.? If you look again at the picture > you will notice "green stuff" on > > the rock where the water flows down the side (and recycles to the pump) > ... that's the same algae. > > ? At least one reason why this fountain has so little maintenance is > the sheer volume of the > > reservoir.? The pump is a standard yard fountain pump and I think is > about a 1/8th horse pump. > > Our yard guys dug a hole big enough for the reservoir, put it in and > back-filled around it.? Then > > they put the lid (top) on the reservoir after installing all of the > hardware (pump, re-fill valve, etc.). > > ? There is an outdoor power line running in the ground to the pump from > a GFI outlet with the > > Kasa wireless switch. > > ? Look again at the pic - note that there are some leaves along the > right edge of the picture. > > That's a bush that the birds use as the primary waiting place for going > to the fountain or the > > seed feeder that is about 25 feet away and not in the picture. The birds > also will perch on > > the fence and the evergreen bushes ... but far less than the bush with > the green leaves.? Even > > during the winter when that bush is 'nude'. > > ? The whole thing works quite well and the 10-15 minutes I spend about > once a quarter in the > > warmer months to clean the pump filter is the only 'maintenance' I have > to do. > > ???????????????????????????????? - Any further > questions??????????????????????? - Jim > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2024 15:21:15 -0700 > From: Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters > To: tweeters tweeters > Subject: [Tweeters] Larch Mountain, Clark County migration rocks! > Message-ID: > < > CAKm_zxF-5HYX2GfWuXV0+zkR9yEM9SjGJ5BWmRRgjbPGEtbQQw@mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Hi Tweeters, > > Just spent a delightful morning with 5 birding friends up at Migration > Corner, Larch Mountain, Clark County. Ebird: > https://ebird.org/checklist/S193315631. Highlights include: > > 5 Lewis's Woodpeckers - first sightings this fall > 3 Clark's Nutcrackers - second sighting this Fall > 667 individual warblers of 8 different species > 5 species of flycatchers. > > Click counters really helped keep track of numbers. Even so, difficult to > keep up with the frenetic pace. > > Migration rocks! > > Keep your eyes and ears skyward. > > Jim > -- > Jim Danzenbaker > Battle Ground, WA > 360-702-9395 > jdanzenbaker@gmail.com > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: < > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20240830/17f45a21/attachment-0001.html > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 5 > Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2024 17:38:16 -0700 > From: RW Hamlyn via Tweeters > To: "tweeters@u.washington.edu" > Subject: [Tweeters] Info request Japan > Message-ID: > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > This is another reply to Cathy Wisel?s request for information on birding > Japan in the winter. Several years ago we did a winter birding trip with > Zegrahm Expeditions with Mark Brazil. Mark wrote the book A Field Guide to > the Birds of East Asia (2009), as well as several other books on Japan. He > lives on Hokkaido and works for several companies including Victor Emanuel > Nature Tours. Here is a link to his web site: > https://www.japannatureguides.com/mark-brazil--zegrahm-expeditions/ > This link includes links to 4 videos my wife Dory and I put together on > this trip. Explore his web site for lots in information on birding Japan > and consider contacting him for more information. > > Ray Hamlyn > xtenter@comcast.net > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: < > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20240830/ec7616ea/attachment-0001.html > > > > ------------------------------ > > Subject: Digest Footer > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@mailman11.u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > ------------------------------ > > End of Tweeters Digest, Vol 240, Issue 30 > ***************************************** > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 1 16:12:14 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Gary Bletsch via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 1 16:12:23 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Taxonomy question References: <73244423.1343628.1725232334902.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <73244423.1343628.1725232334902@mail.yahoo.com> Dear Tweeters,?? Greetings from Tobago. Congratulations to all the birders who've enjoyed seeing the Red-footed Booby in Port Townsend. I myself just saw my lifer RFBO's here at Blue Waters Inn today. Thanks again to all the Tweeters who recommended this place. I'm closing in on a milestone in my life list, and have been wondering what goodies, in the guise of taxonomic splits, there might await under the metaphorical Xmas tree. I am beginning to think that my Washington list won't get knocked back below 400 after all, because the Hoary Redpoll lump should be countered with a split (or re-split) of the GW Teal and the Common Teal--or Sideways Teal, as I prefer to think of it.? Is that right? If anyone out there in Tweeterland can point me to a thorough summary of the impending taxonomic update, I'd love to see that. Yours truly, Gary Bletschgarybletch@yahoo.com Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 1 16:29:41 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Steve Hampton via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 1 16:30:03 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] backyard ponds and fountains In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: All, Re: the discussion of backyard ponds and fountains, I'm a big fan. They bring in thrushes, warblers, vireos, and others that are less attracted to seed and bird feeders. I built mine for under $100 using a couple pumps, plastic planter bottoms (I've used garbage can lids), and a $25 plastic tub -- and then decorated with rocks and wood. The key is the sound of falling water and a shallow pool they can bathe in. I prefer to put mine in a vegetated grotto, near bushes with a tree overhead. The birds tend to come in vertically, from above, slowly working their way down. Also, sunlight causes algae problems. Here are some pics and a crude blueprint diagram: https://thecottonwoodpost.net/2019/08/17/my-backyard-fountain-and-the-birds-that-come-to-it/ Most of these pics are from a pond I built near Davis, CA, but my current pond is pictured as well, and is very similar. good birding, -- Steve Hampton Port Townsend, WA (qat?y) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 1 16:58:56 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (John Riegsecker via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 1 16:58:49 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Caspian Terns at Port Orchard Message-ID: All, There were over 200 Caspian Terns at Port Orchard this afternoon, including at least 4 juveniles. Unfortunately a Bald Eagle swooped in and carried off one of the juveniles. Checklist https://ebird.org/checklist/S193633883 -- John Riegsecker Gig Harbor From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 1 17:29:21 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Ian Paulsen via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 1 17:29:24 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Taxonomy question In-Reply-To: <73244423.1343628.1725232334902@mail.yahoo.com> References: <73244423.1343628.1725232334902.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <73244423.1343628.1725232334902@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <78b44c40-d120-eb4c-834c-43593d836d0@zipcon.net> HI: I don't think the teal were resplit, sorry! sincerely Ian Paulsen Bainbridge Island, WA, USA Visit my BIRDBOOKER REPORT blog here: https://birdbookerreport.blogspot.com/ From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 1 19:23:58 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Stephanie Neis via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 1 19:24:22 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] backyard ponds and fountains In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <86EA0ADC-5EFC-4FB7-AAD4-CF7B73F74871@whidbey.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 2 12:10:43 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (rjayrabin via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 2 12:11:25 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Central Washington Message-ID: Hi Tweeters, I'm wondering if anyone might have suggestions for birding this time of year, this week in particular, in Central Washington, primarily the Yakima, Ellensburg, Leavenworth areas. Yakima Valley Audubon doesn't seem very active online and I'm wondering if Central/Eastern Washington has a listserv similar to Tweeters. Many thanks, Ron Rabin rjayrabin@gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 2 13:59:20 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Eric Ellingson via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 2 14:00:11 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Late to the Pt. Townsend booby viewing - a worthwhile outing. Message-ID: https://flic.kr/p/2qdRgAK This link is to a slideshow of photos taken during an hour of observing. >From perched and preening in well-lit lighting to backlit from the other side, plunge diving for food, and a close flyby at the end. It is quite sad that my wife had to pull me away from work to seek out a life bird only a few hours away. The Red-footed Booby has been seen in the Port Townsend area for about a month now. Knowing we would not be able to get a ticket for a ferry crossing by car we took eBikes, parked on this side, and biked across. It did not take but a few minutes to bike to the Hawaiian Chieftain tall sailing ship where photos have been taken of it over the last bit. The ship was just heading out for a tourist cruise, no booby. We then went to Fort Warden, another place it had been sighted and photographed. We were glad to have had eBikes as there were a few steep hills getting there. There it was, at an even more photogenic spot than the breakwater where I'd seen other photos taken of it, on a piling, in full sunlight by itself with Mt Baker in the background. I spent over an hour taking shots as it preened, stretched, flew, plunge-dived, and did a nice close fly-by at the end before heading to the mast beam on the Chieftain back near town. Eric & Marcia Eric Ellingson 360-820-6396 esellingson@gmail.com https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericellingson/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 2 14:08:30 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jerry Neufeld-Kaiser via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 2 14:08:45 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] another fountain design point Message-ID: I echo what others have said lately about how well fountains draw birds. My design is basically the same as what Steve showed yesterday, though with one considerable imperfection: There's no easy way to change the water. That's what I'd do differently now that I've had this one for several years and every time I need to change the water it's a hassle. So that's my design tip - think through a way to make that easy. Good fountaining to ya. --- Jerry N-K -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 2 16:08:49 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Scott Downes via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 2 16:09:05 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Central Washington In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <2DBAE3A8-CD23-47B8-80DE-51F556357693@charter.net> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 2 16:44:50 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Alan Knue via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 2 16:45:06 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Northern Waterthrush at Lake Ballinger Park and some far northeast King County gems Message-ID: <0865D922-BCDE-4D88-BB8C-77B5DC3CC872@icloud.com> Hello Tweeters, I forget that not everyone is on WhatsApp or receive eBird alerts and I reported several good birds this weekend that may not have reached everyone. There?s a Northern Waterthrush at Lake Ballinger Park being seen in the shallow wetland located along the western edge of the park, which is along 74th Ave W just south of where it intersects with 75th Pl W on the Edmonds-Montlake Terrace boundary. The waterthrush is spending much of its time working the muddy edges of the northernmost section the wetland closest to this intersection. Some patience is required but it regularly made its way back and forth and there are several good vantages spots where one can look through the trees. Last Friday, Charles Enlow and I hiked Tonga Ridge to Fisher Lake and had a few surprises. First up, we had a female Pine Grosbeak about a mile and a quarter from the trailhead. While we were watching her and just as she flew off, a dark morph Swainson's Hawk soared over heading east. About a quarter of a mile from Fisher Lake we had a female American Three-toed Woodpecker. And perhaps the best was a young female Williamson's Sapsucker seen about a half a mile west from Sawyer Pass on our return trip in the afternoon. This is the far northeast corner of King County and the habitat is subalpine forest and meadows patches with abundant fruit (huckleberries and mountain ash) in the autumn. The trail to Sawyer Pass is not difficult and there are some nice views of the Cascades along the way. The trail to Fisher Lake is more challenging as it is poorly maintained and has several steep and eroding sections. But the lake has a picturesque setting and some very fine views of Glacier Peak at the unnamed pass before you head down to the lake. This is also one of the best locations for Canada Jay near Greater Seattle- we had at least 27 individuals in five family/social groups (identified by group size and composition of adults and juveniles) along the trail and another 2 on our drive out. I once had a supergroup here of between 30 and 40 individuals back in October 2005. I hope everyone had a great long weekend out in the field. Best, Alan Alan J. Knue Edmonds, WA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 2 18:24:10 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Blythe Horman via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 2 18:24:24 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] birding Lynnwood Message-ID: Hi Tweeters, Big thanks to everyone who replied with suggestions. Much appreciated. Blythe Horman, Lynnwood -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 2 19:29:21 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 2 19:29:28 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Numbers of Birds In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <2af89fef-b744-4107-ba19-2d504e254a95@jimbetz.com> Hi all, ? For the last month or more I've been going to Channel Drive. This is a superb habitat for shorebirds and ducks ... and other birds as well.? There are easily several hundred birds there "every low tide" with perhaps 80% ducks and the rest are sandpipers, dowitchers, yellowlegs, etc.? There are a few gulls every day and several GBH.? The most common raptors are peregrines, harriers, and the occasional eagle. Channel Drive is a long inlet/slough - perhaps a couple of miles or more in length and an average of 50 yards or so wide.? It covers in brackish water every high tide and uncovers perhaps 80% or so of the mud every low. ? My question is "why don't the birds exhaust the food supply?". Even if the only birds consuming the sticklebacks were the shorebirds - that's a lot of birds and working every daylight tide.? It is not uncommon to see a yellowlegs catch and down one of these small fish - and I'm guessing that it is at a rate of at least one every 30 minutes (more is likely). ? Does anyone know the reproductive and growth rates of the small fish (such as sticklebacks)?? What about 'life cycle' questions such as "do the small fish stop reproducing in other seasons?" and the related "why aren't the shorebirds here in large numbers year round?" ???????? - just trying to understand the inter-related aspects of the food and the birds ... Jim From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 3 06:49:00 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Cara Borre via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 3 06:49:16 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Westport Seabirds Trip Report August, 31 Message-ID: Westport Seabirds said farewell to a fabulous August on Saturday, August 31. We left the dock at sunrise with mild temps amid a curtain of fog. Captain Phil took a northwest tack heading for a lone shrimp boat in the distance. Ghostly apparitions of Sooty Shearwater and Common Murre would occasionally materialize out of the fog to hold our attention during the morning journey. Well out to sea, the fog eventually lifted, and we would spend the rest of our day in bright sunshine, progressively shedding layers as it heated up. A couple hours in we spotted a large raft of Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel. As we approached Phil announced over the boat?s speakers, ?Look out for Wilson?s Storm-Petrel coming down the left side of the boat?. In a flash the rare black storm-petrel with a bright white rump zipped down the Monte Carlo?s left side before it quickly sailed out of sight. Unlike our resident Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, who makes its home in the North Pacific ocean, Wilson?s Storm-Petrel ranges all the world?s oceans, though they are rare up here in the North Pacific. We?re having great luck with this species lately with the number of sightings in the last two weeks rivaling the numbers seen in the previous 3 decades! We had our first South Polar Skua of the day shortly after the storm-petrel excitement marking the first of 13 sightings in total for this species. Continuing our voyage, adding Pink-footed Shearwater along the way, the shrimper finally appeared on the horizon. As we grew closer, we could see we would be in for a treat as there was a good collection of birds around the vessel. With a bounty of bird activity both in the sky and on the sea, it was difficult to choose where to begin to look. Black-footed Albatross, by far our most common albatross, is always an exciting species to see and we were treated to 25 of them on the water and flying by. Looking skyward, It was hard to ignore some 125 Sabine?s Gull flying about the boat then moving to the surface to pick up scraps of shrimp. We could distinguish a few juveniles along with the gorgeous black-headed adults. Among the many Sabine?s in flight, we soon picked out several terns and counted 15 Arctic and at least one Common Tern in this large group. Understanding this was the only boat we were likely to encounter during our trip, we circled it and the birds on the water several times, lingering to scan the vast flocks of shearwater. Pink-footed Shearwater (400 at boats) held the majority for the tubenoses with 700 total birds to sort through. Sooty Shearwater, and its look-a-like Short-tailed Shearwater were both present in about equal, but small numbers. We were lucky to see a few Buller?s Shearwater fly by, but even luckier to spot 1 or 2 resting on the water within the horde of Pink-foots. Luck and perseverance can also produce a Flesh-footed Shearwater within these flocks this time of year and indeed we would find one, capping off five species of shearwater all within this relatively small area surrounding the shrimp boat. We also had several Northern Fulmar and large flocks of Red-necked Phalarope in the vicinity. A large group of birds around a boat like this is bound to attract jaegers. Just as the tubenoses are attracted to the fishing boats by the smell of their haul, jaegers or skuas, as they are also known, are attracted to the concentration of birds they see around these boats. Jaegers coerce food from gulls, terns, and shearwaters. They chase these birds and intimidate them into dropping or regurgitating their food item which the jaeger quickly scoops up. We had 2 South Polar Skua and two each of Long-tailed and Pomarine Jaeger at the boat. One of the Long-tailed Jaegers entertained us by a demonstration of its flight prowess as it repeatedly maneuvered to catch an evasive moth. With time well spent at the boat, we began the journey back to Westport, skipping our chum stop as the shrimp boat had produced excellent viewing and photo opportunities. We always pause for anything interesting on the way back such as great looks at 2 very cooperative Cassin?s Auklet diving and surfacing several times as we watched. We had a group of 3-4 South Polar Skua on the water that all lifted up when we approached giving us even better looks at this species. We stopped several times offshore to scan the shearwater flocks on the water and were able to pick out Buller?s Shearwater a couple more times and found another Flesh-footed Shearwater attempting to blend in with its more common cousin Pink-footed Shearwater. We had a great showing from a couple of close Humpback Whale who surfaced and simultaneously ?fluked? right in front of us. The mammal highlight though, was a less commonly seen Minke Whale who surfaced several times allowing everyone to get good views. With the coast in sight we were greeted by huge flocks of Sooty Shearwater. We usually end our trips with a seasonal search for rock shorebirds on the Westport Jetty, and with the sun baking our starboard side, we found a cooperative Wandering Tattler. The Marbled Godwit flock was on the rocks at the far end of the marina and Phil brought us in close where we spotted 2 Bar-tailed Godwits within the flock of 800 birds, as well as a couple of Willets and a few Short-billed Dowitchers. Captain Phil Anderson and First Mate Chris Anderson hosted a great group of Northwest birders, many who enjoyed their first pelagic birding trip, but I bet not their last. Scott Mills, Bruce LaBar and I were the bird spotters with helpful assists from a couple of pelagic veterans and friends. Hope to sea you out there! Cara Borre Gig Harbor -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 3 07:06:30 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dennis Paulson via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 3 07:07:06 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Numbers of Birds In-Reply-To: <2af89fef-b744-4107-ba19-2d504e254a95@jimbetz.com> References: <2af89fef-b744-4107-ba19-2d504e254a95@jimbetz.com> Message-ID: <3BB95521-A93A-41CC-A209-EA1F709AB6B7@comcast.net> Hello Jim, The reason the shorebirds aren?t there all year long is because they are mostly migrants, passing through here on their way between breeding areas to the north and wintering areas to the south. Some of them may spend the winter in small numbers, e.g., Greater Yellowlegs and Long-billed Dowitchers, but most are migrants. Short-billed Dowitchers, for example, don?t winter, even though they are quite common in migration, nor do the vast majority of Westerns and Leasts nor species such as Baird?s and Pectoral and Stilt and Short-billed Dowitcher and phalaropes. It would be very interesting to monitor the area all year long to see if any individuals winter there and what happens in the spring. Has anyone observed shorebirds there in spring? Sticklebacks can be very common. We must have seen a half-dozen caught and swallowed by Greater Yellowlegs while we were there for an hour the other day. There may be hundreds in the channel, so the predation may not take that much of a toll. It?s natural selection, weeding out the ones more likely to be caught. And the invertebrates in the mud that most of the sandpipers (remember, they are all sandpipers except for the Killdeers) eat are there in prodigious numbers. Mudflats are very rich places for burrowing invertebrates. That?s of course why all those shorebirds are there. Dennis Paulson Seattle > On Sep 2, 2024, at 7:29?PM, Jim Betz via Tweeters wrote: > > Hi all, > > For the last month or more I've been going to Channel Drive. This is a superb habitat for > > shorebirds and ducks ... and other birds as well. There are easily several hundred birds > > there "every low tide" with perhaps 80% ducks and the rest are sandpipers, dowitchers, > > yellowlegs, etc. There are a few gulls every day and several GBH. The most common > > raptors are peregrines, harriers, and the occasional eagle. Channel Drive is a long > > inlet/slough - perhaps a couple of miles or more in length and an average of 50 yards > > or so wide. It covers in brackish water every high tide and uncovers perhaps 80% or > > so of the mud every low. > > My question is "why don't the birds exhaust the food supply?". Even if the only > > birds consuming the sticklebacks were the shorebirds - that's a lot of birds and > > working every daylight tide. It is not uncommon to see a yellowlegs catch and > > down one of these small fish - and I'm guessing that it is at a rate of at least > > one every 30 minutes (more is likely). > > Does anyone know the reproductive and growth rates of the small fish (such as > > sticklebacks)? What about 'life cycle' questions such as "do the small fish stop > > reproducing in other seasons?" and the related "why aren't the shorebirds here > > in large numbers year round?" > > - just trying to understand the inter-related aspects of the food and the birds ... Jim > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 3 13:30:46 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Larry Schwitters via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 3 13:31:07 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Booby app close Message-ID: Zach Szablewski has nailed some super close up video footage of the Red-footed Bobby that you really want to check out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O1HW3n3JgE Larry Schwitters Issaquah -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 3 13:36:47 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (James Duemmel via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 3 13:36:52 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Westport Seabirds Trip Report August, 31 Message-ID: A long-tailed jaeger chasing a MOTH behind a shrimper? Some detail needed there. How far offshore where you? How did you decide it was a moth? From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 3 16:17:38 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Gary Bullock via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 3 16:17:46 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] fountain design/changing the water. Message-ID: 1. A small inexpensive electric water pump from Home Depot/ etc. can easily be dropped in to pump out your reservoir and change your pond water. OR an even cheaper alternative: 2. Put a Tee fitting, simple shutoff valves and a short discharge hose in line on the hose that supplies water to the top of your water feature. That way you can direct the flow to use your current pump to pump the water out of your reservoir without disturbing you reservoir lid or decorative gravel/rocks. Sent from my iPhone > On Sep 3, 2024, at 12:05?PM, via Tweeters wrote: > > ?Send Tweeters mailing list submissions to > tweeters@u.washington.edu > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > tweeters-request@mailman11.u.washington.edu > > You can reach the person managing the list at > tweeters-owner@mailman11.u.washington.edu > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Tweeters digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Central Washington (rjayrabin via Tweeters) > 2. Late to the Pt. Townsend booby viewing - a worthwhile outing. > (Eric Ellingson via Tweeters) > 3. another fountain design point (Jerry Neufeld-Kaiser via Tweeters) > 4. Re: Central Washington (Scott Downes via Tweeters) > 5. Northern Waterthrush at Lake Ballinger Park and some far > northeast King County gems (Alan Knue via Tweeters) > 6. Re: birding Lynnwood (Blythe Horman via Tweeters) > 7. Numbers of Birds (Jim Betz via Tweeters) > 8. Westport Seabirds Trip Report August, 31 (Cara Borre via Tweeters) > 9. Re: Numbers of Birds (Dennis Paulson via Tweeters) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Mon, 2 Sep 2024 12:10:43 -0700 > From: rjayrabin via Tweeters > To: Tweeters > Subject: [Tweeters] Central Washington > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Hi Tweeters, > I'm wondering if anyone might have suggestions for birding this time of > year, this week in particular, in Central Washington, primarily the Yakima, > Ellensburg, Leavenworth areas. Yakima Valley Audubon doesn't seem very > active online and I'm wondering if Central/Eastern Washington has a > listserv similar to Tweeters. > Many thanks, > Ron Rabin > rjayrabin@gmail.com > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Mon, 2 Sep 2024 13:59:20 -0700 > From: Eric Ellingson via Tweeters > To: tweeters@u.washington.edu > Subject: [Tweeters] Late to the Pt. Townsend booby viewing - a > worthwhile outing. > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > https://flic.kr/p/2qdRgAK > > This link is to a slideshow of photos taken during an hour of observing. >> From perched and preening in well-lit lighting to backlit from the other > side, plunge diving for food, and a close flyby at the end. > > It is quite sad that my wife had to pull me away from work to seek out a > life bird only a few hours away. The Red-footed Booby has been seen in the > Port Townsend area for about a month now. > > Knowing we would not be able to get a ticket for a ferry crossing by car we > took eBikes, parked on this side, and biked across. It did not take but a > few minutes to bike to the Hawaiian Chieftain tall sailing ship where > photos have been taken of it over the last bit. The ship was just heading > out for a tourist cruise, no booby. We then went to Fort Warden, another > place it had been sighted and photographed. We were glad to have had eBikes > as there were a few steep hills getting there. > > There it was, at an even more photogenic spot than the breakwater where I'd > seen other photos taken of it, on a piling, in full sunlight by itself > with Mt Baker in the background. I spent over an hour taking shots as it > preened, stretched, flew, plunge-dived, and did a nice close fly-by at the > end before heading to the mast beam on the Chieftain back near town. > > Eric & Marcia > > > Eric Ellingson > > 360-820-6396 > esellingson@gmail.com > https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericellingson/ > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Mon, 2 Sep 2024 14:08:30 -0700 > From: Jerry Neufeld-Kaiser via Tweeters > To: "tweeters@u.washington.edu" > Subject: [Tweeters] another fountain design point > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > I echo what others have said lately about how well fountains draw birds. > My design is basically the same as what Steve showed yesterday, though with > one considerable imperfection: There's no easy way to change the water. > That's what I'd do differently now that I've had this one for several years > and every time I need to change the water it's a hassle. So that's my > design tip - think through a way to make that easy. > > Good fountaining to ya. > --- Jerry N-K > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Mon, 2 Sep 2024 16:08:49 -0700 > From: Scott Downes via Tweeters > To: rjayrabin > Cc: Tweeters > Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Central Washington > Message-ID: <2DBAE3A8-CD23-47B8-80DE-51F556357693@charter.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 5 > Date: Mon, 2 Sep 2024 16:44:50 -0700 > From: Alan Knue via Tweeters > To: Alan Knue via Tweeters > Subject: [Tweeters] Northern Waterthrush at Lake Ballinger Park and > some far northeast King County gems > Message-ID: <0865D922-BCDE-4D88-BB8C-77B5DC3CC872@icloud.