From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 1 05:37:09 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Bud Anderson via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 1 05:37:26 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] New Zealand Message-ID: Make sure to visit Wingspan on the North Island near Rotorua. They have flight demos featuring New Zealand Falcons. Excellent, close-up looks at them as well as Swamp Harriers. Very difficult to see otherwise. Bud -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 1 07:25:46 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hank Heiberg via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 1 07:26:01 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Juvenile Red-breasted Nuthatch In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Yesterday we were thrilled to have a juvenile Red-breasted Nuthatch visit our bird bath located on our patio. https://www.flickr.com/photos/ljcouple/53894418646/in/dateposted/ The parent Red-breasted Nuthatch perched in rhododendrons overhanging the bird bath kept an eye on junior.. https://www.flickr.com/photos/ljcouple/53893499092/in/dateposted/ We have no idea how old junior was. Hank & Karen Heiberg Issaquah, WA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 1 09:49:20 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 1 09:49:26 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Classifications based upon songs? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi, ? I read with interest the changes in classifications for this year (more?/less?).? Among them were certain splits - based primarily/substantially upon differences in songs/calls. I have often read about song/vocalization changes that happen over time/based upon locations - where a grouping of a species is known to be "evolving a new vocalization change".? And I had to wonder ... ?? And also where a given population is know to have a different set of songs/calls than another population of 'the same species'. ? Similarly, this year as always, there are some changes that combine what was previously recognized as more than one species into just one (Redpolls, this time). ? Why aren't vocalizations of relatively less importance than they seem to be when organizations such as the AOS are making decisions about species classifications. Or, more importantly, why isn't DNA more important than anything else when it comes to bird classification? ? Let me give a non-birding example ... in the arena of Killer whales there are very distinct differences such as whether or not the pod travels long distances or stays in one specific area.? Yet, they are all considered to be the same species. ? Here's another example - when talking about an individual species of birds in a local area and at the same time of year/stage of breeding ... we recognize that there can be huge differences from individual to individual in terms of the coloring (both locations and 'intensity') and the calls/songs ... yet they are, for example, both/all Red-tailed Hawks. ???????????? I'm asking ... why isn't this approach taken for birds? ? ? ? ?????? - Jim From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 1 10:02:41 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Rob Faucett via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 1 10:02:57 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Classifications based upon songs? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <7D9A034E-86DF-4C7D-96F6-E3C0586543F6@mac.com> Hi Jim - First best step is to learn about the concept of ?species concepts.? There are several and wrapping your head around that will be a great start to understanding the ?why? in all of this. I?ll write more in a bit. Best Rob ? Rob Faucett +1(206) 619-5569 robfaucett@mac.com Seattle, WA 98105 > On Aug 1, 2024, at 9:50?AM, Jim Betz via Tweeters wrote: > > ?Hi, > > I read with interest the changes in classifications for this year (more?/less?). Among > > them were certain splits - based primarily/substantially upon differences in songs/calls. > > I have often read about song/vocalization changes that happen over time/based upon > > locations - where a grouping of a species is known to be "evolving a new vocalization > > change". And I had to wonder ... ? And also where a given population is know to > > have a different set of songs/calls than another population of 'the same species'. > > Similarly, this year as always, there are some changes that combine what was > > previously recognized as more than one species into just one (Redpolls, this time). > > > Why aren't vocalizations of relatively less importance than they seem to be when > > organizations such as the AOS are making decisions about species classifications. > > Or, more importantly, why isn't DNA more important than anything else when it > > comes to bird classification? > > > Let me give a non-birding example ... in the arena of Killer whales there are very > > distinct differences such as whether or not the pod travels long distances or > > stays in one specific area. Yet, they are all considered to be the same species. > > Here's another example - when talking about an individual species of birds > > in a local area and at the same time of year/stage of breeding ... we recognize > > that there can be huge differences from individual to individual in terms of > > the coloring (both locations and 'intensity') and the calls/songs ... yet they are, > > for example, both/all Red-tailed Hawks. > > > I'm asking ... why isn't this approach taken for birds? > > - Jim > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 1 11:09:57 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Shep Thorp via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 1 11:10:13 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for 7/31/2024 Message-ID: Hi Tweets, Approximately 35 of us had a nice summer day at the Refuge with overcast skies in the morning and sunny skies in the afternoon. Temperatures were in the 50's to 70's degrees Fahrenheit. There was a Low -1'4" Tide at 9:18am and a High 13'0" Tide at 5:28pm, so we did our usual walk. Highlights included many juveniles with observation of WOOD DUCK, SWAINSON'S THRUSH, YELLOW WARBLER, WILLOW FLYCATCHER, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, CEDAR WAXWING and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH. We had a nice migration of WESTERN TANAGER and WILSON'S WARBLER through the Orchard and Riparian Forest. First of Year SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER was seen from the Nisqually Boardwalk Estuary Trail north of the McAllister Creek viewing platform and on our return along the Nisqually Estuary Trail just west of Leschi Slough - a nice buffy gray juvenile with short stubby bill and prominent supercilium in comparison to the surrounding molting WESTERN SANDPIPER and LEAST SANDPIPER. There was a large flock of 80+ COMMON MERGANSER foraging at the mouth of Madrone Slough seen from the Puget Sound Observation Platform. The GREAT EGRET continues in the freshwater marsh. Another noteworthy observation was the BARN SWALLOW foraging on Mole Hill's in the recently mowed field south of the old McAllister Creek Access Road - perhaps a hatching of insects from the disturbed soil? For the day we observed 62 Species, and with FOY Semipalmated Sandpiper, we have seen 160 species this year. See our eBird Report pasted below. Mammals seen included Long-tailed Weasel, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Townsend's Chipmunk, Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Eastern Gray Squirrel and Harbor Seal. I've had some questions regarding locations I refer to at the Refuge. There is a nice map available at WOS.org: https://wos.org/documents/Birding%20Resources/NisquallyMap2014.pdf This map refers to the Trails and Observation/Viewing Platforms that I use in my reports. The Shannon Slough Blind was converted into a Viewing Platform several years ago, but is very helpful in marking Shannon Slough as the large slough that empties into McAllister Creek along the west side of the Refuge and comes from the Entrance Gate of the Refuge. The largest slough on the Refuge is Leschi which starts from the Twin Barns, goes under the dike or Nisqually Estuary Trail, runs parallel to the dike for 100 yards and then heads out the middle of the Refuge. The Surge Plain is a mud flat that is north of the dike and is in between the Nisqually River and Leschi Slough. During high tides and heavy rain, the Nisqually River breaches the river banks and spills over into the Surge Plain. There is a slough between Leschi Slough and the Nisqually River in the North Reach of the Refuge that I rarely refer to called Animal or Six Gill Slough. The Puget Sound Viewing/Observation Platform is immediately adjacent to the mouth of the McAllister Creek to the West or on the left hand side, and opposite to that, adjacent to Madrone Slough to the East or on the right hand side. Madrone Slough is in between the Puget Sound Viewing Platform and Leschi Slough, the mouth of Madrone Slough is visible from the Platform. Finally, the old McAllister Creek Access Road is a gated restricted sanctuary road heading west from the west side parking lot and west entrance to the Twin Barns Loop Trail. This road splits the flooded fields immediately south of the Twin Barns and is used by Refuge Associates only to access the freshwater marsh, the central access road and the south side of the new dike. I use the McAllister Creek Access Road to differentiate sections of flooded fields and the south field that lies between the Access Road and the Entrance Road. I hope that makes sense, and that I've not completely confused those who are interested in the map of the Refuge. Happy birding until next week when we meet again at 8am at the Visitor Center Pond Overlook, Shep -- Shep Thorp Browns Point 253-370-3742 Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US Jul 31, 2024 7:26 AM - 5:11 PM Protocol: Traveling 6.305 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Overcast in the morning, sunny in the afternoon. Temperatures in the 50?s to 70?s degrees Fahrenheit. A Low -1?4? Tide at 9:18am and a High 13?0? Tide at 5:28pm. Mammals seen Long-tailed Weasel, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Townsend?s Chipmunk, Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Eastern Gray Squirrel, Harbor Seal. Other?s seen include Red-legged Frog, Pacific Tree Frog, and American Bullfrog. 62 species (+3 other taxa) Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 90 Wood Duck 13 Mallard 50 Common Merganser 80 Mouth of Madrone Slough. Seen from Puget Sound Observation Platform. Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 6 Band-tailed Pigeon 12 Mourning Dove 1 Anna's Hummingbird 3 Killdeer 2 Semipalmated Plover 20 Two groups of 10 plus birds. Seen from the Nisqually Estuary Trail and Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail. Spotted Sandpiper 1 West Bank of McAllister Creek from Puget Sound Observation Platform. Greater Yellowlegs 7 Least Sandpiper 150 Western Sandpiper 50 Semipalmated Sandpiper 1 Seen with mixed group of Least and Western Sandpiper. A juvenile bird with over all Buffy tones. Short stubby bill, white throat and breast, prominent supercilium and dark legs. Larger than area LESA. Observed at 100 feet with 60x spotting scope. Ring-billed Gull 150 California Gull 35 Glaucous-winged Gull 3 Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 6 Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 20 Larus sp. 200 Caspian Tern 35 Brandt's Cormorant 3 Nisqually channel marker. Double-crested Cormorant 60 Great Egret 1 Observed flying over the freshwater marsh at 1/2 mile. Flushed from the marsh and landed in the marsh. Great Blue Heron 150 Osprey 1 Bald Eagle 15 Belted Kingfisher 2 Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 3 Northern Flicker 4 Peregrine Falcon 1 Western Wood-Pewee 8 Willow Flycatcher 6 Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope) 2 Steller's Jay 2 American Crow 2 Common Raven 9 Black-capped Chickadee 18 Chestnut-backed Chickadee 7 Bank Swallow 2 Tree Swallow 10 Violet-green Swallow 15 Purple Martin 14 Gourds off Luhr Beach. Northern Rough-winged Swallow 4 Barn Swallow 60 Cliff Swallow 2 Bushtit (Pacific) 8 Brown Creeper 8 Bewick's Wren 3 European Starling 100 Swainson's Thrush 21 American Robin 30 Cedar Waxwing 40 Purple Finch 2 American Goldfinch 25 Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 3 Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 13 Spotted Towhee 1 Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 35 Brown-headed Cowbird 10 Common Yellowthroat 6 Yellow Warbler (Northern) 10 Wilson's Warbler 3 Western Tanager 6 View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S189750280 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 1 12:33:20 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Marcia Ian via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 1 12:33:36 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Cayenne in bird seed Message-ID: <8649BD40-D2B1-4B35-B6F3-EDA0893A1700@icloud.com> Before buying into an HOA where it?s not permitted, I always kept a variety of bird feeders going. I bought cayenne in bulk and (if I remember correctly) mixed 2 tablespoons per 5 lbs birdseed. It did the trick. It doesn?t affect the birds but it?s a definite irritant and deterrent to mammals. I watched a squirrel sneezing and rubbing its nose after contact. I also used hot pepper suet. Marcia Ian Bellingham WA From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 1 12:38:20 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jeff Borsecnik via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 1 12:38:42 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] rat wars In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: ________________________________ Years ago we also had a prob with rats at feeders, which turned into a protracted war and house/wall invasion. (We became aware of the scale of the problem when our cat, who had not been outside, trotted proudly into the living room with a rat in her jaws. ... I had one tiny victory when I knocked one off the hardest-to-reach feeder with a frustration-chucked slipper.) I've been afraid to put out seed since, especially as we see occasional signs of rats and we have a loose rock wall they probably bunker in. -jeff b, Bellingham -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 1 12:58:47 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (J Christian Kessler via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 1 12:59:26 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Classifications based upon songs? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Jim - The "Cliff's Note" version of the answer to your question is a practical definition of a species is a population the members of which breed with each other but not (or "rarely") with those outside of that population. While the concept is clear and simple - nature isn't really like that. But the template for defining what is and not a single species starts from this idea. How to define a "population" is then based on what we know of characteristics - plumage, range, foraging behavior, songs/calls, etc. - that distinguish some birds from other birds. for instance, in much of the U.S., a small brown wren with an upright tail and a certain song is identified as a Winter Wren, but a bird that looks the same (to most of us) that lives here in the far West & sings a different song and breeds with others who sing that same song are defined (by us) to be Pacific Wrens. they just like partners who they identify as "like me." different groups of buteo hawks vary in their plumages, but with inter-grading, and large overlaps in range, and they have a lot of common characteristics (like voice & foraging habits), and including breeding with each other, so they are all deemed Red-tailed Hawks, but are distinguishable by plumage. ultimately, "species" is a concept invented by people to explain what we see - Nature isn't always so precise - and things change over time as genomes evolve due to many factors. Chris Kessler On Thu, Aug 1, 2024 at 9:50?AM Jim Betz via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Hi, > > I read with interest the changes in classifications for this year > (more?/less?). Among > > them were certain splits - based primarily/substantially upon > differences in songs/calls. > > I have often read about song/vocalization changes that happen over > time/based upon > > locations - where a grouping of a species is known to be "evolving a new > vocalization > > change". And I had to wonder ... ? And also where a given population > is know to > > have a different set of songs/calls than another population of 'the same > species'. > > Similarly, this year as always, there are some changes that combine > what was > > previously recognized as more than one species into just one (Redpolls, > this time). > > > Why aren't vocalizations of relatively less importance than they seem > to be when > > organizations such as the AOS are making decisions about species > classifications. > > Or, more importantly, why isn't DNA more important than anything else > when it > > comes to bird classification? > > > Let me give a non-birding example ... in the arena of Killer whales > there are very > > distinct differences such as whether or not the pod travels long > distances or > > stays in one specific area. Yet, they are all considered to be the same > species. > > Here's another example - when talking about an individual species of > birds > > in a local area and at the same time of year/stage of breeding ... we > recognize > > that there can be huge differences from individual to individual in terms > of > > the coloring (both locations and 'intensity') and the calls/songs ... > yet they are, > > for example, both/all Red-tailed Hawks. > > > I'm asking ... why isn't this approach taken for birds? > > - Jim > > _______________________________________________ > 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 Thu Aug 1 13:44:39 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (B B via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 1 13:44:42 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Kibaale to Masindi -Chimps, Pitta and Movie Stars - Another Uganda Blog Post References: <1590624057.1446671.1722545079058.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1590624057.1446671.1722545079058@mail.yahoo.com> I think I am almost done with the Uganda Birding trip blog posts - probably two more.? As in the reference, this post covers the part of our 18 day tour in Uganda with Victor Emanuel Nature Tours in Uganda that began with a Green-breasted Pitta and Chimpanzees in the Kibaale Forest and ended at the Masindi Hotel, the oldest hotel in Uganda , where Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart stayed during the filming of The African Queen.? Lots of birds and lots of photos of the Chimps and Ugandan birds. https://blairbirding.com/2024/08/01/start-with-a-pitta-add-chimpanzees-and-end-with-bogart-hepburn-and-hemingway-two-days-in-uganda/ Blair Bernson -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 1 14:06:34 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (LMarkoff via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 1 14:06:47 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Repelling rats and squirrels In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <009701dae456$b3057290$191057b0$@mycci.net> Hello Carolyn, I don?t know what you mean by ?round baffle?, but if you have never used a can baffle, you might try one. I?ve used can baffles for more than 30 years, on both metal poles and 4X4 wooden posts, and have never had a squirrel, rat, or raccoon get past them. I?ve seen them climb the metal poles, get stopped by the baffle, then disappointed, they slide down the pole like a fireman in an old-time silent movie. You have to make sure to place your set up out in the open, away from anything above or below that those clever rodents could use to launch from though. You can buy can baffles, but you can also make them. I have made can baffles for 4X4 posts several times, using a piece of duct pipe and a duct pipe reducer. I used sheet metal screws to join the duct pipe and reducer together, resulting in a baffle. Then I slid it over the post and secured it to the post by driving longer screws through the top of the reducer, into the post. Then I stuffed the gaps between the top of the reducer and the post with coarse steel wool to block them. Rodents won?t chew through coarse steel wool. Here?s a video of my set up, when I lived in Oregon. https://www.flickr.com/gp/canyoneagle/yf489y Duct pipe and reducers come in several sizes. Here?s an example, as well as the coarse steel wool: https://www.lowes.com/pd/IMPERIAL-8-in-x-24-in-Galvanized-Steel-Round-Duct-Pipe/50257193 https://www.lowes.com/pd/IMPERIAL-8-in-dia-x-6-in-dia-Duct-Reducer/1000230237 https://www.lowes.com/pd/Homax-3-25-in-x-4-in-Coarse-Steel-Wool/3878799 If you would rather buy a can baffle for a 4X4 post instead of making one, here is one source: https://wildbirdhabitatstore.com/product/erva-4x4-post-squirrel-baffle/ I have lived with Eastern Gray Squirrels in Virginia, Fox and Rock Squirrels in Texas, and Western Gray Squirrels and Fox Squirrels in both Oregon and California. So far, none of them have made it past a can baffle. I guess I am in the minority because I also feed squirrels. I use can baffles on the bird feeders, but also have several feeders that allow the squirrels access. Perhaps by feeding the squirrels they aren?t desperate enough to try to get to the bird feeders? I don?t know, but I like squirrels and enjoy watching them, they are really neat critters. One last thought, you could try stuffing your existing baffle with steel wool, where it attaches to the post. Hope some of this info is helpful to you, best wishes, Lori Markoff Citrus Heights, CA From: Tweeters On Behalf Of Carolyn Heberlein via Tweeters Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2024 4:50 PM To: tweeters@u.washington.edu; tweeters-request@mailman11.u.washington.edu Subject: [Tweeters] Repelling rats and squirrels My squirrel baffles do not prevent rats from crawling up the post to my tray bird feeder. They slide up under the attachment to the post. Round baffle and square post. I just stopped putting seeds in it for a while. Carolyn Finder Heberlein / Nana, Fremont Neighborhood, Seattle, Washington -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 1 16:43:37 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Nick Bayard via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 1 16:43:54 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?BirdNote_en_Espa=C3=B1ol?= Message-ID: Hello Tweets, For the fans of BirdNote, I'm pleased to share that BirdNote en Espa?ol has been steadily growing its presence on Spanish language radio stations. This is the Spanish language version of our flagship daily show, and our broadcast partners now include: *WA State:* VT Radio Universal Tacoma KTQA 95.3 FM Tacoma KQWZ 106.5 FM Des Moines *California:* KBBF 89.1 FM *Utah: * KUUB 88.3 FM *Mexico: * El Heraldo Laguna - Covers a big portion of Northern Mexico Radio Chureya 107.9 FM - Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur *Paraguay: * Radio Quiindy 104.5 FM If you have any Spanish language stations you recommend we reach out to, please let me know! -Nick -- Nick Bayard Executive Director | He/Him [image: BirdNote] *Follow BirdNote on social media:* [image: Instagram] [image: Facebook] [image: YouTube] [image: TikTok] [image: LinkedIn] www.birdnote.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 1 16:58:38 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Michael Hobbs via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 1 16:58:52 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2024-08-01 Message-ID: Tweets - Today is the cross-quarter day, halfway between the Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox. For the Celts, this was Lughnasadh, marking the beginning of the harvest season. I like to think of it as th start of Fall, with respect to birding around here. Ours was gorgeous, with sun, crystal clear skies, not a breath of wind, and temps mostly in the 60's. It's a tricky time of year, where a majority of individual birds are young of the year who often sound, act, range, and fly rather differently than how they will when grown. Today also marked the first anniversary of Brian Bell's last Marymoor Survey. We miss him. Highlights: Canada Goose - Coalescing into larger and larger flocks. Appears to have been a successful nesting season Pied-billed Grebe - One seen from Lake Platform was just our 2nd since April Spotted Sandpiper - Spotless bird at weir Green Heron - One at weir, later one at Lake Platform: same bird??? Barred Owl - Tony had one pre-dawn, our 4th record of the year BANK SWALLOW - Two birds seen from the Lake Platform, First of Year (FOY), and just our 15th sighting ever Tree Swallow - Quite a few seen, including at least 1 still-active nest. Usually, they are leaving the park soon Purple Martin - Active at the gourds, including bringing in nesting materials. 2nd clutches? Black-throated Gray Warbler - Two, or more probably several, west edge of Dog Meadow Wilson's Warbler - Male singing and moving around briskly. Possibly more than one. First of Fall (FOF) Western Tanager - One adult male along west edge of Dog Meadow We were long-delayed near the Dog Area portapotties, trying to track down a continuously-repeated two-syllable call coming slightly more often than every two seconds. The repetitious calling was suggestive of Hutton's Vireo, only pitched lower and slightly slower, perhaps. MERLIN was useless, occasionally identifying it as Red-eyed Vireo. Matt figured it was PURPLE FINCH, and we're 99.9% sure that he was right; we tracked the song down to a very small cluster of rather short trees that had many Purple Finch actively feeding (and being fed). I never actually saw one of them making the song, but there were no other birds present. Misses today included Vaux's Swift, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Violet-green Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Red-winged Blackbird, and Brown-headed Cowbird. For the day, 56 species. For the year, adding Bank Swallow, 128 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 Aug 2 11:10:45 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Steve Hampton via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 2 11:11:04 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Red-footed Booby from Port Townsend this morning Message-ID: The Red-footed Booby apparently spent last night in the rigging of the MV Rachel Carson off Diamond Pt. This morning, after some running around, I was fortunate enough to connect with it off Pt Wilson at Fort Warden. It was last seen with a feedy frenzy of gulls and rhinos drifting nw with the tide. Many are still at the point hoping it returns. Other highlights this morning included a Short-eared Owl over the water and a Calif Scrub-Jay near the lighthouse. More details and pics here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S189932627 good birding, -- Steve Hampton Port Townsend, WA (qat?y) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 2 15:25:56 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (B B via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 2 15:26:02 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Uganda Birding Blog Posts - Masindi, the Royal Mile - Frustrations and Cool Birds References: <1153740218.1682559.1722637556172.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1153740218.1682559.1722637556172@mail.yahoo.com> This is probably the next to last post for the Uganda trip.? Special birds like Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, White-thighed Hornbill and Blue-throated Roller but lots of very challenging forest birding as well.? It will then be on to Murchison Falls National Park to end the tour. https://blairbirding.com/2024/08/02/masindi-next-to-the-congo-the-royal-mile-budonga-forest-and-more/ Blair Bernson -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 2 15:49:35 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (John Riegsecker via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 2 15:49:38 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Juvenile Caspian Terns Message-ID: <23761938-16a3-4352-8443-82c26f53b06a@pobox.com> There were two juvenile Caspian Terns at Port Orchard this morning: https://ebird.org/checklist/S189955875 John Riegsecker Gig Harbor, WA -- John Riegsecker From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 2 23:49:16 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 2 23:49:32 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Swallows and Godwits Message-ID: We spent Wednesday and Thursday out on the coast. On the way out, we stopped at the Hoquiam Airport and sewage ponds and there were lots of Barn Swallows foraging low over the lawn and water. Barn Swallows were also quite common in Westport and down to Tokeland. Some seemed to still be feeding young in the nest, others were short tailed juveniles. No ther swallow species were seen. The Marbled Godwit flock has returned to Westport. We saw 200 or more circling the marina. On the way home we stopped at Bottle Beach in the afternoon on an outgoing tide. I did not bring my scope, but good numbers of Black-bellied Plovers were present, some still in breeding plumage. Most birds were further out and even with 12X bins I could not identify them, except for 4 Semipalmated Plovers close in. 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 Aug 3 08:59:27 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Heather Gervais via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 3 09:00:02 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?BirdNote_en_Espa=C3=B1ol?= In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <68F58789-A07E-4357-946B-13C93FDFED5E@gmail.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 3 12:14:18 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 3 12:14:35 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] July 24 Westport Seabirds trip report Message-ID: Hi Tweeters, Sorry for the delay in posting this report. Somehow life got in the way. When one arrives at the dock for a pelagic trip, one usually hopes for a smooth ride with no sea spray, boat rocking, or temporary queasiness. As fate would have it, today *was* one of those days. The *Monte Carlo* departed Westport marina with a flock of enthusiastic birders under a partly cloudy sky. Although a bit bumpy over the bar, we soon started observing the species that call the close inshore waters home. Numerous Sooty Shearwaters (5001), Rhinoceros Auklets (142) and Common Murres (1451) sprinkled the waters and were a great introduction to the region's pelagic birds and pelagic bird families. An early surprise was a Manx Shearwater (3) that zipped by the bow of the *Monte Carlo* - a nice sighting so early on the trip and the first of three sightings for the day! Flocks of diminutive Red-necked Phalaropes (274) became more and more common as we ventured further. Soon, Pink-footed Shearwaters (457) joined the Sootys and allowed for good side by side comparisons as they winged by. I was thrilled to be able to yell my favorite word on any pelagic trip - Skua! The bird winged right over the boat which gave everyone incredible views. This was the first of 8 South Polar Skuas (8) for the day! One eagle eyed participant pointed out a few distant Sabine's Gulls (13) but, unfortunately, throughout the day, none of these beautiful birds came close to the *Monte Carlo*. Cassin's Auklets (128) bounced their way along the water and a few Red Phalaropes (31) were seen by those on the bow. Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels (192) also started to appear much to the delight of some of the out of state birders who most wanted to see this species. Surprisingly, Leach's Storm Petrels (85) also appeared before we were even close to the edge of the shelf. This species is usually found only over deep water so this was unusual. Although apparently featureless to us, the birds know where the shelf edge is and the species variety increased as we neared that invisible mark. The call of "albatross" is always eagerly anticipated and we watched several Black-footed Albatrosses (33) fly by on 6.5 wingspan on their multi day foraging runs from the leeward chain of the Hawaiian Islands.. No Westport trip is complete without an albatross. Whew, glad they found us or was it we who found them? A Parasitic Jaeger (2) or 2 were in the area as well as several Northern Fulmars (7). Our time over deep water didn't net any different species although it was great to see so many Leach's Storm-Petrels. For the day, a total of 85 were seen - an impressive number indeed! On the return to Westport, more highlights awaited - several more Parasitic Jaegers, a Pomarine Jaeger (1) with maximum spoonage, a floating log with 3 Arctic Terns (we watched then from fairly close for ten minutes which was unusual), Short-tailed Shearwater (1) which was photographed by those on the bow, and a great sighting of a Flesh-footed Shearwater (2) which flew by the bow and joined a second one! A single Marbled Murrelet (1) was found about a half mile offshore - a species not often found on a Westport seabirds trip! On a Westport Seabirds tour, birds take center stage but other non-avian highlights are always seen. A breaching Humpback Whale (12) at about 150 yards drew applause throughout. Dall's Porpoises (8) and Pacific White-sided Dolphins (110) cut the surface but didn't come in for the hoped for bow riding extravaganza. Blue Sharks (7) and several large Ocean Sunfish (2) had all of us looking down as well as keeping our eyes and ears skyward. Marine mammals and fish are always the icing on the pelagic cake! Between the tips of the jetties, a feeding frenzy yielded a Manx Shearwater and another Parasitic Jaeger amid the numerous Heermann's Gulls, Brown Pelicans and several species of cormorants. A few Pigeon Guillemots (6) were in the area. The jetty produced 5 Black Turnstones. 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, Scott Mills, 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 Sat Aug 3 12:23:23 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Nick Bayard via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 3 12:23:39 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?BirdNote_en_Espa=C3=B1ol?= In-Reply-To: <68F58789-A07E-4357-946B-13C93FDFED5E@gmail.com> References: <68F58789-A07E-4357-946B-13C93FDFED5E@gmail.com> Message-ID: Hi Heather, Our English language daily show airs daily on KNKX 88.5 FM at 6:31am and again at 8:59am. We don't yet know the regular schedules for the Spanish language stations, since most of them are still figuring out when will be best to air it, but *BirdNote en Espa?ol *can also be heard anytime on any podcast platform! Best, Nick On Sat, Aug 3, 2024 at 8:59?AM Heather Gervais wrote: > Thank you Nick! I'll most definitely try to tune in! > > Do you know what time of day it airs? I live in Seattle/listen to W WA > radio stations in case that matters. > > Peace, > Heather > > Heather Gervais > Certified Personal Trainer > Owner - Agewell Health & Wellness > Spanish Interpreter > Good person > > ?Be the change you wish to see in the world.? > - Mahatma Gandhi > > Message sent from my iPhone. Please excuse its brevity and occasional > typos. > > > On Aug 1, 2024, at 4:44?PM, Nick Bayard via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > > ? > Hello Tweets, > > For the fans of BirdNote, I'm pleased to share that BirdNote en Espa?ol > has been steadily > growing its presence on Spanish language radio stations. This is the > Spanish language version of our flagship daily show, and our broadcast > partners now include: > > *WA State:* > VT Radio Universal Tacoma > KTQA 95.3 FM Tacoma > KQWZ 106.5 FM Des Moines > > *California:* > KBBF 89.1 FM > > *Utah: * > KUUB 88.3 FM > > *Mexico: * > > El Heraldo Laguna - Covers a big portion of Northern Mexico > > Radio Chureya 107.9 FM - Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur > > *Paraguay: * > Radio Quiindy 104.5 FM > > If you have any Spanish language stations you recommend we reach out to, > please let me know! > > -Nick > > -- > Nick Bayard > Executive Director | He/Him > > [image: BirdNote] > > > *Follow BirdNote on social media:* > [image: Instagram] [image: Facebook] > [image: YouTube] > [image: TikTok] > [image: LinkedIn] > > > www.birdnote.org > _______________________________________________ > 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 Aug 3 14:20:43 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Heather Gervais via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 3 14:21:19 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?BirdNote_en_Espa=C3=B1ol?= In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <4E5F2577-3BAF-481B-8722-390BC6ABBE89@gmail.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 3 19:19:33 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (pan via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 3 19:19:39 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Seattle Lesser Black-backed Gull Message-ID: <1835440566.1139817.1722737973351@ichabod.co-bxl> Tweets, The young Lesser Black-backed Gull was at Carkeek Park in Seattle for awhile again early this morning (7-ish).? 3 August, 2024, Alan Grenon Seattle panmail AT mailfence period com -- Sent with https://mailfence.com Secure and private email -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 4 08:39:37 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (jreiter wordsonbirds.com via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 4 08:39:51 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Request for TUFTED PUFFIN advice Message-ID: Hello Tweeters . . . I'm hoping somebody might be able to assist me with a birdfinding quest. Any advice or feedback would be much appreciated! I will be visiting Seattle and Olympic NP in early to mid-Sept. Just wondering if it is possible to view TUFTED PUFFIN from anywhere on the coast at that time of year ? and if so, where? Thanks, Jeff 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 Sun Aug 4 09:12:00 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Doug Santoni via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 4 09:12:15 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Request for TUFTED PUFFIN advice In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <97EEEF8E-89A4-4259-8556-A7A8A21E8168@gmail.com> Jeff ? Your best bet if you?re willing to go out on a boat would be to do a tour featuring viewing of Protection Island and/or Smith Island. Early- to mid-September is the tail end of the season. Here is one company that has two September departure dates to see puffins; there are a few other companies as well. https://ptmsc.org/birdwatching-cruises/ Good luck! Doug Santoni Seattle, WA Dougsantoni at gmail dot com > On Aug 4, 2024, at 8:39?AM, jreiter wordsonbirds.com via Tweeters wrote: > > Hello Tweeters . . . I'm hoping somebody might be able to assist me with a birdfinding quest. Any advice or feedback would be much appreciated! > > I will be visiting Seattle and Olympic NP in early to mid-Sept. Just wondering if it is possible to view TUFTED PUFFIN from anywhere on the coast at that time of year ? and if so, where? > > Thanks, > Jeff > > Jeff Reiter > Glen Ellyn, IL (DuPage County) > jreiter@wordsonbirds.com > > Read Words on Birds in the Daily Herald or click here > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 Aug 4 10:30:59 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Carol Riddell via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 4 10:31:14 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Red-footed Booby Message-ID: Perched right now on the roof of the Marine Science Center in Fort Worden SP, Port Townsend. Lots of folks getting great looks. Carol Riddell Edmonds, WA From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 4 18:38:17 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (john dantoni via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 4 18:38:23 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] 3 male Western Tanagers today! References: <1424914455.1933001.1722821897878.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1424914455.1933001.1722821897878@mail.yahoo.com> Hi Tweeters,We've had 2? of the Tanagers eating from our grape vine but today a third showed up.? What a treat!? I may have seen a female as well but wasn't sure. Enjoy the sunshine!Best,John D'AntoniMalaga, WA? which is right outside of Wenatchee -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 4 21:25:42 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Steve Hampton via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 4 21:26:03 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Port Townsend Red-footed Booby update Message-ID: I got back into town and made it there at 5:45pm. I'm sad I missed so many of the birders, but the bird itself put on an evening performance from the roof of the Marine Science building on the pier at Fort Warden. It made many flights and dives and caught many fish. It seemingly went to bed on the roof with a full crop. I'm optimistic it will be there tomorrow (though we cannot be sure). Pics are here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S190280823 good birding, -- Steve Hampton Port Townsend, WA (qat?y) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 5 00:13:59 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 5 00:14:16 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Twin Lakes Merlins Message-ID: We had a breeding pair of Merlins in Twin Lakes, Federal Way for several years now. It seems that they successfully raised at least two young this year. This evening (8/4) we observed three of them actively hunting dragonflies over Lake Lorene. One of them landed in an alder tree right above our bench to snack on a large dragonfly. Also present was a single Osprey and this morning we had two of them. 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 Mon Aug 5 07:14:37 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Steve Hampton via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 5 07:14:51 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Red-footed Booby on the roof this morning! Message-ID: I just received a text from Hillary Smith that the Red-footed Booby is on the Marine Science Ctr pier building as of 7am. At Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend. -- Steve Hampton Port Townsend, WA (qat?y) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 5 10:44:45 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Teresa Michelsen via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 5 10:44:48 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] FW: Red-footed Booby on the roof this morning! In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Such a perfect place for it ? Sorry I don?t still live there to go look!! Teresa Michelsen Hoodsport From: Tweeters On Behalf Of Steve Hampton via Tweeters Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 7:15 AM To: TWEETERS tweeters Subject: [Tweeters] Red-footed Booby on the roof this morning! I just received a text from Hillary Smith that the Red-footed Booby is on the Marine Science Ctr pier building as of 7am. At Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend. -- Steve Hampton Port Townsend, WA (qat?y) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- An embedded and charset-unspecified text was scrubbed... Name: ATT00001.txt URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 5 13:15:15 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (louiserutter1000 via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 5 13:13:09 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] FW: Red-footed Booby on the roof this morning! In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <66b1324e.630a0220.41063.280c@mx.google.com> Currently back on the maritime center roof after spending much of the morning on the boat.Sent via the Samsung Galaxy A6, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message --------From: Steve Hampton via Tweeters Date: 8/5/24 07:16 (GMT-08:00) To: TWEETERS tweeters Subject: [Tweeters] Red-footed Booby on the roof this morning! I just received a text from Hillary Smith that the Red-footed Booby is on the Marine Science Ctr pier building as of 7am.?At Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend.?-- Steve HamptonPort Townsend, WA? (qat?y) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 5 15:44:45 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Steve Hampton via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 5 15:45:01 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] RF Booby age and morph from Peter Harrison - and see him in person in Sept Message-ID: All, I reached out to Peter Harrison, the author of the new *Seabirds *book, who lives nearby. Regarding the Red-footed Booby, upon seeing the pics, Peter related, "Plumages and soft parts coloration are the key to ageing and identification. Your bird is a sub-adult, second year, perhaps entering its third year, and one of the so-called ?intermediate morphs.? Your images cut off the legs and feet of the bird, but I suspect that they were a dirty, dull pink. You will obviously note that Red-footed Boobies are pan-tropical. More than a million pairs are scattered between 30 degrees north and 30 degrees south. Brown morphs are unknown from the Caribbean area. The largest population is at the Galapagos Islands where I was just a month ago! I suspect that the origin of the Port Townsend bird is from one of the many colonies in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean." Peter will be at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival on Sat, Sept 7. He will be giving a lecture on seabirds of the world at the Discovery Room of the Maritime Center at 9:30am. He will share his lifetime of adventures as a seabirder and the writing and illustration of his new seabirds field guide. Copies will be available for purchase and signing. good birding, -- Steve Hampton Port Townsend, WA (qat?y) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 5 19:02:23 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 5 19:02:30 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Canon Advice? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <3bd6db62-2889-414b-89d5-eb4a7961f46d@jimbetz.com> Hi, ? If there is someone on the list who feels competent to give advise on Canon equipment for birding photography (not video) please contact me directly/off list.??????? jim betz at jim betz dot com?????????????? - Thanks ... Jim P.S. I currently have an R7 with the RF 100-400 and a 1.4 converter.? Am considering ?????? a wide range of new gear that may or may not include the RF 100-500, the ?????? the RF 200-800, the R5-II, a tripod with a gimbal head, etc. From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 5 22:00:07 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Nelson Briefer via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 5 22:00:23 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?b?Q29vcGVy4oCZcyBIYXdr?= Message-ID: A female COHA, at about 50 feet altitude. The hawk was coming from the Skagit River and heading toward Costco in Burlington. About a 4 second look at the hawk steady pumping, in front of the car. Cheers, Nelson Briefer- Anacortes. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 5 23:48:53 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 5 23:49:11 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?b?Q29vcGVy4oCZcyBIYXdr?= In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Maybe it was going for the famous Costco fried chicken for $4.99 ??? ... just guessing! Hans On Mon, Aug 5, 2024 at 10:00?PM Nelson Briefer via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > A female COHA, at about 50 feet altitude. The hawk was coming from the > Skagit River and heading toward Costco in Burlington. About a 4 second look > at the hawk steady pumping, in front of the car. Cheers, Nelson Briefer- > Anacortes. _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -- *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA thefedderns@gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 6 11:00:38 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Gary Bletsch via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 6 11:00:45 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] off-topic RFI Trinidad and Tobago References: <2114658180.2358537.1722967238923.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <2114658180.2358537.1722967238923@mail.yahoo.com> Dear Tweeters, If anyone out there in Tweeterland has advice in regard to a birding trip to Trinidad and Tobago, I'd love to hear from you. Feel free to contact me off-list. I am in the very early stages of planning a trip there. The staff at Asa Wright Nature Center got right back to me, and I plan to spring for a stay there, since it seems to be de rigueur. Not sure how long to stay there, though. My main questions are these. 1. How long do most birders stay on a trip to T&T? 2. How many nights does one usually stay at Asa Wright? 3. Is Tobago on the usual itinerary? 4. Would it be wise to rent a car? I usually do, unless I have a guide, or it's a country where the driving is absolutely insane.? 5. How safe is it? I do hear a few bits and pieces about violent crime, although that does seem to be mainly in the capital. 6. Any other hotspots suggested? 7. I understand that hurricanes are quite rare in T&T. Still, it is the rainiest part of the rainy season right now, in August. Would it be nutty to go in late August-early September? Thanks! Yours truly, Gary Bletsch -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 6 11:32:35 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (B B via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 6 11:32:46 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Uganda Finale - Murchison Falls National Park - Awesome Birds and Mammals, Another Shoebill and Lions on a Kill References: <2101154719.2360547.1722969155521.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <2101154719.2360547.1722969155521@mail.yahoo.com> There may be another post that will be about people and places rather than birds and mammals, but otherwise? this is the last one including another Shoebill, an incredible night game drive, great birds and great mammals and a wrap-up conclusion. https://blairbirding.com/2024/08/06/uganda-finale-murchison-falls-national-park/ Blair Bernson -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 6 14:21:49 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dennis Paulson via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 6 14:21:54 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] just the Red-footed Booby Message-ID: <02BE0BEB-1C7A-4846-A97C-CCB3B9496818@comcast.net> Hello tweets, Netta and I want to thank Steve Hampton again for finding this tropical wanderer. Just as we arrived at the Port Townsend Marine Center this morning some time after 8 am, it flew off into the distance toward Point Hudson. After venting for a short while, we drove there and searched and searched and saw no trace of a booby offshore or on any elevated roosting site, and finally decided to head back to the marine center (along with many other birders). As we were talking about leaving, Don Duprey told us that it had been seen roosting with gulls yesterday, so he was scanning the gull flock on the beach. And within seconds, he located it at the end of the flock and called out to us. Thanks to Don as well! We got fine looks at it on the beach, then at a few minutes after 10, it decided it had had enough of Olympic Gulls and wanted to spend more time with its tropical Heermann?s Gull friends on the marine center rooftop. So it took off, with binoculars and camera lenses following it. We drove back there right away, stopping only to photograph a partial albino Black-tailed Deer, and found it easily on the roof. It was still there when we left, close to 11 am. As we headed off the pier, we were treated to a family of 5 River Otters swimming and diving, for a perfect ending. It was definitely worth the drive, and it was good to see so many familiar birders. Dennis Paulson Seattle From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 6 17:02:31 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan McDougall-Treacy via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 6 17:03:04 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] M Street Ponds - well, DUH! Message-ID: Hi Tweets. As you probably know, the larger pond has dried and is now well carpeted with plant life. You may have also noticed the existence of a large yellow gate that can be locked to close off M Street at the end of that small business park. At times the gate is found unlocked; other times locked. I learned today that when the gate is unlocked, it is wise to park and walk around it. In 15 minutes of briefly scanning the fields I found myself locked in. There's no signage or contact information regarding ownership of the gate or the property. There's more to the story, but suffice to say my banishment from the outside world lasted only about an hour. (much easier than getting back into Canada, but still a bit exasperating) Dan McDougall-Treacy better hombre p.s. If you test your luck and find yourself in this predicament, I suggest phoning the Emerald Downs security office. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 6 17:05:31 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Constance Sidles via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 6 17:05:46 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Common Murres Message-ID: Hey tweets, our oldest son Alex has just returned from a sea kayak trip he made along the Oregon coast. He reports finding large colonies of nesting Common Murres and Pigeon Guillemots, among other wonderful birds. If you would like to read about these colonies, here is a link to his trip report: https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/cape-kiwanda-cape-lookout-cape-falcon-31-july-2-aug-2024? I for one am always glad to hear any reports or stories about avian abundance. I love rarities as much as anyone - and I chase, too, with life-changing observations of bird diversity. But I think that we humans tend to value the rare above the common. We're a funny species in that regard. You won't catch a cow walking miles out of her way to find that one blade of unusual grass. She'd rather find a whole field of very common grass, as would most other animals. I like to remind myself that we should value highly the everday birds and the nature we find all around us, too. Now, where did you say that Red-footed Booby was last seen??- Connie, Seattle -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: favicon.ico Type: image/vnd.microsoft.icon Size: 3571 bytes Desc: not available URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 6 21:43:11 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Cara Borre via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 6 21:43:27 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Westport Seabirds Trip Report August 3 Message-ID: Westport Seabirds was joined on August 3rd by a well rounded mix of participants including several veteran seabirders as well as a few first-timers. Our trip was full of surprises with the first spotted by 12 year old Ethan, who pointed out a bird swimming around a boat while we were still docked at Float 10. The bird turned out to be a Pink-footed Shearwater which we typically pick up well out to sea. The bird did not seem injured, but quite disoriented as it attempted to climb aboard a neighboring boat. That incredible sighting marked the start of more good things to come. We crossed a bit of a bumpy bar closer to the Ocean Shores side of Grays Harbor and headed out under overcast skies. We passed the usual species on our way into open water including Brandt?s Cormorant, Rhinoceros Auklet, a single Marbled Murrelet, as well as a couple of Harbor Porpoise and a Gray Whale. As typical we encountered Sooty Shearwater and hundreds of Common Murre early on and oriented the first timers to these reference species. We saw our first Pomarine Jaeger not long afterward and we would end the day with a staggering 40 sightings of this crowd pleaser. Phalaropes were also plentiful throughout the day, with small groups at first, consisting solely of Red-necked, followed by larger groups later in the day with nice looks at Reds as well. This trip was most memorable due to its collection of storm-petrels and interesting deviations from our typical sightings. Our region is known for Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel and a Westport Seabirds trip is probably the easiest way to add this species to one?s life list. We can usually find this species on most of our trips and at times, such as today, in magnificent numbers (1878 for the day). During the summer months we can also add Leach?s Storm-Petrel to our trip tally as this normally deep water species can be found within our tour range forging closer to its breeding islands. What has been interesting on the last couple of trips is we are seeing Leach?s further inland from the continental shelf, and on this trip, at about the same time we first spotted Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel. Progressing westward we came upon a group of shrimping boats and one had a nice collection of birds in tow. We got fabulous looks at our ?big? target, Black-footed Albatross (50 at boat) and two Laysan Albatross, our first of the year for that species. One Laysan Albatross had a leg band which indicates it originated from the growing colonies off the western Mexican coast. We also had large numbers of Pink-footed Shearwater at the boats and one or two Northern Fulmar. We got nice looks at a couple of Long-tailed Jaegers checking out the bird activity at the boats. We had steady fly bys throughout the day of beautiful breeding adult Sabine?s Gull as well as several Arctic Terns. On the way to our chum spot we noticed a South Polar Skua advancing on our stern and everyone was able to get great looks at this bulky brute. Once into deep water we spotted a dark storm-petrel with a different flight style than a typical Leach?s. It approached the boat and flew along our starboard side headed for the bow. We alerted everyone on board to watch and ideally photograph this bird as it may indeed turn out to be a rare species. Captain Phil did a masterful job keeping up with the bird as it flew in front of the boat allowing longer visualization and opportunity for photos. The bird was dark and its rump patch was darker than the typical Leach?s we see and the tail was shorter and not as deeply forked. Photographs and even some video shot by spotter Ryan Merrill are still being studied and we have yet to see all participants photos of this bird. Due to the similarity of dark, white-rumped storm-petrels and variability in the rump patch appearance within species, this bird may well remain ?dark storm-petrel sp?, but we are intrigued at the possibility of a positive ID that could prove to be a new bird for our region. Given our collective observations and field notes, as well as the photos and video we have evaluated so far, Townsend?s Storm-Petrel appears to be the best fit for this bird. Townsend?s Storm-Petrel breeds off the western Baja California Peninsula in Mexico and ranges north to southern California and further south along the Mexican coast. This exciting and unusual day of seabirding was matched in quality by the other pelagic species we saw. It was a great day for Humpback Whale with multiple surfacing animals and a distant breach seen by the lucky few gazing in the right direction. Speaking of breaching, you probably wouldn?t believe that a very large ocean sunfish can propel itself out of the water in a thunderous water displacing side slap, but some of us saw that incredible behavior too. We had several visits from small pods of Dall?s Porpoise with one group riding our bow for a good while. Pacific White-sided Dolphins made a distant appearance during our chum stop but weren?t interested in us enough to come investigate. Our mammal highlight was from a group of four transient (aka Bigg?s) orcas who we saw repeatedly surfacing and tail flicking near some crab pot buoys on our way back in. We stopped to watch them and capture photos to see if we can put names to the individuals we observed. Thank you to everyone who shared this special day on the sea with Captain Phil Anderson, First Mate Chris Anderson, spotters Bill Tweit, Ryan Merrill, and me. If you were on the trip, please remember to upload any photos, particularly of the interesting storm-petrel, to your eBird checklist. The approximate time of this sighting was 10:07am which may aid you in finding your photos of this bird among any Leach?s you photographed. Hope to sea you out there! Cara Borre Gig Harbor -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Aug 7 14:55:37 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Larry Schwitters via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 7 14:55:49 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Vaux's Happening Message-ID: <16B78131-09E2-4E5D-B4FF-71A96D49B6B4@me.com> Last night?s Vaux?s swift roosting numbers. Monroe Wagner 4 Selleck 267 Dallas, OR res. 68 Yreka 48 Stewart?s Pt., CA 1783 Larry Schwitters Issaquah From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Aug 7 19:58:34 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Shep Thorp via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 7 19:58:50 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for 8/7/2024 Message-ID: Hi Tweets, Approximately 30 of us enjoyed a nice summer day at the Refuge with overcast skies in the morning and sun in the afternoon. Temperatures were in the 50"s to 80's degrees Fahrenheit and there was a High 11'1" Tide at 7:34am and a Low 0'3" Tide at 2:08pm. Highlights included BARRED OWL hunting in the parking lot between the Visitor Center and Education Center, numerous GREAT EGRET at the Visitor Center Pond and along McAllister Creek, BAIRD SANDPIPER x 6 foraging on the mudflats north of the dike and west of Leschi Slough, and MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER near the Beaver Deceiver along the east side of the Twin Barns Loop Trail. We also had a good mammal day with sightings of the River Otter, Raccoon, Long-tailed Weasel and Mink. For the day, we observed 77 species. FOY GREEN HERON, Baird's Sandpiper and MacGillivray's Warbler has bumped up our annual sightings to 163 species this year. See our eBird report pasted below with details and photos. I'll be away next week leading a Clearwater Audubon Trip around the Olympic Peninsula. Ken, Jim and Pete will lead the walk next week at 8am in my absence. Until then, happy birding. Shep -- Shep Thorp Browns Point 253-370-3742 Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US Aug 7, 2024 6:33 AM - 4:30 PM Protocol: Traveling 8.86 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Overcast skies in the morning, sunny skies in the afternoon, temperatures in the 50?s to 80?s degrees Fahrenheit. A High 11?1? Tide at 7:34am and a Low 0?3? Tide at 2:08pm. Mammals seen Townsend?s Chipmunk, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, River Otter, Raccoon, Long-tailed Weasel, Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Harbor Seal, and Mink. Also seen Puget Sound Garter Snake, American Bullfrog, and Red-eared Slider. 77 species (+4 other taxa) Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 80 Wood Duck 10 Blue-winged Teal 1 Seen at 7am along Nisqually Estuary Trail. Cinnamon Teal 3 Freshwater Marsh Mallard 125 Green-winged Teal 6 Foraging in surge plain during high tide. Hooded Merganser 1 Freshwater Marsh Pied-billed Grebe 1 Freshwater Marsh. Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 30 Eurasian Collared-Dove 2 Vaux's Swift 1 Anna's Hummingbird 2 Rufous Hummingbird 1 hummingbird sp. 1 Virginia Rail 1 Heard by Jon in Freshwater Marsh across from entrance to Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail. Sora 1 Spotted by Abby in the freshwater marsh just south to the entrance of the Nisqually Estuary Trail. Killdeer 3 Semipalmated Plover 8 Seen along the Nisqually Estuary Trail and Boardwalk Trail foraging on mud flats. Long-billed Dowitcher 8 Spotted Sandpiper 2 Greater Yellowlegs 7 Baird's Sandpiper 6 Initially spotted by Jason. Counted individually. Photo. Larger than area peeps with long primary projection, Buffy head and breast with straight bills and black legs. Scaled pattern on mantle. Observed at 1/4 mile on mudflats west of Leschi Slough with spotting scopes. Seen multiple times throughout the day. Least Sandpiper 100 Western Sandpiper 300 Ring-billed Gull 200 California Gull 3 Glaucous-winged Gull 2 Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 20 Larus sp. 100 Caspian Tern 2 Brandt's Cormorant 3 Double-crested Cormorant 60 Green Heron 1 Seen flying along Leschi Slough parallel to Nisqually Estuary trail then landing in freshwater marsh. Great Egret 3 Probably four. Observed at least three at one time. Photo. Freshwater marsh and McAllister Creek. Visitor Center Pond. Great Blue Heron 60 Northern Harrier 1 Cooper's Hawk 1 Twin Barns area. Bald Eagle 40 Counted individually. 16 plus birds on McAllister Creek, 7 plus birds on Nisqually Reach, 5 birds along Nisqually River, 6 birds within the inner dike, and several high flying birds over McAllister Ridge along the creek and Hoffmann Hill. Barred Owl 1 Spotted by Tim hunting around the parking lot between the Visitor Center and the Education Center. Belted Kingfisher 4 Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 3 Hairy Woodpecker (Pacific) 1 Northern Flicker 2 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 1 American Kestrel 1 Western Wood-Pewee 4 Willow Flycatcher 5 Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope) 2 Warbling Vireo 1 American Crow 2 Common Raven 1 Black-capped Chickadee 20 Chestnut-backed Chickadee 4 Bank Swallow 4 Tree Swallow 20 Violet-green Swallow 10 Purple Martin 16 Gourds at Luhr Beach. Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 Barn Swallow 150 Visitor Center. Cliff Swallow 6 Bushtit (Pacific) 15 Brown Creeper 4 Marsh Wren 3 Bewick's Wren 6 European Starling 100 Swainson's Thrush 9 American Robin 20 Cedar Waxwing 20 House Finch 1 American Goldfinch 40 White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis) 4 Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 4 Song Sparrow 21 Spotted Towhee 2 Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 250 Brown-headed Cowbird 10 MacGillivray's Warbler 1 Spotted by Jim near the Beaver Deceiver on the east side of Twin Barns Loop Trail. Common Yellowthroat 8 Yellow Warbler 15 Wilson's Warbler 9 Black-headed Grosbeak 1 View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S190615150 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Aug 7 21:30:52 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Judith A. Howard via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 7 21:30:58 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] red-footed booby still there Message-ID: <3B3F98E7-C669-4038-AFE4-39CC37F6DFD1@uw.edu> Dennis reported having seen the booby yesterday morning. Those of us on yesterday?s Puget Sound Express birding tour to Smith Island got to see the booby later in the day, around 3:30 or so. It was in the same spot, sitting on the roof of the Marine Center, right at the top. This was a detour from the planned route (our boating route, not the booby?s route!), and the highlight of a truly wonderful excursion. Judy Howard Whidbey Island -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 8 06:57:47 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Steve Hampton via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 8 06:58:03 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] RF Booby here Thursday morning Message-ID: The booby is on the roof right now at 6:55 AM. No fog this morning. From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 8 12:36:36 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Michael Hobbs via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 8 12:36:55 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2024-08-08 Message-ID: Tweets - The Summer Doldrums may let up as early as next week, but today was Q-U-I-E-T. Beautiful sunny windless morning; alas, also mostly birdless. Highlights: California Gull - A late scan of the lake featured at least one each of adult and juvenile. First of Year (FOY) Caspian Tern - Four flew down the river Cooper's Hawk - One (maybe 2) juveniles. First of Fall (FOF) Hairy Woodpecker - At least 2, at least one of which was a juvenile with a red cap Western Wood-Pewee - Notably many heard; perhaps this year's young are out calling Tree Swallow - None in the East Meadow, but 2+ at Pea Patch early. Getting late for them Purple Martin - Several across the slough, active at one of the gourds at the Lake Platform including sound of young from inside Swainson's Thrush - Heard only, pre-dawn only Purple Finch - Notably many, including many young Misses today included Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Red-tailed Hawk, Barn Owl, Violet-green Swallow, and Black-headed Grosbeak. Our only warblers were Yellow (heard-only) and Common Yellowthroat. For the day, 55 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 Aug 8 15:01:56 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Diann MacRae via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 8 15:02:01 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] King County heronries question Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 8 21:15:50 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Zora Monster via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 8 21:16:05 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Unusual cedar waxwing Message-ID: For those of you with a Facebook account, an unusual cedar waxwing was posted to the group Cornell Lab of Ornithology-Citizen Science-Birding the World. The waxwing has a protrusion from the back of its neck that looks a bit like a second head. It?s as if it had a twin that was only partially absorbed. Does anyone have any idea what that might be? Link to the Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/hcZh7Y1BwUhBtt1x/?mibextid=K35XfP Zora Dermer Seattle Sent from my iPhone -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 9 19:47:04 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Alan Roedell via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 9 19:47:21 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Booby this afternoon Message-ID: The Red footed Booby was looking good today. He/she was hunting/fishing acrobatically for about 20 minutes while I and a half dozen other happy birders admired it's wheeling and diving skills. It then perched and preened until I tired of trying to get a good photo with my phone. Traffic was light, the ferries were on time, and I was home before 2:00. A shout out to the birders who were polite, enthusiastic and helpful. My kind of people. Alan Roedell, Seattle -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 10 10:44:31 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 10 10:44:35 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Channel Drive? Tides? In-Reply-To: <3bd6db62-2889-414b-89d5-eb4a7961f46d@jimbetz.com> References: <3bd6db62-2889-414b-89d5-eb4a7961f46d@jimbetz.com> Message-ID: Hello all, ? There's a birding location here in Skagit County known as Channel Drive.? It is where a small slough joins the Swinomish Slough and is about half way between the bridges and La Conner. ? I've been going here a -lot- in the past few weeks.? Sometimes birdier than other times but always 'enough to be interesting'.? Well - that didn't pan out yesterday ... I saw just one GBH and zero shorebirds.? The tide was 'slack' but at a medium level (not minus) but there was some mud flat areas in the sloughs.? I'm guessing that the shorebirds were probably out on the nearby but larger Padilla Bay areas.? I just found it "interesting" and worthy of being reported. ? The state of the tide seems to be much more important than -I- think it should be. There was plenty of 'shallow water' yesterday ... just not so much "mud flats" and not as shallow as in the past 4+ weeks.? However, the shorebirds I've been seeing at Channel Drive (sandpipers, yellowlegs, dowitchers, and even a few phaloropes) do not hunt on the actual mud flats ... just in the shallow water near the exposed mud. ? I checked the tides for the next week or so - pretty 'small' (not any minus and not very high highs).? That, combined with the fact that it is mid-August doesn't bode well for my birding opportunities in the coming weeks. *Sigh*.???????????????????????????????? - Jim P.S. BTW - I made my new camera plus lens decisions.? I'm going with the R5-II and the ?????? RF 200-800.? This zoom is bigger and heavier than I'm 'happy' with ... but I expect ?????? it to solve the primary problem I deal with almost every time I go out - how far ?????? away the birds are from me.? I'm -hoping- I can use it handheld ... if not I don't ?????? know if I will get a tripod and gimbal or sell it and see if the 100-500 will work. From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 10 11:10:04 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Elaine Chuang via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 10 11:10:35 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Purple Martins, and Purple Martin Conservation Day Message-ID: <1E91E2C5-7E26-4DE3-88BA-EC32DDFCBB79@uw.edu> Tweet, tweet, and regards to all, Many of you in the Seattle area will have seen in the Seattle Times, July 28, 2024 the excellent article by Kate Perez on Purple Martins in our region, and the mounting challenges they face. Here?s the link: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/birds-that-migrate-from-brazil-to-seattle-each-summer-face-new-threat/ Some of us lucky enough to live at this northern portion of the Purple Martin's range look forward annually to enjoying their return from Brazil. What joy to hear those gorgeous bubbly sounds, observe them in flight and appreciate stages of nesting as they raise young in communal settings, now almost entirely in human-made structures. We have Kim Stark, Jean Power, Carl Bevis, Kris Baker and WDFW?s Chris Anderson to thank for the vast majority of maintenance of PUMA homes and strategic planning on their behalf. Ten years ago this group created a distinctly informative poster on the Purple Martins in King County and conservation efforts 07POSTER-2014-04-30-Stark-Purple-Martins-King-County-shorelines Most of it is still applicable - much work remains to be done. Recently, August 10 was officially designated as Purple Martin Conservation Day, thanks to efforts put forth by the Purple Martin Conservation Association and allies! Stay tuned for more ways to help our Martins! Elaine Chuang elc at uw dot edu From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 10 11:29:13 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Diane Yorgason-Quinn via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 10 11:29:19 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Purple Martins, and Purple Martin Conservation Day In-Reply-To: <1E91E2C5-7E26-4DE3-88BA-EC32DDFCBB79@uw.edu> References: <1E91E2C5-7E26-4DE3-88BA-EC32DDFCBB79@uw.edu> Message-ID: Yes, Happy Purple Martin Conservation Day! I am happy to report on Gig Harbor's PUMAs. Up until about 5 years ago, Martins were only rarely seen in the harbor, but thanks to several people who live on the water, especially John Voigt and John McMillan, boxes were built and posted all around the harbor, since these guys knew most of the people with piers. They add more boxes every year, and the number of Martins has just exploded. Right now there is a cam in one of the nestboxes at the Eddon Boat Park which can be accessed inside the Gig Harbor Boatshop showing the last 2 young in the box getting ready to go. These guys have also conducted boat tours around the harbor showing the many boxes. Pierce County has many other Martin hot spots as well, such as Point Defiance and Titlow Park beach. Things are looking up for Martins in the south Sound! Diane Yorgason-Quinn Gig Harbor, WA Avosetta@hotmail.com ________________________________ From: Tweeters on behalf of Elaine Chuang via Tweeters Sent: Saturday, August 10, 2024 11:10 AM To: tweeters@u.washington.edu Subject: [Tweeters] Purple Martins, and Purple Martin Conservation Day Tweet, tweet, and regards to all, Many of you in the Seattle area will have seen in the Seattle Times, July 28, 2024 the excellent article by Kate Perez on Purple Martins in our region, and the mounting challenges they face. Here?s the link: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.seattletimes.com%2Fseattle-news%2Fbirds-that-migrate-from-brazil-to-seattle-each-summer-face-new-threat%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C5bca83ea82904df3ed1e08dcb967c058%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638589102475029877%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=PIxlDag619ec801AARUYoLan32I0ZaagtDY4ZSEtnb8%3D&reserved=0 Some of us lucky enough to live at this northern portion of the Purple Martin's range look forward annually to enjoying their return from Brazil. What joy to hear those gorgeous bubbly sounds, observe them in flight and appreciate stages of nesting as they raise young in communal settings, now almost entirely in human-made structures. We have Kim Stark, Jean Power, Carl Bevis, Kris Baker and WDFW?s Chris Anderson to thank for the vast majority of maintenance of PUMA homes and strategic planning on their behalf. Ten years ago this group created a distinctly informative poster on the Purple Martins in King County and conservation efforts 07POSTER-2014-04-30-Stark-Purple-Martins-King-County-shorelines Most of it is still applicable - much work remains to be done. Recently, August 10 was officially designated as Purple Martin Conservation Day, thanks to efforts put forth by the Purple Martin Conservation Association and allies! Stay tuned for more ways to help our Martins! Elaine Chuang elc at uw dot edu _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters@u.washington.edu https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailman11.u.washington.edu%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Ftweeters&data=05%7C02%7C%7C5bca83ea82904df3ed1e08dcb967c058%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638589102475038725%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jecWaod%2FYgyCAxqFUSf8LpTZqMvlcoV7ykTO23CDGEE%3D&reserved=0 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 10 11:31:38 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Scott Ramos via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 10 11:32:17 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Channel Drive? Tides? In-Reply-To: References: <3bd6db62-2889-414b-89d5-eb4a7961f46d@jimbetz.com> Message-ID: Jim, We were at Channel Drive yesterday mid-afternoon with about a 3 ft tide (at La Conner). There was plenty of mud exposed in the Swinomish Slough but none in the 'small slough' you refer to. It appears that the culverts that link the two are at such a height that the small slough never drains enough to expose much mode, even when the tide is out. However, it is shallow enough for many of the waders to forage near the edges. Nevertheless, we had only a handful of shorebirds. Both yellowlegs were in both sloughs, a small flock of Least Sandpiper flew around the small slough looking for mud, and Killdeer and Spotted Sandpiper were in the mud on the Swinomish side. Maybe a little early still for a larger diversity of shorebirds. Scott Ramos Seattle On Sat, Aug 10, 2024 at 10:44?AM Jim Betz via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Hello all, > > There's a birding location here in Skagit County known as Channel > Drive. It is where a > > small slough joins the Swinomish Slough and is about half way between > the bridges and > > La Conner. > > I've been going here a -lot- in the past few weeks. Sometimes > birdier than other times > > but always 'enough to be interesting'. Well - that didn't pan out > yesterday ... I saw just > > one GBH and zero shorebirds. The tide was 'slack' but at a medium level > (not minus) > > but there was some mud flat areas in the sloughs. I'm guessing that the > shorebirds > > were probably out on the nearby but larger Padilla Bay areas. I just > found it "interesting" > > and worthy of being reported. > > > The state of the tide seems to be much more important than -I- think > it should be. > > There was plenty of 'shallow water' yesterday ... just not so much "mud > flats" and not as > > shallow as in the past 4+ weeks. However, the shorebirds I've been > seeing at Channel Drive > > (sandpipers, yellowlegs, dowitchers, and even a few phaloropes) do not > hunt on the actual > > mud flats ... just in the shallow water near the exposed mud. > > I checked the tides for the next week or so - pretty 'small' (not any > minus and not very > > high highs). That, combined with the fact that it is mid-August doesn't > bode well for my > > birding opportunities in the coming weeks. > *Sigh*. - Jim > > > P.S. BTW - I made my new camera plus lens decisions. I'm going with the > R5-II and the > > RF 200-800. This zoom is bigger and heavier than I'm 'happy' > with ... but I expect > > it to solve the primary problem I deal with almost every time I > go out - how far > > away the birds are from me. I'm -hoping- I can use it handheld > ... if not I don't > > know if I will get a tripod and gimbal or sell it and see if the > 100-500 will work. > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 Aug 10 12:17:17 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Richard Walker via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 10 12:17:23 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] monopod and gimbal Message-ID: Hi All, and Jim Betz, For those of you with big lenses, I just got a monpod that expends to 73" with a 15 kg capacity and a side mount gimbal (Amazon: Amazon.com : Mono Gimbal Head, Side Saddle Speed/Sports Monopod Tilt Head Arca RRS Dovetail Compatible Ideal for Long Telephoto Lenses : Electronics ) I've only had it out once birding, but so far like it. Very compact compared to the other type of gimbal and it carries over my shoulder well. It made using the 150-600 lens a lot steadier. Something to consider if a tripod might be a bit much to carry with you. Richard Walker Sent from Outlook -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 10 18:10:59 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 10 18:11:05 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Purple Martins, and Purple Martin Conservation Day In-Reply-To: <1E91E2C5-7E26-4DE3-88BA-EC32DDFCBB79@uw.edu> References: <1E91E2C5-7E26-4DE3-88BA-EC32DDFCBB79@uw.edu> Message-ID: Tweeters, At our home in Roy, just south and east of JBLM, we?ve had several family (?) flocks of Purple Martins overhead and feeding for the past week. Likely breeders from the various nesting areas at JBLM. May all your birds be identified, Denis DeSilvis avnacrs 4 birds at outlook dot com ________________________________ From: Tweeters on behalf of Elaine Chuang via Tweeters Sent: Saturday, August 10, 2024 11:10:04 AM To: tweeters@u.washington.edu Subject: [Tweeters] Purple Martins, and Purple Martin Conservation Day Tweet, tweet, and regards to all, Many of you in the Seattle area will have seen in the Seattle Times, July 28, 2024 the excellent article by Kate Perez on Purple Martins in our region, and the mounting challenges they face. Here?s the link: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/birds-that-migrate-from-brazil-to-seattle-each-summer-face-new-threat/ Some of us lucky enough to live at this northern portion of the Purple Martin's range look forward annually to enjoying their return from Brazil. What joy to hear those gorgeous bubbly sounds, observe them in flight and appreciate stages of nesting as they raise young in communal settings, now almost entirely in human-made structures. We have Kim Stark, Jean Power, Carl Bevis, Kris Baker and WDFW?s Chris Anderson to thank for the vast majority of maintenance of PUMA homes and strategic planning on their behalf. Ten years ago this group created a distinctly informative poster on the Purple Martins in King County and conservation efforts 07POSTER-2014-04-30-Stark-Purple-Martins-King-County-shorelines Most of it is still applicable - much work remains to be done. Recently, August 10 was officially designated as Purple Martin Conservation Day, thanks to efforts put forth by the Purple Martin Conservation Association and allies! Stay tuned for more ways to help our Martins! Elaine Chuang elc at uw dot edu _______________________________________________ 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 Aug 10 19:25:44 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Diann MacRae via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 10 19:25:49 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Purple martine Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 10 19:51:11 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Steve Hampton via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 10 19:51:26 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Purple Martins, and Purple Martin Conservation Day In-Reply-To: References: <1E91E2C5-7E26-4DE3-88BA-EC32DDFCBB79@uw.edu> Message-ID: Reporting from Port Townsend, we have 4 boxes at Pt Hudson and 4 at the Marine Science Pier at Ft Worden, which many of you have no doubt recently seen. All 8 have been used and young are currently just leaving some of the boxes. I was told that all of the many boxes at Three Crabs in Sequim were used this year. We recently recovered 4 old boxes from Kah Tai Lagoon which had been on fresh water, very near or within trees, and taken over by House Sparrows (ugh). We plan on re-positioning those at the other sites next year. I'm interested in designs that aren't too heavy and thus enable multiple boxes on one upright 2x4. thx, On Sat, Aug 10, 2024 at 6:11?PM Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Tweeters, > At our home in Roy, just south and east of JBLM, we?ve had several family > (?) flocks of Purple Martins overhead and feeding for the past week. Likely > breeders from the various nesting areas at JBLM. > > May all your birds be identified, > Denis DeSilvis > avnacrs 4 birds at outlook dot com > ------------------------------ > *From:* Tweeters on behalf > of Elaine Chuang via Tweeters > *Sent:* Saturday, August 10, 2024 11:10:04 AM > *To:* tweeters@u.washington.edu > *Subject:* [Tweeters] Purple Martins, and Purple Martin Conservation Day > > Tweet, tweet, and regards to all, Many of you in the Seattle area will > have seen in the Seattle Times, July 28, 2024 the excellent article by Kate > Perez on Purple Martins in our region, and the mounting challenges they > face. Here?s the link: > https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/birds-that-migrate-from-brazil-to-seattle-each-summer-face-new-threat/ > > Some of us lucky enough to live at this northern portion of the Purple > Martin's range look forward annually to enjoying their return from Brazil. > What joy to hear those gorgeous bubbly sounds, observe them in flight and > appreciate stages of nesting as they raise young in communal settings, now > almost entirely in human-made structures. > > We have Kim Stark, Jean Power, Carl Bevis, Kris Baker and WDFW?s Chris > Anderson to thank for the vast majority of maintenance of PUMA homes and > strategic planning on their behalf. Ten years ago this group created a > distinctly informative poster on the Purple Martins in King County and > conservation efforts > 07POSTER-2014-04-30-Stark-Purple-Martins-King-County-shorelines Most of it > is still applicable - much work remains to be done. > > Recently, August 10 was officially designated as Purple Martin > Conservation Day, thanks to efforts put forth by the Purple Martin > Conservation Association and allies! Stay tuned for more ways to help our > Martins! > > Elaine Chuang > elc at uw dot edu > _______________________________________________ > 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 > -- ?Steve Hampton? Port Townsend, WA (qat?y) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 10 20:00:16 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Marcy D'Addio via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 10 20:00:31 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] White dove at Carnation WA Message-ID: Public post to view pics. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/giciXP9Kc7Jq9bnF/?mibextid=oFDknk . This bird has been hanging out on the bridge at Sykes Lake, Carnation WA. We saw it 2x in last 7 days. No bands visible. Slight dark marks on back of head otherwise white all over. Red eye, pink legs. Dove, maybe pigeon? Last seen 7:15-7:30,pm 8/10/24. Previous sighting was approximately same time. Marcy D'Addio Redmond -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 12 00:16:34 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Michael Price via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 12 00:16:50 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] White dove at Carnation WA Message-ID: Hi tweets Marcy, I can't find reference to any natural-born pigeon with a forked tail, so I'm going with escaped show pigeon. A leisurely stroll through pigeon-breeders' catalogs will show two things: first, there's no telling what features you'll see on show birds; second, you'll observe at first hand how elastic can be the standards of beauty. best wishes, m -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 12 01:40:25 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 12 01:40:40 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] White dove at Carnation WA In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <0589F963-5858-47DA-BE69-2D1FDF29A7D5@gmail.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 12 02:01:07 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 12 02:01:23 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?Fascinating_Research=3A_Human_agricultural_p?= =?utf-8?q?ractice_causes_devastating_decline_of_vulture_population_in_Ind?= =?utf-8?q?ia=2C_which_then_results_in_substantial_disease_and_death_of_hu?= =?utf-8?q?mans=E2=80=94=E2=80=9CVOX=3A_These_reviled_birds_of_prey_litera?= =?utf-8?q?lly_save_people=E2=80=99s_lives=E2=80=9D?= References: <5F41E61A-E199-41B1-AAC9-4B38A56A3FC8@gmail.com> Message-ID: <50DA21B1-531D-458C-AD7B-74A831C07063@gmail.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 12 08:00:21 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 12 08:00:29 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] JBLM Eagle's Pride Golf Course Monthly Birdwalk - Thursday, August 15 Message-ID: Hi Tweeters, The Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) birdwalk is scheduled for Thursday, August 15. 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. 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 57-72 degrees for the walk - another comfortable day. 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 Mon Aug 12 10:23:30 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Nancy Morrison via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 12 10:23:47 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Possible Grouse sighting in NE Seattle Message-ID: I have some cell phone photos and an audio recording of an unidentified bird in NE Seattle. I am thinking it is a Grouse sp, but I did not expect to see one in Seattle. The sound recording is from the following day when I went back with my camera. I had no sighting of the bird, just the calls. Is anyone able to identify this bird for me? https://www.facebook.com/nancy.morrison.758/videos/1023681288877300 https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10234473170791961&set=pcb.10234473175712084 Nancy Morrison -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 12 15:20:29 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Diann MacRae via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 12 15:20:34 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] July 2024 TUVU report Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 12 18:23:33 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Nancy Morrison via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 12 18:23:50 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Possible Grouse sighting in NE Seattle Message-ID: I have a far better photo of the bird posted on my Facebook page. Merlin now identifies it as a Sooty Grouse, but I would love to have some thoughts from this group as well. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10234484788922407&set=a.1154773350921 Nancy Morrison -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 12 19:17:00 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Peggy Mundy via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 12 19:17:08 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Possible Grouse sighting in NE Seattle In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <494576341.7020691.1723515420998@mail.yahoo.com> OK, I'm out of my "comfort zone" on this, but to me it looks like some sort of quail-type bird that is raised by fanciers, and not a native bird. Peggy MundyBothell, WA peggy_busby@yahoo.com@scenebypeggy on Instagram On Monday, August 12, 2024 at 06:24:48 p.m. PDT, Nancy Morrison via Tweeters wrote: I have a far better photo of the bird posted on my Facebook page. Merlin now identifies it as a Sooty Grouse, but I would love to have some thoughts from this group as well. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10234484788922407&set=a.1154773350921 Nancy Morrison_______________________________________________ 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 Aug 12 19:22:28 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Nancy Morrison via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 12 19:22:45 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Possible Grouse sighting in NE Seattle In-Reply-To: <494576341.7020691.1723515420998@mail.yahoo.com> References: <494576341.7020691.1723515420998@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Several of you got it. It seems to be a Coturnix Quail. Beautiful bird, but seems to be living well in the wild. Nancy Morrison On Mon, Aug 12, 2024 at 7:17?PM Peggy Mundy wrote: > OK, I'm out of my "comfort zone" on this, but to me it looks like some > sort of quail-type bird that is raised by fanciers, and not a native bird. > > Peggy Mundy > Bothell, WA > > [image: Emoji] > peggy_busby@yahoo.com > @scenebypeggy on Instagram > > > On Monday, August 12, 2024 at 06:24:48 p.m. PDT, Nancy Morrison via > Tweeters wrote: > > > I have a far better photo of the bird posted on my Facebook page. Merlin > now identifies it as a Sooty Grouse, but I would love to have some thoughts > from this group as well. > > https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10234484788922407&set=a.1154773350921 > > Nancy Morrison > _______________________________________________ > 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 Aug 12 20:40:45 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Patti Loesche via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 12 20:40:59 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] seeking Bartholomew Birdee Message-ID: <0003823A-8047-42F4-80D6-5CF8F7B7D5F9@gmail.com> I would like to contact the person whose ebird name is Bartholomew Birdee to share some information about a recent sighting. Is anyone able to help us get in touch with each other? Patti Loesche From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 13 00:33:39 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 13 00:33:44 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Nature Fans Invited to Tune In to First-ever Crested Eagle Nest Webcam - American Bird Conservancy Message-ID: <3D4AE275-2AC2-49B2-BA03-13B72CE14998@gmail.com> https://abcbirds.org/news/crested-eagle-nest-cam/ Sent from my iPhone From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 13 00:43:24 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 13 00:43:29 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?=E2=80=9C_By_making_small_adjustments_to_the?= =?utf-8?q?_shape_of_their_wings_and_tail=2C_they_can_achieve_incredible_s?= =?utf-8?q?teadiness=2E=E2=80=9D_Steady_flight_of_kestrels_could_help_aeri?= =?utf-8?q?al_safety_soar?= Message-ID: https://phys.org/news/2024-08-steady-flight-kestrels-aerial-safety.html Sent from my iPhone From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 13 01:17:45 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 13 01:17:49 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Researchers calculate up to a billion birds may die in the US each year due to collisions with windows Message-ID: <1DB09822-2617-4493-8290-D97E84213D8D@gmail.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 13 05:39:59 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Gary Bletsch via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 13 05:40:12 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Channel Drive (near LaConner) References: <710423152.3764410.1723552799177.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <710423152.3764410.1723552799177@mail.yahoo.com> Dear Tweeters, A birding friend of mine recently asked me to post something to Tweeters, in regard to Channel Drive. Here goes. Channel Drive can host impressive flocks of shorebirds at time, but birding there is "hit or miss." A good strategy is to drive slowly, birding as one heads north, after the western terminus of Downey Road. Park at the end of the county road, and spend time carefully checking the Swinomish Channel itself, the various tidal wetlands, and the agricultural and waste ground along the road. There are times when it is very slow birding, and other times when all sorts of good birds show up. It is just a matter of putting in one's time, visiting again and again. The tide there is unpredictable, since it is at least partly under the control of man-made sluicegates.? There used to be much more habitat along Channel Drive, but the last few pieces of undeveloped land along the channel have been displaced by yet more McMansions. Therefore, the car-birding part of a visit here has become less and less interesting. I doubt whether anyone else will find a Burrowing Owl along Channel Drive, as someone did back in 2003. Private property abounds here. Birders are at the mercy of landowners who control access to nearly all of the land along the sloughs, where the shorebirds can be seen. A birder whom I know slightly lives on Channel Drive, and he once told me that one of the major landowners made it clear that she did not want anyone, not even her neighbor the birder, entering her vast acreages for any reason. That said, Channel Drive is one of those places where the locals routinely walk their dogs and ride their bikes right past the "no-trespassing signs." I have had pleasant and hospitable conversations with some of those locals, as well as a few icy glares. It would be a shame to lose what little access is available to us at Channel Drive, so it would behoove birders to act accordingly. Yours truly, Gary? Bletsch -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 13 06:25:00 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Mark Walton via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 13 06:25:14 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Channel Drive (near LaConner) In-Reply-To: <710423152.3764410.1723552799177@mail.yahoo.com> References: <710423152.3764410.1723552799177.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <710423152.3764410.1723552799177@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Thanks Gary! Do you have any advice about how to get there at a good time, with respect to tides? I've been there several times in the last month. The first two times I tried to arrive at low tide but I found the area east of the parking area to be completely flooded. I started thinking that the low tide at Channel Drive may be delayed, compared to the coast so, this past Sunday, I tried getting there a couple of hours after low tide and I still found it flooded. Somehow I just don't seem to have the knack for getting there at the right time. Do you have any suggestions? Mark Ar M?irt 13 L?n 2024 ag 05:41, scr?obh Gary Bletsch via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu>: > Dear Tweeters, > > A birding friend of mine recently asked me to post something to Tweeters, > in regard to Channel Drive. Here goes. > > Channel Drive can host impressive flocks of shorebirds at time, but > birding there is "hit or miss." A good strategy is to drive slowly, birding > as one heads north, after the western terminus of Downey Road. Park at the > end of the county road, and spend time carefully checking the Swinomish > Channel itself, the various tidal wetlands, and the agricultural and waste > ground along the road. There are times when it is very slow birding, and > other times when all sorts of good birds show up. It is just a matter of > putting in one's time, visiting again and again. The tide there is > unpredictable, since it is at least partly under the control of man-made > sluicegates. > > There used to be much more habitat along Channel Drive, but the last few > pieces of undeveloped land along the channel have been displaced by yet > more McMansions. Therefore, the car-birding part of a visit here has become > less and less interesting. I doubt whether anyone else will find a > Burrowing Owl along Channel Drive, as someone did back in 2003. > > Private property abounds here. Birders are at the mercy of landowners who > control access to nearly all of the land along the sloughs, where the > shorebirds can be seen. A birder whom I know slightly lives on Channel > Drive, and he once told me that one of the major landowners made it clear > that she did not want anyone, not even her neighbor the birder, entering > her vast acreages for any reason. That said, Channel Drive is one of those > places where the locals routinely walk their dogs and ride their bikes > right past the "no-trespassing signs." I have had pleasant and hospitable > conversations with some of those locals, as well as a few icy glares. It > would be a shame to lose what little access is available to us at Channel > Drive, so it would behoove birders to act accordingly. > > Yours truly, > > Gary Bletsch > _______________________________________________ > 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 Aug 13 11:09:10 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Larry Schwitters via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 13 11:09:21 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Vaux's Happening Message-ID: Vaux?s Swift southbound migration began last night with 800+ roosting in Selleck and pushing that many in the Monroe Wagner roost. Let me know if you would like to be involved in our project. Larry Schwitters. Issaquah From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 13 12:57:42 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 13 12:57:46 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Channel Drive (near LaConner) (Gary Bletsch via Tweeters) In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <6dbc29fa-9304-4fab-8e43-83b735af2bd2@jimbetz.com> Mark Walton, ? The tide at Channel Drive is "approximately one hour behind the tide at Hayton".? I use the tides for La Conner and they are useful.? Recently the tide change in the day time has been quite small from high to low with relatively high numbers for the lows - this is probably why you "seem to be missing".? This aspect of the tides changes with the relative position of the sun -and- moon with the largest changes being when the sun and moon are on the same side of the Earth at the same time.? If this helps, the moon phases change "about 50 minutes per day" with each successive day being 50 minutes or so later than the previous day. ? In my experience Channel Drive is best with low water of at least +1 foot ... or less.? But even with higher water the levels behind the gate can be useful (low enough the shorebirds are there). ? Some days the shorebirds come and go at Channel Drive for a short amount of time - other days they can be there for several hours ... lower water almost always produces more birds for longer duration. ? I have not seen any correlation between the tide levels and non-shorebirds (any where). And, of course, for non-shorebirds the hours between about noon and 4pm are the least birdy. ??????????????????????????????????????????????????? - Jim From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Aug 14 11:29:17 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Larry Schwitters via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 14 11:29:48 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Vaux's Happening still In-Reply-To: References: <66bbbb76.170a0220.2b4f6.00b9@mx.google.com> Message-ID: <8174BBE6-C10C-46E8-9FE8-42D63715F017@me.com> Looks like the wee birds had a two night stay with some new additions. At 10:50 this AM there was a 140 sec exit x 6 swifts coming out a second = 840+75 left behind = 915 wee birds that spent the night in the Monroe migratory roost site. Those 75 are still hanging on at 11:27. A boots on the ground effort documented 1139 at Selleck. Our yesterdays "if you are interested in being involved in our project? received 0 responses. Not too late. If you have no idea what a Vaux?s Happening is you could do an internet search or check out our web site. https://www.vauxhappening.org/ . Camera links are on the home page. Larry Schwitters Issaquah -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Aug 14 11:48:06 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Diann MacRae via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 14 11:48:13 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Heronries Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Aug 14 12:59:07 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Claire Acord via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 14 12:59:24 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Channel Drive (near LaConner) (Gary Bletsch via Tweeters) Message-ID: Check at La Conner Marina for up to date tidal info., local knowledge...they should be able to help cheers Claire Acord -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Aug 14 19:36:13 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Kenneth Brown via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 14 19:38:33 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday walk Message-ID: <879791407.661122.1723689373193@connect.xfinity.com> Two dozen dedicated, dutiful but disorganized birders participated in the walk this week. The summer weather was moderate in the morning, overcast and high 60's to low 70's. It warmed in the afternoon as the cloud cover burned off reaching 81 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the walk. The tide was low at the start (0.04') and rose to 11.3' by 4:30 pm. We followed our typical route and saw mostly the typical species, dipping on Red-tailed Hawk, and the green Heron reported recently. Highlights include a Great Egret, Lesser Yellowlegs and Semi-palmated Sandpiper. The complete list follows. Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Olympia US-WA 47.07225, -122.71205, Thurston, Washington, US Aug 14, 2024 7:58 AM - 3:58 PM Protocol: Traveling 5.25 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Mammal watch: Harbor Seals, Townsend's Chipmunk, coyote, Black-tailed Deer. 68 species (+6 other taxa) Canada Goose 55 Wood Duck 8 Blue-winged/Cinnamon Teal 4 Mallard 110 Northern Pintail 4 Pied-billed Grebe 1 Band-tailed Pigeon 6 Eurasian Collared-Dove 1 Anna's Hummingbird 4 hummingbird sp. 1 Semipalmated Plover 18 Counted 1x1. Spotted Sandpiper 1 Lesser Yellowlegs 1 Greater Yellowlegs 8 Least Sandpiper 80 Western Sandpiper 15 Semipalmated Sandpiper 1 Ring-billed Gull 130 California Gull 6 Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 5 Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 3 Larus sp. 200 Caspian Tern 1 Brandt's Cormorant 4 Double-crested Cormorant 18 cormorant sp. 60 Great Egret 1 Great Blue Heron 45 Osprey 1 Northern Harrier 1 Bald Eagle 8 Belted Kingfisher 4 Red-breasted Sapsucker 2 Downy Woodpecker 5 Hairy Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 3 Peregrine Falcon 1 Western Wood-Pewee 10 Willow Flycatcher 7 Western Flycatcher 2 Warbling Vireo 2 California Scrub-Jay 1 Common Raven 2 Black-capped Chickadee 6 Chestnut-backed Chickadee 3 Bank Swallow 1 Tree Swallow 5 Violet-green Swallow 12 Purple Martin 10 Barn Swallow 120 Cliff Swallow 2 Bushtit 2 Brown Creeper 4 Bewick's Wren 3 European Starling 500 Swainson's Thrush 9 American Robin 4 Cedar Waxwing 50 House Finch 4 Pine Siskin 2 American Goldfinch 25 Dark-eyed Junco 1 White-crowned Sparrow 12 Song Sparrow 15 Spotted Towhee 1 Red-winged Blackbird 150 Brown-headed Cowbird 6 MacGillivray's Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 3 Yellow Warbler 8 Black-throated Gray Warbler 3 Wilson's Warbler 1 Western Tanager 1 Black-headed Grosbeak 3 View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S191463240 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Aug 14 23:38:52 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 14 23:39:06 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Red-footed Bobby Behavior Message-ID: Hello Tweeters Community, I was able to "film" (video capture) the Booby's behavior for a few hours last week. Neat bird! As often happens, I was later able to see details of behavior on my 27 inch IMac screen that I did not notice in the field. I now have about 200TB of birds and their behaviors, mostly in 4K, 10 Bit, 422. For me, Filming is Very challenging to do and fun- and sometimes frustrating, disappointing or wondrous and it has helped me learn a lot about birds, including their species specific and individual behaviors. I enjoy filming all bird species I find and have a special interest in Owl and Nightjar species and their behaviors. The bird moved from the building ridge directly down to the mid roof. It stopped among the California gulls, which tend to squabble with conspecifics. It then began what appeared to be Forward Head Waving. "Forward Head Waving (a ritualised, aggressive, site?ownership display)". (The breeding behaviour of the Red-footed Booby Sula sula - April 2008 - Ibis 111(3):357 - 385 - 111(3):357 - 385 DOI:10.1111/j.1474-919X.1969.tb02550.x Authors: J. B. NELSON ) It first swung its bill back and forth about an inch each way, paused and the two inches, paused, then tail wags, then 3-4 inches, followed by substantial tail wags, then 4-5 five inches to the left then right. The gulls continued to interact with each other, but did not engage the bobby. The 4K files sizes are very large and I do not currently have a way of sharing them online. Dan Reiff, PhD -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 15 00:09:59 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 15 00:10:14 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Correction: Red-footed Booby Behavior Among Heermann's Gulls Message-ID: No, I have not named the bird "Bobby, the booby". Corrections: Hello Tweeters Community, I was able to "film" (video capture) the Booby's behavior for a few hours last week. Neat bird! As often happens, I was later able to see details of behavior on my 27 inch IMac screen that I did not notice in the field. I now have about 200TB of birds and their behaviors, mostly in 4K, 10 Bit, 422. For me, Filming is Very challenging to do and fun- and sometimes frustrating, disappointing or wondrous and it has helped me learn a lot about birds, including their species specific and individual behaviors. I enjoy filming all bird species I find and have a special interest in Owl and Nightjar species and their behaviors. The bird slowly walked from the usual roosting spot on the building ridge directly down to the mid roof. It stopped among the Heermann's gulls, which tend to squabble with conspecifics. It then began what appeared to be Forward Head Waving. "Forward Head Waving (a ritualised, aggressive, site?ownership display)". (The breeding behaviour of the Red-footed Booby Sula sula - April 2008 - Ibis 111(3):357 - 385 - 111(3):357 - 385 DOI:10.1111/j.1474-919X.1969.tb02550.x Authors: J. B. NELSON ). It first swung its bill back and forth about an inch each way, paused and then two inches, paused, then tail wags, then 3-4 inches, followed by substantial tail wags, then 4-5 five inches to the left then right. The gulls continued to interact with each other, but did not engage the booby. The 4K files sizes are very large and I do not currently have a way of sharing them online. Dan Reiff, PhD -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 15 06:48:16 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Louise via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 15 06:48:30 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Correction: Red-footed Booby Behavior Among Heermann's Gulls In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Interesting. Are these birds territorial/demanding of personal space away from the breeding grounds? I believe this is an immature bird who wouldn't be looking to breed. OR maybe they just pratice some behaviours the way that young passerines practice singing? Louise Rutter Kitrkland On Thu, Aug 15, 2024 at 12:11?AM Dan Reiff via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > No, I have not named the bird "Bobby, the booby". > > Corrections: > Hello Tweeters Community, > I was able to "film" (video capture) the Booby's behavior for a few hours > last week. Neat bird! > As often happens, I was later able to see details of behavior on my 27 > inch IMac screen that I did not notice in the field. > I now have about 200TB of birds and their behaviors, mostly in 4K, 10 Bit, > 422. For me, Filming is Very challenging to do and fun- > and sometimes frustrating, disappointing or wondrous and it has helped me > learn a lot about birds, including their species > specific and individual behaviors. I enjoy filming all bird species I find > and have a special interest in Owl and Nightjar species and their behaviors. > The bird slowly walked from the usual roosting spot on the building ridge > directly down to the mid roof. It stopped among the Heermann's gulls, which > tend to squabble with conspecifics. It then began what appeared to be > Forward Head Waving. > "Forward Head Waving (a ritualised, aggressive, site?ownership display)". > > (The breeding behaviour of the Red-footed Booby Sula sula > > - April 2008 > - Ibis 111(3):357 - 385 > > > - 111(3):357 - 385 > > DOI:10.1111/j.1474-919X.1969.tb02550.x > > Authors: J. B. NELSON > > ). > It first swung its bill back and forth about an inch each way, paused and > then two inches, paused, then tail wags, then 3-4 inches, followed by > substantial tail wags, then 4-5 five inches to the left then right. The > gulls continued to interact with each other, but did not engage the booby. > The 4K files sizes are very large and I do not currently have a way of > sharing them online. > Dan Reiff, PhD > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 Aug 15 08:09:25 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Steve Hampton via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 15 08:09:42 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Red-footed Booby now on the PT waterfront Message-ID: <7EE9E0A3-F59B-44FA-A3DB-6EEE76B762B4@gmail.com> Yesterday the red footed booby disappeared from its usual haunt at the Fort Warden Marine science pier. It was refound yesterday evening along the downtown Port Townsend waterfront. This morning it is on the high rigging of the double-masted Hawaiian Chieftain, at dock at Pope Marine Park. I?m told they will be going out for a couple hours at 10 AM and then be coming back here. Presumably the bird will forage and then perch somewhere nearby for its usual long preening sessions. There is a big concert at this location this evening. From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 15 12:26:32 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Michael Hobbs via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 15 12:26:49 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2024-08-15 Message-ID: Tweets - A bit overcast today, but again dry and windless with temps in the 50s-60s. AND QUIET. It took a lot of work to dig out glimpses of birds, and there were several that were only heard-only, and a couple of those were only pre-dawn as well. Very little change from last week for the species list. Highlights: Western Sandpiper - Pretty sure of ID - A tight flock of 6 peeps flew past the Lake Platform, appearing to have pretty strong wingstripes and longer bills Great Blue Heron - A couple of birds making the Grum-grum-grum calls from the heronry were probably fledged young being overly hopeful that a return to the nest would result in food Cooper's Hawk - Two juvies together near the first Dog Swim Beach, both harassing and being harassed by crows. Some calls Red-tailed Hawk - One at the Rowing Club was our first in a month Barred Owl - One dead on the side of West Lake Sammamish Parkway between the main entrance and 51st St. Western Flycatcher - One along the edge of the Dog Meadow, First of Fall (FOF) Purple Martin - About 15 in snags across the slough plus two more at the gourds Swainson's Thrush - Heard-only, predawn for the 2nd straight week White-crowned Sparrow - Ditto Black-throated Gray Warbler - Two together, edge of the Dog Meadow Western Tanager - Female or juvie, edge of the Dog Meadow Misses today included Spotted Sandpiper, Green Heron, and Wilson's Warbler. Mansion-area and Rowing Club birds kept the missing list from being quite a bit longer today. For the day, 54 species plus the dead Barred Owl. = 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 Aug 15 14:03:34 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 15 14:52:38 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Kent Valley Shorebirds Message-ID: <8ZO9L68FUNU4.CHANW7ALRBOJ@luweb01oc> At M Street in Auburn today: Least Sandpiper - 8-10 Western Sandpiper - 1 Lesser Yellowlegs - several Greater Yellowlegs - several Pectoral Sandpiper - 2 adults Long-billed Dowitcher - 4 adults Red-necked Phalarope - 1 And a mystery peep. Still working on the ID. Ducks are returning to M Street. There were 2 absolutely gorgeous female Northern Pintails today and at least 7 Green-winged Teal. Marv Breece Tukwila, WA marvbreece@q.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 15 15:30:15 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Blythe Horman via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 15 15:30:32 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Greater Yellowlegs - Ballinger Park Message-ID: Hi Tweeters, I emerged from my (disabling chronic illness imposed) lair today to see a truly lovely Greater Yellowlegs land amidst a ton of human activity in Ballinger Park, on the shoreline south of the pier. It seemed completely undisturbed by the hullabaloo, except my binoculars appearing from 100 yards away, at which point it took off and disappeared. Also seen was a mature bald eagle cruising at ?looking for lunch? altitude. On a non-bird note, the water lilies are spectacular at the moment. Happy birding, Blythe Horman, Lynnwood -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 16 01:11:17 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 16 01:11:22 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?b?VmVyeSBpbnRlcmVzdGluZyBzdGF0cyAyMDIx4oCT4oCc?= =?utf-8?q?What_Is_The_Average_Age_Of_Birdwatchers_=7C_Birda=E2=80=9D?= Message-ID: Do we have similar stats for Tweeters or eBird? Some of numbers surprised me. Great to read that there are increasing numbers of young people demonstrating Interest in birds, animals and their environments: https://birda.org/what-is-the-average-age-of-birdwatchers/ Sent from my iPhone From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 16 07:34:51 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Mark Walton via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 16 07:35:05 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?b?VmVyeSBpbnRlcmVzdGluZyBzdGF0cyAyMDIx4oCT4oCc?= =?utf-8?q?What_Is_The_Average_Age_Of_Birdwatchers_=7C_Birda?= =?utf-8?b?4oCd?= In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: It certainly seems to me that there are more young birders now than in the "old days". I started birding in 1979, at the age of 12. Everyone at our local Audubon society seemed to be absolutely thrilled by my interest. I went on their monthly field trips for about six years but finally drifted away from birding when I turned 18. During those six years I virtually never saw anyone that was remotely close to my age. Very few seemed to be younger than 35 years old. Honestly, I think I would have kept birding if there had been birders around that were my age. With no one around that was my age, though, I ended up quitting for 35 years. When I started birding again in 2020 I was absolutely amazed at how many young birders I was seeing. It's very good to see that. Ar Aoine 16 L?n 2024 ag 01:12, scr?obh Dan Reiff via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu>: > Do we have similar stats for Tweeters or eBird? > Some of numbers surprised me. > Great to read that there are increasing numbers of young people > demonstrating Interest in birds, animals and their environments: > > https://birda.org/what-is-the-average-age-of-birdwatchers/ > > Sent from my iPhone > _______________________________________________ > 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 Aug 16 08:43:52 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Leslie Strickland via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 16 08:44:07 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Lima Peru Birding Tour Suggestions Message-ID: I am traveling to Lima in late October. Am looking for day trip guide recommendations in the Lima area. Thanks, Leslie -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 16 10:30:21 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (J Christian Kessler via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 16 10:31:02 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?b?VmVyeSBpbnRlcmVzdGluZyBzdGF0cyAyMDIx4oCT4oCc?= =?utf-8?q?What_Is_The_Average_Age_Of_Birdwatchers_=7C_Birda?= =?utf-8?b?4oCd?= In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I seriously question some of the numbers, and written by the CEO of the app Birda, the comparison of apps is advertising. Chris Kessler On Fri, Aug 16, 2024 at 1:12?AM Dan Reiff via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Do we have similar stats for Tweeters or eBird? > Some of numbers surprised me. > Great to read that there are increasing numbers of young people > demonstrating Interest in birds, animals and their environments: > > https://birda.org/what-is-the-average-age-of-birdwatchers/ > > Sent from my iPhone > _______________________________________________ > 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 Fri Aug 16 13:47:18 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Martin Muller via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 16 13:47:25 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Purple Martin nest at Green Lake, Seattle Message-ID: I spent 1.5 hours trying to get a head count of the Purple Martin fledglings at Green Lake this morning. I never got more than six fledglings. The last time I checked (August 6) the adults were bringing food to the Wood Duck nestbox attached to the floating wetland in the NW corner of the lake. The islands are viewable from land but also from the fishing pier north of the island (Waldo J. Dahl Waterfowl Refuge, most of the time referred to as "Duck Island"). Today, the youngsters are on the wing and were mostly perching in trees on "Duck Island" with both adults hunting over the lake and feeding the young. The assumption is that these are the young produced in the Wood Duck nest box. To my knowledge this is the first record of Purple Martins breeding a Green Lake in a long, long time. There are records of Fall gatherings of 2,500+ Purple Martins in the trees at the south end of the lake in the 1950s. But no nesting records. Since most trees (including snags) around Green Lake were cut down in the 1880s (a sawmill was located approximately at the present day Starbucks location), it may well be this is the first record in almost 240 years. The Taiga Floating Wetlands were installed on the lake in the spring of 2023 in cooperation with Friends of Green Lake to commemorate Taiga Brant Hinkley. As predicted the Canada Geese loved the islands and have tried to take over. Attempts to discourage them have had mixed results. A nest box for Tree Swallows was attached to the west island. Tree Swallows used it last year, and again this year. A Wood Duck nest box was attached to the eastern island. Wood Ducks haven't used it (the expectation is they won't until the shrubbery on the island are more established) and this year the Purple Martins took up residence. Other birds on the lake (observed from the fishing pier) included some 250 Gadwall, 70 Mallards, 80 American Coots, 9 Northern Shovelers, a handful of Pied-billed Grebes, and some 200 swallows (mostly Barn with their progeny). I heard a Belted Kingfisher but never saw it. Apparently perched on the far side of the island. Martin Muller, Seattle -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 16 13:58:11 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 16 13:58:17 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) monthly bird walk - 8-15-2024 Message-ID: Tweeters, An overcast but pleasant day (58-68degF) with negligible wind for the 14 of us that trekked around the JBLM Eagle's Pride GC this month. Not many species surprises, with some only represented by a few birds, but some counts were interesting, at least to us: WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE - 22, including one adult seen feeding two fledglings. WOOD DUCK - 16 with seven at the 9th hole pond and the remainder at Hodge Lake. AMERICAN ROBIN - We typically have quite a few, but the 102 we tallied included many spot-breasted juveniles, especially near the 12th hole pond. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH - Lots of vocalization with an estimated 23; likely many more not seen or heard. RED CROSSBILL - These seem to be back and increasing in number with 13 this month. BUSHTIT - Several flocks with a total of about 50 of these diminutive denizens. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW - 25 is a high count for this year. PIED-BILLED GREBE - We saw no adult birds, but four striped young ones at Hodge Lake, which seems to be a good sign of breeding birds here. Note: Hodge Lake is only peripherally associated with a golf hole, and is surrounded on three sides by extensive woodland and wetland. It is also the only naturally occurring water feature on the golf course. Mammals included two black-tailed deer, one Townsend's chipmunk, and several 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: * September 19 * October 17 * November 21 (switch to 9:00AM start time this month, which will continue through February 2025) Everyone is welcome to join us! >From the eBirdPNW report: 40 species (+1 other taxa) Wood Duck 16 Mallard 8 Pied-billed Grebe 4 Band-tailed Pigeon 9 Mourning Dove 1 Anna's Hummingbird 7 hummingbird sp. 2 Turkey Vulture 1 Red-breasted Sapsucker 1 Northern Flicker 6 Western Wood-Pewee 22 Western Flycatcher 1 Hutton's Vireo 1 Steller's Jay 4 Black-capped Chickadee 20 Chestnut-backed Chickadee 45 Violet-green Swallow 3 Purple Martin 2 Barn Swallow 40 Bushtit 50 Golden-crowned Kinglet 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch 23 Brown Creeper 2 Pacific Wren 1 Bewick's Wren 2 American Robin 102 Cedar Waxwing 18 House Finch 4 Purple Finch 1 Red Crossbill 13 Pine Siskin 40 American Goldfinch 2 Dark-eyed Junco 4 White-crowned Sparrow 25 Song Sparrow 7 Spotted Towhee 4 Red-winged Blackbird 2 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 Townsend's Warbler 2 Wilson's Warbler 2 Western Tanager 1 View this checklist online at https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Febird.org%2Fchecklist%2FS191687524&data=05%7C02%7C%7C21b1d640a724468293d808dcbe30980a%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638594363129038463%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=c2zjPqERDGvoN%2FIKLq%2BOnx2DKVB2t1De8JhP8opPDpY%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 Aug 16 18:03:26 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hank Heiberg via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 16 18:03:40 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Semiahmoo In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Recently we traveled to Semiahmoo to meet with a friend of Karen?s from the second grade. Karen had not seen her for decades and I last saw her in 1966. Of course, this provided birding opportunities. Highlights: Close up view of a Pileated Woodpecker at Rosario Head https://www.flickr.com/photos/ljcouple/53923375839/in/dateposted/ (video) 3 Merlins near the south end of the Ebey Waterfront Trail in Marysville (photo of 2 of them) https://www.flickr.com/photos/ljcouple/53926726297/in/dateposted/ Black Oystercatcher at Rosario Head (always a favorite) https://www.flickr.com/photos/ljcouple/53923009301/in/dateposted/ Photo album for the trip https://www.flickr.com/photos/ljcouple/albums/72177720319576131/ eBird Trip Report https://ebird.org/tripreport/266535 Hank & Karen Heiberg Issaquah, WA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 17 09:31:04 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 17 09:31:10 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Skagit Report for August 16 2024 - and my RF 100-500 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi all, ? I went to a lot of different locations yesterday ... Channel Drive, Ship Harbor, Rosario, Mt. Erie, Hart Lake, Cap Sante, N Ave Beach, March Point, and the 90's of the Samish Flats.? Here's an overall/big picture of the birding.? First - the tide was low when I started and by the time I finished about 6 hours later it was pretty much full ... and the conditions were mixed between overcast (early) to full sun (late). ? Channel Drive - tide low and lots of activity for Mallards, Greater Yellowlegs, and Great ????????????????????????????? Blue Herons.? Notable misses were Dowitchers, Phalaropes, and Semi-palmated. ? Ship Harbor - tide again low, 'normal' activity meaning GBH, gulls, crows, and a few song birds ?????????????????????????? and cormorants.? Notable misses were Eagles, Osprey, and RWB. ? Rosario - typical activity levels.? Oystercatchers (out on rock), White-crowned, and gulls. ?????????????????? Notable misses were Guillemots, Murrelets, Harlequin, Eagle, and Ring-billed. ? Mt. Erie - nice day, very hazy in the distance, zero birds. ? Hart Lake parking lot - zero birds, even out in the farthest areas of the lake. ? Cap Sante - zero birds flying near the lot. ? N Ave. Beach - a few cormorants and gulls.? Nothing close or remarkable. ? March Point - tide was back up and coming in GBH, White Pelican, a couple of Canada Geese, ?????????????????????????? and the typical number of gulls. ? West and East 90's - zero birds except the ubiquitous blackbirds on the wires. ? So ... a 'typical August day in Skagit County'.? I had my new RF 100-500 lens and was hoping to find a Bald Eagle and/or Red-tailed ... saw one RTH on a pole that was mid-afternoon and it terrible light so didn't attempt a picture.? The new lens is wonderful (I had it on my R7) - it is not 'hugely better than the 100-400' I already have ... but it is noticeably better (detail level) ... and also noticeably heavier.? But I can still carry and shoot handheld so my 2 primary criteria are met. - Jim From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 18 10:54:33 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 18 10:54:48 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Clark County Hudsonian Godwit Message-ID: Hi Tweeters, There is a first year HUDSONIAN GODWIT at the first pond on the right after leaving the industrial buildings on Lower River Road south of Vancouver Lake in Clark County this morning. This is a first record for Clark County! Many observers. This is almost the only place in the county that has any shorebird habitat. The edges of Vancouver Lake were good but now the lake level is rising again so no more mud. Here's the ebird list with embedded location: https://ebird.org/checklist/S191950140 Be aware that parking along the east side of the road can be dangerous given traffic speed. Best to park on the short spur on the right before the pond or u turn and park on the west side of the road. Keep your eyes and ears skyward but also look at the mud! 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 Aug 18 11:03:47 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Kevin Black via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 18 11:04:03 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Clark County Hudsonian Godwit In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Continuing as of 1030 Kevin Black Vancouver, WA On Sun, Aug 18, 2024 at 10:55?AM Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Hi Tweeters, > > There is a first year HUDSONIAN GODWIT at the first pond on the right > after leaving the industrial buildings on Lower River Road south of > Vancouver Lake in Clark County this morning. This is a first record for > Clark County! Many observers. This is almost the only place in the county > that has any shorebird habitat. The edges of Vancouver Lake were good but > now the lake level is rising again so no more mud. > > Here's the ebird list with embedded location: > https://ebird.org/checklist/S191950140 > > Be aware that parking along the east side of the road can be dangerous > given traffic speed. Best to park on the short spur on the right before > the pond or u turn and park on the west side of the road. > > Keep your eyes and ears skyward but also look at the mud! > > Jim > -- > 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 Sun Aug 18 17:49:41 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Cara Borre via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 18 17:49:57 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Westport Seabirds Trip Report August 17 Message-ID: We closed a busy week for Westport Seabirds on Saturday, August 17th with an enthusiastic group of new friends mixed with familiar faces aboard the Monte Carlo. We left the coast behind with bright sunshine at our backs during the morning, gradually fading to gray, and eventually to rain as we returned to port after a productive day at sea. As Captain Phil had his sights on several fishing boats offshore, we moved quickly west past the usual inshore species, and this is where we encountered most of our Sooty Shearwater for the day. We always ?brake? (no brakes on a boat) for anything of interest, and we took a beat to watch two Gray Whale surfacing several times close to each other and us. Not long after this sighting, we got to compare the mottled, fin-less, but ?knuckled? lower back of the Gray Whale to the characteristic dark gray ?hump-finned? back of a Humpback Whale. We would see an additional 4 Humpbacks during our trip. We also had a visitation from several Dall?s Porpoise who accompanied us briefly on our way further west, then again later in the day. About 2.5 hours after our departure we saw two shrimp boats on the horizon. Motoring ever closer, we could see at least one was surrounded by birds. It was fortunate that we arrived at about the time the boats were hauling in their nets. Nearly 1000 birds awaited some discarded scrap. We scanned the group and began shouting out the species we found. The majority of this mixed flock were Pink-footed Shearwater (800 at boats - parentheses numbers at boats), followed by California Gull (100 - most juvenile). Thirty Black-footed Albatross were joined by smaller numbers of Sooty Shearwater (4), Short-tailed Shearwater (5), and an exciting find of a single Flesh-footed Shearwater among the sea of Pink-footeds. A couple Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels, along with Northern Fulmar rounded out the assemblage of tubenoses. Sabine?s Gull (8) and Arctic Tern (3) patrolled the sky at times dropping to the surface to feed. All this activity does not go unnoticed by the pirates of the pelagic bird world and we got epic views of South Polar Skua (1). Our alcid tally at the boats consisted of Rhinoceros Auklet (12) and a very close and cooperative, breeding plumaged Tufted Puffin. In the process of moving to and from an unproductive chum stop, we added both Red and Red-necked Phalaropes, Long-tailed and Parasitic Jaegers, and Cassin?s Auklet as well as swelling our numbers of Sabine?s Gull (61 - day total) and Arctic Tern (73 - day total). Since time allowed, we deviated south to intersect a different group of three shrimp boats. The mixed flock here was quite similar in distribution to what we had 3 hours earlier minus the Flesh-footed Shearwater and Tufted Puffin, but we had larger numbers of Sabine?s Gull and Arctic Tern and the opportunity to closely examine an Ocean Sunfish. While we had no ?rock birds? on the jetty upon our return, we had a Wandering Tattler circle the boat twice far offshore at these shrimpers. After leaving the shrimpers and starting the journey back to port we had several goals in mind. We had scanned the massive shearwater flocks all day for a Buller?s Shearwater to add that beauty to our list. As a light rain began, we managed to find a Buller?s in flight and got the majority of our participants on this passing bird. Adding Buller's gave us the ?5 in Fall? Pacific Northwest shearwater collection, we would next seek the long shot Manx Shearwater to complete the ?6 in ALL? achievement. Spoiler Alert, we continue to dream of a shearwater ?6 in ALL? one day. However, we did complete the Skua Slam, with a poor showing from a couple of uncharacteristically shy Pomarine Jaeger. As a disclaimer, Skua Slam is a widely known pelagic birding phrase and if you use it, birders will think you?re a veteran. Conversely if you discuss ?5 in Fall? or ?6 in ALL? birders will look confused and ask for further explanation as these aren?t universal phrases, just a fun way of talking about the shearwater possibilities off of Westport particularly in the fall. Thanks to everyone who joined us, Captain Phil Anderson and Firstmate Chris Anderson for making this outing possible, and fellow spotters Scott Mills and Charlie Wright for getting everyone on the birds and sharing your knowledge with us all. Cara Borre Gig Harbor -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 18 18:16:56 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Bernice Tannenbaum via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 18 18:17:06 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Red-gooted booby References: <489758955.7609629.1724030216660.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <489758955.7609629.1724030216660@mail.yahoo.com> Hanging out at various locations on the Port Townsend waterfront. On Saturday August 18 it was on the mast of Hawaiian Chieftain docked in downtown PT. Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 19 09:42:19 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Carol Riddell via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 19 09:42:34 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Edmonds Roundup - July 2024 Message-ID: <477C8DAC-C5C9-4322-BBCD-7551ED6A6A6F@gmail.com> Hi Tweeters, With July additions we have reached 180 for our Edmonds 2024 list. In taxonomic order, the new species are: Semipalmated Plover (code 3), 1 in Edmonds marsh, 7-25-24 Semipalmated Sandpiper (code 3), 1 in Edmonds marsh, 7-26-24 Lesser Yellowlegs (code 4), 1 in Edmonds marsh (photo ID), 7-3-24 Red-necked Phalarope (code 3), 2 at the waterfront, 7-27-24 Parasitic Jaeger (code 3), 1 at the waterfront, 7-27-24 American Kestrel (code 4), 1 in the Edmonds Lake Ballinger neighborhood, 7-7-24 Red Crossbill (code 3), 2 at Pine Ridge Park, 7-14-24 Late entry: We had a report of a House Wren (code 4) in the Edmonds Lake Ballinger neighborhood on 5-1-24 that I forgot to add at the time. Of interest: A Turkey Vulture (code 3) circled Goodhope Pond in Pine Ridge Park several times, 7-14-24, before heading north. It is an unusual Edmonds sighting at this time of year. A Green Heron (code 3) was at Edmonds marsh, 7-13 through 7-30-24. Declined: A report of two Black Swifts (code 4) on the waterfront early in the month. There was no description of field marks or photo from a very young out-of-state birder. There was no contact information available to confirm the species. A report of a Short-billed Dowitcher in Pine Ridge Park late in the month. There was no description of field marks and no photo. Most likely a data entry error as there is no habitat for this species in that park. A report of a Bank Swallow (code 4) at the public pier 7-7-24. Again, there was no description of the sighting and no photo. Probably a mistaken ID or a data entry error. 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 Mon Aug 19 10:01:04 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Josh Morris via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 19 10:01:13 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] FW: birding around Seattle early October In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Tweeters, Circulating a message I got from a birder on the East Coast who will be visiting Seattle in early October. Thought I would circulate here in case anyone wanted to email him directly to share recommendations for places to go birding or perhaps even go out birding with him. Josh From: Bill Wiser Sent: Saturday, August 17, 2024 11:09 AM To: Josh Morris Subject: birding around Seattle early October You don't often get email from billwiser@ccimail.com. Learn why this is important Hello, Josh With apologies for the intrusion, I got your email address from the Birds Connect website. By way of introduction, I am a birder with 1,000+ species worldwide after living in Australia for 10 years, followed by 2 years in Asia. Born and raised on the East Coast, I've never been to the Pacific NW. However, a conference in Portland will get me to Seattle early October (staying with friends in Redmond Sat/Sun Oct 4/5) and my wife Grace and I are thrilled to have this 1st time opportunity regardless of the time of year likely not being ideal for birding. Our friends are happy to take us around the area. With only eBird as a guide at this stage, what hotspots can you recommend within: 1. One hour drive (Redmond/Seattle environs): Marymoor Park / Union Bay / Discovery Park 2. Two hour drive (Puget Sound): Point No Point / Edmunds Waterfront 3. 3+ drive (coast): in case our friends would like that I can't imagine October will afford much in the passerine category, which is why I am concentrating on the water birds (Puget Sound and/or Coast) like Murrelet, Auklet, Murre, Harlequin, Trumpeter, or Puffin. Unless I am missing some NW specials in the songbird category that may still be around, or have migrated from the north? By now you have probably guessed that I'm your typical East Coaster who is attempting to get the biggest bang for his buck, not quiet knowing where to start and doubting he'll likely get back again to Seattle:). So any help you can be would be greatly appreciated. And if you know any birder who would be happy to meet us someplace to show off the local finery, let me know:). I've had some luck with that in Australia and Canada, so I thought I'd give it a shot. With thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you, Bill (and Grace) Currently in Farmington PA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 20 07:13:06 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (pan via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 20 07:25:23 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] King Cty. three-toed woodpeckers Message-ID: <91649715.1308679.1724163186386@fidget.co-bxl> Tweets, At Government Meadows yesterday [sorry, but Tweeters started bouncing my messages yesterday] with Shannon Y., visiting from Colorado, around 10:45 I found a male American Three-toed woodpecker closely attended by a juvenile female.? After watching them for several minutes, I was surprised to find a female Black-backed Woodpecker in the same tree.? the adults were foraging constantly, dropping bark, and the tall fir tree had foliage fading toward brown, apparently infested with a lot of bark beetles or similar.? Given the apparent food source and the presence of a chick still seeking care, there may be a decent chance of finding these birds again incoming days.? The approximate coordinates are 47.093333 -121.399444 , the actual tree being north of the trail about 40 meters.? I first found them by the tapping sounds.? In the afternoon, the calling Black-backed (which also have three toes per foot) could be heard from the trail. of 19 August, 2024, Alan Grenon Seattle 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 Tue Aug 20 11:28:33 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hank Heiberg via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 20 11:28:59 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Green Heron Came to Us In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Yesterday we ate lunch in downtown Issaquah and parked in a lot adjacent to the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. https://www.issaquahfish.org/plan-your-visit/# Upon exiting the car before I did, Karen told me that there was a Green Heron in the parking lot. The Green Heron was obsessing over the fish in the fish rearing ponds and barely took notice of us. Back and forth it went. https://www.flickr.com/photos/ljcouple/53934764196/in/dateposted/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/ljcouple/53934764091/in/photostream/ Eventually it flew off, hopefully to a more productive location such as nearby Issaquah Creek. Hank & Karen Heiberg Issaquah, WA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 20 13:40:56 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (stan Kostka lynn Schmidt via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 20 13:42:57 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Purple Martin nest at Green Lake, Seattle Message-ID: Hello Martin, and Tweets. What a great post ! Very very cool. Most noteworthy. Explains all the eBird reports around there. In my experience, a clutch of six all surviving to fledge is rare in the Sound. Neither have I ever before seen a report/record of Purple Martins breeding at Green Lake. Reasonable to assume it has happened, just never been reported/recorded anywhere in the lit as far as I know. It?s all been about the Larrison roosts. Also, noteworthy it?s in a duck box. Not a whole lot of those records around either. The few that Im aware of come from the lakes and marshlands of Fort Lewis, those observations, the first by Wally Wilkins of Tacoma Audubon in 1981, led to the installation of the first nestboxes intended for martins going up on the fort, to the best of my knowledge. I?m curious to know the age of the adult pair ? Conventional wisdom has second year birds generally responsible for new breeding locations. But it could be after second year birds, one or both, that experienced reproductive failure elsewhere last year. As you know, it?s a no brainer to ID an after second year male, all dark blue/black. Second year males easily confused with females. After second year females sport some mild purple blueishness to my eyes but can generally appear grayish. Second year females can appear brownish. Lots depends on the lighting. And females do not sing the long fluid courtship song that ends with clicks. See and hear a female looking martin doing this, and it?s a second year male. Have you seen the young return to the nest cavity at the end of the day ? Have any photographs been taken ? Does the box have a climbing predator guard ? Again, really great news. Stan Kostka lynn and stan at earthlink.net Arlington WA Washington TweetersDate: 8/16 1:47 PM From: Martin Muller via Tweeters Subject: [Tweeters] Purple Martin nest at Green Lake, Seattle I spent 1.5 hours trying to get a head count of the Purple Martin fledglings at Green Lake this morning. I never got more than six fledglings. The last time I checked (August 6) the adults were bringing food to the Wood Duck nestbox attached to the floating wetland in the NW corner of the lake. The islands are viewable from land but also from the fishing pier north of the island (Waldo J. Dahl Waterfowl Refuge, most of the time referred to as "Duck Island"). Today, the youngsters are on the wing and were mostly perching in trees on "Duck Island" with both adults hunting over the lake and feeding the young. The assumption is that these are the young produced in the Wood Duck nest box. To my knowledge this is the first record of Purple Martins breeding a Green Lake in a long, long time. There are records of Fall gatherings of 2,500+ Purple Martins in the trees at the south end of the lake in the 1950s. But no nesting records. Since most trees (including snags) around Green Lake were cut down in the 1880s (a sawmill was located approximately at the present day Starbucks location), it may well be this is the first record in almost 240 years. The Taiga Floating Wetlands were installed on the lake in the spring of 2023 in cooperation with Friends of Green Lake to commemorate Taiga Brant Hinkley. As predicted the Canada Geese loved the islands and have tried to take over. Attempts to discourage them have had mixed results. A nest box for Tree Swallows was attached to the west island. Tree Swallows used it last year, and again this year. A Wood Duck nest box was attached to the eastern island. Wood Ducks haven't used it (the expectation is they won't until the shrubbery on the island are more established) and this year the Purple Martins took up residence. Other birds on the lake (observed from the fishing pier) included some 250 Gadwall, 70 Mallards, 80 American Coots, 9 Northern Shovelers, a handful of Pied-billed Grebes, and some 200 swallows (mostly Barn with their progeny). I heard a Belted Kingfisher but never saw it. Apparently perched on the far side of the island. Martin Muller, Seattle From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 20 15:51:44 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 20 15:52:40 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Channel Drive In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <41e1fe29-76f8-4e5f-9f60-ff45083230d5@jimbetz.com> Hi, ? The Dowitchers were back this morning.? Yippee!? It was an overcast morning and the smoke is back on the Eastern half of Skagit County. ? Channel Drive continues to produce good shorebirding ... as long as the tide is low enough for the water to drop behind the gates.? Last week the tides were anything but low - this week they are back to some minus tides.? Perhaps the Dowitchers and other shorebirds have the NOAA tide charts on their browser Favorites list? - Jim From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 20 16:35:07 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Kathy Gleich via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 20 16:36:02 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Peregrine Falcons Message-ID: Spotted a pair of hawks, I thought, circling above me on my walk about 3:30 along 104th SE & SE 14th in Bellevue and the Merlin app identified their calls as being peregrine falcons! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Aug 21 09:19:57 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Larry Schwitters via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 21 09:20:11 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Swift Night Out Message-ID: Tweeters, Last night Cathy Clark documented just over 1000 Vaux?s Swifts entering the Monroe Wagner historic roost. There were 17 the night before. Every year that wasn?t covid plagued since 2008 Pilchuck Audubon celebrated their return with a community celebration. Traditionally this occurred the first Saturday in September. Saturday arrives as late as it can this year, the 7th. Swift Night Out 2024 is happening. See you Saturday Sept 7 in Monroe. More info later. Larry Schwitters Issaquah From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Aug 21 10:40:56 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 21 10:41:10 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Clark County Hudsonian Godwit continues Message-ID: Hi Tweeters, A brief update to let you know that the Hudsonian Godwit is still hanging out in the first pond on the right after leaving the industrial buildings on Lower River Road south of Vancouver Lake in Clark County this morning. This is day 4. This is a Clark County first that has been seen by many observers. I'm attaching an ebird report so you can get a better sense of the location. Here's the ebird list with embedded location: https://ebird.org/checklist/S191950140 Be aware that parking along the east side of the road can be dangerous during the week given traffic speed and the number of trucks. Best to park on the short spur on the right before the pond or u turn and park on the west side of the road. Be very careful. Keep your eyes and ears skyward but also look at the mud! 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 Wed Aug 21 13:10:25 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Joshua Rosenau via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 21 13:10:42 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Mixed junco/house finch flock Message-ID: <070F3A78-46F7-4ED2-A146-4DF1B7049BC3@gmail.com> I?ve noticed lately that a group of juncos (8 or a dozen) has been gathering in my yard, usually close to what I take to be a family group of house finches. They seem to all be foraging together, though I suppose it could just be a random assemblage. I don?t see any unique food source they?re clustering around, though. Just wondered if this was typical or something others had seen elsewhere. Thanks all, Josh From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 22 01:21:26 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 22 01:21:32 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Studying the journey, not the destination, provides new insight into songbird migrations Message-ID: <2B94A6FC-525E-4C5E-A4CD-422EA5F29256@gmail.com> https://phys.org/news/2024-08-journey-destination-insight-songbird-migrations.html Sent from my iPhone From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 22 01:43:53 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 22 01:44:08 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Rethinking the dodo | ScienceDaily Message-ID: <9E7BE8AD-64DF-46C7-B315-41365B5C0B83@gmail.com> Hello ?Tweeters, Article includes: ?The Dodo was the first living thing that was recorded as being present and then disappeared," says Dr Neil Gostling from the University of Southampton, supervising author of the paper. "Before this, it hadn't been thought possible for human beings to influence God's creation in such a way.? "There are no other birds alive today like these two species of giant ground dove." ?Challenging our misconceptions? ?The researchers believe the popular idea of the Dodo as a fat, slow animal, predestined for extinction is flawed.? "Even four centuries later, we have so much to learn about these remarkable birds," says Dr Young. "Was the Dodo really the dumb, slow animal we've been brought up to believe it was? The few written accounts of live Dodos say it was a fast-moving animal that loved the forest." Dr Gostling adds: "Evidence from bone specimens suggests that the Dodo's tendon which closed its toes was exceptionally powerful, analogous to climbing and running birds alive today. The dodo was almost certainly a very active, very fast animal? https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240816121523.htm Dan Reiff Sent from my iPhone -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 22 04:30:06 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 22 04:30:31 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?Great_news=3A_=E2=80=9CLos_Angeles_Zoo_sets_?= =?utf-8?q?record_with_17_California_condor_chicks_hatched_in_2024_=7C_The?= =?utf-8?b?IEluZGVwZW5kZW504oCd?= Message-ID: <370BA761-F5C9-4EDD-9090-F539BCE02B17@gmail.com> https://www.independent.co.uk/news/california-ap-los-angeles-north-america-birds-b2585492.html I hope that Someday, we will all be able to see condors flying free in Washington state. What do you all think? Will there be a day condors will be in Washington state? And what year do speculate that it would happen? Dan Reiff Sent from my iPhone From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 22 15:26:58 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Michael Hobbs via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 22 15:27:16 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2024-08-22 Message-ID: Tweets - The doldrums are over. After weeks of low species numbers and very quiet birding, today had surprises and numbers. Maybe they were all waiting for a change in the weather; we did have light rain for part of this morning. Highlights: Gadwall - Four in slough, First of Fall (FOF) NORTHERN PINTAIL - Flyby at the Viewing Mound (FOF) Green-winged Teal - Flyby of 10-12 at about 7:00 a.m. (FOF) Common Merganser - At least 3 (FOF) American Coot - One from the Lake Platform (FOF) Spotted Sandpiper - One from the Lake Platform Cooper's Hawk - Two interacting, one other sighting Barn Owl - One at 5:25 near the park entrance, same or another far across the park a bit later RED-EYED VIREO - One at the Rowing Club Dock, First of Year (FOY) Orange-crowned Warbler - One near last Dog Swim Beach (FOF) A late scan of the lake turned up four calling NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS and a couple of RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, otherwise missed today. This is the earliest fall sighting of NORTHERN PINTAIL we've ever had, and nearly the latest sighting of the ROUGH-WINGEDs. A very good looking COYOTE was posing at the north end of the grass soccer fields, maybe having taken a shower in the sprinklers. Misses for the day included Vaux's Swift, Red-tailed Hawk, Brown-headed Cowbird, and Wilson's Warbler. For the day, 63 species, our highest total since the first week in May ! = 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 Aug 22 16:31:40 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Nelson Briefer via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 22 16:31:55 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] P. Martins- are zooming at Cornet Bay, Deception Pass. Nelson Briefer. Message-ID: -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 22 19:47:28 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Martin Muller via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 22 19:47:45 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Purple Martin nest at Green Lake, Seattle Message-ID: From: Martin Muller > Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Purple Martin nest at Green Lake, Seattle Date: August 21, 2024 at 8:42:53?PM PDT To: "lynnandstan@earthlink.net " > Cc: "tweeters@u.washington.edu " > Stan, Tweeters, I guess I should have reported more accurately how I got to six fledged Purple Martins at Green Lake. I counted the birds perched in the tops of the trees on the island multiple times (> 20). I never got more than eight birds. The adult male (in his unmistakable purplish plumage), the adult female (very gray), and six fledglings (sporting remnants of down, wing-fluttering and food-begging, including vocalizations). Purple Martins have been using Wood Duck nest boxes put up at the Union Bay Natural Area (Montlake Fill). Larry Hubbell told me about that a few years ago. I believe Larry was involved with placement of those boxes (I may be shortchanging Larry here; he may have been the organizer, but I am blanking on the details right now). Good point about installing climbing predator guards on the posts. We will take care of that before next year's breeding season. It sounds like we may even have a pole with multiple gourds by then. No, I have not observed to see if the Martins roost in the nest box. Yes, lots of video of the adults taking turns flying into the box with food, and the female coming out carrying fecal matter. I took video of them after fledging too but haven't had time to look at that yet. Martin Muller, Seattle From: stan Kostka lynn Schmidt via Tweeters > Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Purple Martin nest at Green Lake, Seattle Date: August 20, 2024 at 1:40:56?PM PDT To: tweeters@u.washington.edu Reply-To: stan Kostka lynn Schmidt > Hello Martin, and Tweets. What a great post ! Very very cool. Most noteworthy. Explains all the eBird reports around there. In my experience, a clutch of six all surviving to fledge is rare in the Sound. Neither have I ever before seen a report/record of Purple Martins breeding at Green Lake. Reasonable to assume it has happened, just never been reported/recorded anywhere in the lit as far as I know. It?s all been about the Larrison roosts. Also, noteworthy it?s in a duck box. Not a whole lot of those records around either. The few that Im aware of come from the lakes and marshlands of Fort Lewis, those observations, the first by Wally Wilkins of Tacoma Audubon in 1981, led to the installation of the first nestboxes intended for martins going up on the fort, to the best of my knowledge. I?m curious to know the age of the adult pair ? Conventional wisdom has second year birds generally responsible for new breeding locations. But it could be after second year birds, one or both, that experienced reproductive failure elsewhere last year. As you know, it?s a no brainer to ID an after second year male, all dark blue/black. Second year males easily confused with females. After second year females sport some mild purple blueishness to my eyes but can generally appear grayish. Second year females can appear brownish. Lots depends on the lighting. And females do not sing the long fluid courtship song that ends with clicks. See and hear a female looking martin doing this, and it?s a second year male. Have you seen the young return to the nest cavity at the end of the day ? Have any photographs been taken ? Does the box have a climbing predator guard ? Again, really great news. Stan Kostka lynn and stan at earthlink.net Arlington WA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 23 08:44:38 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 23 08:44:54 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] August 14 and 15 Westport Seabirds combined trip report - long Message-ID: Hi Tweeters, I was lucky and felt privileged to be on the Westport Seabirds trips on August 14 and 15. I think the combined total of 36 passengers plus 5 guides who were on at least one of these trips probably felt the same. Although every pelagic trip is special in its own way, these two trips had superlatives sprinkled throughout the day and included the birds, marine mammals, and insanely calm weather! This trip report won't follow the conventional hour by hour travelogue but will be a comparison of observations between August 14 and 15 (numbers in parens) by groups of birds and mammals. Not all species seen on the trips are mentioned. The weather on both days was pretty much flat calm with no wind chop so viewing conditions were excellent. Both days were under a high overcast sky (with some light drizzle on the 14th) giving way to mostly sunny conditions, in other words, perfect conditions for those wanting to avoid mal de mer! We generally followed the same route on both days and encountered one shrimp boat on the 14th with about 150 birds in attendance. Those seafaring wanderers, the tubenoses, were well represented on both trips. Sooty Shearwaters from Australia put in a great showing (2,889, 736) on both days. Most of these were within about 5 miles of land and were in fairly good sized flocks seen both on the way out in the morning and upon return in the afternoon. Presence of large flocks indicates how rich these waters are and we hope it continues. Pink-footed Shearwaters from Chile continue to be seen in lower numbers than usual (99, 108) but this is probably because of their propensity to be around the fishing fleets which were off Canon Beach, Oregon on these two days. When this fleet heads north, Pink-foots are sure to follow. The season's first Buller's Shearwaters from New Zealand arrived on the 14th with 2 but the number grew to 18 on the 15th. So wonderful to see this species again - my favorite shearwater and, by what I was hearing from fellow passengers, a favorite of others too! Single Short-tailed Shearwaters were encountered on both days but just fleetingly which kept us wanting another view. Northern Fulmars (5, 4) were recorded on both days in their usual fairly low numbers for mid summer but also because of the lack of a nearby fishing fleet. Just watch the trailers for Deadliest Catch and you'll see the propensity of fulmars to hang out around fishing boats! Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels (35, 337) had an interesting spike from one day to the next. Most of the birds on the 15th were in fairly compact rafts and were birds with no discernable molt. I concluded that these were probably all young of the year birds as I think most if not all adults are currently undergoing molt. This has to be confirmed though. Black-footed Albatross from the leeward chain of the Hawaiian Islands and Midway were higher on the 14th compared to the 15th (85, 63) probably due to the one shrimper that we encountered on the 14th that had 50 albatrosses behind it. Amazing to think that these birds are on multi day foraging runs and the young birds probably won't see land for 5+ years! Alcids were highlighted with the expected throngs of Common Murres (671, 2,739) within 5 miles of the coast with Rhinoceros Auklets (63, 167) also in attendance. A few murre chicks were also seen. Offshore waters yielded an increase in the number of Cassin's Auklets (16, 199). Many of these were close and easy to observe and were obviously successful in feeding as they bounced along the water ahead of the Monte Carlo. I think the increased number on the 15th can be partially attributed to the ripple free water so one could spot auklets a mile away! Although missed on the August 14 trip, we found two Tufted Puffins on the 15th. Always a crowd pleaser and today was no different. Gulls, terns and jaegers are always a highlight for me and we were blown away by their showing on both days. Strikingly plumaged adult Sabine's Gulls (16, 71) were seen well and were accompanied by the season's first juveniles. These birds are migrating through from their high arctic breeding grounds to the Humboldt Current off Ecuador, Peru, and northern Chile. They have a long way to go! The mega highlight for me were the number of Arctic Terns that we encountered on both days (96, 156). The number seen on the 14th was a daily high for Westport Seabirds which stood for 24 hours until the 15th! These were not birds seen at a distance but ones that flew close by us (some vocalizing) including right overhead so all field markas were seen well. At one point on the 15th, it seemed like every floating inanimate thing in the water had an Arctic Tern on it and when there wasn't anything to perch on, groups of terns lit on the water's surface. Truly magical! This species, en route from the high arctic to their wintering grounds on the edge of the Antarctic pack ice, are migration champions and make other species, in contrast, seem like locals! With the number of Arctic Terns and Sabine's Gulls that we encountered, we knew there would be Long-tailed Jaegers too and we weren't disappointed. We marvelled at no less than 9 Long-tailed Jaegers in a loose flock on the 14th and 4 on the 15th. Some of these were vocalizing as they knifed through the sky chasing each other (when they weren't klepto parasitizing the Arctic Terns). What a show! Sturdy Pomarine Jaegers (6, 6) with maximum spoonage were seen well on both days but we weren't so lucky with Parasitic Jaegers with only one found on the 15th. South Polar Skua (aka: SKUAAAA), were seen on both trips with 1 cooperative individual (many pixels spent) on the 14th and 4 on the 15th. Any day with a skua is a good day (unless you are a gull or a shearwater). Phalaropes put in a respectable showing with Red-necked being the expected common species (107, 115) followed by Red (32, 11). Some unidentified phalaropes too which isn't unusual. We were very fortunate to have one flock of Red Phalaropes on the 14th land on the water and, under Captain Phil's excellent navigational prowess, managed some fairly close viewing. As one guide mentioned, Red Phalaropes swim very upright and seem like miniature gulls in the water! For many, the mammals, especially on the 14th, were the main course with the birds as side dishes. The show was spectacular with no less than 4 individual Humpback Whales (12. 4) doing full multiple breaches out of the water! Nothing like seeing a huge whale (~40 feet long and ~40 tons) lift itself into the air with the accompanying mighty splash of whitewater when it comes back down. Lots of pectoral flippers flapping too! Just a total mega moment even if you've seen Humpback Whales many times before. Captain Phil was even instrumental in saving a Humpback Whale on the 14th that had gotten entangled in crab pot lines. The whale wasn't doing well as we approached and Captain Phil called the appropriate people who could help. We learned the next day that marine mammal rescue personnel had successfully cut away the lines that had bound the whale and it swam away under its own power. We certainly hope that it found nearby food and made a complete recovery. In a word, the dolphin show was ... WOW! On the 14th we found a mixed species dolphin pod which included 360 Northern Right Whale Dolphins (NRWD) and Pacific White-sided Dolphins (140, 75)! Many of the NRWD were jumping 5 feet out of the water - a truly marvelous sight! This species is the most acrobatic of our regularly occurring cetaceans but, even for them, this was a WOW! If that wasn't enough, both species came by and bow rode much to the delight of all on board. Many pixels were used and videos filmed! Dall's Porpoises (16, 20) were also evident with multiple sightings of rooster tailing individuals paralleling the *Monte Carlo*. Fur Seals were encountered on August 15 with singles of Northern and Guadalupe and 2 unidentified. To me, the sighting of a Harbor Seal at 30 miles offshore seemed weird but not unprecedented. Not to be outdone, we had multiple encounters with huge Ocean Sunfish (4, 21) on both days including one that fully breached out of the water on the 15th. Looking at how inanimate they appear in the water (other than their twitching fin), it's hard to wrap one's brain around it actually becoming airborne! Blue Sharks (2, 30) were evident too as well as jumping albacore in the deeper Arctic Tern waters. A little asterisk should be added for the passerines of the day: a Brown-headed Cowbird on both days and a Rufous Hummingbird that zipped by at 13 miles offshore on the 15th. I don't know how many people adjusted their binocular focus from the Pomarine Jaeger and Buller's Shearwater to the Rufous Hummingbird! The usual hordes of Brown Pelicans, 3 species of cormorants, and Heermann's (among other) Gulls met us at the outer jetties. Several Pigeon Guillemots (8, 5) were between the jetties. Westport Seabirds thanks all of the enthusiastic participants who made these trips such rip roaring successes. Your enthusiasm (and the wildlife) is what spurs us on! 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 Tweit and Gene Revelas on the 14th and Bill Shelmerdine and Bruce LaBar on the 15th, 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 Fri Aug 23 14:22:51 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hubbell via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 23 14:23:43 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Union Bay Watch } Born To Fly - OSPR Message-ID: <22A80E3E-4F48-4291-A1BA-9550CB4CC6CC@comcast.net> Tweeters, This post focuses on the Osprey family that is nesting just north of the Union Bay Natural Area. I can?t argue if you think Osprey are Born (or hatched) To Fish. However, I also suspect they have one of the best weight to wing-area ratios in the avian world. According to my crude calculations they have about half as much weight per square inch as compared to Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons. It believe this supports my Born To Fly title. https://unionbaywatch.blogspot.com/2024/08/born-to-fly.html Have a great day on Union Bay, where nature lives in the city and Black Birders are welcome! Sincerely, Larry ldhubbell at comcast dot net -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 23 14:56:09 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Marcus Roening via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 23 14:56:27 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Parasitic Jaegers & Terns at Dune Peninsula Park in Tacoma Message-ID: <7E00EC0C-BF1B-431E-9A1E-50C4CFD13534@rainierconnect.com> Hi Tweets, While we generally have a couple of dozen Caspian Terns around Commencement Bay, 2 weeks ago this jumped up to as many as 500 birds! This in turn has caught the interest of Parasitic Jaegers with 3-6 birds seen most days and often quite close chasing the Terns. The Caspians are roosting just north of Point Ruston in an area of capped landfill surrounded by fence- it looks like a large asphalt parking lot. Viewing is south from the first hill in Dune Peninsula of Point Defiance Park or north from the paid parking structure of Point Ruston. Today there were 8 of the much smaller Common Terns with hopes of an Arctic Tern (nope) mixed in. As for juvenile Caspians, we only counted four. Dune Peninsula is best birded with a scope, but if the tides are shifting, birds can be close enough for binoculars. There is also about a 1000 bird flock of Bonaparte?s Gulls that are sometimes off Dune or around the point of Point Defiance in the Narrows. Recently seen among them was a juvenile Little Gull and a Franklin?s Gull. Five Mile drive around the Point is now closed to cars due to bluff erosion, but still open for biking and walking. The Gig Harbor viewpoint is often the best for scoping the Bonaparte?s Gull flock, but it is all dictated by the tides and wind direction. Good birding, Marcus Roening Tacoma WA From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 23 21:30:34 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 23 21:30:42 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Purple Martins In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <2f7f9ded-ee62-493e-80a8-651cda89d32e@jimbetz.com> Hi, ? Is there a group dedicated to the Purple Martins?? Compiling - and making available - stuff like nest colonies, probable numbers, creating new colonies (putting up nest boxes), etc. If you know of a group please post a link or provide the official name.? THANKS! ? There is a large - well established and active - nest colony at Ship Harbor (where the WS Ferry Terminal is in Anacortes).? It's been there for several years and has been occupied every year since I've been going there (over 5). ? The best way to get there is to go to the "Ship Harbor Interpretive Center" where there is parking, a porta potty, and a developed trail.? This location is also one end of the Guemes Channel Trail which is a re-purposing of the very old Great Northern Railway right of way. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? - Jim -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 24 16:29:23 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 24 16:29:27 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Bird species are disappearing at an alarming rate in Kenya, study finds Message-ID: https://phys.org/news/2024-08-bird-species-alarming-kenya.html Sent from my iPhone From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 24 16:34:19 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 24 16:34:24 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Manx food truck launches insurance against food theft by gulls Message-ID: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clynz7zpxylo Sent from my iPhone From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 24 17:25:00 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (David Schmalz via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 24 17:25:16 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Purple Martins Message-ID: There are several active Purple Martin colonies in Whatcom County supported by nest boxes. One can be found at Lake Terrell, a WDFW property, another at Locust Beach on Bellingham Bay, and yet another on Semiahmoo Spit, near the resort, at the far north end of an old cannery building. On 8/23 of this year, a credible birder reported 83 PUMA at the Semiahmoo site which established a new, all time, high count (eBird) for a single location for that species in Whatcom County. Both the Locust Beach and Semiahmoo nest box efforts were spearheaded by citizen efforts. Dave -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 24 18:20:26 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (AMK17 via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 24 18:20:31 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Migration Message-ID: <44e2997f-7938-b086-ec73-87598dd05ff1@earthlink.net> I was just wondering when migration might start Wwhile stepping out into the yard. Only to find a yard full of vireos and warblers! Phinney Ridge, Seattle AKopitov AMK17 From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 25 08:46:40 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Cathy Wisel via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 25 08:47:00 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Info request Japan Message-ID: Has anyone birded Japan in the winter? Specifically the Nemuro area? Any info on guides, accommodations etc please dm me. TIA Cathy Wisel Chimacum -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 25 09:10:11 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Robert Gray via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 25 09:10:17 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?Manx_food_truck_launches_insurance_against_f?= =?utf-8?q?ood_theft_by=09gulls?= In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <689563876.718893.1724602211853@mail.yahoo.com> This is one of the more unwelcome emails I have received in a while. On Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 04:34:35 PM PDT, Dan Reiff via Tweeters wrote: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clynz7zpxylo Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ 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 Aug 25 09:15:16 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Deli Kiz via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 25 09:15:31 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Manx food truck launches insurance against food theft by gulls In-Reply-To: <689563876.718893.1724602211853@mail.yahoo.com> References: <689563876.718893.1724602211853@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Unwelcome? On Sun, Aug 25, 2024 at 9:10?AM Robert Gray via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > This is one of the more unwelcome emails I have received in a while. > > On Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 04:34:35 PM PDT, Dan Reiff via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > > > > https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clynz7zpxylo > > Sent from my iPhone > _______________________________________________ > 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 Sun Aug 25 10:29:25 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Doug Santoni via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 25 10:29:41 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Manx food truck launches insurance against food theft by gulls In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <66EEDAD6-1B1D-426D-A142-2F7979C184A5@gmail.com> Dan ? Thank you for sharing this short, cute story about an entrepreneur that will be donating ?insurance? proceeds to a conservation organization (the Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT)) that funds the protection of seabirds, including local Puffins and Manx Shearwaters. Doug Santoni Seattle, WA Doug Santoni at gmail dot com > On Aug 24, 2024, at 4:34?PM, Dan Reiff via Tweeters wrote: > > > https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clynz7zpxylo > > Sent from my iPhone > _______________________________________________ > 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 Aug 25 10:53:57 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Robert Gray via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 25 10:54:03 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Manx food truck launches insurance against food theft by gulls In-Reply-To: <66EEDAD6-1B1D-426D-A142-2F7979C184A5@gmail.com> References: <66EEDAD6-1B1D-426D-A142-2F7979C184A5@gmail.com> Message-ID: <574508813.728087.1724608437324@mail.yahoo.com> Ugh. On Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 10:36:48 AM PDT, Doug Santoni via Tweeters wrote: Dan ? Thank you for sharing this short, cute story about an entrepreneur that will be donating ?insurance? proceeds to a conservation organization (the?Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT)) that funds the protection of seabirds, including local Puffins and Manx Shearwaters. Doug SantoniSeattle, WADoug Santoni at gmail dot com? On Aug 24, 2024, at 4:34?PM, Dan Reiff via Tweeters wrote: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clynz7zpxylo Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ 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 Sun Aug 25 10:57:30 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Robert Gray via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 25 10:57:36 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?Parasitic_Jaegers_=26_Terns_at_Dune_Peninsul?= =?utf-8?q?a_Park_in=09Tacoma?= In-Reply-To: <7E00EC0C-BF1B-431E-9A1E-50C4CFD13534@rainierconnect.com> References: <7E00EC0C-BF1B-431E-9A1E-50C4CFD13534@rainierconnect.com> Message-ID: <896926343.738360.1724608650530@mail.yahoo.com> This a very useful and welcome contribution. Thank you! On Friday, August 23, 2024 at 02:56:44 PM PDT, Marcus Roening via Tweeters wrote: Hi Tweets, While we generally have a couple of dozen Caspian Terns around Commencement Bay, 2 weeks ago this jumped up to as many as 500 birds!? This in turn has caught the interest of Parasitic Jaegers with 3-6 birds seen most days and often quite close chasing the Terns. The Caspians are roosting just north of Point Ruston in an area of capped landfill surrounded by fence- it looks like a large asphalt parking lot. Viewing is south from the first hill in Dune Peninsula of Point Defiance Park or north from the paid parking structure of Point Ruston. Today there were 8 of the much smaller Common Terns with hopes of an Arctic Tern (nope) mixed in. As for juvenile Caspians, we only counted four. Dune Peninsula is best birded with a scope, but if the tides are shifting, birds can be close enough for binoculars. There is also about a 1000 bird flock of Bonaparte?s Gulls that are sometimes off Dune or around the point of Point Defiance in the Narrows. Recently seen among them was a juvenile Little Gull and a Franklin?s Gull. Five Mile drive around the Point is now closed to cars due to bluff erosion, but still open for biking and walking. The Gig Harbor viewpoint is often the best for scoping the Bonaparte?s Gull flock, but it is all dictated by the tides and wind direction. Good birding, Marcus Roening Tacoma 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 Sun Aug 25 14:19:06 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Julia H via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 25 14:19:22 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Info request Japan Message-ID: Hi! This is a reply to Cathy Wisel's request here: https://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/2024-August/005766.html (I receive Tweeters as a digest, so I can't reply in-thread, sorry for the awkwardness!) I went birding in eastern Hokkaido, including the Nemuro area, for five days in February/March of 2023 and I had a WONDERFUL trip. I am happy to share information on the guide I used, another guide I know familiar with the area, accommodations in the area, and so on. However, you didn't post your email so I can't DM you! Please feel free to reach out to me at azureye@gmail.com and I'll share what I know. Best, Julia Hansbrough -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 25 14:40:15 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Ian Paulsen via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 25 14:40:18 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] The Birdbooker Report Message-ID: HI ALL: Just posted about 2 bird and 2 non-bird books at my blog here: https://birdbookerreport.blogspot.com/2024/08/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 Sun Aug 25 14:45:44 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Julia H via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 25 14:45:59 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Manx food truck launches insurance against food theft by gulls Message-ID: I really enjoyed this article, Dan. Thank you for sharing. Gulls are too often derided as a "trash bird" and I think it's sweet that this business owner came up with a scheme that's beneficial to both the birds and people when dealing with the gulls' incursions into mealtime! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 25 16:37:42 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Diann MacRae via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 25 16:37:47 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Manx food truck Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 25 16:39:11 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Nelson Briefer via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 25 16:39:25 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] W. Pelicans galore Message-ID: White Pelicans observed at the pull over on March Point Road. At least 300 or more. In Anacortes- East of refinery. Nelson Briefer. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 25 18:38:39 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Odette James via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 25 18:38:47 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Redhead References: <1876414689.815923.1724636319680.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1876414689.815923.1724636319680@mail.yahoo.com> As of 6:30 pm Sunday Aug. 25, the Redhead is still at the Cedar River Delta, diving. Odette James, Lakeshore Retirement Community -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 26 13:07:42 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Forrester via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 26 13:07:45 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Info request Japan In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1289676784.101883.1724702862102@mail.yahoo.com> We went on an independent tour of Japan in January 2019, renting a car in Kushiro and driving up to the end of the road north of Rausu, seeing lots of eagles, cranes and the Blakiston Fish Owl as well.? Since we were on our own, I have no guide information, but do have other (somewhat out of date) ideas.? jimforjim (at) yahoo.com. HTH, Jim -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 26 17:16:50 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Bill Mowat via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 26 17:16:55 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Manx food truck launches insurance against food theft by gulls In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Enjoyed the article. Thanks for sending it out, Dan. It's an interesting way to raise funds for other bird species. There are certainly areas around here where that could be a good idea. Best ? Bill ________________________________ From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters Sent: Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:34 PM To: Tweeters Subject: [Tweeters] Manx food truck launches insurance against food theft by gulls https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clynz7zpxylo Sent from my iPhone -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 26 18:09:34 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hank Heiberg via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 26 18:09:48 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] A First for Us In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: We are happy when we see & photo one Pileated Woodpecker. Yesterday on a walk to Christmas Lake in King County we saw two on the same tree. Here is a photo with each Woodpecker poised to strike the tree. https://www.flickr.com/photos/ljcouple/53949563342/in/photostream/ Hank & Karen Heiberg Issaquah, WA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 26 22:38:07 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jenny Easterberg via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 26 22:38:40 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Manx food truck launches insurance against food theft by gulls In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I enjoyed the article as well, Dan. Not what I expected when I read the title so worth the further read. Agreed it's a creative way to raise funds. Happy birding, Jenny On Mon, Aug 26, 2024 at 5:17?PM Bill Mowat via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Enjoyed the article. Thanks for sending it out, Dan. > > It's an interesting way to raise funds for other bird species. There are > certainly areas around here where that could be a good idea. > > Best ? Bill > > ------------------------------ > *From:* Dan Reiff via Tweeters > *Sent:* Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:34 PM > *To:* Tweeters > *Subject:* [Tweeters] Manx food truck launches insurance against food > theft by gulls > > > https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clynz7zpxylo > > Sent from my iPhone > > _______________________________________________ > 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 Aug 27 07:37:36 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Bruce LaBar via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 27 07:37:50 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Westport Pelagic Trip Re-scheduled Message-ID: This coming Wednesday's pelagic trip was moved to the next day, Thursday, August 29. There are several spaces available because of this change. We had a fantastic trip, yesterday, with some of these highlights. 4-5 Laysan Albatross, 1 SHORT-TAILED ALBATROSS, 1 WILSON'S STORM PETREL, 1 SCRIPP'S MURRELET, Tufted Puffin, All three jaeger species plus South Polar Skua. To make reservations and to inquire about any other information, please visit our website at: www.westportseabirds.com Bruce LaBar Tacoma, Wa. From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 27 08:57:27 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Bob Flores via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 27 08:57:32 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] American Avocet Crockett Lakr Message-ID: Seen now directly across the far side of the lake from Platform location. Sent from my iPhone From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 27 11:21:16 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Martha Jordan via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 27 11:21:45 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Birds in Chesaw, WA area Message-ID: Last week I was in Chesaw, WA (about an hour north of Tonasket) and saw 3 prairie falcons. It appeared to be two youngsters and an adult. Their aerial flight and then landing on two tree tops was spectacular as well as entertaining. The youngsters wanted to be in same place as adult and that was not going to happen-- ruffled feathers, flaring wings and tails to find another perch site nearby. I also observed two enormous nests on a cliff (in a canyon-like setting) with a cave: one nest more in the cave, and one on the wall just down from the cave. No birds were present. Does anyone know which species occupies this nesting place? I am thinking golden eagle, but am not sure. It was an impressive sight. And on the powerlines about 3-7 miles south of Chesaw, kestrels. I observed at least 7 pairs with others in flight. It was a joy to see them all along the way: perching, flying, hunting. Martha Jordan Everett, WA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 27 11:45:46 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 27 11:45:51 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] A first in a very un-birdy day ... In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hello fellow birders, ? Was up on Mt. Baker yesterday and other than the ever present Ravens I got to 'discover' my first Hermit Thrush.? I didn't know what I was looking at until I got home and used Merlin PhotoID on a picture.? I've probably seen this species before - just wasn't edumacated then.? *G* ? The day before I was driving from the East 90 (actually "The T") to the intersection of Bayview Edison and D'arcy roads and counted no less than 5 RTH in that short distance. All up on the poles/wires near the poles and seemed to be "watching for movement". Perhaps this is part of the "Fall uptick"?? I hope it is and not just 'a moment in time'. That 5 count is quite probably the highest concentration of RTH I've ever seen. - Jim From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 27 11:59:49 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dennis Paulson via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 27 12:00:15 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Fwd: Painting one blade of wind turbine reduced bird strike mortality by 70% References: Message-ID: Begin forwarded message from Gary Kelsberg: > > Hi all, > I hadn't heard of this, but a Norwegian study found an inexpensive and effective way to reduce bird mortality from wind turbine blade strikes by painting one blade black (leaving the other blades white). Apparently, the contrasting color patterns make the whirling blades more visible to birds in flight. > Gary > > The Seattle Times' article, "Oregon researchers painting wind turbine blades to cut bird deaths", > https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/oregon-researchers-painting-wind-turbine-blades-to-cut-bird-deaths/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=article_inset_1.1 > What a good idea, and I hope they can keep it up. Dennis Paulson Seattle -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 29 09:52:12 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Diann MacRae via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 29 09:52:17 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] turkey vultures! Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 29 10:24:31 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (garrettwhaynes@me.com via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 29 10:25:07 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] M St in Auburn, 100 MW Battery Facility Message-ID: Hello Tweets, I wanted to inform everyone of something I have been expecting for a couple years now. There is a battery storage plant that will be installed in the M St wetland area on the west "dry side" of the property that has the big pond on it. I am hoping there will be as minimal impact to the big pond as possible, but it's certainly going to change that part of the property. I saw some preliminary plans about 2 years ago that did include a "viewing platform" of some kind on the back/east side of the power plant that I was assuming meant it would be open to the public to view from, but I am not sure if that is still in the final plans. We can hope it stayed in! There will be power lines running from the battery plant to the substation on 37th St NW, but the good news is that they look like they will be ran along the roadside of the property due north, so should have minimal impact on flight lines in and out of the ponds, which is good. How I know about this is that for a period of time some of us in the Rainier Audubon chapter were working on some preservation plans for this property, but were having a hard time gaining real traction. Then we found out the property was going to have this project and saw the submitted plans. At that point there wasn't much we could do. We also realized that maybe this was a good thing, as once that power plant is there the big pond is pretty much guaranteed to stay as it can't be built on. Plus the battery plant will have minimal traffic disturbance and seems like it will allow people to view the ponds still. So, as much as I would love it to be kept as is, this isn't too bad as far as development goes. If you want me to share the latest document from the City of Auburn with you let me know. Garrett Haynes Auburn, WA Get Outlook for iOS -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 29 10:32:39 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Ellen Blackstone via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 29 10:32:55 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] off-topic -- but about a Tweeter from wayyy back Message-ID: Hey, Tweets, When I saw the news this week about the matching dinosaur tracks https://www.iflscience.com/dinosaur-tracks-on-two-separate-continents-reveal-seismic-split-140-million-years-ago-75694 -- I said to myself "Reunite Gondwanaland!" That was the tagline for Tweeter Burt Guttman (and many others). So of course, I had to Google him and found -- alas -- his obituary. https://blackhills-audubon.org/remembering-burt-guttman/ (I liked this tribute by Black Hills Audubon.) Great birder and teacher. Nice guy. That's all. Take care, Everyone! Ellen Blackstone now in Edmonds WA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 29 10:48:06 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Alan Roedell via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 29 10:48:22 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] off-topic -- but about a Tweeter from wayyy back In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: The highest praise, in my opinion. On Thu, Aug 29, 2024, 10:33 AM Ellen Blackstone via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Hey, Tweets, > > When I saw the news this week about the matching dinosaur tracks > > https://www.iflscience.com/dinosaur-tracks-on-two-separate-continents-reveal-seismic-split-140-million-years-ago-75694 > -- I said to myself "Reunite Gondwanaland!" That was the tagline for > Tweeter Burt Guttman (and many others). So of course, I had to Google him > and found -- alas -- his obituary. > https://blackhills-audubon.org/remembering-burt-guttman/ (I liked this > tribute by Black Hills Audubon.) > > Great birder and teacher. Nice guy. > That's all. > Take care, Everyone! > > Ellen Blackstone > now in Edmonds 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 Thu Aug 29 11:34:54 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hank Heiberg via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 29 11:35:09 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Redmond Retention Ponds Break-in Message-ID: <27921C4C-E5C7-408C-9768-7CBBE35EEAA2@gmail.com> Warning! This morning a birder?s car was broken into at Redmond Retention Ponds. Nothing was visible. The glove compartment was pried open. Hank Heiberg Issaquah, WA From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 29 12:58:23 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jeff Harrell via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 29 12:59:06 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Black-headed Grosbeak repeat visitor Message-ID: This week we've had a male black-headed grosbeak visit our feeders each day. This is the first time I've ever seen one, let alone in our yard. I have lived in this house with sunflower, suet, and peanut feeders for 5 years. It started out on the sunflower feeder (which is very busy with rambunctious birds like house finches and lesser goldfinches as well as chickadees and nuthatches) and moved on to our suet and peanut feeders (chickadees, nuthatches, Steller's Jays, and flickers). Beautiful bird with excellent robin-like calls. I've been on the lookout for his associates but haven't seen any yet. -Jeff Phinney Ridge -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 29 15:22:36 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Shep Thorp via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 29 15:22:51 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk for Billy Frank Jr NWR for 8/28/2024 Message-ID: Hi Tweets, We had a gorgeous summer day at the Refuge with chilly morning temperatures in the 40's and upwards of 70's degrees Fahrenheit in the afternoon. There was a High 12'7" Tide at 4:10pm which made for a very fun day on the Nisqually Estuary Dike and Boardwalk Trails with the incoming tide. Highlights included very nice up close looks of busy migrating warblers, ORANGE-CROWNED, WILSON'S, YELLOW, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT and BLACK-THROATED GRAY in the Orchard and along the west side of the Twin Barns Loop Trail. We also had 'adjacent to the boards' looks of WILSON'S SNIPE, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, WESTERN SANDPIPER, LEAST SANDPIPER, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS. In the morning there was an intriguing report of a BOBOLINK off the dike with a flight call recording in our eBird report. We have seen this species in years before in October, but I would not be surprised if this species is overlooked with all the LBJ's flitting around. Check out our eBird report for details and awesome photos of the SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. For the day we observed 83 species with nothing new for the year (165 ticks thus far for '24). Cool mammal sightings included Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Coyote, Townsend's Chipmunk and Muskrat. 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 Aug 28, 2024 6:56 AM - 4:56 PM Protocol: Traveling 6.0 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Partly cloudy in the morning, sunny by late morning and afternoon with temperatures in the 40?s to 70?s degrees Fahrenheit. A Low -0?4? Tide at 7:49am and a High 12?7? Tide at 4:10 pm. Mammals seen Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Townsend?s Chipmunk, Eastern Gray Squirrel, Coyote, Harbor Seal and Muskrat. Others seen Pacific Tree Frog, and Red-eared Slider. 83 species (+5 other taxa) Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 20 Wood Duck 7 Cinnamon Teal 1 Freshwater Marsh Northern Shoveler 7 Gadwall 1 American Wigeon 4 Mallard 200 Northern Pintail 250 More than 5 groups of 50 birds fly in with incoming tide. Hooded Merganser 2 Common Merganser 7 Mouth of Madrone Slough from Puget Sound Observation Platform and also from Nisqually River Overlook. Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 40 Band-tailed Pigeon 1 Mourning Dove 3 Orchard. Anna's Hummingbird 10 Rufous Hummingbird 2 Virginia Rail 2 Freshwater marsh American Coot 1 Killdeer 1 Entrance gate slough. Semipalmated Plover 4 Nisqually Boardwalk Trail Whimbrel 1 McAllister Creek Observation Platform. Long-billed Dowitcher 3 Spotted by Heather from the McAllister Creek Observation Platform. Wilson's Snipe 2 Visitor Center Pond. Spotted Sandpiper 1 West bank of McAllister Creek Lesser Yellowlegs 3 McAllister Creek Greater Yellowlegs 20 Baird's Sandpiper 2 Spotted by Jason on mudflats west of Leschi Slough. Least Sandpiper 200 Western Sandpiper 400 Semipalmated Sandpiper 1 Great looks mixed in with Western and Least Sandpiper along Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail. Photos. Bonaparte's Gull 1 Confluence of McAllister Creek and Shannon Slough from McAllister Creek Viewing Platform. Short-billed Gull 2 Spotted by Ken, mixed in with Ring-billed Gulls along Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail. Ring-billed Gull 175 California Gull 1 Glaucous-winged Gull 5 Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 10 Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 35 Larus sp. 200 Caspian Tern 4 Brandt's Cormorant 3 Nisqually River Channel Marker. Double-crested Cormorant 50 Great Blue Heron 60 Osprey 3 Cooper's Hawk 1 Twin Barns area. Bald Eagle 9 Belted Kingfisher 4 Red-breasted Sapsucker 1 Visitor Center Pond Overlook early morning. Downy Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 3 American Kestrel 2 Surge plain. Peregrine Falcon 3 One young bird, two adults. Hunting peeps. Willow Flycatcher 1 Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope) 1 Warbling Vireo (Western) 2 Steller's Jay 2 Heard by Guy west bank of McAllister Creek. American Crow 30 Common Raven 4 Black-capped Chickadee 25 Chestnut-backed Chickadee 6 Violet-green Swallow 1 Spotted by Jon Tree/Violet-green Swallow 1 Purple Martin 10 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 Spotted by Guy along the dike. Barn Swallow 30 Bushtit 50 Three groups of birds observed. One in Orchard, one along the west entrance to Twin Barns Loop Trail, the other at the Riparian Forest Overlook. Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 Heard West Bank of McAllister Creek. Brown Creeper 4 Pacific Wren 1 Heard and seen by Don early morning before walk Marsh Wren 2 Heard and seen by Jon in freshwater marsh. Bewick's Wren 4 European Starling 400 Swainson's Thrush 6 American Robin 3 Cedar Waxwing 25 Purple Finch 2 West end of west parking lot. Pine Siskin 1 Cut off to Twin Barns. American Goldfinch 11 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 2 Heard by Guy McWethy in Orchard. Savannah Sparrow 8 Song Sparrow 17 Spotted Towhee 1 Red-winged Blackbird 15 Brown-headed Cowbird 10 Orange-crowned Warbler (lutescens) 5 Common Yellowthroat 15 Yellow Warbler (Northern) 4 Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 Spotted by Danielle and Daniel adjacent to Green Gate across from entrance to Education Center. Wilson's Warbler 6 bird sp. 1 Possible Bobolink heard and seen by Jason in the morning along the Nisqually Estuary Trail where Leschi Slough runs parallel to the trail. Bird flew from the tidal side to the freshwater slide. View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S193176979 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 29 22:01:59 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Michael Hobbs via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 29 22:02:17 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2024-08-29 Message-ID: Tweets - I am sick with something starting yesterday, and since I was possibly exposed to COVID on Sunday, I decided I should not join the rest of the crew for today's survey. It was ably handled by Mason, Jordan, Sherrie, et. al. Instead, I slept in, and then did the walk solo starting at 9:00 a.m. Made for an interesting comparison between the two lists. The day was perfectly sunny, windless, and not too hot. Birds were active, but didn't make many calls or songs. However, if you saw even a single leaf twitch in a tree, you knew there was a bird there. I spent a LOT of time staring at each tree, waiting. I then had only about a 60% chance of identifying the bird that made the leaf move, and most of the time it would turn out to be a chickadee or nuthatch. But there were birds in those trees, that's for sure. Highlights: Western Grebe - I had one from the Lake Platform. First of Fall (FOF) and the 2nd earliest fall sighting for WEGR ever Wilson's Snipe - I had one below the weir (FOF), and tied for 2nd earliest fall sighting Cooper's Hawk - The main survey group had a group of three juveniles; I had one or two Five Woodpecker Day for the main survey group. I missed Pileated Willow Flycatcher - I had notably many (7?) plus a few more brief sightings of empid spp. that were probably Willow Western Flycatcher - I had one just past the boardwalk Pine Siskin - The main survey group had two (FOF, if that can apply to finches) Lincoln's Sparrow - The main survey group had one near the Viewing Mound (FOF) MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER - I had one in the willows below the weir (FOF and almost certainly Last Of Fall too; not really expected in fall) Orange-crowned Warbler - One for them, one for me, 1-1 Yellow Warbler - 3-1 Black-throated Gray Warbler - 3-1 (maybe 3-2) Wilson's Warbler - 1-2 (FOF) Common Yellowthroats - 10-7, made for a 6 warbler day Western Tanager - One for the main survey Misses on the combined checklist: Vaux's Swift, Green Heron, Barn Owl, Warbling Vireo, Red-winged Blackbird, and Black-headed Grosbeak. For the day, 53 species for the main survey, 51 for me, for a combined 60 species. We had 63 species last week, but seven First of Fall species this week, so several species seen last week were not present today. Birds are moving. = 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 Aug 30 12:38:44 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 30 12:38:53 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Black-headed Grosbeak In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: 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 From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 30 13:45:17 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Blythe Horman via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 30 13:45:31 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Birding Lynnwood Question Message-ID: 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: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 30 14:34:34 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 30 14:34:37 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Black-headed Grosbeak In-Reply-To: <95A6B8DD-356E-4C5A-B07A-C62E7E8B2F9E@whidbey.com> References: <95A6B8DD-356E-4C5A-B07A-C62E7E8B2F9E@whidbey.com> Message-ID: 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 From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 30 15:21:15 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 30 15:21:30 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Larch Mountain, Clark County migration rocks! Message-ID: 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: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 30 17:38:16 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (RW Hamlyn via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 30 17:38:53 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Info request Japan Message-ID: 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: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 31 13:01:08 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Carol Riddell via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 31 13:01:23 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] Southwest Snohomish County Beaches Message-ID: In answer to Blythe's question, you can avoid Edmonds and Mukilteo beaches crowded with people by birding them before 9 a.m. On a minus tide, you can walk south from the Edmonds dog park and encounter very few humans. Carol Riddell Edmonds, WA From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 31 17:03:22 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 31 17:03:26 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?Great_news_and_story=3A_=E2=80=9CA_bird_spec?= =?utf-8?q?ies_previously_extinct_in_Europe_is_back_=E2=80=93_now_humans_m?= =?utf-8?q?ust_help=E2=80=9D_=7C_The_Independent?= Message-ID: <006383B1-D282-4AFB-9EA8-3118813EE8E1@gmail.com> https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/northern-bald-ibis-europe-africa-b2602286.html Sent from my iPhone From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 31 17:11:32 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 31 17:11:36 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?A_New_Study_Reveals_Migration_Isn=E2=80=99t_?= =?utf-8?q?a_Solo_Affair=E2=80=94It=E2=80=99s_the_Social_Event_of_the_Seas?= =?utf-8?q?on_=7C_Audubon?= Message-ID: <165F2D75-0489-430D-9B8C-26A8AEC7719E@gmail.com> https://www.audubon.org/magazine/new-study-reveals-migration-isnt-solo-affair-its-social-event-season Sent from my iPhone From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 31 23:42:58 2024 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jennifer Kinberg via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 31 23:43:18 2024 Subject: [Tweeters] birding Lynnwood References: <5C165EAD-63E0-4C4A-9484-B60301650F92.ref@yahoo.com> Message-ID: <5C165EAD-63E0-4C4A-9484-B60301650F92@yahoo.com> When we lived there we used to go to scriber lake park (not too late in the day for safety), meadowdale beach park, canyon park in Bothell-it?s an industrial park but lots of birds over there- picnic point park (also don?t go too late in the day there, and if you are a woman I wouldn?t go by myself there either), lighthouse park in Mukilteo, Edmonds marina, north creek park in Bothell. Being north of Seattle we did go up to Everett Marina, the sewage lagoons, and up into skagit county fairly often. Jenny and Mike kinberg -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: