[Tweeters] Puyallup River Levee (Orting) Birding Today

[Christopher Clark]

Hello everyone,

Today I did some birding along the Puyallup River levee in Orting. Along
the Puyallup and Carbon Rivers is extensive riparian habitat that's a haven
for many bird species. I started at the parking lot along Calistoga St W
and walked down to the levee access road that connects to Orville Rd E.
Boy, the weather was mild, and the birding was fantastic! Highlights
included Bullock's Oriole and Lazuli Bunting. I ended up with 53 species
for the day, which I believe is the first time I've ever hit 50+ species at
a single location in Pierce County!

By far the most common birds were American Robin and Song Sparrow. They
were literally everywhere! Close behind were Black-headed Grosbeak and
Yellow Warbler, both heard in good numbers. One of the first birds I heard
was Western Wood-pewee, my FOY (first of the year). There are some wetlands
along the trail that held several Red-winged Blackbirds. A Lazuli Bunting
was heard singing somewhere in the open space behind the trees, as well as
my FOY Willow Flycatcher. Also seen was a female Hooded Merganser. A little
ways further on I had great views of a silent Warbling Vireo. A calling
American Kestrel flew over the river. As I continued SE along the levee, I
made sure to check for American Redstarts. They nested in this area for a
few years, but I don't think they were found last year. There wasn't any
indication they were there today either, sadly. With such extensive
habitat, I hope they may still breed in the general area.

Once I reached the access road that connects to Orville Rd, I walked down
it to check for birds that prefer open areas. Savannah and White-crowned
Sparrows were heard. Lazuli Buntings were easy to find, and after much
patience, I was able to get some nice photos of one. Lots of American
Goldfinches were present, but I never saw or heard any Lessers. Red-tailed
Hawk and Common Raven, among other birds, were also picked up here.

As I started heading back, I realized that I was close to breaking the 50
species barrier. A calling Western Tanager helped me to get closer. A
singing Brown Creeper I believe was the magic bird that helped me hit 50
species. Soon afterwards, I was alerted to the presence of Bullock's
Orioles (FOY)! Though I didn't see or hear any earlier, I ended up counting
3 individuals on my walk back. This species is rather tough to find in
Pierce County, though it's probably more common than is reported. Spotted
Sandpiper and Cliff Swallow were also added on the walk back. Sadly I
didn't hear any Red-eyed Vireos like I had hoped. Maybe it's still a
touch early?

Other animals seen included Red-legged Frog and American Bullfrog, as well
as Northern Alligator Lizard. eBird checklist is linked below:

https://ebird.org/pnw/checklist/S138302700

Christopher Clark
Puyallup, WA
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