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Hello Tweeters, > > I forget that not everyone is on WhatsApp or receive eBird alerts and I reported several good birds this weekend that may not have reached everyone. > > There?s a Northern Waterthrush at Lake Ballinger Park being seen in the shallow wetland located along the western edge of the park, which is along 74th Ave W just south of where it intersects with 75th Pl W on the Edmonds-Montlake Terrace boundary. The waterthrush is spending much of its time working the muddy edges of the northernmost section the wetland closest to this intersection. Some patience is required but it regularly made its way back and forth and there are several good vantages spots where one can look through the trees. > > Last Friday, Charles Enlow and I hiked Tonga Ridge to Fisher Lake and had a few surprises. First up, we had a female Pine Grosbeak about a mile and a quarter from the trailhead. While we were watching her and just as she flew off, a dark morph Swainson's Hawk soared over heading east. About a quarter of a mile from Fisher Lake we had a female American Three-toed Woodpecker. And perhaps the best was a young female Williamson's Sapsucker seen about a half a mile west from Sawyer Pass on our return trip in the afternoon. This is the far northeast corner of King County and the habitat is subalpine forest and meadows patches with abundant fruit (huckleberries and mountain ash) in the autumn. The trail to Sawyer Pass is not difficult and there are some nice views of the Cascades along the way. The trail to Fisher Lake is more challenging as it is poorly maintained and has several steep and eroding sections. But the lake has a picturesque setting and some very fine views of Glacier! > Peak at the unnamed pass before you head down to the lake. This is also one of the best locations for Canada Jay near Greater Seattle- we had at least 27 individuals in five family/social groups (identified by group size and composition of adults and juveniles) along the trail and another 2 on our drive out. I once had a supergroup here of between 30 and 40 individuals back in October 2005. > > I hope everyone had a great long weekend out in the field. > > Best, Alan > > Alan J. Knue > Edmonds, WA > > > > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 6 > Date: Mon, 2 Sep 2024 18:24:10 -0700 > From: Blythe Horman via Tweeters > To: TWEETERS tweeters > Subject: Re: [Tweeters] birding Lynnwood > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Hi Tweeters, > > Big thanks to everyone who replied with suggestions. Much appreciated. > > Blythe Horman, Lynnwood > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 7 > Date: Mon, 2 Sep 2024 19:29:21 -0700 > From: Jim Betz via Tweeters > To: via Tweeters > Subject: [Tweeters] Numbers of Birds > Message-ID: <2af89fef-b744-4107-ba19-2d504e254a95@jimbetz.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed > > Hi all, > > ? For the last month or more I've been going to Channel Drive. This is > a superb habitat for > > shorebirds and ducks ... and other birds as well.? There are easily > several hundred birds > > there "every low tide" with perhaps 80% ducks and the rest are > sandpipers, dowitchers, > > yellowlegs, etc.? There are a few gulls every day and several GBH.? The > most common > > raptors are peregrines, harriers, and the occasional eagle. Channel > Drive is a long > > inlet/slough - perhaps a couple of miles or more in length and an > average of 50 yards > > or so wide.? It covers in brackish water every high tide and uncovers > perhaps 80% or > > so of the mud every low. > > ? My question is "why don't the birds exhaust the food supply?". Even > if the only > > birds consuming the sticklebacks were the shorebirds - that's a lot of > birds and > > working every daylight tide.? It is not uncommon to see a yellowlegs > catch and > > down one of these small fish - and I'm guessing that it is at a rate of > at least > > one every 30 minutes (more is likely). > > ? Does anyone know the reproductive and growth rates of the small fish > (such as > > sticklebacks)?? What about 'life cycle' questions such as "do the small > fish stop > > reproducing in other seasons?" and the related "why aren't the > shorebirds here > > in large numbers year round?" > > ???????? - just trying to understand the inter-related aspects of the > food and the birds ... Jim > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 8 > Date: Tue, 3 Sep 2024 06:49:00 -0700 > From: Cara Borre via Tweeters > To: Tweeters > Subject: [Tweeters] Westport Seabirds Trip Report August, 31 > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Westport Seabirds said farewell to a fabulous August on Saturday, August > 31. We left the dock at sunrise with mild temps amid a curtain of fog. > Captain Phil took a northwest tack heading for a lone shrimp boat in the > distance. Ghostly apparitions of Sooty Shearwater and Common Murre would > occasionally materialize out of the fog to hold our attention during the > morning journey. Well out to sea, the fog eventually lifted, and we would > spend the rest of our day in bright sunshine, progressively shedding layers > as it heated up. > > A couple hours in we spotted a large raft of Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel. As > we approached Phil announced over the boat?s speakers, ?Look out for > Wilson?s Storm-Petrel coming down the left side of the boat?. In a flash > the rare black storm-petrel with a bright white rump zipped down the Monte > Carlo?s left side before it quickly sailed out of sight. Unlike our > resident Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, who makes its home in the North Pacific > ocean, Wilson?s Storm-Petrel ranges all the world?s oceans, though they are > rare up here in the North Pacific. We?re having great luck with this > species lately with the number of sightings in the last two weeks rivaling > the numbers seen in the previous 3 decades! We had our first South Polar > Skua of the day shortly after the storm-petrel excitement marking the first > of 13 sightings in total for this species. > > Continuing our voyage, adding Pink-footed Shearwater along the way, the > shrimper finally appeared on the horizon. As we grew closer, we could see > we would be in for a treat as there was a good collection of birds around > the vessel. With a bounty of bird activity both in the sky and on the sea, > it was difficult to choose where to begin to look. Black-footed > Albatross, by far our most common albatross, is always an exciting species > to see and we were treated to 25 of them on the water and flying by. > Looking skyward, It was hard to ignore some 125 Sabine?s Gull flying about > the boat then moving to the surface to pick up scraps of shrimp. We could > distinguish a few juveniles along with the gorgeous black-headed adults. > Among the many Sabine?s in flight, we soon picked out several terns and > counted 15 Arctic and at least one Common Tern in this large group. > > Understanding this was the only boat we were likely to encounter during our > trip, we circled it and the birds on the water several times, lingering to > scan the vast flocks of shearwater. Pink-footed Shearwater (400 at boats) > held the majority for the tubenoses with 700 total birds to sort through. > Sooty Shearwater, and its look-a-like Short-tailed Shearwater were both > present in about equal, but small numbers. We were lucky to see a few > Buller?s Shearwater fly by, but even luckier to spot 1 or 2 resting on the > water within the horde of Pink-foots. Luck and perseverance can also > produce a Flesh-footed Shearwater within these flocks this time of year and > indeed we would find one, capping off five species of shearwater all within > this relatively small area surrounding the shrimp boat. We also had > several Northern Fulmar and large flocks of Red-necked Phalarope in the > vicinity. > > A large group of birds around a boat like this is bound to attract > jaegers. Just as the tubenoses are attracted to the fishing boats by the > smell of their haul, jaegers or skuas, as they are also known, are > attracted to the concentration of birds they see around these boats. > Jaegers coerce food from gulls, terns, and shearwaters. They chase these > birds and intimidate them into dropping or regurgitating their food item > which the jaeger quickly scoops up. We had 2 South Polar Skua and two each > of Long-tailed and Pomarine Jaeger at the boat. One of the Long-tailed > Jaegers entertained us by a demonstration of its flight prowess as it > repeatedly maneuvered to catch an evasive moth. > > With time well spent at the boat, we began the journey back to Westport, > skipping our chum stop as the shrimp boat had produced excellent viewing > and photo opportunities. We always pause for anything interesting on the > way back such as great looks at 2 very cooperative Cassin?s Auklet diving > and surfacing several times as we watched. We had a group of 3-4 South > Polar Skua on the water that all lifted up when we approached giving us > even better looks at this species. We stopped several times offshore to > scan the shearwater flocks on the water and were able to pick out Buller?s > Shearwater a couple more times and found another Flesh-footed Shearwater > attempting to blend in with its more common cousin Pink-footed Shearwater. > > We had a great showing from a couple of close Humpback Whale who surfaced > and simultaneously ?fluked? right in front of us. The mammal highlight > though, was a less commonly seen Minke Whale who surfaced several times > allowing everyone to get good views. > > With the coast in sight we were greeted by huge flocks of Sooty > Shearwater. We usually end our trips with a seasonal search for rock > shorebirds on the Westport Jetty, and with the sun baking our starboard > side, we found a cooperative Wandering Tattler. The Marbled Godwit flock > was on the rocks at the far end of the marina and Phil brought us in close > where we spotted 2 Bar-tailed Godwits within the flock of 800 birds, as > well as a couple of Willets and a few Short-billed Dowitchers. > > Captain Phil Anderson and First Mate Chris Anderson hosted a great group of > Northwest birders, many who enjoyed their first pelagic birding trip, but I > bet not their last. Scott Mills, Bruce LaBar and I were the bird spotters > with helpful assists from a couple of pelagic veterans and friends. > > > Hope to sea you out there! > > > Cara Borre > > Gig Harbor > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 9 > Date: Tue, 3 Sep 2024 07:06:30 -0700 > From: Dennis Paulson via Tweeters > To: Jim Betz > Cc: TWEETERS tweeters > Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Numbers of Birds > Message-ID: <3BB95521-A93A-41CC-A209-EA1F709AB6B7@comcast.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 > > Hello Jim, > > The reason the shorebirds aren?t there all year long is because they are mostly migrants, passing through here on their way between breeding areas to the north and wintering areas to the south. Some of them may spend the winter in small numbers, e.g., Greater Yellowlegs and Long-billed Dowitchers, but most are migrants. Short-billed Dowitchers, for example, don?t winter, even though they are quite common in migration, nor do the vast majority of Westerns and Leasts nor species such as Baird?s and Pectoral and Stilt and Short-billed Dowitcher and phalaropes. It would be very interesting to monitor the area all year long to see if any individuals winter there and what happens in the spring. Has anyone observed shorebirds there in spring? > > Sticklebacks can be very common. We must have seen a half-dozen caught and swallowed by Greater Yellowlegs while we were there for an hour the other day. There may be hundreds in the channel, so the predation may not take that much of a toll. It?s natural selection, weeding out the ones more likely to be caught. And the invertebrates in the mud that most of the sandpipers (remember, they are all sandpipers except for the Killdeers) eat are there in prodigious numbers. Mudflats are very rich places for burrowing invertebrates. That?s of course why all those shorebirds are there. > > Dennis Paulson > Seattle > >> On Sep 2, 2024, at 7:29?PM, Jim Betz via Tweeters wrote: >> >> Hi all, >> >> For the last month or more I've been going to Channel Drive. This is a superb habitat for >> >> shorebirds and ducks ... and other birds as well. There are easily several hundred birds >> >> there "every low tide" with perhaps 80% ducks and the rest are sandpipers, dowitchers, >> >> yellowlegs, etc. There are a few gulls every day and several GBH. The most common >> >> raptors are peregrines, harriers, and the occasional eagle. Channel Drive is a long >> >> inlet/slough - perhaps a couple of miles or more in length and an average of 50 yards >> >> or so wide. It covers in brackish water every high tide and uncovers perhaps 80% or >> >> so of the mud every low. >> >> My question is "why don't the birds exhaust the food supply?". Even if the only >> >> birds consuming the sticklebacks were the shorebirds - that's a lot of birds and >> >> working every daylight tide. It is not uncommon to see a yellowlegs catch and >> >> down one of these small fish - and I'm guessing that it is at a rate of at least >> >> one every 30 minutes (more is likely). >> >> Does anyone know the reproductive and growth rates of the small fish (such as >> >> sticklebacks)? What about 'life cycle' questions such as "do the small fish stop >> >> reproducing in other seasons?" and the related "why aren't the shorebirds here >> >> in large numbers year round?" >> >> - just trying to understand the inter-related aspects of the food and the birds ... Jim >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Tweeters mailing list >> Tweeters@u.washington.edu >> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > > > ------------------------------ > > Subject: Digest Footer > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@mailman11.u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > ------------------------------ > > End of Tweeters Digest, Vol 241, Issue 3 > **************************************** From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 3 18:05:14 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Cindy McCormack via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 3 18:05:30 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Westport Seabirds pelagic 29Aug2024 Message-ID: Our originally scheduled trip was for the 28th, but a poor forecast forced a cancellation and rescheduling for the following day. Unfortunately, that meant a good portion of the original participants couldn?t make it on the new date. With such great recent pelagic trips, the roster quickly filled back up. We had a fun trip with so many familiar names and faces! Some highlights from this beautiful, sunny day on the Pacific: The SOOTY SHEARWATER river was flowing well after we crossed the bar. It was fantastic to be among these birds (all looking quite sharp in fresh plumage), they were moving quickly and sometimes turning en masse into a dense vortex. A single MANX SHEARWATER was spotted in this flow, only seen by a few before it was lost among the shearwater whorls. FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS (1901) were seen throughout much of the day?including one amazing mass of hundreds sitting on the water. We had to detour a bit to take a closer look at this spectacle! As we approached, several on the boat spotted a WILSON?S STORM-PETREL among these birds?what a treat! Luckily, we spotted a second (!!) Wilson?s Storm-Petrel later that day to give everyone great views. We did have several groups of seabirds sitting on the water, including one fair-sized flock of Pink-footed Shearwaters that exploded into flight in all directions when two SOUTH POLAR SKUAS dropped in. Wow! The skuas?LONG-TAILED JAEGER (5), POMARINE JAEGER (4), and SOUTH POLAR SKUA (9)-- put on a rather good show today, with many seen exceptionally well by all (in fact, a late-in-the-day skua flying over the boat failed to get most people up from their comfy seats!). Another rather massive natural-feeding group of primarily Pink-foots also had about 75 PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHINS foraging among them. Another surprise was what at first was called out as our 2nd FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER turned out to be a DARK MORPH PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER. This is even more uncommon than seeing a Flesh-footed! The shrimpers we encountered were not actively pulling in nets, but still had a good following, adding to our total of 81 BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS and provided our only brief look at a LAYSAN ALBATROSS for the day. On the return trip, a single very cooperative molting Tufted Puffin remained on the water as we approached, delighting all on board, as did the bow-wave and wake-riding DALL?S PORPOISES. A surprise off-shore HARLEQUIN DUCK was spotted from the front of the boat. We ended with a 6-shearwater day, which made for great discussions on identification. Wonderful views of the gorgeous SABINE?S GULL (50) and several ARCTIC TERNS (24) were had by all. For a more complete list for the day, visit http://westportseabirds.com/2024-trip-results/ or check the eBird lists for accompanying photos: https://ebird.org/checklist/S193798863 https://ebird.org/checklist/S193798862 https://ebird.org/checklist/S193798860 https://ebird.org/checklist/S193798859 https://ebird.org/checklist/S193798858 A great group of birders makes for an engaging day! Thanks to Captain Phil, first mate Chris, and fellow spotters Bill Tweit and Ryan Merrill for another great pelagic! Cindy McCormack for Westport Seabirds -- *_________________Cindy McCormackVancouver, WAnwbirderatgmailcom* -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 5 11:58:33 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Peter Johnson via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 5 11:58:39 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Skamania County shorebirds Message-ID: Tweeters, There is not a whole lot of shorebird habitat that I am aware of in Skamania County.? About 20 years ago we had a major rainfall event in Stevenson that resulted in a landslide that brought tons of fine material down Rock Creek and deposited it near the creek mouth and into Rock Creek Cove just north of the Highway 14 bridge.? A couple years after the landslide I started seeing western and least sandpipers in late summer early fall feeding in the new mudflat habitat when water levels dropped and exposed these areas.? Yesterday, my wife and I took the kayak out into the cove, and since the water is up and the shoreline habitat is unavailable, I didn't expect to see any shorebirds. ? So i was surprised to encounter a group of 8 peeps resting on and feeding in a mass of aquatic vegetation a couple hundred feet from the shore and in about 5 feet of water.? I didn't have my binos but based on the brownish backs and yellow legs of some individuals, some, if not all of the peeps were least sandpipers. Seeing these birds feeding on a floating mass of aquatic veg seems remarkable to me, a behavior I have not observed before. And what a great example of how adaptable to local conditions migrants can be.? I am curious to hear if others have witnessed shorebird feeding behavior similar to what I have described here. I did take a few pics and a short video using my iphone of the peeps resting on and feeding in the veg if anyone is interested. Peter J Stevenson, WA From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 5 13:10:18 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Shep Thorp via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 5 13:10:34 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for 8/5/2024 Message-ID: Hi Tweets, Approximately 25 of us had an initially cool summer day at the Refuge with fog and temperatures in the 50's degrees Fahrenheit. Initially the birding was slow, but a breeze helped to clear out the fog and it was sunny by late morning with improved activity. By the end of the day it was sunny and in the 80's degrees Fahrenheit. There was a High 11'7" Tide at 6:48am and a Low 1'4" Tide at 1:09pm. We skipped the Orchard and the Access Road in the morning to make the most of the falling tide on the dike. Highlights included a nice mixed flock of WARBLING VIREO, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, YELLOW WARBLER and CHICKADEE in the bramble and willows between the dike and slough adjacent to the Twin Barns; excellent views of PECTORAL SANDPIPER, BAIRD'S SANDPIPER, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, WESTERN SANDPIPER and LEAST SANDPIPER along the Nisqually Estuary Trail and Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail, nice looks at NORTHERN HARRIER and PEREGRINE FALCON, and good looks of BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER along the east side of the Twin Barns Loop Trail in a mixed flock CHICKADEE, DOWNY WOODPECKER, and BROWN CREEPER. A WHIMBREL and BONAPARTE'S GULL continued along the McAllister Creek adjacent to the boardwalk. For the day we observed 67 species, and have seen 165 species this year. We had great looks at many Pacific Tree Frog with the cool foggy morning. Further details in our eBird Report below with really nice photos of Baird's Sandpiper and Pectoral Sandpiper. Until next week when we meet again at 8am at the Visitor Center Overlook, happy birding! Shep -- Shep Thorp Browns Point 253-370-3742 Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US Sep 4, 2024 7:26 AM - 4:52 PM Protocol: Traveling 6.44 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Foggy in the morning with clearing and sun by late morning. Temperatures in the 50?s to 80?s degrees Fahrenheit. There was a High 11?7? Tide at 6:48am and a Low 1?4? Tide at 1:09pm. We skipped the Orchard and Access Roads in the morning and made our way out on the Twin Barns Loop Trail to bird the dike earlier in the day. Mammals seen Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Harbor Seal. Many Pacific Tree Frogs observed. 67 species (+6 other taxa) Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 40 Wood Duck 4 Slough on east side of Twin Barns Loop Trail. Gadwall 2 Freshwater marsh. Mallard 100 Northern Pintail 20 Green-winged Teal 10 Surge plain. Hooded Merganser 2 Shannon slough. Common Merganser 3 Nisqually River Overlook. Common/Red-breasted Merganser 1 Spotted by Rob from McAllister Creek Viewing Platform. Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 12 Mourning Dove 1 Anna's Hummingbird 3 American Coot 1 Freshwater Marsh Killdeer 8 Semipalmated Plover 6 Mudflats along Nisqually Estuary Trail and Nisqually Boardwalk Trail. Whimbrel 1 West bank of McAllister Creek Wilson's Snipe 4 Visitor Center Pond and Freshwater Marsh. Spotted Sandpiper 1 West bank of McAllister Creek. Greater Yellowlegs 20 Lesser/Greater Yellowlegs 2 Baird's Sandpiper 2 Up close nice views from Nisqually Estuary Trail or dike on outgoing tide. Loosely associated with Pectoral Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plovers, and peeps. Least Sandpiper 100 Pectoral Sandpiper 1 Spotted by Bruce: Nice close views off Nisqually Estuary Trail on mudflats before Boardwalk. Western Sandpiper 350 Western/Semipalmated Sandpiper 2 Bonaparte's Gull 1 McAllister Creek Short-billed Gull 1 McAllister Creek. Ring-billed Gull 200 California Gull 2 Glaucous-winged Gull 2 Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 10 Larus sp. 200 Brandt's Cormorant 1 Nisqually River Channel Marker. Double-crested Cormorant 50 Great Blue Heron 30 Turkey Vulture 1 Spotted by Heather. Osprey 1 Northern Harrier 3 Cooper's Hawk 1 Spotted by Alex. Bald Eagle 10 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Belted Kingfisher 4 Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 3 Northern Flicker 1 Peregrine Falcon 2 Warbling Vireo 3 Mixed feeding flock between slough and Nisqually Estuary Trail adjacent to Twin Barns. California Scrub-Jay 1 West end of Visitor Center West Parking Lot. American Crow 6 Common Raven 3 Black-capped Chickadee 20 Chestnut-backed Chickadee 6 Tree Swallow 5 Violet-green Swallow 4 Tree/Violet-green Swallow 10 Purple Martin 2 Barn Swallow (American) 60 Brown Creeper 4 Marsh Wren 1 Bewick's Wren 4 European Starling 150 Swainson's Thrush 3 Cedar Waxwing 25 Pine Siskin 2 American Goldfinch 2 White-crowned Sparrow 1 Spotted by Anders and Kirstin in Orchard. Savannah Sparrow 8 Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 10 Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 6 Brown-headed Cowbird 4 Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens) 4 Common Yellowthroat 1 Yellow Warbler 1 Black-throated Gray Warbler 2 Mixed flock east side of Twin Barns Loop Trail. View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S194057289 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 5 14:57:55 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Michael Hobbs via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 5 14:58:11 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2024-09-05 Message-ID: Tweets - Just when I thought The Doldrums were over... Today was cool and FOGGY to begin with, turning fairly hot and sunny/hazy by the end. It was super-quiet, both in terms of vocalizations, and in general bird activity. Highlights will be brief, even if I stretch the definition: American Kestrel - Gorgeous male in the East Meadow. First of Year (FOY) Merlin - Jordan saw one streak across the slough heading east Lincoln's Sparrow - One from Viewing Mound, seen by many more of us than last week's Orange-crowned Warbler - One, west edge of Dog Meadow. Making brief songs Black-throated Gray Warbler - One, west edge of Dog Meadow, to get to a whopping three warbler species (along with Common Yellowthroat) Western Tanager - One heard at Rowing Club Coyote - nice looking dog seen from the Viewing Mound Misses today included Vaux's Swift, American Coot, Green Heron, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Warbling Vireo, Barn Swallow, Bushtit, Savannah Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow Warbler, and Black-headed Grosbeak. My fingers are tired. Our best sighting of the day was Margaret Snell, who has been elsewhere for months. Good to see her again. = Michael Hobbs = BirdMarymoor@gmail.com = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 5 15:03:17 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Michael Hobbs via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 5 15:03:33 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Fwd: Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2024-09-05 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Tweets - I forgot to include our species total for the day. 45 species, lowest total of 2024 so far! = Michael ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Michael Hobbs Date: Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 2:57?PM Subject: Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2024-09-05 To: Tweeters Tweets - Just when I thought The Doldrums were over... Today was cool and FOGGY to begin with, turning fairly hot and sunny/hazy by the end. It was super-quiet, both in terms of vocalizations, and in general bird activity. Highlights will be brief, even if I stretch the definition: American Kestrel - Gorgeous male in the East Meadow. First of Year (FOY) Merlin - Jordan saw one streak across the slough heading east Lincoln's Sparrow - One from Viewing Mound, seen by many more of us than last week's Orange-crowned Warbler - One, west edge of Dog Meadow. Making brief songs Black-throated Gray Warbler - One, west edge of Dog Meadow, to get to a whopping three warbler species (along with Common Yellowthroat) Western Tanager - One heard at Rowing Club Coyote - nice looking dog seen from the Viewing Mound Misses today included Vaux's Swift, American Coot, Green Heron, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Warbling Vireo, Barn Swallow, Bushtit, Savannah Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow Warbler, and Black-headed Grosbeak. My fingers are tired. Our best sighting of the day was Margaret Snell, who has been elsewhere for months. Good to see her again. = Michael Hobbs = BirdMarymoor@gmail.com = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 5 16:50:06 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Benjamin Menzies via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 5 16:50:11 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Central Washington In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: It's more of a magic formula than a particular birding spot, but I thought I'd pipe up with my one of my favorite fall birding trips: taking at least one long weekend with the WA gazetteer, binoculars, some camping stuff, a canoe or kayak if feeling ambitious, and then just checking places out. This could be picking a state park or DNR campsite + exploring surrounding areas, or more like a road trip. The Columbia, Frenchman's Coulee, Dry Falls/Sun Lakes, Steamboat Rock, FDR reservoir, Columbia WLR, Potholes in the north; and Yakima canyon, White Bluffs, and points south to the Stonehenge anti-war monument and the Columbia are all good places to steep in the smell of damp sagebrush, see some birds, and awaken to the knowledge that the volume of quail it would take for one to tire of seeing, hearing, and exclaiming "ohmygod look at those quail!" to one's companion(s) is beyond the scope of human imagination. _____________________________ Message: 1 Date: Mon, 2 Sep 2024 12:10:43 -0700 From: rjayrabin via Tweeters Subject: [Tweeters] Central Washington Hi Tweeters, I'm wondering if anyone might have suggestions for birding this time of year, this week in particular, in Central Washington, primarily the Yakima, Ellensburg, Leavenworth areas. Yakima Valley Audubon doesn't seem very active online and I'm wondering if Central/Eastern Washington has a listserv similar to Tweeters. Many thanks, Ron Rabin rjayrabin@gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 5 19:23:38 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Rick Forsman via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 5 19:23:43 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] please take me off your email list thank you Message-ID: rjforsman@hotmail.com Please remove me Sent from Mail for Windows -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 5 21:45:51 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Carol Riddell via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 5 21:46:06 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Massive Movement of Northern Flickers Message-ID: <617EF6CE-6230-4FEB-BAAE-1C0EABC825BE@gmail.com> Hi Tweets, I am posting this on behalf of Stef Neis. She has been unable to post to Tweeters for reasons unknown and would love to hear from others who might have experienced the flicker phenomenon she describes below: "My friend Bev called me at about 10 AM on Wednesday very excited about a very large flock of birds she had in her yard. She and her husband Steve were observing Northern Flickers in the fir trees on their property. Steve was counting the birds calling out one group of 50 and another group of 30 and then continued counting to over 100 before they all lifted and disappeared. This all took place in the space of about 15 minutes. Bev was unable to get any pictures or footage on her cell phone that was discernible due to the shadows, distance and quick movements in the trees. The flock did not appear to be eating, just simply gathering and then taking flight. Both are novice birders so I questioned them to make sure they understood the bird they were seeing. They are quite familiar with the NOFL. Their location is on the west side of Highway 525 south of Greenbank on Whidbey Island. I just wish there had been enough time for me to get to their place and see this sight myself! "My question to the group is to know if anyone has experienced an episode like this in the Pacific NW with NOFLs. I was able to find some information from Birds of the World describing large numbers of Northern Flickers migrating from Canada through the Great Lakes area and over to the East Coast. But what they described typically happened at night or very early morning. Any thoughts or stories of the like would be greatly appreciated." Stef Neis Whidbey Island Carol Riddell Edmonds, WA From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 5 22:01:29 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Bill Mowat via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 5 22:01:35 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Fw: Marymoor Park Survey In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: For those who live in the area, King County Parks needs feedback. See below: --------------------- From: Claudia Balducci, King County Council The future of Marymoor Park Marymoor Park is one of the most beautiful and beloved parks in our region, attracting over 3 million visitors each year. To improve the safety, visitor experience, and maintenance efficiency of the park, King County Parks is proposing a draft Marymoor Park Plan, building on the 1995 Master Plan with added improvements to keep up with growing use. They need your input to help guide decisions on how to improve and update the park! Take a quick survey by Friday, September 27 to give your feedback on what is most important to you at Marymoor or join a virtual open house on Thursday, September 12 at 6:00 PM. Fill out the survey Register for the virtual open house -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 6 05:41:24 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Gary Bletsch via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 6 05:41:33 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] large numbers of flickers References: <679377683.2442153.1725626484221.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <679377683.2442153.1725626484221@mail.yahoo.com> Dear Tweeters, Thanks to Carol Riddell for posting her friend's friend's question, about large numbers of flickers. I could not remember ever seeing any large concentration of flickers, so I did a little digging on eBird. One way to explore this would be to use the "Explore Regions" tool on eBird. I started with the United States, then clicked on "Bird List." Then I clicked on the tab for "High Counts." Then it's easy to find the highest all-time count of any species, simply by going Ctrl + F for "find," and typing in "Northern Flicker." Voila. Wow. The largest count of NOFL ever for anywhere on Earth was 22,721 flickers on 1 October 2003 at Cape May, New Jersey. That's a lot of flickers. The highest count for the Eastern Hemisphere is one; for example, a single flicker showed up in Portugal one time; that would have been a very rare bird over there, indeed. For Canada, the high count was 1254 flickers on 10 April 2023 in Lambton, Ontario. Washington State's high flicker count was 150 birds at Discovery Park on 20 September 1998. Oregon's was 325 birds on 26 September 2018 at Bonney Butte, Hood River County. Michigan's was 790 birds on 9 April 2023 at Saugatuck Dunes State Park. New York State's highest was 4000 birds on 13 April 2001 at Robert Moses State Park, Long Island. A high count of 773 flickers was tallied at Lake Erie Bluffs Metropark, a short ways east of Cleveland, Ohio. Hey, that's not that far from where I live now--maybe I should run over there in a few weeks! Neither Skagit County nor even Clallam County have had any three-digit flicker counts, at least not that show up on eBird. I would have guessed that maybe Neah Bay might be a place for such a phenomenon, but the high count there was just 36 birds on 26 September 2009. I myself do not recall ever seeing a large flock of migrant flickers. My poor old AviSys birding software has suffered a serious crash--which I should be trying to fix right now, instead of rooting around knee-deep in Flicker data on eBird! Anyway, by using eBird, I was able to ascertain that, despite doing tons of birding over the course of fifty years, especially in Washington State, the only two-digit counts I've had have come on Christmas Bird Counts, especially on the Bellingham CBC, for some reason. Those were modest counts of ten to twenty birds. So I would say that it is a rather rare event to find a big flock of migrant flickers, which is what these big flocks seem to be. The two best times of the year appear to be April, and then early autumn. I am guessing that? the great birding magnet spots, such as Cape May and Pt. Pelee, might be likely spots to search for such a thing, offering slightly better odds than does the lottery. Yours truly, Gary Bletsch -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 6 07:52:39 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Cara Borre via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 6 07:52:54 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Westport Seabirds Trip Report August 31 Message-ID: A long-tailed jaeger chasing a MOTH behind a shrimper? Some detail needed there. How far offshore where you? How did you decide it was a moth? Responding to James regarding the jaeger chasing the moth. We were about 28 miles offshore and we will see insects and passerines at times on these trips at these distances. The unusual aspect on this trip was the Long-tailed Jaeger in hot pursuit of a winged insect which we surmised was a moth. Full disclosure, we are birders, not entomologists. The jaeger/winged insect spectacle was close to our bow as we were stopped. One, perhaps more, of our participants snapped pictures where you can see the bird and the insect, though I doubt with enough detail for entomologists to add this species to their offshore list. You never know what you'll see at sea, always an adventure! Cara Borre Gig Harbor -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 6 12:19:15 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Trileigh Tucker via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 6 12:19:49 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] large numbers of flickers Message-ID: Gary, Thank you for posting this astounding datum. I?m impressed by two aspects of it: the number of flickers?boy would I give a lot to have witnessed that?and the precision of the counting. My mind is boggling trying to picture both of those phenomena. Trileigh Trileigh Tucker Pelly Valley, West Seattle NaturalPresenceArts.com From: Gary Bletsch via Tweeters Date: Friday, September 6, 2024 at 5:41?AM To: Tweeters Subject: [Tweeters] large numbers of flickers Dear Tweeters, Thanks to Carol Riddell for posting her friend's friend's question, about large numbers of flickers. I could not remember ever seeing any large concentration of flickers, so I did a little digging on eBird. One way to explore this would be to use the "Explore Regions" tool on eBird. I started with the United States, then clicked on "Bird List." Then I clicked on the tab for "High Counts." Then it's easy to find the highest all-time count of any species, simply by going Ctrl + F for "find," and typing in "Northern Flicker." Voila. Wow. The largest count of NOFL ever for anywhere on Earth was 22,721 flickers on 1 October 2003 at Cape May, New Jersey. That's a lot of flickers. The highest count for the Eastern Hemisphere is one; for example, a single flicker showed up in Portugal one time; that would have been a very rare bird over there, indeed. For Canada, the high count was 1254 flickers on 10 April 2023 in Lambton, Ontario. Washington State's high flicker count was 150 birds at Discovery Park on 20 September 1998. Oregon's was 325 birds on 26 September 2018 at Bonney Butte, Hood River County. Michigan's was 790 birds on 9 April 2023 at Saugatuck Dunes State Park. New York State's highest was 4000 birds on 13 April 2001 at Robert Moses State Park, Long Island. A high count of 773 flickers was tallied at Lake Erie Bluffs Metropark, a short ways east of Cleveland, Ohio. Hey, that's not that far from where I live now--maybe I should run over there in a few weeks! Neither Skagit County nor even Clallam County have had any three-digit flicker counts, at least not that show up on eBird. I would have guessed that maybe Neah Bay might be a place for such a phenomenon, but the high count there was just 36 birds on 26 September 2009. I myself do not recall ever seeing a large flock of migrant flickers. My poor old AviSys birding software has suffered a serious crash--which I should be trying to fix right now, instead of rooting around knee-deep in Flicker data on eBird! Anyway, by using eBird, I was able to ascertain that, despite doing tons of birding over the course of fifty years, especially in Washington State, the only two-digit counts I've had have come on Christmas Bird Counts, especially on the Bellingham CBC, for some reason. Those were modest counts of ten to twenty birds. So I would say that it is a rather rare event to find a big flock of migrant flickers, which is what these big flocks seem to be. The two best times of the year appear to be April, and then early autumn. I am guessing that the great birding magnet spots, such as Cape May and Pt. Pelee, might be likely spots to search for such a thing, offering slightly better odds than does the lottery. Yours truly, Gary Bletsch -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 6 13:05:13 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Larry Schwitters via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 6 13:05:32 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Coots and Gulls oh my Message-ID: Coots and gulls back at Sunset Beach Issaquah. Swift Night Out at Monroe Wagner tomorrow starting at 6:00. Swifts not guaranteed. 226 action packed slide PowerPoint presentation is. Larry Schwitters Issaquah From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 6 15:56:39 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Elder via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 6 15:56:45 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Re: Massive Movement of Northern Flickers Message-ID: Carol/Stef reported a large flock of flickers on Whidbey Island and wondered if this was normal. Gary reported on eBird statistics and his own experience. Like Gary, I've been birding for fifty years. Unlike Gary, my Avisys software is still running. I can only remember and Avisys confirms seeing a substantial flock of flickers once which was almost exactly two years ago at the Northern Point Lighthouse on Brier Island, Nova Scotia. It could easily have been an undercount but I estimated 30 flickers. This was not just a heavy concentration of flickers recorded over the course of the day. It was very much a tight migratory flock. They were moving through the small spruce trees there and after several minutes the entire flock as a unit launched themselves out over the Bay of Fundy towards the coast of Maine. Incidentally there were also scads of warblers and other songbirds behaving similarly except they weren't acting so cohesively as a flock. Even though I see flickers all the time, this was a thrilling birding moment. So my takeaway is that, even though it is uncommon, flickers do occasionally move in migratory flocks. Based on Gary's data it is most likely to be observed in those migratory traps where migrants collect before passing over open water. Also I can highly recommend Brier Island if you are ever considering witnessing a fall migration in the Canadian Maritimes. Jim Elder , Seattle, WA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 6 19:11:15 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (AMK17 via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 6 19:11:20 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Seattle, Green Lake Evening Grosbeak? Message-ID: <2ccc95d7-e0fc-f16a-f1f6-904e30e2e4ae@earthlink.net> I've consistently, for past few mornings, had evening grosbeak flyovers. But only id'd by call and silhouette in the early morning sky. Just wondered if anyone has seen an evening grosbeak as I am reluctant to submit observation without a solid id. Thanks, AKopitov Seattle AMK17 From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 6 21:01:34 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Frank Caruso via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 6 21:01:50 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Massive Movement of Northern Flickers In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: In late September 2008, I was on Monhegan Island off the coast of Maine for four days. This is a great place to see interesting fall migrants like a Lucy?s Warbler that showed up the previous September. Although no migrants this notable were seen during my stay there, on the final day there was a significant movement of Northern Flickers. They were largely in groups of 7-8 and I must have observed at least eight such groups during the time frame of 8:00-10:00 am. I had never seen such a migration of Flickers like this anywhere on the mainland in Maine (lived there six years) or Massachusetts (lived there 28 years). This goes along with Jim?s comments on migrant traps and open water. By the way, Monhegan Island is a beautiful place to visit any time (probably not in the winter though), and spring migration is pretty interesting there as well. Frank Caruso, Edmonds On Fri, Sep 6, 2024 at 3:57?PM Jim Elder via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Carol/Stef reported a large flock of flickers on Whidbey Island and > wondered if this was normal. Gary reported on eBird statistics and his own > experience. > > Like Gary, I?ve been birding for fifty years. Unlike Gary, my Avisys > software is still running. I can only remember and Avisys confirms seeing a > substantial flock of flickers once which was almost exactly two years ago > at the Northern Point Lighthouse on Brier Island, Nova Scotia. It could > easily have been an undercount but I estimated 30 flickers. This was not > just a heavy concentration of flickers recorded over the course of the day. > It was very much a tight migratory flock. They were moving through the > small spruce trees there and after several minutes the entire flock as a > unit launched themselves out over the Bay of Fundy towards the coast of > Maine. Incidentally there were also scads of warblers and other songbirds > behaving similarly except they weren?t acting so cohesively as a flock. > Even though I see flickers all the time, this was a thrilling birding > moment. So my takeaway is that, even though it is uncommon, flickers do > occasionally move in migratory flocks. Based on Gary?s data it is most > likely to be observed in those migratory traps where migrants collect > before passing over open water. Also I can highly recommend Brier Island > if you are ever considering witnessing a fall migration in the Canadian > Maritimes. > > > > *Jim Elder **, Seattle, WA* > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > > https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailman11.u.washington.edu%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Ftweeters&data=05%7C02%7Cfcaruso%40umass.edu%7C398a0e5bb5a64c3ef96208dccec74230%7C7bd08b0b33954dc194bbd0b2e56a497f%7C0%7C0%7C638612602450217784%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=EOEvaIpzE4mCAdlAvQScPjn9oWwkVXN450fbgZ4OGhI%3D&reserved=0 > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 6 22:37:58 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Gene Beall via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 6 22:38:04 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] help with Grouse ID Message-ID: <98affb90-dbf8-4bd3-8b47-3e2ec96c123f@gmail.com> I would really appreciate some help confirming the ID of a grouse I photographed this afternoon in Kittitas County on the north slope of Lookout Mountain.? I think it's a Sooty Grouse but I'm not certain.? The Merlin app suggested both Sooty and Dusky.? The range maps in eBird for these two species would suggest it's a Sooty. The photos in eBird weren't strongly suggestive of one or the other for me.? Here's a link to a half dozen photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene-s_photos/albums/72177720320126475/ If you have comments on the ID I'd also appreciate learning what the distinguishing features are. Thank you for your assistance! Gene Beall Sammamish, WA gene.beall@gmail.com From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Sep 7 08:35:24 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Brian Zinke via Tweeters) Date: Sat Sep 7 08:35:40 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Swifts Night Out in Monroe tonight Message-ID: Hi Tweets, We hope you'll join us for an evening on the lawn of the old Frank Wagner Elementary School (639 W Main St ) in Monroe to celebrate another migration of Vaux's Swifts! >From 4:30pm till dusk (~8pm), we'll have educational booths, children's activities, a Vaux's Swift presentation at 6pm, and a food truck on site. Enjoy an evening with friends and neighbors as we await the swifts to descend into the chimney around sunset. We had a couple thousand swifts earlier this week, but the weather has changed a bit and it's not guaranteed that we'll see swifts this particular night. HOWEVER, we hope you'll come together for some camaraderie and to help us celebrate and honor this spectacular migration regardless! Learn more about Swifts Night Out See you there! Brian -- [image: Logo] Brian Zinke Executive Director phone: (425) 232-6811 email: director@pilchuckaudubon.org Pilchuck Audubon Society 1429 Avenue D, PMB 198, Snohomish, WA 98290 [image: Facebook icon] [image: Twitter icon] [image: Instagram icon] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Sep 7 11:07:20 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Gene Beall via Tweeters) Date: Sat Sep 7 11:07:25 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] help with Grouse ID In-Reply-To: <98affb90-dbf8-4bd3-8b47-3e2ec96c123f@gmail.com> References: <98affb90-dbf8-4bd3-8b47-3e2ec96c123f@gmail.com> Message-ID: <72f92b59-f981-426d-847f-7d0543531385@gmail.com> Thank you to several folks who responded with comments regarding the ID!? I've uploaded one additional photo that shows a pale band at the end of the tail which, from the comments, seems to confirm that it's Sooty Grouse.? Here's the link again: https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene-s_photos/albums/72177720320126475/ Gene Beall Sammamish, WA gene.beall@gmail.com On 9/6/24 10:37 PM, Gene Beall wrote: > I would really appreciate some help confirming the ID of a grouse I > photographed this afternoon in Kittitas County on the north slope of > Lookout Mountain.? I think it's a Sooty Grouse but I'm not certain.? > The Merlin app suggested both Sooty and Dusky.? The range maps in > eBird for these two species would suggest it's a Sooty. The photos in > eBird weren't strongly suggestive of one or the other for me.? Here's > a link to a half dozen photos: > https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene-s_photos/albums/72177720320126475/ > > If you have comments on the ID I'd also appreciate learning what the > distinguishing features are. > > Thank you for your assistance! > > Gene Beall > Sammamish, WA > gene.beall@gmail.com > From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Sep 7 11:49:02 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Diann MacRae via Tweeters) Date: Sat Sep 7 11:49:07 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] August 2024 TUVU report Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Sep 7 15:07:43 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (AMK17 via Tweeters) Date: Sat Sep 7 15:07:47 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Confusing vireo and warbler season Message-ID: <776aca93-3a21-9625-6b8b-4e8c9816e57b@earthlink.net> Around 1 pm, a small flock of vireos and warblers visited. I could not get any decent photos but fortunately one of the warblers photo bombed a shot of a bathing finch! The vireos shots are bits and pieces and confusing but for one warbling vireo. Keep looking in Phinney Ridge Seattle. AKopitov AMK17 From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 8 08:09:32 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 8 08:09:54 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Kent Valley Northern Red-tailed Hawk Message-ID: On 9.7.24 I observed an adult NORTHERN (ABIETICOLA) RED-TAILED HAWK in the Kent Valley along 78th Ave S, just north of S 277th St. Here are links to videos of that bird. https://flic.kr/p/2qf2FKp https://flic.kr/p/2qf26ab I discovered this bird in juvenile plumage on 03.30.24. It was extremely pale in contrast to western red-tails & I thought it might molt into an adult eastern, for easier ID. Recently, after molting, Bill Clark told me that the bird was an adult northern. There is an entire album of this molting bird over a 5 month period of time on Flickr at: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBmtck For more information see ebird report: Checklist S194409252 This would be the first confirmed ebird record of Northern Red-tailed Hawk in the state of Washington. Marv Breece Tulwila, WA marvbreece@q.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 8 13:13:18 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Mary Johnson via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 8 13:13:35 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] First time visit to Ridgefield NWR In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I've always appreciated how there seems to be little to no gatekeeping when it comes to birding; thus, I feel free to share my tiny list after visiting Ridgefield for the first time yesterday. It was warm but hazy, in the midafternoon, so not an ideal time. Nonetheless, we enjoyed seeing: Nutria (lifer mammal!) Western Pond Turtle Great Egret (lifer, at least a dozen through the refuge) Great Blue Heron stalking a rodent in a field Red-tailed Hawk Pied-billed Grebe Common garter snake Numerous California Scrub Jays, including throughout the charming town of Ridgefield Happy birding! Mary Johnson -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 8 14:55:10 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Martha Jordan via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 8 14:55:26 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Northern Flickers Message-ID: Today 2 Northern Flickers spent a bit of time feeding in my neighbors dogwood tree. Lots of conifers around too, but the dogwood was definately preferred food resource. Martha Jordan -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 8 18:22:06 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 8 18:22:11 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Kent Valley Northern Red-tailed Hawk In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Marv Breece, ? First - I am -NOT- a raptor expert and consider myself to be a struggling beginner. ? Second - THANKS for posting the link to flickr - I watched all of the videos and they are great. ? Now to my question - let me start by saying that in the 5+ years I've been birding here in Skagit County I've seen a -lot- of RTH.? They are quit common here and it is actually a 'slow day' if I don't see at least one RTH.? For example, on a recent outing I saw no less than 5 RTH up on poles in the Samish Flats along about one mile of one road.? And one of the things I've noticed about the RTH is the wide range of coloring from individual to individual. Here, for example, is today's entry in my many photos of RTH https://eamon.smugmug.com/Family-pics-from-jim/Birds-and-Stuff-from-Jim/n-4Cw3NF/Birds-Web/i-6fFZNv8/A and here is another taken just a few days before https://eamon.smugmug.com/Family-pics-from-jim/Birds-and-Stuff-from-Jim/n-4Cw3NF/Birds-Web/i-K3ZLf6f/A ???????????? soooo, my question is "what makes the bird in your videos? a "Northern" and not a simple RTH?? I am not challenging your ID - I'm really wanting to understand the differences that you see.? Because, my experience is that the bird you ID'ed, although lighter than common, is still well within the range of RTH.? Maybe I've been seeing Northern RTH all along and just making a mistake? ????????????????????????????????? - Jim > Message: 2 > Date: Sun, 08 Sep 2024 08:09:32 -0700 > From: MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters > To: Tweeters@u.washington.edu > Subject: [Tweeters] Kent Valley Northern Red-tailed Hawk > Message-ID: > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > On 9.7.24 I > observed an adult NORTHERN (ABIETICOLA) RED-TAILED HAWK in the Kent Valley > along 78th Ave S, just north of S 277th St. > Here are links to videos of that bird. > https://flic.kr/p/2qf2FKp > https://flic.kr/p/2qf26ab > I discovered > this bird in juvenile plumage on 03.30.24. It was extremely pale in contrast to western red-tails & I thought it > might molt into an adult eastern, for easier ID. Recently, after molting, Bill Clark told me > that the bird was an adult northern. > There is an entire album of this molting bird over a 5 month period of time on Flickr at: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBmtck > For more information see ebird report: > Checklist S194409252 > This would > be the first confirmed ebird record of Northern Red-tailed Hawk in the state of Washington. > > > Marv Breece > Tulwila, WA > marvbreece@q.com From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 8 18:25:03 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 8 18:25:28 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] First time visit to Ridgefield NWR In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1137863211.437151.1725845104016@connect.xfinity.com> Are you sure they were Western Pond Turtles? We have seen a lot of Western Painted Turtles but never Ponds. Hal Michael Board of Directors, Ecologists Without Borders http://ecowb.org/ Olympia WA 360-459-4005 360-791-7702 (C) ucd880@comcast.net > On 09/08/2024 1:13 PM PDT Mary Johnson via Tweeters wrote: > > > I've always appreciated how there seems to be little to no gatekeeping when it comes to birding; thus, I feel free to share my tiny list after visiting Ridgefield for the first time yesterday. It was warm but hazy, in the midafternoon, so not an ideal time. Nonetheless, we enjoyed seeing: > Nutria (lifer mammal!) > Western Pond Turtle > Great Egret (lifer, at least a dozen through the refuge) > Great Blue Heron stalking a rodent in a field > Red-tailed Hawk > Pied-billed Grebe > Common garter snake > Numerous California Scrub Jays, including throughout the charming town of Ridgefield > > Happy birding! > Mary Johnson > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 8 18:34:13 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 8 18:34:18 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Canada Geese are on the move! In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <89785f62-df4d-436c-b388-85b08c493d35@jimbetz.com> Hi, ? I have been seeing flocks of Canada Geese for the last week (+?).? As in 10+ individuals landing from higher up (at least 1000 feet, more?) and they do not appear to be "locals moving around".? A couple of times it was about 50+ birds. Always coming down from a Northerly direction, never back in the same location the next day. ? The fall migration is ON!????????????????? - Jim P.S. Places I've seen them have been here in the Skagit Flats, on the Samish Flats, at ?????? Ship Harbor, at Hayton, at Channel Drive ... etc.? Most often on calm waters and ?????? protected wetlands.? And honking as they fly (usually my first clue they are near.) From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 8 18:47:42 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Mary Johnson via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 8 18:47:59 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Western PAINTED Turtle In-Reply-To: <1137863211.437151.1725845104016@connect.xfinity.com> References: <1137863211.437151.1725845104016@connect.xfinity.com> Message-ID: Oh yes, I'm sure you're correct! That was my mistake; the shell was certainly darker with less definition than a Western Pond Turtle would have. Thanks; I always learn something from everyone here. On Sun, Sep 8, 2024 at 6:25?PM HAL MICHAEL wrote: > Are you sure they were Western Pond Turtles? We have seen a lot of Western > Painted Turtles but never Ponds. > > Hal Michael > Board of Directors, Ecologists Without Borders > Olympia WA > 360-459-4005 > 360-791-7702 (C) > ucd880@comcast.net > > > > On 09/08/2024 1:13 PM PDT Mary Johnson via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > > > I've always appreciated how there seems to be little to no gatekeeping > when it comes to birding; thus, I feel free to share my tiny list after > visiting Ridgefield for the first time yesterday. It was warm but hazy, in > the midafternoon, so not an ideal time. Nonetheless, we enjoyed seeing: > Nutria (lifer mammal!) > Western Pond Turtle > Great Egret (lifer, at least a dozen through the refuge) > Great Blue Heron stalking a rodent in a field > Red-tailed Hawk > Pied-billed Grebe > Common garter snake > Numerous California Scrub Jays, including throughout the charming town of > Ridgefield > > Happy birding! > Mary Johnson > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 8 18:59:13 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Rob Faucett via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 8 18:59:30 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] First time visit to Ridgefield NWR In-Reply-To: <1137863211.437151.1725845104016@connect.xfinity.com> References: <1137863211.437151.1725845104016@connect.xfinity.com> Message-ID: <32F5E113-7C00-4851-A157-32C9E2F6A977@mac.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 9 03:34:59 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Michael Price via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 9 03:35:15 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] large numbers of flickers Message-ID: Hi tweets Relatively large (+30-50) flocks of southbound Northern Flickers are fairly regular on the lawns of Jericho Park on Vancouver BC's West side. Usually they arrive a bit later in the fall?weeks 1 and early week 2 Sep seems a titch early. While the vast majority are Red-shafted, it's always worth thrashing the flock(s) to shake out any Yellow-shafted and hybrids from the contact zones. What might be worth looking into is what exact environmental factor triggers the southbound movement of northern and interior NOFL populations and whether they selectively migrate to and along the western Pacific coast. best wishes, m -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 9 07:46:29 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 9 07:47:16 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Kent Valley Northern Red-tailed Hawk In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <09f0b32c-4140-4b51-8cd0-db1d23f04681@jimbetz.com> Kevin, ? THANKS for the link to this excellent article.? I read it thru - fairly quickly - and definitely studied the photos and captions.? I have to admit that I'm still confused - I'm pretty sure I've seen RTH that have coloring that is the same or at least close to the descriptions.? In fact, I'm even more convinced that this color markings difference is within what I consider to be well within the range of variations that I've seen. All, ? This brings up further questions: ? What exactly is a sub-species?".? Can/do they interbreed with other birds of the same species??? If they can interbreed then, to my way of thinking at least, that makes the whole sub-species thing "weak". ? Is range/frequency of occurence of a color variation in a geographic area enough to distiguish a sub-species? ? I have often heard of/read about color variations that are regional - even in RTH.? But, should a bird wander away from its original territory - does that make it a different subspecies that is far from home - or is it simply a color variation? ? With respect to RTH are we saying that the Eastern/Western/Northern birds rarely, if ever, change areas? ? What actually happens in the geographic areas where more than one sub-species is near each other? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? - I agree with Kevin - this is a rabbit hole ... Jim On 9/8/2024 11:25 PM, Kevin Lucas wrote: > Jim, > For quite a while I've read few Tweeters posts, but read yours tonight > and started down that rabbit hole. Here's a link? to an article by > well respected experts that might be of help to you. I only just > started into it. > https://northernredtails.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/rth_aabieticiola_north_american_birds_march_2014.pdf > Regards, > Kevin Lucas > Yakima County, WA > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 9 08:02:44 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Valerie Anderson via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 9 08:02:59 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Birds suddenly gone Message-ID: Hi Tweeters, We consistently have a large and active population of various birds at our feeders and surrounding trees. A lot of Black Capped and Chestnut Backed Chickadees, House Finches, Nuthaches, Towhees, Juncos, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, Flickers, and more. Suddenly they are ALL gone! It is creepy and worrisome. It's as if someone flipped a switch and made them disappear. Has anyone else had this happen? Seems like they vanished around 4 or 5 days ago. We do not use any kind of chemicals outside and no outdoor cats. Valerie Anderson Olympia -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 9 12:24:19 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Karen L Bosley via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 9 12:25:11 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Blue booby Message-ID: Does anyone know if the blue footed booby is st in pt townsend today and where? Karen bosley -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 9 16:41:19 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 9 16:41:23 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Fw: Kent Valley Northern Red-tailed Hawk Message-ID: Birders have asked me about the field marks of the current Kent Valley NORTHERN RED-TAILED HAWK. Here they are, copy/pasted from my ebird report: * reddish-brown head dribbling streaks onto the breast * dark throat with white streaks * prominent and dark belly band * underwing less heavily marked than on calurus (western) * deep brown back * rather thick, black subterminal tail band * primary tips do not reach tip of tail on perched bird For those interested in Red-tailed Hawk (RTHA) subspecies, here is a link to a distribution map. https://redtailedhawkproject.org/subspecies-guide/ Scroll down for translation to common names. A good introduction to Northern Red-tailed Hawk is the article by Liguori & Sullivan that Kevin Lucas provided earlier. Here it is again :https://northernredtails.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/rth_aabieticiola_north_american_birds_march_2014.pdf An internet search will turn up several articles about this proposed subspecies. At this point, identification of Northern Red-tailed Hawk seems more of an art to me. Differences with other RTHAs are subtle. Marv Breece Tukwila, WA marvbreece@q.com On Sun, 8 Sep, 2024 at 8:09 AM, me wrote: To: tweeters@u.washington.edu On 9.7.24 I observed an adult NORTHERN (ABIETICOLA) RED-TAILED HAWK in the Kent Valley along 78th Ave S, just north of S 277th St. Here are links to videos of that bird. https://flic.kr/p/2qf2FKp https://flic.kr/p/2qf26ab I discovered this bird in juvenile plumage on 03.30.24. It was extremely pale in contrast to western red-tails & I thought it might molt into an adult eastern, for easier ID. Recently, after molting, Bill Clark told me that the bird was an adult northern. There is an entire album of this molting bird over a 5 month period of time on Flickr at: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBmtck For more information see ebird report: Checklist S194409252 This would be the first confirmed ebird record of Northern Red-tailed Hawk in the state of Washington. Marv Breece Tulwila, WA marvbreece@q.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 9 21:48:59 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Nelson Briefer via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 9 21:49:15 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Hybrids Message-ID: William Clark or anyone else cannot look at a photo of a bird and call it a hybrid. You can start to think a bird is a hybrid if it looks as other birds and the physical zone or area is determined to hold hybrids. In other words, a hybrid is not a hybrid, unless the bird is proven to be a hybrid. One of the best ways to think the bird is a hybrid is if there is a definite change in the structure of the bird, such as changes in the wing length, tail structure, beak structure, also the feet and legs. Possibly, I don?t know? the pattern and color change of a bird might not indicate a hybrid, but might be a start into thinking the bird is a hybrid. Cheers - Nelson Briefer- Anacortes. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 10 07:13:27 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Michelle Landis via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 10 07:13:43 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Hybrids In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Who made you the arbiter of what others can and cannot do? So egotistical. Michelle Landis Coupeville On Tue, Sep 10, 2024, 12:50 AM Nelson Briefer via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > William Clark or anyone else cannot look at a photo of a bird and call it > a hybrid. You can start to think a bird is a hybrid if it looks as other > birds and the physical zone or area is determined to hold hybrids. In > other words, a hybrid is not a hybrid, unless the bird is proven to be a > hybrid. One of the best ways to think the bird is a hybrid is if there is a > definite change in the structure of the bird, such as changes in the wing > length, tail structure, beak structure, also the feet and legs. Possibly, I > don?t know? the pattern and color change of a bird might not indicate a > hybrid, but might be a start into thinking the bird is a hybrid. Cheers - > Nelson Briefer- Anacortes. _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 10 08:32:33 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Karen Wosilait via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 10 08:32:48 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Hybrids In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <9A43A6E2-C853-470E-A2FD-E793808D7A78@gmail.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 10 08:54:50 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Rob Faucett via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 10 08:57:25 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Hybrids In-Reply-To: <9A43A6E2-C853-470E-A2FD-E793808D7A78@gmail.com> References: <9A43A6E2-C853-470E-A2FD-E793808D7A78@gmail.com> Message-ID: <3F5DE6C3-5D5A-4B0D-8CE4-9F3881923645@mac.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 10 15:08:24 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 10 15:08:26 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Fw: Kent Valley Northern Red-tailed Hawk Message-ID: Over the last few years, without intending to, I have collected a few sightings of EASTERN & NORTHERN RED-TAILED HAWKS in Washington. When I noticed that there was a single Eastern record in ebird and zero Northerns, I felt I had to share these sightings. I have created an album on Flickr for each of these 7 sightings. Here's the link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/138163614@N02/albums There is also an album which includes a collection of Harlan's videos. So. The birds are here. There are books that describe Eastern Red-tailed Hawk field marks, but I'm afraid you're on your own with the Northern. The bird is controversial and whether or not it becomes a subspecies remains to be determined. Bird subspecies is not everyone's cup of tea, so I'll leave the topic here. I am hardly an expert when it comes to RTHA, but I am learning. Since I had help from an expert, I feel comfortable with the ID of the birds I have shared with you. Marv Breece Tukwila, WA marvbreece@q.com On Mon, 9 Sep, 2024 at 4:41 PM, me wrote: To: tweeters@u.washington.edu Birders have asked me about the field marks of the current Kent Valley NORTHERN RED-TAILED HAWK. Here they are, copy/pasted from my ebird report: * reddish-brown head dribbling streaks onto the breast * dark throat with white streaks * prominent and dark belly band * underwing less heavily marked than on calurus (western) * deep brown back * rather thick, black subterminal tail band * primary tips do not reach tip of tail on perched bird For those interested in Red-tailed Hawk (RTHA) subspecies, here is a link to a distribution map. https://redtailedhawkproject.org/subspecies-guide/ Scroll down for translation to common names. A good introduction to Northern Red-tailed Hawk is the article by Liguori & Sullivan that Kevin Lucas provided earlier. Here it is again :https://northernredtails.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/rth_aabieticiola_north_american_birds_march_2014.pdf An internet search will turn up several articles about this proposed subspecies. At this point, identification of Northern Red-tailed Hawk seems more of an art to me. Differences with other RTHAs are subtle. Marv Breece Tukwila, WA marvbreece@q.com On Sun, 8 Sep, 2024 at 8:09 AM, me > wrote: To: tweeters@u.washington.edu On 9.7.24 I observed an adult NORTHERN (ABIETICOLA) RED-TAILED HAWK in the Kent Valley along 78th Ave S, just north of S 277th St. Here are links to videos of that bird. https://flic.kr/p/2qf2FKp https://flic.kr/p/2qf26ab I discovered this bird in juvenile plumage on 03.30.24. It was extremely pale in contrast to western red-tails & I thought it might molt into an adult eastern, for easier ID. Recently, after molting, Bill Clark told me that the bird was an adult northern. There is an entire album of this molting bird over a 5 month period of time on Flickr at: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBmtck For more information see ebird report: Checklist S194409252 This would be the first confirmed ebird record of Northern Red-tailed Hawk in the state of Washington. Marv Breece Tulwila, WA marvbreece@q.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 10 19:20:16 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Nelson Briefer via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 10 19:20:31 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Northern Red- tailed Hawk Message-ID: Marv? that was a great sighting. Respectfully- Nelson Briefer- Anacortes. There are so many types of R.T. Hawks, I just lump them all together, including albinos. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Sep 11 07:49:13 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Wed Sep 11 07:49:28 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Nisqually at less than optimum tide? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi, ? I'm going to be in the Olympia area the first weekend in November.? I think of Nisqually as being a "best at low tide" location - but the tides that day are "high" (actually a "high low tide" in the daylight hours).? I've only been to Nisqually once, last year at the same time of year.? The tide was low then and I got to see shorebirds, etc. ? My obvious question is "should I just pass on Nisqually when the water will be so high?". Are there other locations in the Olympia area that you'd recommend for early November birding that aren't tide influenced wetlands?? Or somewhere else between Skagit County and Olympia? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ???????????????? - Jim in Skagit From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Sep 11 13:55:18 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Pauline Sterin via Tweeters) Date: Wed Sep 11 13:55:55 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Birds Go Missing - Bellingham Message-ID: <9962A496-EB96-488A-8CA5-AC585FC8BAD1@icloud.com> I, too, have observed a sudden decrease in the number of birds this time of year. On my 2020 calendar for September 9th I noted, "Birds go missing." Some fellow birders I've mentioned this to have also noted this, but we have no explanation. Pauline Sterin Bellingham From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Sep 11 14:11:30 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Lin Stern via Tweeters) Date: Wed Sep 11 14:11:45 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] 9/13 BHAS Shorebird Trip Message-ID: <550EB64F-BFA8-4C18-8695-6CBDD6503249@gmail.com> Hello All, Twice per year, I lead a shorebirding trip out to Westport, Bottle Beach, and Tokeland. This is a great opportunity to practice your shorebird ID skills and witness fall migration in full swing. We'll be meeting in Olympia and carpooling from there at 8am. I still have quite a bit of space left, so shoot me an email if you're interested in coming along! Happy birding, Lin "Caspian" Stern Olympia, WA From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 12 06:26:39 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Gary Bletsch via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 12 06:26:44 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] off-topic Brazil RFI References: <993067405.3724026.1726147599586.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <993067405.3724026.1726147599586@mail.yahoo.com> Dear Tweeters, If anyone out there in Tweeterland has some suggestions for a birding trip to Brazil, I'd love to hear them. I'm considering making my first trip to that country in November, i.e. two months from now. I reckon almost anywhere I go in Brazil would bring with it a lot of birding possibilities. I've no interest in visiting any big cities. The Pantanal is often suggested as the place where many birders make their first stop in Brazil, but I am willing to consider anywhere in Brazil that offers good birding. A few years ago, I had to abort a visit to Iguazu Falls when I was just a few hour's drive from there. Thus, I would not necessarily consider Iguazu Falls to be a priority; I did manage to get in some birding in that general area, on the Argentine side of the border, before I had to turn around and go home. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Yours truly, Gary Bletsch -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 12 11:12:40 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jeff Borsecnik via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 12 11:12:47 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Platte cranes - spring break Message-ID: Is the last week of March too late for good viewing of migrating cranes on the Platte river? (Peak is "mid to late March," as I understand it.) Thx! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 12 11:33:56 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Odette James via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 12 11:35:07 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Cedar River Delta (aka Cedar River Mouth) References: <307125503.5777002.1726166036616.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <307125503.5777002.1726166036616@mail.yahoo.com> It's fall shorebird season at the Cedar River delta.? Finally the lake level is being rapidly lowered so that the sand and gravel of the delta is above water level, and the fall migrant shorebirds are here.? A quick look found a Pectoral Sandpiper and a Lesser Yellowlegs so far today, plus lots of peep and a Killdeer.? Plus Green and Great Blue Heron, Pintails, Wigeons, Shovelers, Green-winged Teals, in addition to the usual Gadwalls and Mallards (males finally getting their green heads back).? There was a single juvenile Snow Goose here for a time yesterday.? And of course the fall Great Coot Horde is rapidly assembling - always fun to watch.? So come check it out.? Boring summer is finally over, though there still is one Caspian Tern left over, not yet gone south with its buddies. Odette James, Lakeshore Retirement Community -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 12 12:17:02 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Allison via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 12 12:17:18 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Blue-footed booby still at Port Townsend Marine Science Center In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Thursday about 12:15 p.m., I?m watching the blue-footed booby dive into the water to the southeast of the Marine Science Center (beyond the State mooring buoys). It looks a lot like the other nondescript gulls, but its wheeling and plunge dives are distinctive. It?s quite a way out, but as the currents shift, it may move closer to shore. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 12 12:39:47 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 12 12:40:13 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Blue-footed booby still at Port Townsend Marine Science Center In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <782784595.572778.1726169987751@connect.xfinity.com> There's a Blue-foot there now too? In addition to the Red-footed? Hal Michael Board of Directors, Ecologists Without Borders http://ecowb.org/ Olympia WA 360-459-4005 360-791-7702 (C) ucd880@comcast.net > On 09/12/2024 12:17 PM PDT Allison via Tweeters wrote: > > > > Thursday about 12:15 p.m., I?m watching the blue-footed booby dive into the water to the southeast of the Marine Science Center (beyond the State mooring buoys). It looks a lot like the other nondescript gulls, but its wheeling and plunge dives are distinctive. It?s quite a way out, but as the currents shift, it may move closer to shore. > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 12 13:20:24 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Rick via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 12 13:20:42 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Re Platte River Cranes Message-ID: <0BD4DB10-D628-4D1B-93DE-57846A445C53@comcast.net> We were there April 4, 2022 and there were 300,000 cranes still there, down 150,000 from the week before! Sent from my iPhone From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 12 13:23:25 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Steve Hampton via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 12 13:23:39 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Red-footed Booby backstory and likely origin Message-ID: All, The Red-footed Booby is still present, usually at the Marine Science Pier pilings inside the tiny protected area at the pier, and other times on the *Hawaiian Chieftain* wires or booms along the Port Townsend waterfront. It spends most of the day at these locations preening. It does go foraging and diving in 20-minute bouts about 4-5 times each day. I've written up some of the backstory, as well as what some seabird experts think about its age (14-18 months) and its origin (possibly Kiribati). https://rainshadownorthwest.com/2024/09/02/port-townsends-red-footed-booby-a-messenger-from-the-future/ good birding, -- Steve Hampton Port Townsend, WA (qat?y) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 12 13:56:02 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Michael Hobbs via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 12 13:56:16 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2024-09-12 Message-ID: Tweets - We had cool overcast today, a little dark for great viewing. It was birdy, then it wasn't, then it was, then it wasn't, then it was. One of those days. Highlights: Green-winged Teal - Two females in the slough; still unexpected this time of the year Double-crested Cormorant - One flew north up the slough - First of Fall (FOF), and rather early Cooper's Hawk - Two juveniles seen together Western Screech-Owl - One heard pre-dawn - First of Year (FOY) American Kestrel - Adult male near NE ballfields, probably the same individual as last week Warbling Vireo - One in a nice migrant flock near the first Dog Swim Beach. Getting late for vireos CHIPPING SPARROW - One just SW of the Pea Patch (FOY) Orange-crowned Warblers - Several to Quite a Few; a little hard to get an accurate count with multiple birds seen simultaneously. Maybe 7 total? Black-throated Gray Warblers - Two in that nice mixed flock with the vireo and 2+ of the Orange-crowned Warblers Western Tanager - One heard, later an adult male at the Rowing Club After dipping on them last week, today there were about 8 SAVANNAH SPARROWS at the north end of the East Meadow. These appeared to be larger, more colorful, and more contrasty than the nesting birds; it is typical for us to get birds with this appearance at Marymoor just after the last of "our" Savannah's clear out. The East Meadow was also really good for LINCOLN'S SPARROW today, with perhaps 7 birds noted. Misses today included Band-tailed Pigeon, Vaux's Swift, Virginia Rail, Green Heron, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Willow Flycatcher, Marsh Wren, American Pipit, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, and Yellow Warbler. Despite that long list of "misses", we managed 56 species (which includes one non-GWGU larus) = Michael Hobbs = BirdMarymoor@gmail.com = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 12 16:36:36 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 12 16:36:51 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] September 4 Westport Seabirds report Message-ID: Hi Tweeters, Another glorious day from beginning to end was one of the many highlights for the participants on the Westport Seabirds trip on September 4. 18 participants from as far as Texas and Colorado gathered in the pre-dawn for a memorable trip aboard the *Monte Carlo*. After crossing the bar, the birds started flowing and soon we were viewing the staple species of the nearshore water - Common Murres (686 including 122 chicks), Rhinoceros Auklets (44), Red-necked Phalaropes (20), Sooty Shearwaters (7684) from Australia and California Gulls (452). As common as these species are, they are great study subjects as we compare the more sought after species to these. Therefore, all eyes and bins were checking off the field marks in anticipation of birds with slightly different flight behaviors, profiles, and plumages. With the basics committed to memory, new birds were readily identified including Pink-footed Shearwater (2516) from Chile, Northern Fulmars (7) from Alaska, diminutive Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels (537) and Cassin's Auklets (10) from the Pacific Northwest, and Sabine's Gulls (48) enroute from their high arctic breeding grounds to the Humboldt Current off northern South America. A few striking Buller's Shearwaters (6) from New Zealand also joined the other shearwaters, delighting all aboard. Ever since my first Buller's Shearwater sighting many many years ago off New Jersey (!), I have always appreciated them for their striking plumage, and elegant flight. I absolutely love a good jaeger, especially good views and we were not disappointed. We were treated to the skua slam on this trip which included all three species of jaegers and South Polar Skua. Strangely, today's first jaeger was a Long-tailed Jaeger (1) followed by my favorite bird, the pirate of the sea, the mighty South Polar Skua (3). I've always said that my favorite words on a pelagic trip (other than, wow, there's a weird albatross over there) is incoming SKUA! So thrilling to see a bird that breeds on the Antarctic Continent! Pomarine (4) and Parasitic Jaegers (2) were recorded but we saw surprisingly few of each of these species. The next new species that we found encompassed the largest and smallest of the regularly occurring pelagic species. Black-footed Albatrosses (28) from the leeward chain of the Hawaiian Island and Midway, on 6.5 foot wings, thrilled all on board. It doesn't matter how many times I've seen an albatross, I always know that I'm looking at an epic bird made famous in prose and its incredible life history. It's difficult to wrap one's brain around a bird that may not see land for 5 years before returning to its natal colony to continue the circle of life. These were joined by fleeting views of Red Phalaropes (5) low over the water and a single unidentified sterna (Comic) tern. We've been seeing many Arctic Terns earlier in the season and I have a feeling that most birds today were further offshore than earlier rather than already being absent from this latitude. Regardless, we wish them luck on their journey to the edge of the Antarctic pack ice. A highlight for all was a pair of SCRIPPS'S MURRELETS (2) which were spotted ahead of the *Monte Carlo* in time for Captain Phil to stop and allow everyone a great opportunity to study this species. I don't think there were any sightings of this all of last year so we were super excited to see them! They come to us from their breeding grounds off Mexico and we were anticipating them as they had been recorded further south. Mission accomplished! Other highlights were three separate encounters with Flesh-footed Shearwater (3) from New Zealand. The first one was in a flock of several hundred other shearwaters so it was difficult to have everyone see it well. The third sighting was steller with one Fleshie foot on the water with five Pink-foots for a great comparison. I hope these sightings continue for the remainder of the season! Humpback Whales (6), Dall's Porpoises (1) and Pacific White-sided Dolphins (17) cut the surface but didn't come in for the hoped for bow riding extravaganza. Northern Fur Seals (2 and 4 unidentified) were enjoyed by all. Blue Sharks (6) and several large Ocean Sunfish (20) had all of us looking down as well as keeping our eyes and ears skyward. As with previous trips this season, numerous jumping albacore were fun to see too! Brown Pelicans, the trifecta of cormorants and numerous gulls from Heermann's to Western greeted us as we motored between the jetties. Our mooring in the Westport marina was under the watchful eyes of bobbing Harbor Seal heads and the Marbled Godwit (420) flock. Westport Seabirds thanks all of the enthusiastic participants who make these trips a success. Also, thanks to Captain Phil and first mate Chris for their consummate professionalism, natural history knowledge, bright smiles, and ginger cookies! Also,a big thanks to our guides Bill Shelmerdine, Bill Tweit, and your trip reporter. Even though the Westport Seabirds schedule ( http://westportseabirds.com/2023-schedule/) shows all trips as full, it's always a good idea to think of pelagic opportunities for this year (last minute openings happen) and next year! I hope to see you onboard! Jim Danzenbaker for Westport Seabirds. -- Jim Danzenbaker Battle Ground, WA 360-702-9395 jdanzenbaker@gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 12 16:58:15 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Allison via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 12 16:58:30 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Port Townsend RED-footed booby Message-ID: <18C7219C-39B6-40AB-A5BD-DFF988DB9891@gmail.com> My error?on Thursday I sailed past the Port Townsend RED-footed booby, I must assume (although I didn?t see its feet, so it could have been a blue or brown, but what are the odds?) Allison Reak > On Sep 12, 2024, at 12:05?PM, via Tweeters wrote: > > ?Send Tweeters mailing list submissions to > tweeters@u.washington.edu > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > tweeters-request@mailman11.u.washington.edu > > You can reach the person managing the list at > tweeters-owner@mailman11.u.washington.edu > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Tweeters digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Birds Go Missing - Bellingham (Pauline Sterin via Tweeters) > 2. 9/13 BHAS Shorebird Trip (Lin Stern via Tweeters) > 3. off-topic Brazil RFI (Gary Bletsch via Tweeters) > 4. Platte cranes - spring break (Jeff Borsecnik via Tweeters) > 5. Cedar River Delta (aka Cedar River Mouth) > (Odette James via Tweeters) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2024 13:55:18 -0700 > From: Pauline Sterin via Tweeters > To: tweeters@u.washington.edu > Subject: [Tweeters] Birds Go Missing - Bellingham > Message-ID: <9962A496-EB96-488A-8CA5-AC585FC8BAD1@icloud.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii > > I, too, have observed a sudden decrease in the number of birds this time of year. On my 2020 calendar for September 9th I noted, "Birds go missing." Some fellow birders I've mentioned this to have also noted this, but we have no explanation. > > Pauline Sterin > Bellingham > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2024 14:11:30 -0700 > From: Lin Stern via Tweeters > To: tweeters@u.washington.edu > Subject: [Tweeters] 9/13 BHAS Shorebird Trip > Message-ID: <550EB64F-BFA8-4C18-8695-6CBDD6503249@gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii > > Hello All, > > Twice per year, I lead a shorebirding trip out to Westport, Bottle Beach, and Tokeland. This is a great opportunity to practice your shorebird ID skills and witness fall migration in full swing. We'll be meeting in Olympia and carpooling from there at 8am. > I still have quite a bit of space left, so shoot me an email if you're interested in coming along! > > Happy birding, > > Lin "Caspian" Stern > Olympia, WA > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2024 13:26:39 +0000 (UTC) > From: Gary Bletsch via Tweeters > To: Tweeters Tweeters > Subject: [Tweeters] off-topic Brazil RFI > Message-ID: <993067405.3724026.1726147599586@mail.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Dear Tweeters, > If anyone out there in Tweeterland has some suggestions for a birding trip to Brazil, I'd love to hear them. I'm considering making my first trip to that country in November, i.e. two months from now. I reckon almost anywhere I go in Brazil would bring with it a lot of birding possibilities. I've no interest in visiting any big cities. The Pantanal is often suggested as the place where many birders make their first stop in Brazil, but I am willing to consider anywhere in Brazil that offers good birding. > A few years ago, I had to abort a visit to Iguazu Falls when I was just a few hour's drive from there. Thus, I would not necessarily consider Iguazu Falls to be a priority; I did manage to get in some birding in that general area, on the Argentine side of the border, before I had to turn around and go home. > Thanks in advance for any suggestions. > Yours truly, > Gary Bletsch > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2024 18:12:40 +0000 > From: Jeff Borsecnik via Tweeters > To: "tweeters@u.washington.edu" > Subject: [Tweeters] Platte cranes - spring break > Message-ID: > > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Is the last week of March too late for good viewing of migrating cranes on the Platte river? (Peak is "mid to late March," as I understand it.) > > Thx! > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 5 > Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2024 18:33:56 +0000 (UTC) > From: Odette James via Tweeters > To: "tweeters@u.washington.edu" > Subject: [Tweeters] Cedar River Delta (aka Cedar River Mouth) > Message-ID: <307125503.5777002.1726166036616@mail.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > It's fall shorebird season at the Cedar River delta.? Finally the lake level is being rapidly lowered so that the sand and gravel of the delta is above water level, and the fall migrant shorebirds are here.? A quick look found a Pectoral Sandpiper and a Lesser Yellowlegs so far today, plus lots of peep and a Killdeer.? Plus Green and Great Blue Heron, Pintails, Wigeons, Shovelers, Green-winged Teals, in addition to the usual Gadwalls and Mallards (males finally getting their green heads back).? There was a single juvenile Snow Goose here for a time yesterday.? And of course the fall Great Coot Horde is rapidly assembling - always fun to watch.? So come check it out.? Boring summer is finally over, though there still is one Caspian Tern left over, not yet gone south with its buddies. > Odette James, Lakeshore Retirement Community > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > > ------------------------------ > > Subject: Digest Footer > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@mailman11.u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > ------------------------------ > > End of Tweeters Digest, Vol 241, Issue 12 > ***************************************** From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 12 17:03:56 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (teinberger via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 12 17:04:11 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Eco Tours Message-ID: I am finishing my Hawaii trip, and it?s been pretty depressing seeing all of the current and past destruction and alterations. I wish I could do something about it while I was here. With that in mind, what is the best eco tour organization for trips abroad? It doesn?t have to be birds. I could just do casual birding in my free time or on the job if possible. From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 12 19:52:25 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Thomas Einberger via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 12 19:52:41 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Eco Tours In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Conservation trip may be a better way to describe it. Go abroad to do volunteer work. > On Sep 12, 2024, at 2:04?PM, teinberger wrote: > > ?I am finishing my Hawaii trip, and it?s been pretty depressing seeing all of the current and past destruction and alterations. I wish I could do something about it while I was here. > > With that in mind, what is the best eco tour organization for trips abroad? It doesn?t have to be birds. I could just do casual birding in my free time or on the job if possible. From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 13 11:51:06 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Larry Schwitters via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 13 11:51:22 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Monroe Wagner Swifts Message-ID: <49A5AAA8-D039-4EB8-8D5B-A57886B69A0D@me.com> Tweeters, While the wee birds were somewhere else for the Monroe Swift Night Out community celebration a week ago, 410 showed up last night. They were confused. We need someone to get us our Vaux?s Happening total for tonight and someone for the weekend. Might that be you? It can be fun and is seldom painful. Let me know if you want to be a Vaux's Happening hero. I have a good idea where they were week ago. Larry Schwitters Issaquah From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 13 14:35:59 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Gary Bletsch via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 13 14:36:04 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Brazil? References: <64149716.4086749.1726263359147.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <64149716.4086749.1726263359147@mail.yahoo.com> Dear Tweeters, Please accept my embarrassed apologies--I have changed my mind about going to Brazil, and have settled upon going to Bolivia! A friend of mine has decided that he can come along on the trip after all, and we talked it over and decided that Bolivia would suit us better this November. So, once again, thank you very much to all of the many Tweeters who have sent information about Brazil. I have copied it all down and filed it in my "Birding Travel" three-ring binder for when I do go, which I hope will be some time in the next couple of years. Yours truly egg-faced, Gary Bletsch -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 13 19:35:48 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 13 19:35:53 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Massive feeding frenzy off outer beach near Grayland, Grays Harbor County Message-ID: Hi Tweeters, I love a good feeding frenzy and I was treated to a huge one between Grayland and Westport, Grays Harbor County this afternoon into evening. I estimated 127,200 Sooty Shearwaters (30,000 when I arrived + 90 per every ten seconds for 3 hours coming in from the south). At times, the feeding frenzy was about 4 miles long and extended from the surf line to at least a mile offshore. Waaaay cool stuff! This was spectacle birding at its best! Keep your eyes and ears ?. focused on the birds. Cheers. Jim Danzenbaker Battle Ground, WA -- Jim Danzenbaker Battle Ground, WA 360-702-9395 jdanzenbaker@gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 13 21:14:34 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Tom Benedict via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 13 21:15:10 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Massive feeding frenzy off outer beach near Grayland, Grays Harbor County In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Do you know what they were feeding off of? Tom Benedict Seahurst, WA > On Sep 13, 2024, at 19:35, Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters wrote: > > Hi Tweeters, > > I love a good feeding frenzy and I was treated to a huge one between Grayland and Westport, Grays Harbor County this afternoon into evening. I estimated 127,200 Sooty Shearwaters (30,000 when I arrived + 90 per every ten seconds for 3 hours coming in from the south). At times, the feeding frenzy was about 4 miles long and extended from the surf line to at least a mile offshore. Waaaay cool stuff! This was spectacle birding at its best! > > Keep your eyes and ears ?. focused on the birds. > > Cheers. > > Jim Danzenbaker > Battle Ground, WA > > > -- > Jim Danzenbaker > Battle Ground, WA > 360-702-9395 > jdanzenbaker@gmail.com > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Sep 14 09:32:05 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (kwyou@aol.com via Tweeters) Date: Sat Sep 14 09:32:14 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Birding Westport, Tokeland and Bottle Beach References: <1514529609.4184662.1726331525898.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1514529609.4184662.1726331525898@mail.yahoo.com> What are the dates? Sent from AOL on Android -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Sep 14 17:47:26 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (jreiter wordsonbirds.com via Tweeters) Date: Sat Sep 14 17:47:37 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Tufted Puffins, YES! (thank you) Message-ID: A few weeks ago I contacted this group in advance of my visit to Seattle. In particular, I asked about Tufted Puffins and how I might find them. I received at least 10 very helpful responses. I ended up going on the Puget Sound Express trip out of Port Townsend on Saturday, Sept 7. We not only viewed about a dozen puffins ? some fairly close to the boat ? but also gained excellent views of the Red-footed Booby that I'd heard about prior to the trip. What a bonus! I was happy to see Rhino Auklet, Common Murre and Pigeon Guillemot as well. It was a very fun and successful cruise! Thanks again to all of you who assisted with my outreach. I am so grateful to the Seattle birding community. Jeff Reiter Glen Ellyn, IL (DuPage County) jreiter@wordsonbirds.com Read Words on Birds in the Daily Herald or click here -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Sep 14 19:56:47 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters) Date: Sat Sep 14 19:57:01 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Massive feeding frenzy off outer beach near Grayland, Grays Harbor County In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Apparently mostly anchovies with maybe a few other bait fish thrown in. Jim On Fri, Sep 13, 2024 at 9:15?PM Tom Benedict wrote: > Do you know what they were feeding off of? > > Tom Benedict > Seahurst, WA > > On Sep 13, 2024, at 19:35, Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > > Hi Tweeters, > > I love a good feeding frenzy and I was treated to a huge one between > Grayland and Westport, Grays Harbor County this afternoon into evening. I > estimated 127,200 Sooty Shearwaters (30,000 when I arrived + 90 per every > ten seconds for 3 hours coming in from the south). At times, the feeding > frenzy was about 4 miles long and extended from the surf line to at least a > mile offshore. Waaaay cool stuff! This was spectacle birding at its best! > > Keep your eyes and ears ?. focused on the birds. > > Cheers. > > Jim Danzenbaker > Battle Ground, WA > > > -- > Jim Danzenbaker > Battle Ground, WA > 360-702-9395 > jdanzenbaker@gmail.com > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > > -- Jim Danzenbaker Battle Ground, WA 360-702-9395 jdanzenbaker@gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Sep 14 21:52:42 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan McDougall-Treacy via Tweeters) Date: Sat Sep 14 21:53:18 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Help with Gull ID Message-ID: Yesterday 9/13/24 at the mouth of Cedar River I watched a gull that has me stumped. Here is the note I added to my ebird checklist, and some digiscoped photos are linked below. I'd appreciate any thoughts that are out there regarding this bird. "The most striking field mark is a black bill, yellow at the tip (though clearly not a Sabine?s). Bill smallish and sharply pointed, and rounded at upper mandible giving a hooked appearance. Medium gray mantle. Mottled white head and breast. Pale pink feet. Black-ish wing tips. Overall size similar to CAGU, RBGU." Photos here: https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipOCcov5RyI5mCwU6vi6DZkh0tVKBK3_D3F7Lhio Dan McDougall-Treacy -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 15 11:07:45 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Karen P via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 15 11:08:15 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Booby Story and Other Creaturely Musings Message-ID: I wrote a little piece on why birders are so interested in the Port Townsend booby if you want to check it out on my Substack . I write and share my photos about birds and all the other cool things in nature that I'm curious about. I invite you to subscribe (for free) to keep the stories coming. Karen Povey karenpovey1@gmail.com IG: @wonderwild.nature -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 15 13:27:04 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Carol Riddell via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 15 13:27:19 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Help with Gull ID Message-ID: Hi Tweeters and Dan, When I clicked on the link to your Google photo album for your Cedar River gull, Safari returned a page that said it could not find the linked page. Is there something you need to correct? Thanks. Carol Riddell Edmonds, WA From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 15 14:27:51 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan McDougall-Treacy via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 15 14:28:05 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Help with Gull ID In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: The link to the gull photos doesn?t work and so my eBird checklist (9/13/24) is a possibility. That?s all I have to say on this topic. Dan MT > On Sep 15, 2024, at 1:27?PM, Carol Riddell via Tweeters wrote: > > ?Hi Tweeters and Dan, > > When I clicked on the link to your Google photo album for your Cedar River gull, Safari returned a page that said it could not find the linked page. Is there something you need to correct? Thanks. > > Carol Riddell > Edmonds, WA > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 15 15:10:24 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (pan via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 15 15:10:31 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Dan's gull pictures (King Cty.) Message-ID: <1213058258.1282776.1726438224300@fidget.co-bxl> Hi, Tweets, No opinion (yet), but here's the link for Dan's e-bird checklist with gull pictures at the mouth of the Cedar River (King County). https://ebird.org/checklist/S194979997 Good birding, Alan Grenon Seattle panmail AT mailfence PERIOD com (If you want responses, please include your e-mail address, as was, if not is, our protocol.? Many of us won't see your address unless you do.)? -- Sent with https://mailfence.com Secure and private email -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 15 15:41:52 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Nelson Briefer via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 15 15:42:06 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Common Grackles Message-ID: Common Grackles can be observed from your car and I and you should be able to identify this species naked eye. Location - Sea Farer Park in Anacortes. I have recently observed just the female and today the male. Cheers- Nelson Briefer -Anacortes. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 15 16:41:23 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Carol Riddell via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 15 16:41:38 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Edmonds Roundup: August 2024 Message-ID: <850A2BAC-D3FD-4524-B365-808523EF1E40@gmail.com> Hi Tweeters, With August additions we have reached 184 for our Edmonds 2024 list. In taxonomic order, the new species are: Baird?s Sandpiper (code 3), 2-3 at the waterfront (photo ID), 8-10-24. Pectoral Sandpiper (code 3), 4 at Edmonds marsh (critical field marks described), 8-24-24. Short-billed Dowitcher (code 4), 2 at Edmonds marsh (photo ID), 8-31-24. Ring-billed Gull (code 3), at the waterfront (photo ID), 8-19-24. As always, I appreciate it when birders get in touch with me to share sightings, photos, or recordings. It helps us build our collective year list. If you would like a copy of our 2024 city checklist, with 281 species, please request it from checklistedmonds at gmail dot com. The 2024 checklist, with sightings through July, is in the bird information box at the Olympic Beach Visitor Station at the base of the public pier. 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 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 15 17:00:10 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Carol Riddell via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 15 17:00:27 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Fwd: Edmonds Roundup: August 2024 References: <850A2BAC-D3FD-4524-B365-808523EF1E40@gmail.com> Message-ID: I meant to write that the checklist in the bird information box is updated through August. > Begin forwarded message: > > From: Carol Riddell > Subject: Edmonds Roundup: August 2024 > Date: September 15, 2024 at 4:41:23?PM PDT > To: tweeters > > Hi Tweeters, > > With August additions we have reached 184 for our Edmonds 2024 list. In taxonomic order, the new species are: > > > Baird?s Sandpiper (code 3), 2-3 at the waterfront (photo ID), 8-10-24. > > Pectoral Sandpiper (code 3), 4 at Edmonds marsh (critical field marks described), 8-24-24. > > Short-billed Dowitcher (code 4), 2 at Edmonds marsh (photo ID), 8-31-24. > > Ring-billed Gull (code 3), at the waterfront (photo ID), 8-19-24. > > > As always, I appreciate it when birders get in touch with me to share sightings, photos, or recordings. It helps us build our collective year list. If you would like a copy of our 2024 city checklist, with 281 species, please request it from checklistedmonds at gmail dot com. The 2024 checklist, with sightings through July, is in the bird information box at the Olympic Beach Visitor Station at the base of the public pier. > > 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 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 15 19:45:14 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 15 19:45:19 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] bird ID assistance? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi, ? Sorry, I don't have a picture.? There was a bird at our fountain - the size of a finch/sparrow.? It was an overall greyish color with very light variations similar to a finch/siskin.? But there was a light tan stripe all the way down the center of the back - about a half inch wide and from just behind the neck to about the start of the tail feathers.? Any ideas?? I tried to get a picture but the bird flew off.? If I had to guess I would call it a "finch of some kind" due to size, behavior, bill and head and body shape, etc.? But I've never seen that 1/2" stripe.? I would also offer that the bird -may- have been in molt ... the feathers seemed "soft". - Jim From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 15 20:37:44 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Shep Thorp via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 15 20:37:59 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for 9/11/2024 Message-ID: Hi Tweets, a delayed report for last Wednesday's walk. Approximately 25 of us had a nice day at the Refuge with mild temperatures and mostly cloudy skies. There was a High 11'2" Tide at 1:56pm. Highlights included a very vocal HUTTON'S VIREO across the entrance to the Education Center Parking Lot, a nice mixed flock of WARBLING VIREO/YELLOW WARBLER/ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER at the Twin Barn Access Road junction with the Nisqually Estuary Trail, three groups of SANDHILL CRANE flying south over the Refuge from the Sound, BROWN PELICAN at the mouth of the Nisqually River, and a great PEREGRINE FALCON show hunting the numerous shorebirds on the mudflats. Notable mammals included 4 River Otters in McAllister Creek. For the day we observed 77 species. With the FOY Brown Pelican we now have seen 166 species this year. See eBird report pasted below with photos embedded. Until next week when we meet again at 8am at the Visitor Center Pond Overlook. Happy birding, Shep -- Shep Thorp Browns Point 253-370-3742 Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US Sep 11, 2024 7:53 AM - 5:43 PM Protocol: Traveling 6.145 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Cloudy skies in the early morning and partly cloudy skies in the late morning and afternoon. Temperatures in the 50?s to 60?s degrees Fahrenheit. Mammals seen Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Harbor Seal, and River Otter. Also seen Pacific Tree Frog, Red-legged Frog, Red-eared Slider. 77 species (+4 other taxa) Wood Duck 3 Northern Shoveler 4 Gadwall 1 American Wigeon 40 Mallard 60 Northern Pintail 510 Green-winged Teal (American) 1200 Counted over 1700 waterfowl on the tidal mudflats west of Leschi Slough. 70% GWTE, 30% NOPI. Common Merganser 4 Horned Grebe 8 Nisqually Reach. Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 35 Mourning Dove 1 Anna's Hummingbird 3 hummingbird sp. 1 Virginia Rail 2 Freshwater marsh. Sandhill Crane 15 Three different groups flew over the Refuge from the sound and south into the Valley. Photos. Distinctive, large gray crane with red cap and extended neck in flight. Croaking call. Seen from dike. Killdeer 2 Semipalmated Plover 8 Whimbrel 1 Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail north of McAllister Creek Observation Platform. Wilson's Snipe 5 Freshwater marsh. Spotted Sandpiper 4 West bank of McAllister Creek. Greater Yellowlegs 20 Least Sandpiper 240 Western Sandpiper 360 Rhinoceros Auklet 4 Nisqually Reach. Short-billed Gull 1 Ring-billed Gull 400 California Gull 30 Glaucous-winged Gull 1 Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 30 Larus sp. 300 Caspian Tern 4 Common Loon 1 Nisqually Reach. Brandt's Cormorant 4 Nisqually channel marker. Double-crested Cormorant 40 Brown Pelican 1 Observed perched on snag at mouth of Nisqually River. Seen from Puget Sound Observation Platform with spotting scope. Photo. Large billed waterbird with brown back and head. Great Blue Heron 40 Northern Harrier 2 Cooper's Hawk 1 Bald Eagle 10 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Belted Kingfisher 4 Downy Woodpecker 3 Hairy Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 2 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted) 2 Merlin 1 Peregrine Falcon 2 Possible three. Hunting tidal flats. Willow Flycatcher 2 Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope) 1 Hutton's Vireo 1 Warbling Vireo 6 Steller's Jay 1 American Crow 20 Common Raven 1 Black-capped Chickadee 15 Chestnut-backed Chickadee 2 Violet-green Swallow 2 Purple Martin 2 Barn Swallow (American) 92 Bushtit (Pacific) 15 Golden-crowned Kinglet 2 Brown Creeper 4 Marsh Wren 2 Bewick's Wren 8 European Starling 400 Swainson's Thrush 3 American Robin 10 American Pipit 40 Nisqually Estuary Trail Red Crossbill 4 American Goldfinch 1 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 1 White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis) 4 Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 20 Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 23 Spotted Towhee 2 Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 30 Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens) 3 Common Yellowthroat 30 Yellow Warbler (Northern) 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 1 Wilson's Warbler 1 View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S194804584 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 16 03:21:32 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 16 03:21:37 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] New chickadee research finds cognitive skills impact lifespan | ScienceDaily Message-ID: <8CBED7F2-F8E6-41D9-A440-369EA8EDBF30@gmail.com> https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240906234101.htm Sent from my iPhone From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 16 08:50:12 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Larry Schwitters via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 16 08:50:24 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Monroe Wagner Swifts Message-ID: <024CB6B8-2EA6-44CB-BAA3-288E27C4EF2C@me.com> The Monroe Wagner swifts were a no show for their community celebration. 3-4 thousand are inside the bricks now. If you hurry you might get to see them leave. Our Vaux?s Happening project documented nearly 170,000 of the wee birds going to roost over the week end. They just arrived in San Diego. Larry Schwitters Issaquah From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 16 09:58:40 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Eric Ellingson via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 16 09:59:08 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Tufted Puffins are in various stages of plumage right now. Message-ID: On the trip yesterday to Smith Island with the Salish Sea Schools Puffin Cruise we got to see Tufted Puffins in plumages from almost fully breeding plumage, part way to winter, to full winter plumage. This a great time to be on the water and see the transitions of the seabirds in many stages of plumage. A photo of each here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericellingson/ Eric Ellingson 360-820-6396 esellingson@gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 16 10:11:07 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Eric Ellingson via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 16 10:11:36 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Black-headed Gull Message-ID: For those that may not have heard already, when scanning a flock of mostly Bonaparte's Gulls at Stinky Corner in Birch Bay, I ran across one with a red bill with a black tip. It was very similar to the Bonaparte's but also appeared slightly larger. A text with a photo of this was sent to others and confirmed it was indeed a Black-headed Gull. Many were able to relocate it yesterday in Birch Bay. A photo of it here: https://flic.kr/p/2qgPByW Eric Ellingson 360-820-6396 esellingson@gmail.com https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericellingson/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 16 10:32:10 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Ronda Stark via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 16 10:32:26 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Tufted Puffins are in various stages of plumage right now. In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Thank you! The photos are wonderful. Is that a leucistic Red Tail Hawk? I have never seen one like that in the west. Ronda On Mon, Sep 16, 2024 at 10:01?AM Eric Ellingson via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > On the trip yesterday to Smith Island with the Salish Sea Schools Puffin > Cruise we got to see Tufted Puffins in plumages from almost fully breeding > plumage, part way to winter, to full winter plumage. This a great time to > be on the water and see the transitions of the seabirds in many stages of > plumage. A photo of each here: > https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericellingson/ > > > Eric Ellingson > > 360-820-6396 > esellingson@gmail.com > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 16 10:55:05 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 16 10:55:09 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?WOS_Monthly_Meeting=2C_October_7=2C_2024?= Message-ID: <20240916175505.34202.qmail@s401.sureserver.com> The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) is pleased to announce the kick off of our next series of Monthly Meetings with Connie Sidles who will present "Hummingbirds: Masters of the Air" on Monday, October 7. These tiny dynamos of the avian world seem immune to the ordinary laws of physics with their ability to hover in place, fly upside-down or backwards, and cross seas without stopping. Master Birder Connie Sidles is a well-known, dedicated educator in our region. She is a published author including four books about nature focusing on her favorite ?backyard? Montlake Fill, aka Union Bay Natural Area on the UW campus. Connie will guide us through the wonders of hummingbirds and show us how to attract them to our yards. The meeting will be conducted virtually, via Zoom (no in-person attendance). Please note that this presentation will not be recorded. Sign-in will begin at 7:15 pm, and the meeting commences at 7:30 pm. Please go to the WOS Monthly Meetings page: https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/ for instructions on participation and to get the Zoom link. When joining the meeting, we ask that you mute your device and make certain that your camera is turned off. This meeting is open to all as WOS invites everyone in the wider birding community to attend. Thanks to the generosity of our presenters, recordings of past programs are available at the following link to the WOS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonornithologicalso7839/videos Once again, please note that this presentation will not be recorded. If you are not yet a member of WOS, we hope you will consider becoming one at https://wos.org. Please join us! Elaine Chuang WOS Program Support From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 16 12:28:40 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Deborah West via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 16 12:28:44 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Golden-Crowned Sparrow Message-ID: <5CC21E99-D8AE-4F97-9169-3EC3112748E6@gmail.com> Golden-crowned sparrows-at least one!?have begun arriving iin my neighborhood?Upper Eastside in Olympia. I always enjoy having the Golden-crowned sparrows visit so it was great to have my first one today. Deborah West Olympia From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 16 12:35:17 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jenn Jarstad via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 16 12:36:06 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Common Grackles Message-ID: My understanding is that Common Grackles are only located east of the Rocky Mountains. We have Starlings out here, which are somewhat similar, but not the same species. Jennifer Jarstad Seattle, WA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 16 13:19:34 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 16 13:19:48 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Common Grackles In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Has anyone else seen the grackles? The closest around here would be Brewer?s Blackbirds . *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA thefedderns@gmail.com On Mon, Sep 16, 2024 at 12:37?PM Jenn Jarstad via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > My understanding is that Common Grackles are only located east of the > Rocky Mountains. We have Starlings out here, which are somewhat > similar, but not the same species. > > Jennifer Jarstad > Seattle, WA > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 16 14:52:08 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (J Christian Kessler via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 16 14:52:48 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Common Grackles In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I've seen a Great-tailed Grackle here, once near Stanwood. And I lived 65 years on the East Coast, where Grackles are very common, so I know the difference between grackles & other black-colored birds. there are a few here, but they are very rare. whether the reported birds are grackles, I have no idea as I haven't gone to look for them. Chris Kessler On Mon, Sep 16, 2024 at 1:21?PM Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Has anyone else seen the grackles? The closest around here would be > Brewer?s Blackbirds . > > *Hans Feddern* > Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA > thefedderns@gmail.com > > > On Mon, Sep 16, 2024 at 12:37?PM Jenn Jarstad via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > >> My understanding is that Common Grackles are only located east of the >> Rocky Mountains. We have Starlings out here, which are somewhat >> similar, but not the same species. >> >> Jennifer Jarstad >> Seattle, WA >> _______________________________________________ >> Tweeters mailing list >> Tweeters@u.washington.edu >> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >> > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -- ?Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass ? it?s about learning how to dance in the rain.? Deborah Tuck -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 16 15:24:37 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Larry Schwitters via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 16 15:24:53 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Common Grackles In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: eBird shows 20-25 Puget Soundsville grackle reports 1975-2022. Never more than one. Most include a photo. Larry Schwitters Issaquah > On Sep 16, 2024, at 2:52 PM, J Christian Kessler via Tweeters wrote: > > I've seen a Great-tailed Grackle here, once near Stanwood. And I lived 65 years on the East Coast, where Grackles are very common, so I know the difference between grackles & other black-colored birds. there are a few here, but they are very rare. whether the reported birds are grackles, I have no idea as I haven't gone to look for them. > > Chris Kessler > > On Mon, Sep 16, 2024 at 1:21?PM Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters > wrote: > Has anyone else seen the grackles? The closest around here would be Brewer?s Blackbirds . > > Hans Feddern > Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA > thefedderns@gmail.com > > > On Mon, Sep 16, 2024 at 12:37?PM Jenn Jarstad via Tweeters > wrote: > My understanding is that Common Grackles are only located east of the Rocky Mountains. We have Starlings out here, which are somewhat similar, but not the same species. > > Jennifer Jarstad > Seattle, WA > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > > -- > ?Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass ? it?s about learning how to dance in the rain.? > Deborah Tuck > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 17 10:35:59 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hank Heiberg via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 17 10:36:15 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Horned Lark Message-ID: <7F639AEB-7FD8-42D7-97F3-302FDD38C810@gmail.com> There?s a Horned Lark at Sunset Beach Lake Sammamish State Park. Hank Heiberg Issaquah WA From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 17 11:52:38 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 17 11:52:57 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] JBLM Eagle's Pride Golf Course Monthly Birdwalk - Thursday, September 19 Message-ID: Hi Tweeters, The Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) birdwalk is scheduled for Thursday, September 19. The JBLM Eagle's Pride GC birders meet the third Thursday of each month at 8:00AM. Starting point is the Driving Range Tee, Eagle's Pride Golf Course, I-5 Exit 116, Mounts Road Exit. When you turn into the golf course entrance, take an immediate left onto the road to the driving range - that's where we meet. (We'll be switching to a 9:00AM start time November-February.) Also, to remind folks that haven't been here before, even though Eagle's Pride is a US Army recreational facility, you don't need any ID to attend these birdwalks. Hope you're able to make it! The weather forecast looks to be 53-62 degrees for the walk - should be a comfortable day with no rain during the walk. That said, dressing for success is always a key! May all your birds be identified, Denis Denis DeSilvis Avnacrs 4 birds at outlook dot com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 17 15:07:59 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Odette James via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 17 15:08:10 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Redhead at Cedar River Delta References: <1270016578.7387968.1726610879680.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1270016578.7387968.1726610879680@mail.yahoo.com> This afternoon a male Redhead, with an actual red head (yellow eye and bluish bill with black tip) diving with coots and Mallards right off the end of the airport runway.? The coots seemed to be looking for bits of vegetation stirred up by the Redhead's bubbling dives.? This is not the same Redhead that was here several days ago - that one was probably a juvenile and this is an adult. The lake level continues to drop, and more and more of the sand and gravel of the delta is being exposed.? Shorebirds are mostly a few peep and quite a few Killdeer.? The Pectorals (at one point there were 2) were here for 4-5 days but finally seem to have gone.? There was a Greater Yellowlegs for a time yesterday and a Semipalmated Plover a few days ago for only a day, Spotted Sandpipers occasionally drop by on the logs, and a pipit dropped in for a few seconds this afternoon.? There is also a Double-crested Cormorant (a few appeared on August 23 but don't seem to have stuck around).? And some Pintails, Northern Shovelers, Wigeons and Green-winged Teal in addition to the usual Mallards and Gadwalls and Pied-billed Grebes and Canada Geese.? And still one lone Caspian Tern (not the same one that was here a few days ago).? Quite a few swallows feeding over the delta, but none very close to me - looked mostly like Barn.? Unfortunately I missed the Sabine's Gulls - they don't seem to be here today. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 17 15:46:37 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 17 15:47:09 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Bird song question Message-ID: Do bird songs/calls change with the season? maturity of the bird? hormone levels? I ask because for the last month I've heard unusual bird sounds. Song sparrows in our dense hedge travel along softly singing to themselves. I tracked down a skulky bird in a brushy area making an odd twittering call that finally contained a couple "dee dee" notes before I saw the B-C Chickadee. Any thoughts? Carol Stoner West Seattle -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 17 16:12:14 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Kersti Muul via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 17 16:12:27 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] RE golden crowned sparrows Message-ID: I have a ton of golden crowned and white crowned sparrows showing up too. A nice black headed grosbeak a few days ago.. the Rufous hummers still hanging and draining the feeder daily!. Cackling geese flying over. Several warbler sp West Seattle - Seaview Kersti E. Muul ED -SALISH WILDLIFE WATCH Urban Conservation & Wildlife Biologist/Specialist - Response and Rescue Washington Animal Response Team, BCS and MMSN referral Wildlife Field Biologist IV Marbled murrelet forest certified and USFWS marine certified Birds Connect Neighborhood Bird Project Site Leader Climate Watch Coordinator Animal Care Specialist/Animal & Off the Grid First Aid Certified -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 17 17:34:56 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Bob Flores via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 17 17:35:00 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] RE golden crowned sparrows In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Today in Clark County we have multiple ?first of fall? golden-crowned sparrows showing up at feeders. Bob Flores Duluth, WA > On Sep 17, 2024, at 16:13, Kersti Muul via Tweeters wrote: > > ? > I have a ton of golden crowned and white crowned sparrows showing up too. A nice black headed grosbeak a few days ago.. the Rufous hummers still hanging and draining the feeder daily!. Cackling geese flying over. Several warbler sp > West Seattle - Seaview > > > > Kersti E. Muul > > ED -SALISH WILDLIFE WATCH > Urban Conservation & Wildlife Biologist/Specialist - Response and Rescue > Washington Animal Response Team, BCS and MMSN referral > > Wildlife Field Biologist IV Marbled murrelet forest certified and USFWS marine certified > > Birds Connect > Neighborhood Bird Project Site Leader > Climate Watch Coordinator > > Animal Care Specialist/Animal & Off the Grid First Aid Certified > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 17 17:53:23 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dennis Paulson via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 17 17:53:49 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Bird song question In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5ED2A4A8-30BD-4488-8890-550DBF330C5F@comcast.net> Carol, a lot of songbirds have what are often called ?subsongs,? similar or even not so similar to their normal songs, that they sing during winter. Some of our resident birds like Song Sparrows and Bewick?s Wrens maintain winter territories and sometime sing a variety of songs, with more variety than their full, typical songs when spring comes and hormone levels rise. First-year birds may sing during the winter too with songs different from those of the adults. These songs are often called ?whisper songs,? but some people distinguish the two, reserving ?whisper song? for full songs given by male birds in the breeding season but given very quietly. And Black-capped Chickadees have a great repertoire of vocalizations. You can check the sections on vocalizations in the species accounts in Bird of the World Online, and you can get a free membership for that if you are a member of the Washington Ornithological Society. Dennis Paulson Seattle > On Sep 17, 2024, at 3:46 PM, Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters wrote: > > Do bird songs/calls change with the season? maturity of the bird? hormone levels? > > I ask because for the last month I've heard unusual bird sounds. Song sparrows in our dense hedge travel along softly singing to themselves. I tracked down a skulky bird in a brushy area making an odd twittering call that finally contained a couple "dee dee" notes before I saw the B-C Chickadee. Any thoughts? > > Carol Stoner > West Seattle > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Sep 18 10:31:47 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Joan Miller via Tweeters) Date: Wed Sep 18 10:32:05 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Winter sparrows too Message-ID: I refilled my feeder yesterday so I could see for myself! Fill it and they will come! I have my first golden-crowned sparrows and am watching for fox sparrows next. Joan Miller West Seattle jemskink at gmail dot come -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Sep 18 13:25:06 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (pan via Tweeters) Date: Wed Sep 18 13:25:15 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] King Cty. Pacific Golden-Plover Message-ID: <1735258215.1562397.1726691106227@ichabod.co-bxl> Tweets, There's a basic Pacific Golden-Plover cooperating near the observation deck at the mouth of the Cedar River in Renton this early afternoon, continuing from Eric H. finding it earlier today.? Also an assortment of other water birds and birders to enjoy. 18 September, 2024, Alan Grenon panmail AT mailfence DOT com -- Sent with https://mailfence.com Secure and private email -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Sep 18 15:17:13 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Lynn Wohlers via Tweeters) Date: Wed Sep 18 15:17:44 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Bird song question In-Reply-To: <5ED2A4A8-30BD-4488-8890-550DBF330C5F@comcast.net> References: <5ED2A4A8-30BD-4488-8890-550DBF330C5F@comcast.net> Message-ID: Thanks to Denis, from whom I always learn something. I like the term, "whisper songs." Those autumnal Song sparrow songs are a treasure, part of the poignancy of the season. I'm always happy to hear them again and I'm glad you're hearing them, too, Carol. Lynn Anacortes On Tue, Sep 17, 2024 at 5:54?PM Dennis Paulson via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Carol, a lot of songbirds have what are often called ?subsongs,? similar > or even not so similar to their normal songs, that they sing during winter. > Some of our resident birds like Song Sparrows and Bewick?s Wrens maintain > winter territories and sometime sing a variety of songs, with more variety > than their full, typical songs when spring comes and hormone levels rise. > > First-year birds may sing during the winter too with songs different from > those of the adults. > > These songs are often called ?whisper songs,? but some people distinguish > the two, reserving ?whisper song? for full songs given by male birds in the > breeding season but given very quietly. > > And Black-capped Chickadees have a great repertoire of vocalizations. You > can check the sections on vocalizations in the species accounts in Bird of > the World Online, and you can get a free membership for that if you are a > member of the Washington Ornithological Society. > > Dennis Paulson > Seattle > > > On Sep 17, 2024, at 3:46 PM, Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > > > > Do bird songs/calls change with the season? maturity of the bird? > hormone levels? > > > > I ask because for the last month I've heard unusual bird sounds. Song > sparrows in our dense hedge travel along softly singing to themselves. I > tracked down a skulky bird in a brushy area making an odd twittering call > that finally contained a couple "dee dee" notes before I saw the B-C > Chickadee. Any thoughts? > > > > Carol Stoner > > West Seattle > > _______________________________________________ > > Tweeters mailing list > > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -- Lynn Wohlers Blogging at Bluebrightly Photography on Flickr And at Lynn Wohlers.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Sep 18 16:10:05 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Christina T bean 4 ever via Tweeters) Date: Wed Sep 18 16:10:19 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Unidentified very small rabbit in Tacoma Message-ID: Hello all, I had an encounter with a VERY small rabbit with very small ears in my neighborhood. My neighbor has a lot of trees and wood on the ground in his yard.I think it lives there. Can anyone point me in the direction of either identification or to find out if it is a rare species? Thanks Christina Tacoma -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Sep 18 16:13:35 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters) Date: Wed Sep 18 16:13:49 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] September 14 Westport Seabirds trip report Message-ID: Hi Tweeters, Ordinarily, when you hear somebody say at the end of a birding day "its quality over quantity", you can take it in two ways: they are trying to put a silver lining on an otherwise lackluster day or you saw some really great birds and it didn't matter if the total species number was less than average. We went with option B on last Saturday's trip. In addition to the surprisingly good conditions (with a brief shower or two), we enjoyed fairly calm seas and a parade of new birds throughout the entire day. No sleeping without fear of missing something on this trip! After clearing the mouth of the jetties, we soon encountered the commoner species of the inshore waters including Sooty Shearwater (647), Common Murre (276 with 37 chicks), Rhinoceros Auklet (18), and Red-necked Phalarope (59). As with other trips, emphasis on knowing the behavior, flight style, and plumage of the more abundant birds makes picking out the more sought after species easier for everyone. Soon, Sooty Shearwaters from Australia and New Zealand were joined by their slightly heavier flying cousins, the Pink-footed Shearwaters (147) from Chile. Nothing like a side by side comparison to drive home the detailed differences! A few striking Buller's Shearwaters (6), also from New Zealand, soared by to the cheering of those on board. I've never met anybody who doesn't appreciate them! It wasn't long after the Buller's flyby that we encountered the age old question of .... what do you do when the day's first perfectly plumaged Short-tailed Shearwater (11) wings by, the first Tufted Puffin (1) pops up, and a Humpback Whale (15) is spouting not far off all at the same time? Answer, concentrate on the shearwater as it won't be in view for long, relocate the Tufted Puffin and marvel at the size and color of its bill, and then soak in the whale experience! After this wonderful trifecta, it didn't take long before we saw a Long-tailed Jaeger (2) fly over (surprisingly our first jaeger of the day). Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels (96) became more common in all directions so all on board were able to get soul satisfying views. Cassin's Auklet (25) balls bounced away upon the *Monte Carlo*'s approach, showing that they had very successful feeding forays. A Sabine's Gull (23) or two drifted by on their way to the Humboldt Current and a few Pomarine Jaegers (5) kept the building number of California Gulls on high alert. We approached a shrimp boat close to the edge of the continental shelf but, much to our chagrin, this boat wasn't doing anything so no clouds of birds and, unfortunately, no albatrosses! A bit concerned, our next plan was to chum over deep water and hope for the best. This was a good plan as the birds started to respond almost immediately. California Gulls were joined by several Northern Fulmars (11), Pink-footed Shearwaters (147), the most cooperative, pristine Short-tailed Shearwaters (11) that have ever existed, more Fork-tailed Stormies and Sabine's Gulls, a Red Phalarope (7) or two, a flyby Arctic Tern (7), and an uncooperative distant jaeger. And Black-footed Albatrosses (15) too! They sailed in on their massive 7 foot wingspan much to the delight of all on board. I always appreciate every albatross I see and today was no different. On all pelagic trips, surprises often come in the way of non pelagic birds. Although not graced with lost passerines, we were treated to at least 6-8 flocks of southbound dabbling ducks and two large goose flocks. Photos showed that the ducks were the expected Northern Pintails (270) with a few Green-winged Teal (6) thrown in for size comparison and two large flocks of geese (140 - so distant that even the best photos couldn't identify them for sure) which were probably Greater White-fronted Geese. We surmised that these birds *may* have been making the Alaska to southern Oregon run, a long way for us but probably nothing to them. Humpback Whales (15) were scattered throughout the trip including a few pectoral flipper flapping individuals. Some were definitely giving off the vibes of a happy whale (see https://happywhale.com/home for a library of whale photos and useful facts). Only one Dall's Porpoise (1) today along with a few Harbor Porpoise (3). A fur seal looked on nonchalantly as we motored by and Mola Molas (10) were in evidence with some very large individuals as well as little dinner plate sized ones. We saw several jumping dinner plates (a site not often seen). The question of why mola molas jump out of the water was never sufficiently addressed. Just as we thought we wouldn't get our coveted skua slam (all three jaegers and South Polar Skua), the call of SKUA (2) came from the bow and everyone looked up to see a South Polar Skua fly overhead before veering away in search of a gull/shearwater to harass for a quick meal. Every day with a skua is a good day! With the Parasitic Jaeger (2) that we had recorded about 40 minutes before, we had our skua slam and another round of happy faces! Brown Pelicans, the trifecta of cormorants and numerous gulls from Heermann's to Western and 2 Surfbirds greeted us as we motored between the jetties. Our mooring in the Westport marina was under the watchful eyes of bobbing Harbor Seal heads and the Marbled Godwit (600) flock. Westport Seabirds thanks all of the enthusiastic participants who make these trips a success. Also, thanks to Captain Phil and first mate Chris for their consummate professionalism, natural history knowledge, bright smiles, and ginger cookies! Also, a big thanks to our guides Scott Mills, Gene Revelas, and your trip reporter. Even though the Westport Seabirds schedule ( http://westportseabirds.com/2023-schedule/) shows all trips as full, it's always a good idea to think of pelagic opportunities for this year (last minute openings happen) and next year! I hope to see you onboard! Jim Danzenbaker for Westport Seabirds. -- Jim Danzenbaker Battle Ground, WA 360-702-9395 jdanzenbaker@gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Sep 18 16:51:37 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Brian Zinke via Tweeters) Date: Wed Sep 18 16:51:53 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Unidentified very small rabbit in Tacoma In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Christina, Here's WDFW's webpage on rabbits: https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/living/species-facts/rabbits#common-rabbits As a former Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit biologist for WDFW, I can assure you it is not a pygmy rabbit. They number in the hundreds, have a very restricted range in eastern Washington, and require sagebrush. Nuttall's cottontail is also a shrubsteppe species and very unlikely to be seen around Tacoma. My best guess would be a young eastern cottontail. One thing you can look for is the namesake white cottontail. It will be very obvious on an eastern cottontail, more inconspicuous on a Nuttall's, and non-existent on a pygmy rabbit. Hope that helps! Brian On Wed, Sep 18, 2024 at 4:11?PM Christina T bean 4 ever via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Hello all, I had an encounter with a VERY small rabbit with very small > ears in my neighborhood. My neighbor has a lot of trees and wood on the > ground in his yard.I think it lives there. Can anyone point me in the > direction of either identification or to find out if it is a rare species? > Thanks Christina Tacoma > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -- [image: Logo] Brian Zinke Executive Director phone: (425) 232-6811 email: director@pilchuckaudubon.org Pilchuck Audubon Society 1429 Avenue D, PMB 198, Snohomish, WA 98290 [image: Facebook icon] [image: Twitter icon] [image: Instagram icon] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Sep 18 20:40:48 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Kenneth Brown via Tweeters) Date: Wed Sep 18 20:41:13 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday at Nisqually Message-ID: <1791691058.83679.1726717248919@connect.xfinity.com> The last Wednesday Walk of Summer started with cool, cloudy weather. It finally turned sunny in mid afternoon, a notification of the passing of one season, anticipation of the next, highlighted by the first of the season overflight of 100+ Cackling Geese. The sound and sight of fall returning. Not a day of rarities, but a nice mix of the more common species. Autumn arrives. The complete list follows: Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Olympia US-WA 47.07225, -122.71205, Thurston, Washington, US Sep 18, 2024 7:50 AM - 3:30 PM Protocol: Traveling 5.25 mile(s) 71 species (+5 other taxa) Cackling Goose 100 First flock for the Wednesday Walk. Canada Goose 1 Wood Duck 3 Northern Shoveler 2 Gadwall 2 American Wigeon 20 Mallard 200 Northern Pintail 100 Green-winged Teal 200 Hooded Merganser 1 duck sp. 300 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 20 Mourning Dove 3 Anna's Hummingbird 5 Virginia Rail 1 Killdeer 1 Whimbrel 1 Long-billed Dowitcher 9 Wilson's Snipe 3 Spotted Sandpiper 2 Greater Yellowlegs 30 Least Sandpiper 25 Western Sandpiper 10 Short-billed Gull 2 Ring-billed Gull 250 Glaucous-winged Gull 4 Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 8 Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 25 Larus sp. 500 Double-crested Cormorant 75 cormorant sp. 75 Great Blue Heron 30 Osprey 1 Northern Harrier 1 Cooper's Hawk 1 Bald Eagle 6 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Belted Kingfisher 1 Downy Woodpecker 4 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 7 American Kestrel 1 Merlin 1 Peregrine Falcon 2 Western Wood-Pewee 1 American Crow 10 Common Raven 7 Black-capped Chickadee 16 Chestnut-backed Chickadee 3 Barn Swallow 30 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4 Golden-crowned Kinglet 5 Brown Creeper 2 Marsh Wren 1 Bewick's Wren 3 European Starling 150 Swainson's Thrush 1 American Robin 40 Cedar Waxwing 15 American Pipit 30 House Finch 1 Purple Finch 1 Pine Siskin 1 White-crowned Sparrow 3 Golden-crowned Sparrow 9 White-throated Sparrow 1 Savannah Sparrow 12 Song Sparrow 15 Lincoln's Sparrow 4 Spotted Towhee 5 Red-winged Blackbird 10 Orange-crowned Warbler 3 Common Yellowthroat 8 Yellow Warbler 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 Wilson's Warbler 1 View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S195635739 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Sep 18 21:13:04 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Roger Craik via Tweeters) Date: Wed Sep 18 21:13:08 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Bird song question In-Reply-To: References: <5ED2A4A8-30BD-4488-8890-550DBF330C5F@comcast.net> Message-ID: <276cd83d-a224-4157-a2e2-0fa69f12f1ec@shaw.ca> Hi all I've only heard a Song Sparrow singing it's low song once. You wouldn't believe it was the same bird. The song was quite intricate compared to its Spring song and very quiet. Roger Craik Maple Ridge BC On 2024-09-18 3:17 p.m., Lynn Wohlers via Tweeters wrote: > Thanks to Denis, from whom I always learn something. I like the term, > "whisper songs." Those autumnal Song sparrow songs are a treasure, > part of the poignancy of the season. I'm always happy to hear them > again and I'm glad you're hearing them,?too,?Carol. > > Lynn > Anacortes > > On Tue, Sep 17, 2024 at 5:54?PM Dennis Paulson via Tweeters > wrote: > > Carol, a lot of songbirds have what are often called ?subsongs,? > similar or even not so similar to their normal songs, that they > sing during winter. Some of our resident birds like Song Sparrows > and Bewick?s Wrens maintain winter territories and sometime sing a > variety of songs, with more variety than their full, typical songs > when spring comes and hormone levels rise. > > First-year birds may sing during the winter too with songs > different from those of the adults. > > These songs are often called ?whisper songs,? but some people > distinguish the two, reserving ?whisper song? for full songs given > by male birds in the breeding season but given very quietly. > > And Black-capped Chickadees have a great repertoire of > vocalizations. You can check the sections on vocalizations in the > species accounts in Bird of the World Online, and you can get a > free membership for that if you are a member of the Washington > Ornithological Society. > > Dennis Paulson > Seattle > > > On Sep 17, 2024, at 3:46 PM, Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters > wrote: > > > > Do bird songs/calls change with the season? maturity of the > bird?? hormone levels? > > > > I ask because for the last month I've heard unusual bird > sounds.? Song sparrows in our dense hedge travel along softly > singing to themselves.? I tracked down a skulky bird in a brushy > area making an odd twittering call that finally contained a couple > "dee dee" notes before I saw the B-C Chickadee.? Any thoughts? > > > > Carol Stoner > > West Seattle > > _______________________________________________ > > Tweeters mailing list > > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > > > -- > Lynn Wohlers > > Blogging at Bluebrightly > Photography on Flickr > And at Lynn Wohlers.com > > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters -- Roger Craik Cell: 604-970-2322 Home: 604-467-5412 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 19 00:54:17 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 19 00:54:32 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?Thank_you_for_your_great_reporting=E2=80=94-?= =?utf-8?q?Re=3A__September_14_Westport_Seabirds_trip_report?= In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <2A9B38EF-5220-435B-94C8-A8D0432C9F02@gmail.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 19 07:28:06 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Samara Hoag via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 19 07:28:23 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] 'Space for Birds':Astronaut Roberta Bondar captures avian habitats from earth, in air and on orbit in new book Message-ID: Interview with author photographer Roberta Bondar https://www.space.com/space-for-birds-astronaut-roberta-bondar-interview?utm_term=79D333DC-0503-4D8A-845D-ED49EB5F1525&lrh=e801842a1a9f1ac1a650762f41ec5464ed6c3662442f156412c4f8ea3ac02776&utm_campaign=58E4DE65-C57F-4CD3-9A5A-609994E2C5A9&utm_medium=email&utm_content=582A4E32-4D63-42EA-9791-ACFBABCCDF1A&utm_source=SmartBrief -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 19 07:37:02 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Nelson Briefer via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 19 07:37:17 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Early on Goshawk conclusions Message-ID: It appears the AG( American Goshawk) population in Anacortes may have taken a hit. Zero sightings - that is from Sept 1 until Sept. 19. Plus a very unusual sighting of a female AG and probably mature well away from the forest, August 15. I am offering that AG are being hit with avian flu. Nelson Briefer- Anacortes. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 19 12:56:03 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Mark Ahlness via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 19 12:56:18 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Tokeland 9-19 Message-ID: At the marina a bit ago we saw hundreds of marbled godwits, one bar-tailed, and TWO hudsonians, likely juvies. This was on the incoming tide, they're now all on the jetty. outgoing tide might be good too. Will file ebird report with pics/videos later today. Mark and Janeanne, West Seattle -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 19 13:54:36 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Michael Hobbs via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 19 13:54:55 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2024-09-19 Message-ID: Tweets - Today's regularly scheduled survey at Marymoor Park was apparently moved to Graymore Park. It was so foggy and gray this morning that it would have been almost impossible to see any birds, if there had been birds. Luckily, the fog was somewhat cleared by the time we got to the Lake Platform and it was actually sunny by the time we were going around the mansion. This week, historically, has the largest cumulative number of species seen of any week after mid-May, but this is a bit illusory. We are at the seam when summering birds depart and winter birds arrive, and year-to-year different birds have lingered longer or arrived earlier. There have been about a dozen rarities observed during Week 38, but we've gotten a rarity in only about half of the years. So the number of species you might find on any given day is still moderate, even though the number of possible species is large. Today's was not large, and the day's list grew SLOWLY. Highlights: Greater White-fronted Goose - Two adults and two juveniles on Fields 7-8-9. First of Fall (FOF) American Wigeon - Four on the lake (FOF), seen during a late scan of the lake Ruby-crowned Kinglet - One along west edge of the Dog Meadow (FOF) American Pipit - Eric had eleven on the Grass Soccer Fields when he left early (FOF) Fox Sparrow - About 7, including some singing (FOF) White-crowned Sparrow - Heard a few fractured Pugetensis songs, and a few fractured Gambelii songs (fof for that subspecies) Golden-crowned Sparrow - Maybe a dozen, including some singing (FOF) Western Meadowlark - Four north of Fields 7-8-9 (FOF) Misses today included Hooded Merganser, Vaux's Swift, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, Barn Swallow, Bushtit, Red-winged Blackbird, Orange-crowned Warbler, and Yellow-rumped Warbler. No species have lingered unseasonably late this year, few have arrived unseasonably early, and today we lacked any unusual-but-possible species. We did see some salmon making their way up the slough just below the weir. For the day, 54 species. = Michael Hobbs = BirdMarymoor@gmail.com = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 19 15:15:44 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Christina T bean 4 ever via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 19 15:15:59 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Unidentified very small rabbit in Tacoma In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Thank you Brian On Wed, Sep 18, 2024, 4:51 PM Brian Zinke wrote: > Hi Christina, > > Here's WDFW's webpage on rabbits: > https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/living/species-facts/rabbits#common-rabbits > > As a former Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit biologist for WDFW, I can assure > you it is not a pygmy rabbit. They number in the hundreds, have a very > restricted range in eastern Washington, and require sagebrush. Nuttall's > cottontail is also a shrubsteppe species and very unlikely to be seen > around Tacoma. My best guess would be a young eastern cottontail. One thing > you can look for is the namesake white cottontail. It will be very obvious > on an eastern cottontail, more inconspicuous on a Nuttall's, and > non-existent on a pygmy rabbit. > > Hope that helps! > Brian > > > On Wed, Sep 18, 2024 at 4:11?PM Christina T bean 4 ever via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > >> Hello all, I had an encounter with a VERY small rabbit with very small >> ears in my neighborhood. My neighbor has a lot of trees and wood on the >> ground in his yard.I think it lives there. Can anyone point me in the >> direction of either identification or to find out if it is a rare species? >> Thanks Christina Tacoma >> _______________________________________________ >> Tweeters mailing list >> Tweeters@u.washington.edu >> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >> > > > -- > [image: Logo] > Brian Zinke > Executive Director > phone: (425) 232-6811 > email: director@pilchuckaudubon.org > Pilchuck Audubon Society > 1429 Avenue D, PMB 198, Snohomish, WA 98290 > [image: Facebook icon] [image: > Twitter icon] [image: Instagram > icon] > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 19 17:58:02 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Mark Ahlness via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 19 17:58:17 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Tokeland 9-19 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Apologies for the previous post. We definitely saw one Bar-tailed Godwit today, but no Hudsonians. - Mark On Thu, Sep 19, 2024 at 12:56?PM Mark Ahlness wrote: > At the marina a bit ago we saw hundreds of marbled godwits, one > bar-tailed, and TWO hudsonians, likely juvies. This was on the incoming > tide, they're now all on the jetty. outgoing tide might be good too. Will > file ebird report with pics/videos later today. > > Mark and Janeanne, West Seattle > -- Mark Ahlness mahlness@gmail.com Seattle, WA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 20 10:12:48 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Heather Gervais via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 20 10:13:24 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] RFI: Birding around Los Cabos, Mexico Message-ID: <1F76AD11-02B5-4299-A717-CEA10F53FD32@gmail.com> ?Good morning, In two weeks I will be taking a vacation to Los Cabos, Mexico and wanted to get advice on where to go for good birding. I will be staying a little closer to San Jose Del Cabo than to Cabo San Lucas. If you've been birding in these areas and have advice please reply to me directly instead of replying all so that we can keep the inboxes of other Tweeters members from getting too full. Thank you very much. Peace, Heather Heather Gervais Certified Personal Trainer & Owner of Agewell Health & Wellness LLC Certified Spanish Interpreter/Translator & Owner of Agewell Language Solutions Good person ?Be the change you wish to see in the world.? - Mahatma Gandhi Message sent from my iPhone. Please excuse occasional typos. From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 20 12:26:30 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Justin Bajema via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 20 12:26:46 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] RFI: Birding around Los Cabos, Mexico Message-ID: Heather, I didn?t see that you posted an email address. If you email me I can send you some info. I was there birding last year. - Justin justinbajema@gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 20 12:34:20 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 20 12:34:24 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) monthly bird walk - 9-19-2024 Message-ID: Tweeters, Fourteen of us enjoyed a pleasant (51-60degF) last-JBLM-birdwalk-of-summer under mostly cloudy skies at JBLM Eagle's Pride GC. A noteworthy behavioral sighting: Three Wood Ducks were feeding on blackberries at the 12th hole pond. The water level is relatively high with the blackberry stems hanging down close to the water level. The Wood Ducks were "jumping" slightly up and snagging the blackberries hanging down. (I think you can picture how they did this.) It was quite the mesmerizing sight for us. Ducks are back, with higher numbers of HOODED MERGANSER, WOOD DUCK, and MALLARD, as well as first-of-season AMERICAN WIGEON showing up. RED CROSSBILLS again were relatively abundant across the entire walk with an estimated 48 present, two dozen of which were between the driving range building and the central maintenance facility. We also spotted our first GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS of the season. Mammals included two black-tailed deer, two raccoons, and at least a half-dozen Douglas squirrels. The JBLM Eagle's Pride GC birders meet the third Thursday of each month at 8:00AM. Starting point is the Driving Range building, Eagle's Pride Golf Course, I-5 Exit 116, Mounts Road Exit. (Turn left immediately after entering the parking lot to take the road leading to the driving range building.) Upcoming walks include the following: * October 17 * November 21 (switch to 9:00AM start time this month, which will continue through February 2025) * December 19 (9:00AM start) Everyone is welcome to join us! >From the eBirdPNW report: 36 species Wood Duck 11 See behavioral note. American Wigeon 2 Mallard 25 Hooded Merganser 8 Pied-billed Grebe 2 One "striped" juvenile at 13th hole pond and one adult at Hodge Lake. Band-tailed Pigeon 10 Anna's Hummingbird 2 Cooper's Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 11 Steller's Jay 7 American Crow 2 Black-capped Chickadee 17 Chestnut-backed Chickadee 30 Bushtit 20 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 6 Golden-crowned Kinglet 5 Red-breasted Nuthatch 25 Brown Creeper 4 Pacific Wren 3 Bewick's Wren 2 European Starling 5 American Robin 15 House Finch 2 Red Crossbill 48 Pine Siskin 12 American Goldfinch 11 Dark-eyed Junco 21 White-crowned Sparrow 8 Golden-crowned Sparrow 3 Song Sparrow 20 Lincoln's Sparrow 1 Spotted Towhee 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 Townsend's Warbler 2 View this checklist online at https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Febird.org%2Fchecklist%2FS195825909&data=05%7C02%7C%7C77a05e07163b4d30483e08dcd9a9ebb8%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638624571035403875%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=pcUs7neOTFjfkOa43%2FOtSIW6VEk2L%2BbxjCMleh0gm3I%3D&reserved=0 May all your birds be identified, Denis Denis DeSilvis Avnacrs 4 birds at outlook dot com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 20 17:37:38 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Odette James via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 20 17:38:15 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Eurasian Wigeon?, Cedar River Delta References: <1363103365.8594749.1726879058199.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1363103365.8594749.1726879058199@mail.yahoo.com> Possible Eurasian Wigeon or hybrid near Cedar River Delta.? 5 pm today, Friday, Sept 20.? With American Wigeon in patch of aquatic vegetation floating to the north of the delta.? Duck with shortish dark bill, dark rufous head with paler forehead stripe, pale pink breast, gray side, white belly, tiny white patch on side, but no white flank patch.? When flapped wings, no white wing patch, just pale edge to secondaries.? But I am a long way away, and the bird is mostly snoozing with its bill tucked in and is only rarely showing its plumage. Odette James, Lakeshore Retirement Community -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 20 18:53:14 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Odette James via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 20 18:53:20 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Eurasian Wigeon?, Cedar River Delta In-Reply-To: <1363103365.8594749.1726879058199@mail.yahoo.com> References: <1363103365.8594749.1726879058199.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <1363103365.8594749.1726879058199@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <207415354.8599728.1726883594916@mail.yahoo.com> At 6:30 pm, scratch Eurasian Wigeon.? The light is much better now, and, in addition, the bird is now diving.? (Diving, so no way it's a wigeon.)? It's with some Ruddy Ducks (and I'm certain about those).? When I first saw it I thought "young goldeneye" (head shape with steep forehead) but then the colors tricked me.? The colors are completely different now - the bird looks completely different in the sun or in shade.? I'm back to goldeneye. Sorry.? I am a long way away.Odette James On Friday, September 20, 2024 at 05:37:38 PM PDT, Odette James wrote: Possible Eurasian Wigeon or hybrid near Cedar River Delta.? 5 pm today, Friday, Sept 20.? With American Wigeon in patch of aquatic vegetation floating to the north of the delta.? Duck with shortish dark bill, dark rufous head with paler forehead stripe, pale pink breast, gray side, white belly, tiny white patch on side, but no white flank patch.? When flapped wings, no white wing patch, just pale edge to secondaries.? But I am a long way away, and the bird is mostly snoozing with its bill tucked in and is only rarely showing its plumage. Odette James, Lakeshore Retirement Community -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Sep 21 12:10:51 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Eric Ellingson via Tweeters) Date: Sat Sep 21 12:11:21 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Sooty Shearwater in Birch Bay Message-ID: ? During yesterday evening's trip out to drop crab pots in Birch Bay, we saw a gathering of birds at a bait ball and went to inspect. There were about 300+ birds, mostly gulls, with some Common Murre, Rhinoceros Auklets (juvenile), and Pelagic Cormorants, and the surprise was a Sooty Shearwater (my ID, not positive). We had great looks at it. While watching a very young Common Murre that still had pin-feathers in its head was calling to its parent (short video with audio). And to top off this brief trip we came across a Parasitic Jaeger. eBird list here with photos/video: https://ebird.org/checklist/S195862945 Eric Ellingson 360-820-6396 esellingson@gmail.com https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericellingson/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Sep 21 12:36:21 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Odette James via Tweeters) Date: Sat Sep 21 12:36:28 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Cedar River Delta References: <1099922992.8732464.1726947381248.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1099922992.8732464.1726947381248@mail.yahoo.com> Today, Saturday Sept. 21, at noon along the north edge of the exposed sand and gravel of the delta - a few Least Sandpipers, a few paler peep, a Pectoral Sandpiper, and a juvenile Common Tern, who disappeared soon after I spotted it.? Killdeer all over the exposed delta sediments.? At present, not as many or as varied an assortment of ducks as yesterday. Odette James, Lakeshore Retirement Community -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Sep 21 13:52:45 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Thomas Einberger via Tweeters) Date: Sat Sep 21 13:53:05 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Trying to get to Cedar River Mouth Message-ID: Is anyone going to the Cedar River Mouth tomorrow from Seattle and willing to take me along since I am medically incapable of driving and public transit would take 3 hours? Lots of rare birds there recently -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Sep 21 14:46:21 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jennifer Kinberg via Tweeters) Date: Sat Sep 21 14:46:41 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Sandhill cranes flyover in Renton References: <9ECBD669-2DE8-48C6-87B8-481C4FD6A6EE.ref@yahoo.com> Message-ID: <9ECBD669-2DE8-48C6-87B8-481C4FD6A6EE@yahoo.com> At 2:00 pm Just heard and saw Sandhills cranes flying over our house in Renton highlands, first for our house location! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Sep 21 15:48:02 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Carol Riddell via Tweeters) Date: Sat Sep 21 15:48:18 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] More Western Bluebird Habitat for Whidbey Message-ID: <3D60F0D8-AD0B-4B89-98D3-88E23400B319@gmail.com> Hi Tweets, I was just reading the most recent newsletter from Whidbey Camano Land Trust. A scouting troop in Coupeville has built and installed 17 Western Bluebird boxes and 17 swallow boxes at the Admiralty Inlet Preserve, a little north of Fort Casey. They are hoping to see some pairs of Western Bluebirds occupy the nest boxes in spring 2025. The county listing project designates Western Bluebird as a code 4 species. Trail maps are available for Admiralty Inlet Preserve on the Whidbey Camano Land Trust web site. For county listers, this might become an easy way to add Western Bluebird to your Island County list. It?s nice to know that some new sources are increasing nesting habitat for this species on Whidbey. Carol Riddell Edmonds, WA From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Sep 21 17:16:25 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Tim Brennan via Tweeters) Date: Sat Sep 21 17:16:35 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Jefferson and Kitsap Counties Message-ID: Hey Tweets! I had a backpacking trip to Marmot Pass in Jefferson County, bookended by some Kitsap County birding, with some good birds found! On Wednesday, I made a stop at Point no Point (on Peninsula no Peninsula) and did a little seabird watching. Hundreds of Bonaparte's Gulls were offshore, occasionally harassed by some Parasitic Jaegers. I caught a Common Tern as well, before checking the marsh behind the lighthouse, where I picked up a Virgina Rail for my Kitsap yearlist. In the later afternoon, I got to hiking up to Camp Mystery, which was full of so many different mushrooms. Red Crossbill, Varied Thrush, and American Dipper on the way up. Thursday morning, I hiked up to Marmot pass from my camp, with Pine Grosbeak calling just out of Camp Mystery. At Marmot Pass, there were plenty of Canada Jays, and American Pipits flying overhead. I accidentally started a hike up towards Buckhorn Mountain, getting to about 6500 feet, with Clark's Nutcracker on the way up, and Gray-crowned Rosy Finch at the top of my hike. This was about a half-mile, and included some pretty loose talus - be warned! On the way back to 101, I caught an elusive year bird for Jefferson - a Ruffed Grouse flushed from the last bit of gravel road I touched for the day - 190 for the year! Today, I had a Heermann's Gull at the Kingston Ferry, bringing the Kitsap year to 146. It'll be a bit before the blog is updated at jkcountybirding.blogspot.com, but wanted to share some highlights from a fun trip to the peninsula. Cheers, Tim Brennan Renton -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 22 09:44:14 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Larry Schwitters via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 22 09:44:37 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] A big Big Sat Message-ID: <7838C2A3-5A19-45F2-867E-C63B6F558AB8@me.com> Tweeters, Every Saturday of both Vaux?s Swift migrations Vaux?s Happening makes a big deal about documenting how many swifts are where on that date. In the last 17 years we've been finding more swifts at fewer roosts. The last two years there have been three Saturdays where we documented over 90,000 of the wee birds. Yesterday was our most productive Saturday ever, 120,238. Our North San Francisco Bay roost had 2/3 of them. The swifts showed up the first week of September at the monster roost site we're watching in Mexico Larry Schwitters Issaquah From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 22 13:21:07 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 22 13:21:27 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] FOS Horned Grebes at Dumas Bay Message-ID: We walked around the park at Dumas Bay Center/Knutzen Theater here in Federal Way this morning at high tide..You have a good view looking down on Dumas Bay from there. A group of six Horned Grebes in Winter plumage was first-of-the-season for me. We also had nice looks at 15 to 20 male Surf Scoters, one male White-winged Scoter and one juvenile male Greater Scaup. It is a bit of a challenge to count the scoters while they are constantly diving or as Ruth Sullivan would have said: "they just went -unter-" ! American Wigeons are starting to build up with eight seen and finally a female redhead Common Merganser put in appearance. -- *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA thefedderns@gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 23 13:31:47 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Tim Brennan via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 23 13:31:58 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Jefferson-Kitsap birding - blog updated Message-ID: Hey Tweets! My legs still hurt from the hiking but I've got the blog updated. I made two trips out in September, adding up to five posts: https://jkcountybirding.blogspot.com/2024/09/september-8th-new-and-improved.html and https://jkcountybirding.blogspot.com/2024/09/september-9th-new-and-improved.html For an attempt at finding some shorebirds earlier in the month. https://jkcountybirding.blogspot.com/2024/09/september-19th-backpacking-to-camp.html https://jkcountybirding.blogspot.com/2024/09/september-20th-marmot-pass-and.html and https://jkcountybirding.blogspot.com/2024/09/september-21st-lazy-morning-port.html For the more recent trip, including a productive backpacking trip into the Olympics for some Jefferson toughies. Cheers! Tim Brennan Renton [https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyHhXuKDKrHa2VNPHbqB78a2twhV4j715SybQuhA_tv8PD-Infv0ur7nugD_nqoSRcryW2LI4eQjKNsyY-b_5-ge4CGg2U-7E69fIRTE3TwtHaalmk0-yqw9uE4CWTgYtabRK-iA25Z9iKMIyvseRAnZryKK0E5jDZbBAF9ppufe1qwWjTsLfyJ283pg_/w1200-h630-p-k-no-nu/DSC_0153.JPG] September 20th - Marmot Pass and an Accidental Ascent (Morning Wordle) The rocky slopes of Buckhorn Mountain from Marmot Pass Breakfast at Mystery A shelf for my coffee - very welcome discovery Need to catch up ... jkcountybirding.blogspot.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 23 20:54:15 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Eric Ellingson via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 23 20:54:44 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Black-headed Gull continues in Birch Bay Message-ID: I spent about an hour watching this gull today (23rd). It was within 100' of where I first saw it a few days ago. I'd not seen it fly before only preening and walking around or swimming. This time I saw it hawking flying bugs out of the air (ants?, termites?). There were many Bonaparte's Gulls doing the same thing right in front of me. A very cool sighting. I was able to capture a few shots of both types of gulls doing this. So far I have met people at this site looking for the gull from Vancouver Washington, Vancouver BC, Wenatchee, and more local. If you traveled to see this I'd be interested to know where from. You can email or text me directly. My eBird report is here with photos: https://ebird.org/checklist/S196297397 Eric Ellingson 360-820-6396 esellingson@gmail.com https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericellingson/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 24 09:19:31 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 24 09:19:36 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Nisqually on Nov 1 or Nov 3 Message-ID: <4114913d-6e7b-4e64-bc68-0e8becf79629@jimbetz.com> Hi, ? I will be in Olympia for an all day event on Saturday, Nov 2nd.? That makes me "avaialble" for a visit to Nisqually either the afternoon of Friday the 1st or the morning of Sunday the 3rd.? I have been to Nisqually before - once, on my own, same time of year.? I'd prefer to be there with someone who has more experience of the place than I do.? I have checked the tides for that weekend and it appears that there will be "high low tides" during the daylight hours that weekend (not the best for Nisqually but still it is Nisqually ... ).? I remember last time seeing Cackling Geese, Bald Eagles, an Osprey, and a variety of shore and song birds.? I will have my birding camera with me and hope to take away at least one reasonably good shot (*G*). ? ===> Is there anyone interested in meeting me in the parking lot and 'goiing for a ??????????? stroll'?? (It is even possible that my wife will be with me - but no promises ??????????? are possible at this early date). - Jim (in Burlington) P.S. Since the daytime tides will not be cooperating - would you recommend 'just ?????? not going this time'?? Some other good location in the Olympia area you'd ?????? predict would be better for daytime in early November? From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 24 10:36:51 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Lynn Wohlers via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 24 10:37:19 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Unusual tag on gull carcass Message-ID: On Sunday at Bowman Bay (Deception Pass SP), I saw a dead gull on the beach with a tag that appeared to be tied around its radius and/or ulna. The tag was a small disk with the number "4" inscribed on it. It didn't show any wear and appeared to be made of wood. The dead gull seemed to have washed up with the last high tide. I was mystified by the tag so I sent a message to Tweeters with photos of the bird and tag. Because my photo files were too large, the message was rejected. I received a nice note from Elaine Chuang explaining what to do about the photos and better yet - what the tag was. I thought I would tell Tweeters readers about it in case anyone sees the same thing and wonders what it is. Elaine explained that this tag "indicates that a member of COASST (Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team, under Julia Parrish at UW) has found, examined and then tagged that carcass so as to exclude it from future survey. They are left on the beach to allow natural processes to take place." Here's a link to COASST - the work they're doing to monitor bird population changes is fascinating. They're involved in other projects, like monitoring beach debris, too. Photos of the tagged bird are on my Flickr page. thanks, Lynn Wohlers Blogging at Bluebrightly Photography on Flickr And at Lynn Wohlers.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 24 10:40:30 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Carl Haynie via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 24 10:40:45 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Unusual tag on gull carcass In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: That would be a COASST bird. It?s an ongoing project spearheaded by UW. Carl Haynie Sammamish, WA On Tue, Sep 24, 2024 at 10:38?AM Lynn Wohlers via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > On Sunday at Bowman Bay (Deception Pass SP), I saw a dead gull on the > beach with a tag that appeared to be tied around its radius and/or ulna. > The tag was a small disk with the number "4" inscribed on it. It didn't > show any wear and appeared to be made of wood. The dead gull seemed to have > washed up with the last high tide. I was mystified by the tag so I sent a > message to Tweeters with photos of the bird and tag. > Because my photo files were too large, the message was rejected. I > received a nice note from Elaine Chuang explaining what to do about the > photos and better yet - what the tag was. > I thought I would tell Tweeters readers about it in case anyone sees the > same thing and wonders what it is. Elaine explained that this tag > "indicates that a member of COASST (Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey > Team, under Julia Parrish at UW) has found, examined and then tagged that > carcass so as to exclude it from future survey. They are left on the beach > to allow natural processes to take place." > > Here's a link to COASST - the work > they're doing to monitor bird population changes is fascinating. They're > involved in other projects, like monitoring beach debris, too. > > Photos of the tagged bird are on my Flickr page. > > > thanks, > Lynn Wohlers > > Blogging at Bluebrightly > Photography on Flickr > And at Lynn Wohlers.com > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 24 12:06:58 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 24 12:07:03 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] RTH Message-ID: <9f5487f3-9903-45f3-8399-eb6a2000d69b@jimbetz.com> Hi all, ? Yesterday afternoon/early evening we drove from the intersection of La Conner-Whitney Road and Wa 20 to the East 90 with a short 'detour' out to where you first get on Samish Island and back to The T.? That is what 7 to 10 miles max?? Anyway - we counted no less than 17 RTH in that relatively short distance.? By far the largest number of those were on the Samish Flats. ? We also saw 2 GBH, 2 Harriers, zero SEOW (too early?), considerable number of ducks (a variety of species) and lots of blackbirds (mostly Brewers).? The fields near the East 90 have been cut (not "mowed" but cut short) and most of the corn fields are still standing (but starting to show some silk).? If you come up this way you can still get high quality ear corn at about 2 for a dollar - don't know how much longer the roadside sales for corn will last. ? There were fishermen in the river just up river of the bridge - so that should mean that there are salmon in the Samish River ... however, we did not see -any- Bald Eagles - perhaps they are further up the Skagit/at the Sauk? ? This video has a LOT of good information about bird migration - about an hour but well worth it. https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/live-event/exploring-bird-migration-your-questions-answered/ From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Sep 24 15:21:47 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters) Date: Tue Sep 24 15:21:51 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] WA State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) SURVEY open until November 15, 2024 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Tweeters, Every 10 years State Wildlife Action Plans get updated - throughout the US. This very important process helps with lots of things related to wildlife, especially non-game species. Please consider taking the survey, which will help further the process. Not only does the SWAP help with formulating policies and processes, it's also a critical item for obtaining funding. May all your birds be identified, Denis Denis DeSilvis Avnacrs 4 birds at outlook dot com Subject: Share Please: WA SWAP SURVEY open until November 15, 2024 Please share widely with your conservation contacts and partners interested in Washington fish and wildlife conservation: Please take our SWAP survey which will be open until November 15, 2024. Your participation will help shape the plan. There will be two more webinar and survey opportunities for you to participate in early 2025 (more about plan content) and again in Summer 2025 (draft plan review). The State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) revision is due to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on October 1, 2025. In mid- and late August, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (Margen Carlson and Wendy Connally) provided online briefings about this revision and our approach to the plan. Several changes in our approach were rolled out in those meetings. Now, we are developing our framework to organize by ecoregions and watersheds and working on content to meet the required Eight Elements: Species of Greatest Conservation Need and species-habitat associations, important habitats needing conservation in Washington state, and threats and conservation actions for species, habitats, and systems. The survey provides opportunities to shape many of these elements. The survey results and what we learn from this round of engagement will be incorporated with WDFW staff input in winter 2024-2025 and available to review and discuss in another round of briefings in early 2025. For more information on your own, you can view our August 9, 2024, presentation to the WDFW Commission and transcript on the SWAP revision or the Aug. 28, 2024, public meeting and transcript and read more about on our recent blog. General comments can be directed to swap2025@publicinput.com Thank you for your time and interest! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Sep 25 13:59:45 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Karen Wosilait via Tweeters) Date: Wed Sep 25 13:59:59 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Black-headed Gull reports? (Birch Bay) Message-ID: Has anyone seen the Black-headed Gull since Monday afternoon (most recent eBird report). Negative reports helpful too. Thanks! Karen Wosilait (she/her) Seattle, WA karen.w.mobile@gmail.com From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Sep 25 16:41:01 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Diann MacRae via Tweeters) Date: Wed Sep 25 16:41:06 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] turkey vultures Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Sep 25 16:40:59 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters) Date: Wed Sep 25 16:41:15 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] A Morning on Larch Mountain, eastern Clark County Message-ID: Hi Tweeters, 5 (and at times 7) of us birded Migration Corner on Larch Mountain, eastern Clark County yesterday morning. The wind had shifted to northeast and Birdcast showed a strong nocturnal migration which were the indications that it might be good at this location. While the strong push of warblers has dropped significantly since previous visits earlier in September, birding was still quite good. I've provided a link to the ebird report here (https://ebird.org/checklist/S196376977) which has embedded location information. I think the biggest surprises were the number of Pine Siskins (more than 1000) and 96 Golden-crowned Kinglets which is the most I've ever seen at one location. A bunch of us are heading up there on Saturday morning since the wind will be coming from the ene. We'll hope for something to get blown west to our location! If interested, please let me know I'll supply some logistical information but I need to hear from you by the end of tomorrow.. Keep your eyes and ears skyward! Cheers. Jim -- Jim Danzenbaker Battle Ground, WA 360-702-9395 jdanzenbaker@gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 26 07:51:59 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (jreiter wordsonbirds.com via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 26 07:52:16 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] please delete my address, thanks Message-ID: I would like to be removed from the Tweeters list. Thanks. jreiter@wordsonbirds.com Jeff Reiter Glen Ellyn, IL (DuPage County) jreiter@wordsonbirds.com Read Words on Birds in the Daily Herald or click here -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 26 12:47:04 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Shep Thorp via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 26 12:47:19 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for 9/25/2026 Message-ID: Hi Tweets, Approximately 25 of us had a pretty nice day at the Refuge with partly cloudy to cloudy skies, temperatures in the 50's to 60's degrees Fahrenheit, and rain from 12p-2p. There was a High 12'8" Tide at 2:47pm so we did our usual walk. Highlights included a dramatic ingestion of an American Bullfrog by a GREAT BLUE HERON (see Lisa's embedded photos) and a beautiful capture of a peep species by PEREGRINE FALCON. We also had a good frog day with numerous sightings of Pacific Tree Frog and Red-legged Frog. For the day we observed 66 species with nothing new for the year (166 sp to date). We had a nice fly over of approximately 50 CACKLING GEESE. The American White Pelican that had been in the ponds adjacent to I5 just north of the Nisqually River has moved on. We were unable to relocate confirmed sightings of Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and Red Knot over the last week. And we did not see Marbled Godwit or Whimbrel reported during the day, but it's a large Refuge and the birds move around quite a bit during the incoming and falling tide. Tide levels of 9'-11' seem to work well for the Nisqually Estuary Trail, dike, and the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail. Until next week when we meet again at 8am at the Visitor Center Pond Overlook, happy birding. Shep -- Shep Thorp Browns Point 253-370-3742 Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US Sep 25, 2024 7:38 AM - 3:16 PM Protocol: Traveling 6.328 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Cloudy with Temperatures in the 50?s-60?s degrees Fahrenheit. A High 12?8? Tide at 2:47pm. Mammals seen Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Townsend?s Chipmunk, Eastern Gray Squirrel and Harbor Seal. Others seen Pacific Tree Frog, American Bullfrog and Red-legged Frog. 66 species (+4 other taxa) Cackling Goose (minima) 45 Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 11 Wood Duck 17 Northern Shoveler 19 Gadwall 2 American Wigeon 75 Mallard 100 Northern Pintail 800 Green-winged Teal (American) 1500 Counted in groups of 100. Observed foraging on mud flats in surge plain and tidal mudflats north of Nisqually Estuary Trail and west of Leschi Slough. scoter sp. 2 Hooded Merganser 2 Common Merganser 6 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 18 Band-tailed Pigeon 1 Mourning Dove 2 Anna's Hummingbird 2 Orchard. Virginia Rail 2 Black-bellied Plover 3 Observed on tidal mudflats north of Nisqually Estuary Trail and west of Leschi Slough. Killdeer 3 Long-billed Dowitcher 3 Nisqually Estuary Trail. Seen and heard, ?kik-kik-Kik?. Greater Yellowlegs 30 Least Sandpiper 40 Western Sandpiper 50 Short-billed Gull 1 Ring-billed Gull 400 California Gull 2 Glaucous-winged Gull 1 Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 50 Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 10 Common Loon 2 McAllister Creek Brandt's Cormorant 5 Channel Marker for Nisqually River. Double-crested Cormorant 40 Great Blue Heron 25 Northern Harrier 1 Cooper's Hawk 1 Bald Eagle 10 Red-tailed Hawk 2 Belted Kingfisher 4 Downy Woodpecker 4 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 2 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 2 Merlin 1 Peregrine Falcon 2 One caught shorebird. American Crow 60 Common Raven 4 Black-capped Chickadee 15 Barn Swallow (American) 6 Golden-crowned Kinglet 25 Brown Creeper 2 Pacific Wren 2 Marsh Wren 1 Bewick's Wren 6 European Starling 50 American Robin 50 Cedar Waxwing 30 American Pipit 6 Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail. Purple Finch 1 Crabapple Trees around parking lot. American Goldfinch 1 White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis) 8 Golden-crowned Sparrow 12 Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 6 Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 26 Lincoln's Sparrow 2 Seen north of Nisqually Estuary Trail north of Twin Barns. Spotted Towhee (oregonus Group) 2 Red-winged Blackbird 15 Brown-headed Cowbird 3 Common Yellowthroat 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 2 Western Tanager 1 West end Parking Lot. View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S196491173 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 26 19:20:44 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jack Nolan via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 26 19:21:10 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Migration is on Message-ID: <751F8BCD-5220-47ED-80CA-450D6555948A@comcast.net> Last night and this morning ( still dark) I heard what I think were Cackling Geese. Out of site last night and this morning. Cool sound. Jack Nolan Shoreline, WA Sent from my iPhone. Pardon my brevity and typos. From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 26 20:08:41 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Diann MacRae via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 26 20:08:45 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] owls mostly Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Sep 26 22:42:02 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters) Date: Thu Sep 26 22:42:22 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Cacklers Message-ID: Yes, Cackling Geese are back. We had our first-of-season on Monday the 23rd of September. A group of four tired looking Cackling Geese joined their big Canadian cousins on the lawn at Treasure Island Park here in Twin Lakes, Federal Way. They seemed to be of the -minima- subspecies since the local Canadian geese are more than twice as big! Yesterday morning their number was up to 34 and today it was slightly down to 27 Cackling Geese. With them was a single Greater White-fronted Goose, which had left by evening. During the last two winters we have had up to 400, maybe 500 Cackling Geese here in Twin Lakes, likely "overflow" from the Kent Valley wintering population. They come in at dusk to roost on our lakes and sometimes feed on the Treasure Island Park lawn during the day. They also have taken a liking to the grass on the golf course. This did not endear them to the golfers! Good Birding! Hans -- *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA thefedderns@gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 27 05:13:47 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 27 05:13:50 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Skagit birding Message-ID: <17ZRSJ9H7OU4.73USY4UO81QF@luweb02oc> Yesterday at Hayton Reserve on Fir Island in Skagit County there were 40 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS. Also, over 100 returning SNOW GEESE, MINIMA CACKLING GEESE and 40 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE. A young PEREGRINE FALCON hunted over the estuary when it wasn't mixing it up with a juv RED-TAILED HAWK and 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS. Shorebirds were scarce at Hayton. I saw a few distant dowitchers. Marv Breece Tukwila, WA marvbreece@q.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 27 07:03:04 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 27 07:03:08 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] What do -you- support? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <90924221-a1fb-4de5-9c42-dfec878c2f20@jimbetz.com> Hi all, ? The frequency of 'requests for money to help save the birds' is accelerating - we seem to be seeing more and more of them.? Some are obvious "yes, I'll do this one" but others almost seem to be more interested in the money than the birds. ? ===> So which of the organizations do you consider to be 'worthy'?? And are there some ??????????? that you avoid/don't join? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?? ?????????????????????????? - Jim From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 27 07:54:08 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Mark Walton via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 27 07:54:22 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Migration is on In-Reply-To: <751F8BCD-5220-47ED-80CA-450D6555948A@comcast.net> References: <751F8BCD-5220-47ED-80CA-450D6555948A@comcast.net> Message-ID: Any chance they were greater white fronted geese? Yesterday morning, between 5:00am and 6:00am I was getting a lot of greater white fronted geese flying over my house in Mill Creek. From what I understand, they were seen/heard at many locations around Seattle yesterday morning. Ar D?ar 26 MF?mh 2024 ag 19:23, scr?obh Jack Nolan via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu>: > Last night and this morning ( still dark) I heard what I think were > Cackling Geese. Out of site last night and this morning. Cool sound. > > > Jack Nolan > Shoreline, WA > > > Sent from my iPhone. Pardon my brevity and typos. > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 27 09:01:59 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Ronda Stark via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 27 09:02:14 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Skagit birding In-Reply-To: <17ZRSJ9H7OU4.73USY4UO81QF@luweb02oc> References: <17ZRSJ9H7OU4.73USY4UO81QF@luweb02oc> Message-ID: What a day! Do you think they are likely to still be present this morning? Thanks, Ronda On Fri, Sep 27, 2024 at 5:14?AM MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Yesterday at Hayton Reserve on Fir Island in Skagit County there were 40 > AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS. Also, over 100 returning SNOW GEESE, MINIMA > CACKLING GEESE and 40 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE. A young PEREGRINE > FALCON hunted over the estuary when it wasn't mixing it up with a juv > RED-TAILED HAWK and 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS. Shorebirds were scarce at Hayton. > I saw a few distant dowitchers. > > > Marv Breece > Tukwila, WA > marvbreece@q.com > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 27 10:56:05 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Carol Riddell via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 27 10:56:20 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Birch Bay Black-headed Gull Message-ID: I was on my way to Birch Bay yesterday when I saw Karen Wosilait's Tweeters request for the status of the Black-headed Gull. I arrived at Stinky Corner (northeast corner of the bay) about 2:15 pm. I had no more than set up my scope when Eric Ellingson approached. He had gotten several birders on the gull on Monday but had had no sightings on Tuesday or Wednesday. We agreed that the afternoon higher low tides of this week could provide good viewing as it brings the Bonaparte's Gulls to the shoreline to feed on bugs in the piled-up sea grasses. (The Black-headed Gull associates with the Bonaparte's.) Eric gave me a few tips on how and where to search for the gull along the beach. I first parked at the corner of Birch Point Rd and Trail Drive, scoping the northeast corner of the bay and then walking south with just bins and camera, looking at the beach at openings in the roadside brambles. I then drove south to the northernmost beach public parking and searched through the Bonaparte's Gulls in that area. I returned to the car when it started to rain steadily. When it tapered off, I resumed the search and found the Black-headed Gull perched on a beach log, among some Bonaparte's Gulls, across the street from the house at 8253 Birch Bay Drive. It then flew along the beach to the south and landed among another group of Bonaparte's. At that point I had photos and decided to leave before the rain resumed. I spent two hours looking for the gull and waiting out the rain. I hope this information helps others who are still looking for this gull. Carol Riddell Edmonds, WA From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 27 12:11:00 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Michael Hobbs via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 27 12:11:17 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2024-09-26 Message-ID: Tweets - Yesterday started a bit cold, but warmed quickly. Our first survey after the Fall equinox was decidedly tilted away from summer birds, but many winter species have yet to arrive. So things were pretty quiet for much of the walk. Highlights: Greater White-fronted Goose - Like in many places in King County, yesterday's skies were filled with flocks of GWFG. We had several, totalling a couple of dozen birds. Some landed in the park Cackling Goose - We also had flocks of Cacklers, with about 100 landing in the park, First of Fall (FOF) Hutton's Vireo - One was calling, and I was able to track it down near the windmill. I think this counts as (FOF), since there seems to be seasonality of HUVI at the park Violet-green Swallow - Maybe 50 today, our first VGSW since July! Does that make this (FOF)??? Probably Last of Fall too. Barn Swallow - A few mixed in with the VGSW, also possibly Last of Fall Red-winged Blackbird - Three or four, after a four week absence (FOF?) Orange-crowned Warbler - One in the Dog Meadow Common Yellowthroat - Numbers way down, maybe 3 detected. Both OCWA and COYE will likely be mostly disappearing in the next week Yellow-rumped Warbler - Several scattered birds (FOF). All those seen well were Myrtle-type A late scan of the lake confirmed CALIFORNIA GULL, and added our only OSPREY and BELTED KINGFISHER. Misses yesterday included Hooded Merganser, Rock Pigeon, American Coot, Green Heron, Cooper's Hawk, Bald Eagle, Cedar Waxwing, and American Pipit. For Week 38 (last week), we've had a cumulative 132 species over the last 30 years. For Week 40 (next week), we've had a cumulative 123 species. The current Week 39 has had only 116 species, so it's not much of a surprise that yesterday we managed only 51 species. = Michael Hobbs = BirdMarymoor@gmail.com = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 27 15:08:51 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Doug Plummer via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 27 15:09:06 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] High altitude geese photo ID help Message-ID: I saw several skeins of geese of some kind at Mt Rainier this morning, flying over the mountain east of the summit. I was hiking on the Sourdough Trail at Sunrise. I absolutely cannot ID them. Alas, my settings were not optimal, but here are 3 photos. Can anyone help? https://www.flickr.com/photos/dougplummer/albums/72177720320635423/ Doug Plummer Seattle -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 27 15:21:12 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Ellen Blackstone via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 27 15:21:37 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Greater White-fronted Geese in the night Message-ID: What a treat to hear what seemed to be flock after flock of Greater White-fronted Geese on Wednesday night, Sept. 25. (Merlin IDed them as that.) This was over Edmonds. I awoke several times to the sound. Ellen Blackstone Edmonds WA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 27 17:16:41 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Todd S Hass via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 27 17:16:59 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] 2000s Lake Forest Park Bird Checklist? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Tweeters, Does anyone have a copy of the bird checklist for the City of Lake Forest Park they could share with me? I think it was last released in 2008 or so. Gene Hunn shared some of the info he originally compiled for it with me, but I haven't been able to track down the historic info on seasonal abundance. The local Wild Birds Unlimited used to distribute the checklist, but no longer. Todd Hass Lake Forest Park, WA > thass AT uw.edu > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 27 17:19:16 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Robert O'Brien via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 27 17:19:30 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] High altitude geese photo ID help In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Wow, great photos. And great that you submitted these. My first reaction. Necks too skinny for Geese, Therefore Sandhill Cranes. Maybe? I think so. https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/624234087 Just a guess, but I think such an observation at such an altitude might be very significant.and worthy of further research. Bob OBrien Portland. On Fri, Sep 27, 2024 at 3:09?PM Doug Plummer via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > I saw several skeins of geese of some kind at Mt Rainier this morning, > flying over the mountain east of the summit. I was hiking on the Sourdough > Trail at Sunrise. I absolutely cannot ID them. Alas, my settings were not > optimal, but here are 3 photos. Can anyone help? > https://www.flickr.com/photos/dougplummer/albums/72177720320635423/ > > > Doug Plummer > Seattle > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 27 17:43:49 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 27 17:44:14 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] High altitude geese photo ID help Message-ID: <1347972356.276471.1727484229315@connect.xfinity.com> Not cranes, no legs. The shortish necks make me think Cackler or Snow. Lack of wing-tip contrast would make me think Cacklers. Some of the larger ones, with longer necks, might be one of the smaller subspecies of Canadas. Hal Michael Board of Directors, Ecologists Without Borders http://ecowb.org/ Olympia WA 360-459-4005 360-791-7702 (C) ucd880@comcast.net > On 09/27/2024 5:19 PM PDT Robert O'Brien via Tweeters wrote: > > > Wow, great photos. And great that you submitted these. > My first reaction. Necks too skinny for Geese, Therefore Sandhill Cranes. Maybe? > I think so. > https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/624234087 > Just a guess, but I think such an observation at such an altitude might be very significant.and worthy of further research. > Bob OBrien Portland. > > On Fri, Sep 27, 2024 at 3:09?PM Doug Plummer via Tweeters wrote: > > > I saw several skeins of geese of some kind at Mt Rainier this morning, flying over the mountain east of the summit. I was hiking on the Sourdough Trail at Sunrise. I absolutely cannot ID them. Alas, my settings were not optimal, but here are 3 photos. Can anyone help? https://www.flickr.com/photos/dougplummer/albums/72177720320635423/ https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.flickr.com/photos/dougplummer/albums/72177720320635423/__;!!K-Hz7m0Vt54!lm0HPNps_3yCGTTBRBTmSwu2DusRwhg4CT_t96LuYFQzo0Bj2p8vCL4v86NXSoSHud-INtiqfse8Y2qKf8LQQCM$ > > > > Doug Plummer > > Seattle > > _______________________________________________ > > Tweeters mailing list > > Tweeters@u.washington.edu mailto:Tweeters@u.washington.edu > > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 27 17:57:08 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Robert O'Brien via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 27 17:57:48 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] High altitude geese photo ID help In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I stand corrected. Although the skinny neck 'works, the wing shape is wrong for Sandhill Cranes which have a broad wing with individual primaries showing. Greater White-fronted Geese do indeed have a triangular shaped wing with no primaries showing as in Doug's photos. Here is a photo from Pierce County.WA. https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/624205085 This post acknowledges a well-known anonymous Washngton Birder whose first name starts with ''Jim' Bob OBrien Portland On Fri, Sep 27, 2024 at 3:09?PM Doug Plummer via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > I saw several skeins of geese of some kind at Mt Rainier this morning, > flying over the mountain east of the summit. I was hiking on the Sourdough > Trail at Sunrise. I absolutely cannot ID them. Alas, my settings were not > optimal, but here are 3 photos. Can anyone help? > https://www.flickr.com/photos/dougplummer/albums/72177720320635423/ > > > Doug Plummer > Seattle > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Sep 27 18:07:02 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dennis Paulson via Tweeters) Date: Fri Sep 27 18:07:29 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] High altitude geese photo ID help In-Reply-To: <1347972356.276471.1727484229315@connect.xfinity.com> References: <1347972356.276471.1727484229315@connect.xfinity.com> Message-ID: <80E49068-266F-4A4B-A752-EB2CFFCD6E71@comcast.net> Doug, a number of people have reported Greater White-fronted Geese migrating over the region in the last two days. I think yours could be that species or a regular-sized (?Lesser") Canada Goose. I think the necks are too long for Snow, and I wonder if you might even see the body/flight feathers contrast in distant photos of Snows. Dennis Paulson Seattle > On Sep 27, 2024, at 5:43 PM, HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters wrote: > > Not cranes, no legs. The shortish necks make me think Cackler or Snow. Lack of wing-tip contrast would make me think Cacklers. Some of the larger ones, with longer necks, might be one of the smaller subspecies of Canadas. > > Hal Michael > Board of Directors, Ecologists Without Borders > Olympia WA > 360-459-4005 > 360-791-7702 (C) > ucd880@comcast.net > > >> On 09/27/2024 5:19 PM PDT Robert O'Brien via Tweeters wrote: >> >> >> Wow, great photos. And great that you submitted these. >> My first reaction. Necks too skinny for Geese, Therefore Sandhill Cranes. Maybe? >> I think so. >> https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/624234087 >> Just a guess, but I think such an observation at such an altitude might be very significant.and worthy of further research. >> Bob OBrien Portland. >> >> On Fri, Sep 27, 2024 at 3:09?PM Doug Plummer via Tweeters > wrote: >> I saw several skeins of geese of some kind at Mt Rainier this morning, flying over the mountain east of the summit. I was hiking on the Sourdough Trail at Sunrise. I absolutely cannot ID them. Alas, my settings were not optimal, but here are 3 photos. Can anyone help? https://www.flickr.com/photos/dougplummer/albums/72177720320635423/ >> >> Doug Plummer >> Seattle >> _______________________________________________ >> Tweeters mailing list >> Tweeters@u.washington.edu >> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters _______________________________________________ >> Tweeters mailing list >> Tweeters@u.washington.edu >> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Sep 28 00:29:32 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters) Date: Sat Sep 28 00:29:47 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] More Cacklers and one White-front Message-ID: The Cackling Geese here at Treasure Island Park in Twin Lakes, Federal Way have increased.to over 100. They are difficult to count since they stay in a more compact formation then Canada Geese. They are constantly moving while feeding, even though some of them were taking well deserved naps after the long flight from Alaska! The single "Specklebelly" - Greater White-fronted Goose was not here this morning, but did return this evening. It seemed to distance itself somewhat from the large flock of Cackling - and Canada Geese, however it is not shy and allows close approach. Good Birding! Hans -- *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA thefedderns@gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Sep 28 18:32:03 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Kersti Muul via Tweeters) Date: Sat Sep 28 18:32:17 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Greater white fronted geese at night Message-ID: I too have had them flying over around 2 AM (West Seattle) Kersti E. Muul ED -SALISH WILDLIFE WATCH Urban Conservation & Wildlife Biologist/Specialist - Response and Rescue Washington Animal Response Team, BCS and MMSN referral Wildlife Field Biologist IV Marbled murrelet forest certified and USFWS marine certified Birds Connect Neighborhood Bird Project Site Leader Climate Watch Coordinator Animal Care Specialist/Animal & Off the Grid First Aid Certified -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Sep 28 19:13:38 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters) Date: Sat Sep 28 19:13:53 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Migration Corner, Larch Mountain, Clark County Message-ID: Hi Tweeters, A totally fun morning of birding at Migration Corner, Larch Mountain, eastern Clark County was enjoyed by 16 birders. Highlights included: Clark's Nutcracker: 4 Cassin's Finch: 2 Horned Lark: 1 (new site bird)* Pine Siskin: 894 Western Bluebird: 23 Evening Grosbeak: 149 and 190 individual warblers. * site list now stands at 99 https://ebird.org/checklist/S196813854 Keep your eyes and ears skyward! Jim -- Jim Danzenbaker Battle Ground, WA 360-702-9395 jdanzenbaker@gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 29 08:48:26 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Elaine Chuang via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 29 08:50:12 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Come Join The Big Sit, Oct 13, 2024 (Discovery Park, Seattle) References: <8C7BCFBE-0A06-4E17-AB63-549661E4D101@uw.edu> Message-ID: <261DA201-3434-4EF4-A67B-1A5109A62B7F@uw.edu> If you?re casting about for something birdy to do two weeks from today, Oct 13, come take part in The Big Sit , birding?s most sedentary activity. Or as Neil Zimmerman points out, The Big SNACK. Join our intrepid Discovery Park team where we will be stationed within the requisite 17 foot circle at the Sand Dunes (47?39'25.2"N 122?25'17.8?W), next to the bluff. We take up our post there starting at 6:00AM, and will persevere racking up species for as long as we can manage (the rule is to confine the count to a 24 hour period). Come by for as short or as long a visit as you wish. Wave if you are sailing by on Elliott Bay, or clue us into Brown Pelicans heading our way. We welcome your eyes and ears, encouragement, snacks, etc. For reference, our team, the "South Meadowlarks? formally identified 56 species last year from within the constraints of that 17 foot circle (not counting the Common Poorwill seen on the way, and a Great Horned Owl heard before we commenced). The question is, how many will we identify this year? Hope to see ya! Elaine elc at uw dot edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 29 10:02:45 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jamie Acker via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 29 10:02:52 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] NSWO are back! Message-ID: Northern Saw-whet Owls are starting to move through. This next week with a new moon should see good numbers of them. Rocky Point, BC, the closest other banding station has banded over 200 since they opened in mid-September. Looks to be a good year for saw-whets. -Jamie owler637@gmail.com Bainbridge Island, WA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Sep 29 15:02:41 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Ian Paulsen via Tweeters) Date: Sun Sep 29 15:02:44 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] The Birdbooker Report Message-ID: <583e11f4-fd30-dc7-fdc5-eb2c3d18ec89@zipcon.net> HI ALL: I just posted about 3 bird and 1 non-bird books at my blog here: https://birdbookerreport.blogspot.com/2024/09/new-titles.html sincerely Ian Paulsen Bainbridge Island, WA, USA Visit my BIRDBOOKER REPORT blog here: https://birdbookerreport.blogspot.com/ From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 30 10:57:02 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dennis Paulson via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 30 10:57:23 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Semiahmoo Spit birds Message-ID: <456B4632-BE9D-4ED2-8C95-3DA6D81A17BC@comcast.net> Hello tweets, Some very nice local birders (thanks, Amy and David) from Blaine and Bellngham showed us the huge flock of Black-bellied Plovers on the north side of Semiahmoo Spit, Whatcom Co, yesterday 29 September 2024. We watched them for a long time, at least 400 plovers and possibly as many as 500. I wish we had done a better job of counting them. Almost all the plovers were in basic or juvenile plumage, with some retaining some black feathers on the underparts, but I was surprised to see a male in full alternate plumage among them. Also among them were four Black Turnstones, at least two Red Knots, a Dunlin, a Long-billed Dowitcher, two Marbled Godwits, and a Bar-tailed Godwit. It was really worthwhile scanning that flock and photographing them to pick out interesting birds back at the computer. We hadn?t seen the alternate-plumaged black-belly or the Dunlin while at the site. Seven Caspian Terns, both adults and juveniles, perched with gulls near the shorebirds. I wonder what breeding colony they came from. We saw a flock of a half-dozen Steller?s Jays at the bathroom at the base of the spit, and all flew over at treetop level and disappeared into the forest to the west, clearly migrating birds. That?s always exciting to see. Dennis Paulson Seattle From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 30 11:04:53 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dennis Paulson via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 30 11:05:20 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] an important article Message-ID: <708943D0-B68E-4B83-BA7F-F4E3A6CD839D@comcast.net> I hope this link works. I don?t think we have this magnitude of a problem in this region, but it?s worth thinking about. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/26/social-media-posts-endangered-species-capercaillie-birders-aoe Dennis Paulson Seattle From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 30 12:11:10 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Diann MacRae via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 30 12:11:14 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] re "an important article" Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 30 14:48:39 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 30 14:49:06 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] an important article Message-ID: <574494581.318060.1727732919910@connect.xfinity.com> While I don't see this as a great problem here, there are times. Especially (here) around owls, especially Short-eared and such. We have been on a number of African safaris and crowds are handled in different ways even with rules. Perhaps the best was this last June when there was a pride of lions on a Cape Buffalo next to the road. Folks were enforcing a 5 minute window for close by viewing (the carcass was like 10' from the edge) and the guides complied. One of the big differences between Botswana and Kenya/Tanzania is that Botswana limits the number of visitors. You rarely run into other folks while on drives unless it something super-special such as Leopard or Cheetah. Even then, it is maybe three or four vehicles. So, limited access can control crowds but at the cost of access. I have also spent a lot of time observing, photographing, and hunting and have learned to recognize when animals are being crowded and when they are not. This, in my experience, is not on a species basis but on an individual animal basis. Obviously, simply staying a good distance away is probably preferable. Hal Michael Board of Directors,Ecologists Without Borders (http://ecowb.org/) Olympia WA 360-459-4005 360-791-7702 (C) ucd880@comcast.net > On 09/30/2024 11:04 AM PDT Dennis Paulson via Tweeters wrote: > > > I hope this link works. I don?t think we have this magnitude of a problem in this region, but it?s worth thinking about. > > https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/26/social-media-posts-endangered-species-capercaillie-birders-aoe > > Dennis Paulson > Seattle > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Sep 30 16:13:52 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Tom Benedict via Tweeters) Date: Mon Sep 30 16:14:17 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] re "an important article" In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I?m not a twitcher, so I don?t chase birds. But I know it?s important to a lot of people to see these things. I wonder whether folks would be amenable to modifying their behavior and maybe self-limit the number of rare bird reports they chase. Maybe one a quarter or nothing more than 20 miles from home? That might be too limiting, but I?m thinking voluntary measures like this could help reduce the impacts. Tom Benedict Seahurst, WA > On Sep 30, 2024, at 12:11, Diann MacRae via Tweeters wrote: > > Hi, Tweets > > I am for the most part a supporter of the Guardian and certainly understand the story, which is scary. Isn't it similar here when the powers that be decided which owl is to be "saved" in certain areas. Yes, I know both sides so don't lecture me, it's just that when people want to see things or publish what they see they don't always give much thought to the final outcome, no matter where they are in the world. I don't know if leks in our state have been negatively affected but I know there are warnings to not go close during breeding season. Sorry, I am mildly horrified when I see photos of huge groups of birdwatchers looming over one ibis or capercaillie or, as occasionally in Washington, a rare raptor. > > Just my comment on an interesting situation. > > Cheers, Diann > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: