From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 1 06:12:15 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dennis Paulson via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 1 06:12:21 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Twin Lakes Merlin and Dragonflies In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hans, I?m glad to hear that dragonflies are doing well. Purple Martins definitely need them as their chicks grow larger, and Merlins take a lot of them as well. Too bad we don?t have Swallow-tailed and Mississippi Kites to take advantage of them too! Dennis > On Jul 31, 2025, at 10:49 PM, Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters wrote: > > This morning I was treated to some great views of our resident Merlin hunting dragonflies over Lake Lorene, Treasure Island Park, Twin Lakes in Federal Way. It would zoom very low over the water and snatch dragonflies on the wing. It even landed on a bare branch in an alder close to me, affording even better views. while it was crunching and munching on its prey. It was a very dark bird of the Pacific race. We have a nesting pair here in Twin Lakes for several years now. There may have been a second bird, but I never saw two at the same time. I also saw one again this evening. > > Dragonflies seem to be more abundant this year - Dennis? Unfortunately there were no swallows for the Merlin to catch. I haven't even seen a single one over the lake for weeks now! > > Good birding! > > Hans > > -- > Hans Feddern > Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA > thefedderns@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 Fri Aug 1 08:42:08 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Cara Borre via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 1 08:42:24 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Westport Seabirds Trip Report July 26 Message-ID: Our July 26th trip marked a milestone in the long history of Westport Seabirds. For the first time in nearly 50 years of running tours, we had more women than men onboard, including two female spotters. Also of note our group included a birding family - the parents both octogenarians. This underscores that pelagic birding is for everyone! Under mostly overcast skies, with calm seas and pleasant conditions, we enjoyed a truly memorable day on the water filled with birds, mammals, lots of blue sharks, and one giant ocean sunfish. The ride out began with the usual scattering of Rhinoceros Auklets and Common Murres, followed by growing numbers of Sooty Shearwater, both in flight and on the water. An unusual sighting included two Ancient Murrelets on the water - noteworthy because one was also spotted on last week?s trip. This species is typically further north and offshore during this time of the year. We passed a good number of Red-necked Phalaropes on our way to a large fleet of shrimpers, and stopped to scan the flocks to see if we could spot a Red Phalarope among them. Red Phalarope on the water would remain elusive and we would have to settle for brief looks of that species in flight. When we reached the first of the shrimp boats, we were rewarded with large flocks of birds and got excellent looks at our first Black-footed Albatross for the day. We would go on to tally 43 of these giants, thrilling everyone with their massive wingspans. In contrast to the albatross?s bulk, we had a good showing of the dainty Fork-tailed Storm-petrel, with nearly 100 for the day. Sooty (3370) and Pink-footed (1507) Shearwaters accounted for the majority of the tubenose count, but we added a few Short-tailed Shearwater and Northern Fulmar, with one cooperative fulmar coming close to the boat allowing us to study and photograph its intricate and colorful bill. After thoroughly working the shrimping fleet, we continued toward the continental shelf and beyond for our chum stop. En route, we had a fleeting view of a South Polar Skua on our starboard side, followed soon after by a spectacular close pass from another individual off our port bow - a highlight for many on board. Once we cleared the edge of the continent, we set out an oil slick with some suet added and waited for the action. Our plan was amended when Captain Phil alerted us to a large group of dolphins a few miles ahead. We abandoned our chum for the opportunity to observe several hundred Pacific White-sided Dolphin feeding and surfing the waves. Among them were 50 Northern Right Whale Dolphins, whose sleek, finless backs gave us unforgettable views as they porpoised from the water. There were even a couple of humpbacks in the vicinity adding to our tally of this species for the day that included 7 animals. Earlier in the trip two Humpbacks treated a lucky few on the stern to back-to-back breaches as we motored away from them. Feeding mammals often attract birds looking for a discarded scrap, including Leach?s Storm-Petrel (13), the main target of our deep water searches this time of year. Other highlights included Arctic Tern fly bys and sustained looks at several resting on a log, and a passing Parasitic Jaeger who had the tables ?terned? on him as one of the terns chased him off. Sabine?s Gull made multiple appearances coursing back and forth, gracefully checking the surface for food. With the mammal extravaganza having far surpassed our chum efforts, we headed back and made a final pass by the boats, carefully scanning for any new species. Finding only the now familiar bunch of birds, we set a course for Westport. An inshore Tufted Puffin, floating at the mouth of the harbor, added the cherry on top to this memorable day. Captain Phil Anderson, First Mate Chris Anderson, spotters Scott Mills, Cindy McCormack, and I would like to thank the enthusiastic birders who joined us on this very special voyage. Hope to sea you out there! Cara Borre Gig Harbor -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 2 09:20:18 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 2 09:20:23 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Wiley Slough Report In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <352fd1d0-6860-45ee-a31d-108a6e552422@jimbetz.com> Hi all, ? The last time I was out to Wiley Slough - this Thursday - I noted the following: ? 1) The Bald Eagle nest is still ACTIVE - the chick is on the nest.? I talked to one ? ? ? ?person who said he -might- have seen the chick in the tree above the ? ? ? ?nest but he wasn't certain due to the lighting at the time. This chick is ? ? ? ?very late to 'leave the nest' according to what I understand.? The family is ? ? ? ?likely to move up the Skagit River whenever the fish (steelhead and/or ? ? ? ?salmon) are there.? So get out soon!? I'm hoping to go today (Saturday). ? 2) There are still Marsh Wrens in the cattails - you hear them but getting to ? ? ? ?see them this time of year is difficult.? They tend to be further out in the ? ? ? ?marsh and are especially heard after you go out past the metal bench. ? 3) There are -significantly- more Red-winged Blackbirds this year compared to ? ? ? ?any prior year (in my experience).? Check out the field across the slough ? ? ? ?where the blind is (quite near the parking lot).? As in "hundreds" not tens. ? 4) There were many less swallows this trip than before/typical. But we went ? ? ? ?out late (*Beautiful* sunset as we were coming back!) so perhaps they ? ? ? ?were already roosting for the night? ? 5) The numbers of ducks (mostly Mallards with a few Teal) were "typical and ? ? ? ?the same" as the last time I was out (just a week prior). There was a ? ? ? ?large group of ducklings near the blind (20 or more) with the adults ? ? ? ?a bit further away than normal (attentive but not hovering). ? 6) There are probably twice as many GBH this year as prior years - meaning ? ? ? ?more than 6 on my checklists.? Did not see the typical Kingfisher (too late in ? ? ? ?the day?).? Did not see any Killdeer and only a few Yellowlegs (time of day ? ? ? ?and or state of the tide?).? Typical number of robins and sparrows.? Very ? ? ? ?few gulls! ? ? ? - Jim in Skagit From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 2 10:31:43 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (stan Kostka lynn Schmidt via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 2 10:31:58 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Skagit County, Clear Lake, Purple Martins Message-ID: <0BE6996F-80B2-43E2-9086-5C57288E6578@earthlink.net> Hi Tweets, Following up on various eBird reports over recent years , Lynn and I have been spending some time searching for inland Purple Martins in Skagit County the past few summers. Yesterday we were extremely jazzed to find a pair of martins, an adult male, and what appeared to be a subadult female, repeatedly entering a cavity in an old piling near the C Street boat launch at Clear Lake. Although we never confirmed food carrying or fecal sac removal, they both entered and exited the cavity four times during our one hour visit, so it was readily apparent they are attending a nest there. Looking forward to confirming with follow up visit(s). Once confirmed, and until I am informed otherwise, it is my understanding this is the very first breeding record of Purple Martins away from the marine shoreline in Skagit County, about 12 miles inland from the nearest known breeding location near Bay View. It was a very good day. Stan Kostka Lynn and Stan at earthlink dot net Arlington From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 2 12:17:49 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 2 12:17:54 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Skagit County, Clear Lake, Purple Martins In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Stan/Lynn, ? Purple Martins are usually "colony nesters".? It would be great if someone would put up a couple of "Martin Condos" at Clear Lake - perhaps even mounting them very near where you saw them at that piling? ? There are several Martin Condos at Reifel (and occupied as of this week). They are sitting on poles that are simply stuck into the marsh and are less than 6" in diameter. ? There is also a colony of Martins at Ship (WSF terminal in Anacortes) with 10+ condos. ? I've seen what -might- have been Martins at Wylie but I can not confirm those sighting. ? I don't know where the Martins are at Bayview.? ??? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?- Jim in Skagit From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 3 07:07:34 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (marksalvadalena@yahoo.com via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 3 07:10:36 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] I wrote a book: Birding Bainbridge Island References: <259895051.1144769.1754230054776.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <259895051.1144769.1754230054776@mail.yahoo.com> Hi y'all, I recently finished a book: Birding Bainbridge IslandYou can learn more about it at birdingbainbridge.org Mark SalvadalenaBainbridge Islandmark salvadalena at gmail dot com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 3 08:25:45 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dennis Paulson via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 3 08:25:53 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Fwd: arctic nesters and climate change References: Message-ID: <776612C2-0322-41A6-B76B-D207AD9C692C@comcast.net> Begin forwarded message: > > Interesting article on how various shorebirds are responding to climate change by timing the start of nesting. > https://ak.audubon.org/news/arctic-birds-cued-to-climate-change?ms=aud-email-_20250731_(ak)_arctic_green-up_paper&utm_source=ea&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=_20250731_(ak)_arctic_green-up_paper&emci=92b3f2af-e16b-f011-8dc9-6045bda9d96b&emdi=90f2dc12-956c-f011-8dc9-6045bda9d96b&ceid=583618 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 3 10:06:16 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Diann MacRae via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 3 10:19:03 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Nesting eagles Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 5 11:40:36 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Patty Cheek via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 5 11:40:55 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Costa Rica Biriding References: Message-ID: I think I may have put the dates wrong. Please check - May 19 -30, 2026. Patty From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 5 16:33:49 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Patty Cheek via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 5 16:34:08 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Whidbey Audubon Society bird trip to Costa Rica May 19-26 References: <90375D36-A51A-4F35-8319-E563EE77335A.ref@yahoo.com> Message-ID: <90375D36-A51A-4F35-8319-E563EE77335A@yahoo.com> Whidbey Audubon Society bird trip to Costa Rica May 19-26. <> We have spaces in two rooms still open for our May 2026 birding tour to Costa Rica. At present, we have two singles, a male and a female, registered for those rooms. These are double rooms, and each of the registrants need a single roommate to share the cost. Although the expedition is still 10 months away, the guide needs to have the registrations finalized soon. Don?t miss out. Please contact Patty Cheek,? <>pattypipe@gmail.com , or Lance Porter, bridport@whidbey.com , or Vivian Stembridge, vivian2b4@gmail.com if interested by Sunday, Aug. 10. Thanks. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Aug 6 07:53:31 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Steve Hampton via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 6 07:53:47 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Fwd: arctic nesters and climate change In-Reply-To: <776612C2-0322-41A6-B76B-D207AD9C692C@comcast.net> References: <776612C2-0322-41A6-B76B-D207AD9C692C@comcast.net> Message-ID: Dennis, Thanks for posting this. Research out of the Arctic is always limited. The results here differ quite a bit from the massive Smith et al (2024) paper, which looked at 668 sites over decades and found that most shorebirds were declining. Arctic nesters had declined the most - 63% over the last 40 years. I summarized that paper here and made some of my own graphs from their data: https://substack.com/@schampton/p-160037151 I look forward to taking a dive into the papers cited - which also involve large data sets - in this article. On Sun, Aug 3, 2025 at 8:26?AM Dennis Paulson via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Begin forwarded message: > > > Interesting article on how various shorebirds are responding to climate > change by timing the start of nesting. > > https://ak.audubon.org/news/arctic-birds-cued-to-climate-change?ms=aud-email-_20250731_(ak)_arctic_green-up_paper&utm_source=ea&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=_20250731_(ak)_arctic_green-up_paper&emci=92b3f2af-e16b-f011-8dc9-6045bda9d96b&emdi=90f2dc12-956c-f011-8dc9-6045bda9d96b&ceid=583618 > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 Wed Aug 6 09:36:20 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dennis Paulson via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 6 09:36:26 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Fwd: arctic nesters and climate change In-Reply-To: References: <776612C2-0322-41A6-B76B-D207AD9C692C@comcast.net> Message-ID: Steve, that?s a wonderful Substack essay. I?ll add one thing to it. It?s not just males that leave their mates behind to finish up parental care in the Arctic.* In a few species, for example Ruffs and Pectoral and Buff-breasted Sandpipers, that is the case. In fact, in those species the male doesn?t even help in incubating the eggs. But in numerous, perhaps most, species, including Semipalmated and Western Sandpipers and dowitchers and Whimbrels as examples, it is MALES that are more likely to remain to furnish parental care after the eggs hatch. It varies greatly, but among high-latitude breeding shorebirds, females depart the breeding grounds before males on average. This isn?t surprising, as it would benefit them to head south to better feeding grounds to replenish their energy after laying those four big eggs and sharing incubation duties with the males. And of course everyone knows about phalaropes, in which males furnish all parental care, totally opposite those species in which females do it all. Shorebirds have an amazing variety of mating systems. In our familiar Spotted Sandpiper, for example, many females court multiple males and leave all the parental duties to them. But others are monogamous, sharing parental duties with a single mate. Wow. Dennis Paulson Seattle * We often view birds in a sexist mode. Think of how many people would see a bird on a nest and say ?isn?t she sweet?? Yet males of so many bird species also incubate the eggs. > On Aug 6, 2025, at 7:53 AM, Steve Hampton via Tweeters wrote: > > Dennis, > > Thanks for posting this. Research out of the Arctic is always limited. The results here differ quite a bit from the massive Smith et al (2024) paper, which looked at 668 sites over decades and found that most shorebirds were declining. Arctic nesters had declined the most - 63% over the last 40 years. I summarized that paper here and made some of my own graphs from their data: > https://substack.com/@schampton/p-160037151 > > I look forward to taking a dive into the papers cited - which also involve large data sets - in this article. > > > > > > On Sun, Aug 3, 2025 at 8:26?AM Dennis Paulson via Tweeters > wrote: > Begin forwarded message: >> >> Interesting article on how various shorebirds are responding to climate change by timing the start of nesting. >> https://ak.audubon.org/news/arctic-birds-cued-to-climate-change?ms=aud-email-_20250731_(ak)_arctic_green-up_paper&utm_source=ea&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=_20250731_(ak)_arctic_green-up_paper&emci=92b3f2af-e16b-f011-8dc9-6045bda9d96b&emdi=90f2dc12-956c-f011-8dc9-6045bda9d96b&ceid=583618 > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > > -- > ?Steve Hampton? > Port Townsend, WA (qat?y) > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 Wed Aug 6 19:44:33 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Diann MacRae via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 6 19:44:38 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Summer '25 TUVU report Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 7 13:13:18 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Michael Hobbs via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 7 13:13:35 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-08-07 Message-ID: Tweets - It was cool, dark, misting, and q-u-i-e-t this morning at Marymoor. Lots of juvenile birds making strange sounds while doing strange things and looking rather strange. Those tended to lead to more confusion than excitement amongst us birders, though. Highlights: Caspian Tern - One spotted far out towards the lake by Mason. Only the 2nd sighting for the survey this year Green Heron - Two adults and a juvenile at the Rowing Club pond Cooper's Hawk - A couple of sightings of juvenile(s). First of Fall (FOF) Bald Eagle - Five adults simultaneously, at the lake BARN OWL - Matt had one pre-dawn in the East Meadow, the First of Year (FOY) for the survey Yellow-rumped Warblers - A small swarm along Snag Row, seemingly all juveniles, though glimpses and much calling were all that we got (FOF) Wilson's Warbler - One with the YRWAs Our other highlights were 5 DEER - two males across the slough below the weir, then a female and two fawns near the park maintenance buildings. Also, we had a RIVER OTTER seen from the Lake Platform, our first since February. For the day, 46 species. For the year, adding Barn Owl, we're at 123 species. = Michael Hobbs = BirdMarymoor@gmail.com = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 7 15:44:39 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Mark Ahlness via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 7 15:44:52 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Wandering Tattlers at Charles Richey viewpoint West Seattle Message-ID: Janeanne Houston and I saw a juvie and an adult on the incoming tide today, 2:30-3:30, about 5-6 ft. Adult spent most time resting on the jetty, juvie was all over - jetty, water's edge right in front of us, and exploring the large snag just off the beach. Pics on ebird and Flickr asap. - Mark Mark Ahlness mahlness@gmail.com Seattle, WA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 7 16:01:47 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Shep Thorp via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 7 16:02:04 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk for Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR 8/6/2025 Message-ID: Hi Tweets, Approximately 20 of us had a refreshingly cool and hydrating walk at the Refuge with light rain intermittently throughout the day and temperatures in the 50's to 60's degrees. There was a Low -0?11? Tide at 10:25am and a High 13?1? Tide at 6:31pm, so we decided to bird the Orchard/Access Roads/and Twin Barns Loop Trail in the morning and return in the afternoon to bird the Nisqually Estuary Trail and Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail in the afternoon with the incoming tide. Highlights included a nice push of WILSON'S WARBLER's throughout the Riparian Forest, great looks of BANK SWALLOW and subadult VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW/TREE SWALLOW/BARN SWALLOW/and CLIFF SWALLOW on the Visitor Center Roof, good sightings of RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER, and expected flycatchers WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, WILLOW FLYCATCHER and WESTERN FLYCATCHER. In the afternoon we had two SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS at the Puget Sound Observation Platform as well as good numbers of LEAST and WESTERN SANDPIPER as the autumnal migration begins to hit high gear. We had decent looks of WILSON'S SNIPE and DOWITCHERS in breeding plumage. We struggled to identify CINNAMON/BLUE-WINGED TEAL female types roosting in the freshwater marsh. For the day, we observed 64 species. The doldrums are here with the loss of the morning chorus, but with right tide and conditions shorebirds and gulls are returning and plenty of confusing plumages to sort through. We have seen 160 species so far this year. We had a great frog day with the rain and good looks of RED-LEGGED FROG and PACIFIC CHORUS FROG. A GREAT BLUE HERON was observed eating suspected NORTHWEST SALAMANDER from the second Twin Bench Overlook on the west side of the Twin Barns Loop Trail just south of the Twin Barns cut-off. See our eBird report pasted below. 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 6, 2025 7:13 AM - 5:13 PM Protocol: Traveling 6.0 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Light rain in the morning, clearing in the afternoon. Temperatures in the 50?s to 60?s degrees Fahrenheit. A Low -0?11? Tide at 10:25am and a High 13?1? Tide at 6:31pm. We split the day birding the Orchard, Access Roads and Twin Barns Loop Trail in the morning and in the afternoon returning to bird the Nisqually Estuary Trail and Nisqually Boardwalk Estuary Trail on the incoming tide. Others seen include Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Columbian Black-tailed, Mustelid, Harbor Seal, Eastern Gray Squirrel, Red-eared Slider, Red-legged Frog, Pacific Chorus Frog, and American Bullfrog. 64 species (+8 other taxa) Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 100 Wood Duck 8 Blue-winged/Cinnamon Teal 2 Mallard 16 Hooded Merganser 5 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 14 Band-tailed Pigeon (Northern) 3 Mourning Dove 8 Vaux's Swift 3 Anna's Hummingbird 3 hummingbird sp. 2 Killdeer 5 Semipalmated Plover 2 Short-billed/Long-billed Dowitcher 12 Wilson's Snipe 1 Greater Yellowlegs 11 Least Sandpiper 150 Western Sandpiper 400 Ring-billed Gull 200 California Gull 20 Glaucous-winged Gull 2 Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 3 Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 15 Larus sp. 150 Caspian Tern 1 Brandt's Cormorant 6 Double-crested Cormorant 100 Great Blue Heron 50 Osprey 3 Cooper's Hawk 3 Northern Harrier 1 Bald Eagle 10 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Belted Kingfisher 3 Red-breasted Sapsucker 3 Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 3 Hairy Woodpecker (Pacific) 1 Northern Flicker 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 3 Western Wood-Pewee 6 Willow Flycatcher 2 Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope) 1 Warbling Vireo (Western) 1 Steller's Jay 1 American Crow 16 Black-capped Chickadee 19 Chestnut-backed Chickadee 6 Bank Swallow 7 Counted individually. Probably more. Tree Swallow 6 Violet-green Swallow 6 Purple Martin 6 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3 Barn Swallow (American) 125 Cliff Swallow 11 Bushtit (Pacific) 12 Brown Creeper 3 Bewick's Wren 4 European Starling 500 Swainson's Thrush 1 Swainson's Thrush (Russet-backed) 5 American Robin 20 Cedar Waxwing 45 Purple Finch (Western) 4 American Goldfinch 15 Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 16 Song Sparrow 12 Spotted Towhee 1 Red-winged Blackbird 150 Brown-headed Cowbird 2 Common Yellowthroat 10 Yellow Warbler 6 Wilson's Warbler 10 View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S265717740 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 7 18:24:34 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Mark Ahlness via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 7 18:24:51 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Wandering Tattlers at Charles Richey viewpoint West Seattle In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Aargh - apologies for my post about the Wandering Tattlers! There was only ONE Tattler - the one I described as an adult resting on the jetty. Definitely a Wandering Tattler. There was also a Spotted Sandpiper in the vicinity... My shorebird chops are out of shape. Sorry about that - Mark On Thu, Aug 7, 2025 at 3:44?PM Mark Ahlness wrote: > > Janeanne Houston and I saw a juvie and an adult on the incoming tide today, 2:30-3:30, about 5-6 ft. Adult spent most time resting on the jetty, juvie was all over - jetty, water's edge right in front of us, and exploring the large snag just off the beach. Pics on ebird and Flickr asap. - Mark > > Mark Ahlness > mahlness@gmail.com > Seattle, WA -- Mark Ahlness mahlness@gmail.com Seattle, WA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 9 10:22:23 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 9 10:22:29 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing Aids for Birding? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi, ? I'm interested in knowing what others experience is with hearing aids and the use of them for birding.? Please include brand names for the aids you have used/are using.? Also please share how well/not so well they are for the purposes of birding.? Thanks! ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? - Jim in Skagit From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 9 12:15:41 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Bob Flores via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 9 12:15:46 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing Aids for Birding? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Jim, I use Phonak hearing aids currently, I have been using hearing aids for about 16 years, I have some insight for you. I suggest you look for hearing aids that are highly programmable and use a technician to program them for your hearing deficiencies. I have a setting for birding that I activate via my phone. What I did experience I had to relearn some bird songs/calls each time I did change aids. I am not sure if this is due to my adjustment to bird songs/calls because I had slowly lost hearing over time or maybe the tone replication from the hearing aids. It could be a mix of both effecting my hearing? I would like to mention I used, with my hearing aids I wear now, Merlin to relearn songs/calls and it expedited the time for me to recalibrate my ears. In my experience hearing aids are not perfect for birding but they greatly improve my birding experience over not having them in my ears. Bob Sent from my iPhone > On Aug 9, 2025, at 10:23, Jim Betz via Tweeters wrote: > > ?Hi, > > I'm interested in knowing what others experience is with hearing aids > and the use of them for birding. Please include brand names for the aids > you have used/are using. Also please share how well/not so well they > are for the purposes of birding. Thanks! > - Jim in Skagit > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 9 13:52:06 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 9 13:52:35 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Merlin ID question Message-ID: Hey, Tweets, is there a way to correct Merlin's sound ID? I'm listening to a bird "sing softly to itself" deep in my shrubbery. Merlin ID-ed it as a BC Chickadee and then as a House Finch. My visual is a Song Sparrow. I've heard this bird (or bird song) before (last year) and this song is always performed deep in a hedge. So how do I correct Merlin's misidentification? Carol Stoner West Seattle -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 9 14:24:52 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Steve Loitz via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 9 14:25:09 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Merlin ID question In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Merlin suggests uploading the erroneous voice recording to eBird with the correct species ID, where it can be used by Merlin to improve its voice ID accuracy. I have never done that. Maybe others can supplement and/or clarify. I am amused by some of the false Merlin voice IDs. My favorite was a Yellow-breasted Chat ID'd as a Bobolink. Merlin seems wholly incapable of distinguishing between the breeding populations of Cassin's Finch and Purple Finch calls in our area (Ellensburg and environs). On several occasions I've watched a CAFI singing on a treetop as Merlin flashes PUFI for the voice ID -- and vice versa. Merlin seems to have gotten better on some other species. Merlin voice ID is a work in progress. Steve Loitz Ellensburg On Sat, Aug 9, 2025 at 1:52?PM Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Hey, Tweets, is there a way to correct Merlin's sound ID? I'm listening > to a bird "sing softly to itself" deep in my shrubbery. Merlin ID-ed it as > a BC Chickadee and then as a House Finch. My visual is a Song Sparrow. > I've heard this bird (or bird song) before (last year) and this song is > always performed deep in a hedge. So how do I correct Merlin's > misidentification? > > Carol Stoner > West Seattle > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 9 14:26:06 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Me via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 9 14:26:23 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing aids for birding References: <4DD6601F-F4A7-4023-82F6-00A986F3D39F.ref@yahoo.com> Message-ID: <4DD6601F-F4A7-4023-82F6-00A986F3D39F@yahoo.com> Hi Jim, I am using an Oticon Intent 2. I am working with my audiologist to fine tune the program she added for birding which makes the sounds sharper. I can hear more birds but still losing out on higher pitch calls such as evening grosbeak and cedar waxwing. Not perfect but much better than before. Mike in Kent Cotinga777@yahoo.com ?????????????- Jim wrote: > > Hi, > > ? I'm interested in knowing what others experience is with hearing aids > and the use of them for birding.? Please include brand names for the aids > you have used/are using.? Also please share how well/not so well they > are for the purposes of birding.? Thanks! > ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? - Jim in Skagit From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 9 14:43:46 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (J Christian Kessler via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 9 14:44:26 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing aids for birding In-Reply-To: <4DD6601F-F4A7-4023-82F6-00A986F3D39F@yahoo.com> References: <4DD6601F-F4A7-4023-82F6-00A986F3D39F.ref@yahoo.com> <4DD6601F-F4A7-4023-82F6-00A986F3D39F@yahoo.com> Message-ID: Jim - I'm about to buy my 4th pair of hearing aids - had hearing aids for 15 years. you first need to visit an audiologist and get tested to see where your hearing loss is, then work with audiologist on which hearing seems best fit for you - audiologists sell more than one hearing aid. depending on your test results you may be okay with over the counter aids or you may need prescription aids. never used Costco, but hear good things from friends Chris Kessler On Sat, Aug 9, 2025 at 2:27?PM Me via Tweeters wrote: > Hi Jim, > > I am using an Oticon Intent 2. I am working with my audiologist to fine > tune the program she added for birding which makes the sounds sharper. I > can hear more birds but still losing out on higher pitch calls such as > evening grosbeak and cedar waxwing. Not perfect but much better than before. > > Mike in Kent > Cotinga777@yahoo.com > ?????????????- > Jim wrote: > > > > Hi, > > > > ? I'm interested in knowing what others experience is with hearing aids > > and the use of them for birding.? Please include brand names for the aids > > you have used/are using.? Also please share how well/not so well they > > are for the purposes of birding.? Thanks! > > ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? - Jim in Skagit > > _______________________________________________ > 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 Sat Aug 9 15:48:42 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 9 15:49:21 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?Swainson=E2=80=99s_Thrush=3A_Large_article_b?= =?utf-8?q?egins_on_front_page_of_Seattle_Times_Today=3A_=E2=80=9Cinside_t?= =?utf-8?q?he_parallel_journey_of_a_familiar_Northwest_summer_Bird?= =?utf-8?b?4oCd?= Message-ID: <5E157725-6FA4-4C21-B045-CF4CC1FAF22A@gmail.com> Tweeters, I have the newspaper, not the link. Almost full page article A1 and A14 Always great to see the media educating the public about Birds and environmental concerns in a substantial, serious way. If someone has the link, please post it for others to see. Best regards, Dan Reiff From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 9 15:53:55 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Diane Yorgason-Quinn via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 9 15:54:00 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing aids for birding In-Reply-To: References: <4DD6601F-F4A7-4023-82F6-00A986F3D39F.ref@yahoo.com> <4DD6601F-F4A7-4023-82F6-00A986F3D39F@yahoo.com> Message-ID: The best thing you can do is take in your copy of Nathan Pieplow's Peterson Field Guide to Bird sounds of Western North America. Have some book marks in there for the birds you would love to hear again and present them to the audiologist. They understand the spectrograms and can do whatever adjustments possible. Of course, if you are actually deaf in that range, that can't be ameliorated. Diane Yorgason-Quinn Wauna, WA Avosetta@hotmail.com ________________________________ From: Tweeters on behalf of J Christian Kessler via Tweeters Sent: Saturday, August 9, 2025 2:43 PM To: Me Cc: tweeters-request@mailman11.u.washington.edu ; tweeters@u.washington.edu Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Hearing aids for birding Jim - I'm about to buy my 4th pair of hearing aids - had hearing aids for 15 years. you first need to visit an audiologist and get tested to see where your hearing loss is, then work with audiologist on which hearing seems best fit for you - audiologists sell more than one hearing aid. depending on your test results you may be okay with over the counter aids or you may need prescription aids. never used Costco, but hear good things from friends Chris Kessler On Sat, Aug 9, 2025 at 2:27?PM Me via Tweeters > wrote: Hi Jim, I am using an Oticon Intent 2. I am working with my audiologist to fine tune the program she added for birding which makes the sounds sharper. I can hear more birds but still losing out on higher pitch calls such as evening grosbeak and cedar waxwing. Not perfect but much better than before. Mike in Kent Cotinga777@yahoo.com ?????????????- Jim wrote: > > Hi, > > ? I'm interested in knowing what others experience is with hearing aids > and the use of them for birding.? Please include brand names for the aids > you have used/are using.? Also please share how well/not so well they > are for the purposes of birding.? Thanks! > ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? - Jim in Skagit _______________________________________________ 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 Sat Aug 9 16:05:21 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 9 16:05:45 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?Article_Title_Correction=3A_Re=3A_Swainson?= =?utf-8?q?=E2=80=99s_Thrush=3A_Large_article_begins_on_front_page_of_Seat?= =?utf-8?q?tle_Times_Today=3A_=E2=80=9Cinside_the_PERILOUS_journey_of_a_fa?= =?utf-8?q?miliar_Northwest_summer_Bird=E2=80=9D?= In-Reply-To: <5E157725-6FA4-4C21-B045-CF4CC1FAF22A@gmail.com> References: <5E157725-6FA4-4C21-B045-CF4CC1FAF22A@gmail.com> Message-ID: <2FD82AF8-7859-417D-BF08-3D069E0CA382@gmail.com> Sent from my iPhone > On Aug 9, 2025, at 3:49?PM, Dan Reiff wrote: > > ?Tweeters, > I have the newspaper, not the link. > Almost full page article A1 and A14 > Always great to see the media educating the public about Birds and environmental concerns in a substantial, serious way. > If someone has the link, please post it for others to see. > Best regards, > Dan Reiff > From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 9 17:05:57 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 9 17:06:22 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?Peter_Mann_sent_the_link-Re=3A__Swainson?= =?utf-8?q?=E2=80=99s_Thrush=3A_Large_article_begins_on_front_page_of_Seat?= =?utf-8?q?tle_Times_Today=3A_=E2=80=9Cinside_the_parallel_journey_of_a_fa?= =?utf-8?q?miliar_Northwest_summer_Bird=E2=80=9D?= In-Reply-To: <1D618885-B411-4800-9756-367D675BD6AF@epl-inc.com> References: <1D618885-B411-4800-9756-367D675BD6AF@epl-inc.com> Message-ID: Thank you for sending the link, Peter. Tweeters, see the link he sent below. Dan Reiff > > Inside the perilous journey of a familiar Northwest summer bird > https://replica.seattletimes.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?artguid=f5a21b05-d903-433e-9d89-e6d3ff3b0efb&appcode=SEATTL&eguid=a6285c85-9ac5-4afa-93b0-8305cd10ccbc&pnum=5# > Sent from my iPhone > On Aug 9, 2025, at 4:06?PM, Peter Mann wrote: > > ?Dan > See if this works: > > Inside the perilous journey of a familiar Northwest summer bird > https://replica.seattletimes.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?artguid=f5a21b05-d903-433e-9d89-e6d3ff3b0efb&appcode=SEATTL&eguid=a6285c85-9ac5-4afa-93b0-8305cd10ccbc&pnum=5# > > Sent from my iPad > >> On Aug 9, 2025, at 3:49?PM, Dan Reiff via Tweeters wrote: >> >> ?Tweeters, >> I have the newspaper, not the link. >> Almost full page article A1 and A14 >> Always great to see the media educating the public about Birds and environmental concerns in a substantial, serious way. >> If someone has the link, please post it for others to see. >> Best regards, >> Dan Reiff >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Tweeters mailing list >> Tweeters@u.washington.edu >> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >> Caution: This is an external email and may be malicious. Please take care when clicking links or opening attachments. >> From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 9 17:23:35 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 9 17:23:49 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] August 2, 2025 Westport Seabirds trip report Message-ID: Hi Tweeters, An unusual situation greeted the participants, staff, and crew of the *Monte Carlo* on last Saturday's Westport Seabirds trip to Grays Canyon - sunshine with a mix of clouds and fairly calm seas throughout the day! Therefore, the silver wing linings of the Sooty Shearwaters (1,087) encountered over the Continental Shelf showed more than on other trips and the underwing and underparts of Pink-footed Shearwaters (2,768) were quite noticeable at a great distance. Much to the delight of everyone on board, the varying shades of gray on the Northern Fulmar (36 - a high for the "fall" season) and the pearl gray of the diminutive Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel (64) were easy to discern. Black-footed Albatrosses (42) cruised by at the shrimp boats that worked the edge of the shelf and the lighting again made it easy to distinguish adults from immature birds. Short-tailed Shearwaters (2) proved difficult on this trip with only a few confirmed off the bow and those only seen by a few. In a way, not seeing loads of Short-tails like in the last several years may mean that conditions are improving in the northern pacific waters where most of the short-tails should be at this time of the year. Sabine's Gulls (33) and Arctic Terns (12) put on their strongest showing of the season especially when we chummed over deep water off the edge of the continental shelf. Much to everyone's relief, our main target over deep water showed up but not before some anxious moments wondering where they were. Leach's Storm-Petrel (1) is a deep water specialist of the summer months off Washington. Later in the season, they head further out to sea beyond the range that a daylong pelagic trip can achieve. The highlight came in the afternoon as we headed through the several thousand birds that were feeding around three shrimpers. I heard someone call out "Laysan" and, indeed, a Laysan Albatross (1) was bearing down on us and made several close passes before Captain Phil snuck up on it after it lit amid the throng of other seabirds. After trying to find Short-tailed Shearwaters, seeing this large black and white albatross was easy without the aid of optics. We noticed and documented the leg band and one photographer was able to read the band number. This will be run through the system so we can determine where this albatross calls home. If the same as many previous observations, it may be from a colony on one of the islands off Baja California Other species seen on the trip included Red Phalarope (season high 19 - several showing a bit of retained reddish plumage), Red-necked Phalarope (12), Cassin's Auklet (15), and a few distant and brief views of jaegers (no skua slam for us this day). Growing numbers of Common Murres (1,161) and a reduced showing of Rhinoceros Auklets (31) were seen on the way back to Westport. There was, unfortunately, no mammal show today with a single Gray Whale, a Guadalupe Fur Seal (first of the season) and a few Dall's Porpoise (4) being sole representatives beyond the tips of the jetties. A few huge mola molas (Ocean Sunfish) flip flopped close to the *Monte Carlo* - always fun creatures to watch! Steller's Sea Lions (4) are seemingly permanently attached to several of the channel markers (I don't remember the last time I *didn't* see one on the markers) and Harbor Porpoise (6) tested our patience as we tried to see them well between the jetties. Though not a pelagic species, Brown Pelicans put on an incredible display of just raw numbers (2,485) along the south jetty. Great to see that they had a very successful breeding season down south as did the Heermann's Gulls (445 - 90+% were adults). 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, Cara Borre, and your trip reporter. Even though the Westport Seabirds schedule ( http://westportseabirds.com/2025-schedule/) shows all trips as full, it's always a good idea to think of future pelagic opportunities (last minute openings happen)! We 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 9 17:50:51 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Patty Cheek via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 9 17:51:10 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing Aids for Birding? (Jim Betz via Tweeters) References: Message-ID: I have used Lexi Hearing Aids for the past two years. They are great and they don?t cost an arm and a leg. When I go outside, I hear very few birds without the aids. When I adjust them, I hear all the birds around. It?s quite revealing. The Lexi?s do NOT require an appointment and can be easily adjusted from smart phones. https://lexiehearing.com/us/lexie-lumen-hearing-aid?utm_source=google&utm_campaign=USA%20%7C%20Google%20%7C%20Purchase%20%7C%20Lexie%20%7C%20Lumen%20%7C%20PMax%20Lexie%20Lumen%20%7C%20NULL&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18201768630&gbraid=0AAAAACZdDte46pbazyT3d58F_1lbD59FV? Lexie Lumen | Affordable hearing aids lexiehearing.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: lumen-product-page.jpeg Type: image/jpeg Size: 16019 bytes Desc: not available URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 9 19:58:38 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (jmyb@aol.com via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 9 19:58:42 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing Aids for Birding References: <1473932067.2051600.1754794718158.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1473932067.2051600.1754794718158@mail.yahoo.com> I didn't know that the Siskins that were devouring my seeds were also chirping up a real racket until I wore hearing aids. I wear Miracle-ear aids that have variable amplification profiles, like an equalizer, so you can tune them to the situation you are in. Highly recommended.? -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 9 20:20:48 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Robert O'Brien via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 9 20:21:02 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing aids for birding In-Reply-To: <4DD6601F-F4A7-4023-82F6-00A986F3D39F@yahoo.com> References: <4DD6601F-F4A7-4023-82F6-00A986F3D39F.ref@yahoo.com> <4DD6601F-F4A7-4023-82F6-00A986F3D39F@yahoo.com> Message-ID: This thread came up a few months ago and I posted a long experience I've had. I'll skip that now. I have Costco Hearing aids, the ones recommended by the technician there. Economical at $ 1500 for both and a great improvement over none. I hear lots of birds.now. BUT, since then, I've discovered the simple, ultimate test. Go out in the field with Merlin on a birdy morning in spring (or any other time) and see how your hearing compares with Merlin. What I find is that I cannot hear Golden-crowned Kinglets, Brown Creepers, and others with high pitched sounds. But Merlin does. I only hear about 1/2 the birds Merlin reports. The other half are either too far away or too high pitched. But I'm still a happy guy because thanks to Merlin, I know they are still around. Someone suggested playing such bird songs/calls to an audiologist and see what they can do. Seems a great idea, and pit yourself against Merlin while you're doing it. Bob OBrien Portland On Sat, Aug 9, 2025 at 2:26?PM Me via Tweeters wrote: > Hi Jim, > > I am using an Oticon Intent 2. I am working with my audiologist to fine > tune the program she added for birding which makes the sounds sharper. I > can hear more birds but still losing out on higher pitch calls such as > evening grosbeak and cedar waxwing. Not perfect but much better than before. > > Mike in Kent > Cotinga777@yahoo.com > ?????????????- > Jim wrote: > > > > Hi, > > > > ? I'm interested in knowing what others experience is with hearing aids > > and the use of them for birding.? Please include brand names for the aids > > you have used/are using.? Also please share how well/not so well they > > are for the purposes of birding.? Thanks! > > ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? - Jim in Skagit > > _______________________________________________ > 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 10 09:51:40 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Cara Borre via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 10 09:51:55 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] August 2, 2025 Westport Seabirds trip report In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <4551A938-CEF1-41DE-A401-F75422730E02@gmail.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 10 13:56:05 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Bob Boekelheide via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 10 13:56:20 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing Aids for Birding? Message-ID: Hi Jim, I use Phillips hearing aids I bought at Costco, which work very well for me. At Costco they have ?hearing aid specialists,? not audiologists. Before buying mine, I visited both an official audiologist as well as a Costco hearing aid store, both of which gave me what seemed like virtually identical hearing tests with virtually the same results. The main difference was that the Phillips hearing aids at Costco cost $1500 and the other hearing aids through the commercial store cost $4500 - $6000. Just like the more expensive hearing aids, the Phillips use a cell phone app to choose different ?programs? and sound levels, as well as an equalizer to adjust frequencies within each program. The app works very well, recently updated to increase its speed. I hate to sound like a Costco commercial, but it seemed like a no-brainer to buy the ones at Costco, which include free cleanings without an appointment and regular free appointments for adjustments and updates. When I first went in, I jokingly told the ?specialist? that my measure of success is to hear Golden-crowned Kinglets 100 feet up in the Doug-firs. I was losing high-frequency hearing above 3000 Hz, which these hearing aids definitely help. I?ve been very pleased, but?. I can now hear Golden-crowned Kinglets surprisingly well when they are nearby, but, dang it, I still have trouble hearing them 100 feet up in the Doug-firs. When I?m with some young birding friends with excellent hearing, my friends occasionally hear some high-pitched voices way up there that I struggle to hear. Maybe I?m asking too much, but the frequencies seem to top out at about 8000 Hz, even when adjusted with the equalizer. But it's a lot better than it used to be. There are a whole lot of bird sounds between 3000 and 8000 Hz. The other problem with hearing aids is they amplify all sounds, not just the birds you want to hear. So rivers, highways, footsteps, people talking, etc, are louder as well, sometimes getting in the way of hearing the birds. Hope this helps, Bob Boekelheide Dungeness From: Jim Betz via Tweeters > Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing Aids for Birding? Date: August 9, 2025 at 10:22:23?AM PDT To: via Tweeters > Reply-To: jimbetz@jimbetz.com Hi, I'm interested in knowing what others experience is with hearing aids and the use of them for birding. Please include brand names for the aids you have used/are using. Also please share how well/not so well they are for the purposes of birding. Thanks! - Jim in Skagit -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 10 14:44:59 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Diann MacRae via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 10 14:45:03 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing Aids for Birding? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 10 16:01:37 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Tom Benedict via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 10 16:01:53 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing Aids for Birding? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <17655C68-C01E-4531-B095-EFB127445176@comcast.net> >When I?m with some young birding friends with excellent hearing, my friends occasionally hear some high-pitched voices way up there that I struggle to hear. Maybe I?m asking too much, but the frequencies seem to top out at about 8000 Hz, even when adjusted with the equalizer. But it's a lot better than it used to be. Yup. The audiologist I used told me ?I cannot restore hearing. Once it is lost it is gone. What I can do is improve what is left." >The other problem with hearing aids is they amplify all sounds, not just the birds you want to hear. So rivers, highways, footsteps, people talking, etc, are louder as well, sometimes getting in the way of hearing the birds. Among other things. Who knew that slippers were so loud? And the sound of wind hitting the windshield while driving! I stopped wearing my hearing aids at dinner and when loud talkers are around. I?m a nervous and anxious type in general and have grown accustomed to my ?quiet? so don?t use the hearing aids unless I?m going to a presentation or music performance. Tom Benedict Seahurst, WA > On Aug 10, 2025, at 13:56, Bob Boekelheide via Tweeters wrote: > > Hi Jim, > > I use Phillips hearing aids I bought at Costco, which work very well for me. At Costco they have ?hearing aid specialists,? not audiologists. Before buying mine, I visited both an official audiologist as well as a Costco hearing aid store, both of which gave me what seemed like virtually identical hearing tests with virtually the same results. The main difference was that the Phillips hearing aids at Costco cost $1500 and the other hearing aids through the commercial store cost $4500 - $6000. Just like the more expensive hearing aids, the Phillips use a cell phone app to choose different ?programs? and sound levels, as well as an equalizer to adjust frequencies within each program. The app works very well, recently updated to increase its speed. I hate to sound like a Costco commercial, but it seemed like a no-brainer to buy the ones at Costco, which include free cleanings without an appointment and regular free appointments for adjustments and updates. > > When I first went in, I jokingly told the ?specialist? that my measure of success is to hear Golden-crowned Kinglets 100 feet up in the Doug-firs. I was losing high-frequency hearing above 3000 Hz, which these hearing aids definitely help. I?ve been very pleased, but?. I can now hear Golden-crowned Kinglets surprisingly well when they are nearby, but, dang it, I still have trouble hearing them 100 feet up in the Doug-firs. When I?m with some young birding friends with excellent hearing, my friends occasionally hear some high-pitched voices way up there that I struggle to hear. Maybe I?m asking too much, but the frequencies seem to top out at about 8000 Hz, even when adjusted with the equalizer. But it's a lot better than it used to be. There are a whole lot of bird sounds between 3000 and 8000 Hz. > > The other problem with hearing aids is they amplify all sounds, not just the birds you want to hear. So rivers, highways, footsteps, people talking, etc, are louder as well, sometimes getting in the way of hearing the birds. > > Hope this helps, > Bob Boekelheide > Dungeness > > > From: Jim Betz via Tweeters > > Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing Aids for Birding? > Date: August 9, 2025 at 10:22:23?AM PDT > To: via Tweeters > > Reply-To: jimbetz@jimbetz.com > > > Hi, > > I'm interested in knowing what others experience is with hearing aids > and the use of them for birding. Please include brand names for the aids > you have used/are using. Also please share how well/not so well they > are for the purposes of birding. Thanks! > - Jim in Skagit > > _______________________________________________ > 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 10 16:30:12 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Joshua Hayes via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 10 16:30:25 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] My favorite Merlin non-ID oddity Message-ID: There are a number of peculiar misidentifications - don't get me wrong, I love Merlin, it's super useful, especially for songs I know I've heard only rarely - but I have stood 20 feet away from singing Varied Thrushes and watched Merlin insist there are no birds singing ANYWHERE. Nope. Uh-uh. They do sound kind of metallic and industrial, I guess, but c'mon, Merlin! Josh Hayes Joshuaahayes@proton.me Sent with [Proton Mail](https://proton.me/mail/home) secure email. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 10 19:45:34 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Kevin Lucas via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 10 19:46:04 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Bike ride bird Message-ID: Crippled up as a bicycling victim of a hit-and-run, I got really into seeing birds, hearing, watching, & studying them, surveying them, and helping a friend in his studies of one species. After a dozen years, a couple years ago, I was finally able to ride my bike again without too much pain. Now I love the combination of bicycling and bird watching and listening. Every ride offers treats. Today's most notable was a black and white crow. I've never seen one like it before. I stopped and took phone photos in the high 90's heat of late afternoon with salt sweat stinging and blurring my eyes. The photos are poor, but show a neato bird. I'll review my front-facing action camera files to see whether it captured footage of it too. >From my simple human point of view, it seemed to get along just peachily with all the other crows. Good Birding, Please ALWAYS practice ethical bird watching: https://www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding-ethics/ Even when you're not aware you too are being observed. Kevin Lucas Yakima County, Washington *Qui tacet consentire videtur* *I prefer truth and decency to lies, hate mongering, cruelty, genocide, self-dealing, and theft of billions of dollars by an oligarchy of addled-brained selfish billionaires.* -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 10 21:07:03 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Zora Monster via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 10 21:07:19 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing Aids for Birding? In-Reply-To: <17655C68-C01E-4531-B095-EFB127445176@comcast.net> References: <17655C68-C01E-4531-B095-EFB127445176@comcast.net> Message-ID: <2D6F6847-E178-445A-8F52-1D48CD0AA8AD@mac.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 11 09:08:26 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 11 09:08:35 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing Aids for Birding? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <67e9bd19-3d58-4246-a887-e35882be0234@jimbetz.com> Thank you ALL! ? There have been so many responders, both on and off this list, that I'm forced to have to a blanket thank you rather than individual.? So let me net out the responses ... ? 1) Almost everyone says "Yes, hearing aids have helped me for birding." ? ? ? ?Some even reported hearing birds they thought they had "lost forever"! ? 2) The use of hearing aids that let you control the sounds you hear (and ? ? ? ?don't hear) by the hearing equivalent of an audio equalizer are best. ? 3) There weren't any "total failures" of a particular brand reported.? So ? ? ? ?as long as you have a type that has #2 you will get improvements. ? 4) Several reported "annoying side effects" such as hearing sounds they ? ? ? ?would rather not hear to a level that they interfere with hearing the ? ? ? ?birds.? Examples of those sounds are footsteps, rustling papers/leaves, ? ? ? ?vehicle traffic, loud noises such as horns or even phone alerts ("dings"), ? ? ? ?and even wind noises or voices in a restaurant. ? 5) No one reported having aids that let the user "program them by ? ? ? ?sound type" ... for instance "I want to hear birds and voices better ? ? ? ?but not the rest of my environment" or "don't increase the volume ? ? ? ?of footsteps on gravel".? Several said they could do their own equalizer ? ? ? ?setup - but you have to know what area of the sound spectrum is ? ? ? ?"wind" in order to eliminate that sound type. ? 6) I am trying out the aids from hear.com that you may have seen ? ? ? ?internet ads for - and all of the above seems to be true.? At least one ? ? ? ?feature of these is the ability to focus your hearing directionally - this ? ? ? ?means you can tell the devices to 'accentuate sounds in front of me' ? ? ? ?(or to the left, right, or behind).? These particular aids are very small ? ? ? ?and, so far, none of our friends have noticed them - they have a very ? ? ? ?small wire that runs to a 'speaker' in your ear and then a very small ? ? ? ?thing that sits behind your ear. ? ? ? ? ? ?I have my first "repeat visit with the sound tech/audiologist" ? ? ? ?tomorrow and will report back on how well they could/couldn't ? ? ? ?improve the 'annoying sounds'. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?- thanks again, you are the best ... Jim From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 11 09:50:03 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 11 09:50:11 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] RFI Binocular sources Message-ID: I have to replace my lost pair of binoculars. The model I had is no longer available and I want to test new models before making a purchase. There are limited places that carry binocular here on the peninsula, but I have to take a friend to Swedish Cherry Hill for a procedure in early Sept. Since I'll have some time to spare, I wondered whether there is a shop anywhere in that general vicinity within easy walk or bus ride that would have inventory that I could try out for fit and function. Any info on possible spots would be greatly appreciated. Direct response is encouraged rather than clogging this site with info of little interest to others. judy mullally Port Angeles WA judyem at olypen dot com From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 11 09:59:38 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Zora Monster via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 11 09:59:57 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] RFI Binocular sources In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <46912483-DDAD-4DBC-9540-53EF0F70CB9C@mac.com> Birds Connect Seattle (the former Seattle Audubon) has a large selection of binoculars to choose from. They?re probably your best bet in the city. https://birdsconnectsea.org/visit/ Zora Dermer Seattle Sent from my iPhone > On Aug 11, 2025, at 9:50?AM, via Tweeters wrote: > > ?I have to replace my lost pair of binoculars. The model I had is no longer available and I want to test new models before making a purchase. There are limited places that carry binocular here on the peninsula, but I have to take a friend to Swedish Cherry Hill for a procedure in early Sept. Since I'll have some time to spare, I wondered whether there is a shop anywhere in that general vicinity within easy walk or bus ride that would have inventory that I could try out for fit and function. > > Any info on possible spots would be greatly appreciated. Direct response is encouraged rather than clogging this site with info of little interest to others. > > judy mullally Port Angeles WA judyem at olypen dot com > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 11 12:28:24 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Tom Benedict via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 11 12:28:43 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing Aids for Birding? In-Reply-To: <67e9bd19-3d58-4246-a887-e35882be0234@jimbetz.com> References: <67e9bd19-3d58-4246-a887-e35882be0234@jimbetz.com> Message-ID: <318A8472-4088-4BB6-AF3B-8E9F7A038A4B@comcast.net> 5) No one reported having aids that let the user "program them by sound type" ... for instance "I want to hear birds and voices better but not the rest of my environment" or "don't increase the volume of footsteps on gravel". Several said they could do their own equalizer setup - but you have to know what area of the sound spectrum is "wind" in order to eliminate that sound type. My hearing aids have a button which I can press to toggle between two programs that the audiologist programmed for me. A basic program which cuts out the wind on the car windshield noise and a ?music? program which boosts the high frequencies. Some hearing aids ( I think the more expensive ones ($6K+), mine are ?bottom of the line? and were only $3500) have more programability by the consumer. HTH, Tom Benedict Seahurst, WA > On Aug 11, 2025, at 09:08, Jim Betz via Tweeters wrote: > > Thank you ALL! > > There have been so many responders, both on and off this list, that I'm > forced to have to a blanket thank you rather than individual. So let me > net out the responses ... > > 1) Almost everyone says "Yes, hearing aids have helped me for birding." > Some even reported hearing birds they thought they had "lost forever"! > > 2) The use of hearing aids that let you control the sounds you hear (and > don't hear) by the hearing equivalent of an audio equalizer are best. > > 3) There weren't any "total failures" of a particular brand reported. So > as long as you have a type that has #2 you will get improvements. > > 4) Several reported "annoying side effects" such as hearing sounds they > would rather not hear to a level that they interfere with hearing the > birds. Examples of those sounds are footsteps, rustling papers/leaves, > vehicle traffic, loud noises such as horns or even phone alerts ("dings"), > and even wind noises or voices in a restaurant. > > 5) No one reported having aids that let the user "program them by > sound type" ... for instance "I want to hear birds and voices better > but not the rest of my environment" or "don't increase the volume > of footsteps on gravel". Several said they could do their own equalizer > setup - but you have to know what area of the sound spectrum is > "wind" in order to eliminate that sound type. > > 6) I am trying out the aids from hear.com that you may have seen > internet ads for - and all of the above seems to be true. At least one > feature of these is the ability to focus your hearing directionally - this > means you can tell the devices to 'accentuate sounds in front of me' > (or to the left, right, or behind). These particular aids are very small > and, so far, none of our friends have noticed them - they have a very > small wire that runs to a 'speaker' in your ear and then a very small > thing that sits behind your ear. > I have my first "repeat visit with the sound tech/audiologist" > tomorrow and will report back on how well they could/couldn't > improve the 'annoying sounds'. > > - thanks again, you are the best ... Jim > _______________________________________________ > 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 11 12:43:20 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (jimullrich via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 11 12:43:34 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Judy Lost Binoculars Message-ID: <5E1D9B06-D148-449F-8527-DB0D5C266380@gmail.com> Judy you have a great Optics shop, just down 101 from you at Wild Birds Unlimited of Gardiner. Call ahead and ask for Christi and she will set up an appointment for you. She carries, Vortex, Swarovski and a new stabilizer company as well Yours for The Birds Jimullrich Sent from my iPhone From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 11 13:14:01 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (STEVEN harper via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 11 13:14:28 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing Aids In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I also went with the Costco Phillips brand hearing aid which were a great deal and included a charger as well as all of the free cleanings and other benefits. I did a lot of research before buying these 18 months ago and I discovered that the top of the line hearing aids from Oticon, Phillips, Widex and other brands amplify sounds between 8,000 and 10,000 Hz while the less expensive models only amplify sound up to 8,000 Hz as they are really designed primarily for hearing human voices. Another thing I discovered is that the top of the line Oticon (Real 3) and the Costco Phillips brand are manufactured by the same manufacturer but sold under different brand names. I requested detailed specifications for both of these brands from my Audiologist and from Costco and the specifications for the top of the line Oticon and the Phillips from Costco were identical. I don?t mean similar I mean absolutely identical. One other thing my wife and I have discovered (she has Widex hearing aids) is that using the music setting on your app for the hearing aids allows one to hear way more birds as this setting picks up sounds from all directions and not just toward the front. A very noticeable difference. Of course they pick up all of the other sounds as well. > On Aug 11, 2025, at 12:01?PM, via Tweeters wrote: > > ?Send Tweeters mailing list submissions to > tweeters@u.washington.edu > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > tweeters-request@mailman11.u.washington.edu > > You can reach the person managing the list at > tweeters-owner@mailman11.u.washington.edu > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Tweeters digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Hearing Aids for Birding? (Bob Boekelheide via Tweeters) > 2. Re: Hearing Aids for Birding? (Diann MacRae via Tweeters) > 3. Re: Hearing Aids for Birding? (Tom Benedict via Tweeters) > 4. My favorite Merlin non-ID oddity (Joshua Hayes via Tweeters) > 5. Bike ride bird (Kevin Lucas via Tweeters) > 6. Re: Hearing Aids for Birding? (Zora Monster via Tweeters) > 7. Re: Hearing Aids for Birding? (Jim Betz via Tweeters) > 8. RFI Binocular sources (via Tweeters) > 9. Re: RFI Binocular sources (Zora Monster via Tweeters) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2025 13:56:05 -0700 > From: Bob Boekelheide via Tweeters > To: jimbetz@jimbetz.com, Tweeters Tweeters > Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Hearing Aids for Birding? > Message-ID: > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Hi Jim, > > I use Phillips hearing aids I bought at Costco, which work very well for me. At Costco they have ?hearing aid specialists,? not audiologists. Before buying mine, I visited both an official audiologist as well as a Costco hearing aid store, both of which gave me what seemed like virtually identical hearing tests with virtually the same results. The main difference was that the Phillips hearing aids at Costco cost $1500 and the other hearing aids through the commercial store cost $4500 - $6000. Just like the more expensive hearing aids, the Phillips use a cell phone app to choose different ?programs? and sound levels, as well as an equalizer to adjust frequencies within each program. The app works very well, recently updated to increase its speed. I hate to sound like a Costco commercial, but it seemed like a no-brainer to buy the ones at Costco, which include free cleanings without an appointment and regular free appointments for adjustments and updates. > > When I first went in, I jokingly told the ?specialist? that my measure of success is to hear Golden-crowned Kinglets 100 feet up in the Doug-firs. I was losing high-frequency hearing above 3000 Hz, which these hearing aids definitely help. I?ve been very pleased, but?. I can now hear Golden-crowned Kinglets surprisingly well when they are nearby, but, dang it, I still have trouble hearing them 100 feet up in the Doug-firs. When I?m with some young birding friends with excellent hearing, my friends occasionally hear some high-pitched voices way up there that I struggle to hear. Maybe I?m asking too much, but the frequencies seem to top out at about 8000 Hz, even when adjusted with the equalizer. But it's a lot better than it used to be. There are a whole lot of bird sounds between 3000 and 8000 Hz. > > The other problem with hearing aids is they amplify all sounds, not just the birds you want to hear. So rivers, highways, footsteps, people talking, etc, are louder as well, sometimes getting in the way of hearing the birds. > > Hope this helps, > Bob Boekelheide > Dungeness > > > From: Jim Betz via Tweeters > > Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing Aids for Birding? > Date: August 9, 2025 at 10:22:23?AM PDT > To: via Tweeters > > Reply-To: jimbetz@jimbetz.com > > > Hi, > > I'm interested in knowing what others experience is with hearing aids > and the use of them for birding. Please include brand names for the aids > you have used/are using. Also please share how well/not so well they > are for the purposes of birding. Thanks! > - Jim in Skagit > > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2025 23:44:59 +0200 > From: Diann MacRae via Tweeters > To: tweeters t > Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Hearing Aids for Birding? > Message-ID: > > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2025 16:01:37 -0700 > From: Tom Benedict via Tweeters > To: Tweeters Tweeters > Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Hearing Aids for Birding? > Message-ID: <17655C68-C01E-4531-B095-EFB127445176@comcast.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > >> When I?m with some young birding friends with excellent hearing, my friends occasionally hear some high-pitched voices way up there that I struggle to hear. Maybe I?m asking too much, but the frequencies seem to top out at about 8000 Hz, even when adjusted with the equalizer. But it's a lot better than it used to be. > > Yup. The audiologist I used told me ?I cannot restore hearing. Once it is lost it is gone. What I can do is improve what is left." > >> The other problem with hearing aids is they amplify all sounds, not just the birds you want to hear. So rivers, highways, footsteps, people talking, etc, are louder as well, sometimes getting in the way of hearing the birds. > > Among other things. Who knew that slippers were so loud? And the sound of wind hitting the windshield while driving! I stopped wearing my hearing aids at dinner and when loud talkers are around. I?m a nervous and anxious type in general and have grown accustomed to my ?quiet? so don?t use the hearing aids unless I?m going to a presentation or music performance. > > Tom Benedict > Seahurst, WA > >> On Aug 10, 2025, at 13:56, Bob Boekelheide via Tweeters wrote: >> >> Hi Jim, >> >> I use Phillips hearing aids I bought at Costco, which work very well for me. At Costco they have ?hearing aid specialists,? not audiologists. Before buying mine, I visited both an official audiologist as well as a Costco hearing aid store, both of which gave me what seemed like virtually identical hearing tests with virtually the same results. The main difference was that the Phillips hearing aids at Costco cost $1500 and the other hearing aids through the commercial store cost $4500 - $6000. Just like the more expensive hearing aids, the Phillips use a cell phone app to choose different ?programs? and sound levels, as well as an equalizer to adjust frequencies within each program. The app works very well, recently updated to increase its speed. I hate to sound like a Costco commercial, but it seemed like a no-brainer to buy the ones at Costco, which include free cleanings without an appointment and regular free appointments for adjustments and updates. >> >> When I first went in, I jokingly told the ?specialist? that my measure of success is to hear Golden-crowned Kinglets 100 feet up in the Doug-firs. I was losing high-frequency hearing above 3000 Hz, which these hearing aids definitely help. I?ve been very pleased, but?. I can now hear Golden-crowned Kinglets surprisingly well when they are nearby, but, dang it, I still have trouble hearing them 100 feet up in the Doug-firs. When I?m with some young birding friends with excellent hearing, my friends occasionally hear some high-pitched voices way up there that I struggle to hear. Maybe I?m asking too much, but the frequencies seem to top out at about 8000 Hz, even when adjusted with the equalizer. But it's a lot better than it used to be. There are a whole lot of bird sounds between 3000 and 8000 Hz. >> >> The other problem with hearing aids is they amplify all sounds, not just the birds you want to hear. So rivers, highways, footsteps, people talking, etc, are louder as well, sometimes getting in the way of hearing the birds. >> >> Hope this helps, >> Bob Boekelheide >> Dungeness >> >> >> From: Jim Betz via Tweeters > >> Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing Aids for Birding? >> Date: August 9, 2025 at 10:22:23?AM PDT >> To: via Tweeters > >> Reply-To: jimbetz@jimbetz.com >> >> >> Hi, >> >> I'm interested in knowing what others experience is with hearing aids >> and the use of them for birding. Please include brand names for the aids >> you have used/are using. Also please share how well/not so well they >> are for the purposes of birding. Thanks! >> - Jim in Skagit >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Tweeters mailing list >> Tweeters@u.washington.edu >> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2025 23:30:12 +0000 > From: Joshua Hayes via Tweeters > To: "tcstonefam@gmail.com" , > "tweeters@u.washington.edu" > Subject: [Tweeters] My favorite Merlin non-ID oddity > Message-ID: > > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > There are a number of peculiar misidentifications - don't get me wrong, I love Merlin, it's super useful, especially for songs I know I've heard only rarely - but I have stood 20 feet away from singing Varied Thrushes and watched Merlin insist there are no birds singing ANYWHERE. Nope. Uh-uh. > > They do sound kind of metallic and industrial, I guess, but c'mon, Merlin! > > Josh Hayes > Joshuaahayes@proton.me > Sent with [Proton Mail](https://proton.me/mail/home) secure email. > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 5 > Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2025 19:45:34 -0700 > From: Kevin Lucas via Tweeters > To: Tweeters > Subject: [Tweeters] Bike ride bird > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Crippled up as a bicycling victim of a hit-and-run, I got really into > seeing birds, hearing, watching, & studying them, surveying them, and > helping a friend in his studies of one species. After a dozen years, a > couple years ago, I was finally able to ride my bike again without too much > pain. Now I love the combination of bicycling and bird watching and > listening. Every ride offers treats. Today's most notable was a black and > white crow. I've never seen one like it before. I stopped and took phone > photos in the high 90's heat of late afternoon with salt sweat stinging and > blurring my eyes. The photos are poor, but show a neato bird. I'll review > my front-facing action camera files to see whether it captured footage of > it too. > >> From my simple human point of view, it seemed to get along just peachily > with all the other crows. > > Good Birding, > > Please ALWAYS practice ethical bird watching: > https://www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding-ethics/ > Even when you're not aware you too are being observed. > > Kevin Lucas > Yakima County, Washington > > > *Qui tacet consentire videtur* > > *I prefer truth and decency to lies, hate mongering, cruelty, genocide, > self-dealing, and theft of billions of dollars by an oligarchy of > addled-brained selfish billionaires.* > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 6 > Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2025 21:07:03 -0700 > From: Zora Monster via Tweeters > To: Tom Benedict > Cc: Tweeters Tweeters > Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Hearing Aids for Birding? > Message-ID: <2D6F6847-E178-445A-8F52-1D48CD0AA8AD@mac.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 7 > Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2025 09:08:26 -0700 > From: Jim Betz via Tweeters > To: via Tweeters > Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Hearing Aids for Birding? > Message-ID: <67e9bd19-3d58-4246-a887-e35882be0234@jimbetz.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed > > Thank you ALL! > > ? There have been so many responders, both on and off this list, that I'm > forced to have to a blanket thank you rather than individual.? So let me > net out the responses ... > > ? 1) Almost everyone says "Yes, hearing aids have helped me for birding." > ? ? ? ?Some even reported hearing birds they thought they had "lost > forever"! > > ? 2) The use of hearing aids that let you control the sounds you hear (and > ? ? ? ?don't hear) by the hearing equivalent of an audio equalizer are > best. > > ? 3) There weren't any "total failures" of a particular brand reported.? So > ? ? ? ?as long as you have a type that has #2 you will get improvements. > > ? 4) Several reported "annoying side effects" such as hearing sounds they > ? ? ? ?would rather not hear to a level that they interfere with > hearing the > ? ? ? ?birds.? Examples of those sounds are footsteps, rustling > papers/leaves, > ? ? ? ?vehicle traffic, loud noises such as horns or even phone alerts > ("dings"), > ? ? ? ?and even wind noises or voices in a restaurant. > > ? 5) No one reported having aids that let the user "program them by > ? ? ? ?sound type" ... for instance "I want to hear birds and voices better > ? ? ? ?but not the rest of my environment" or "don't increase the volume > ? ? ? ?of footsteps on gravel".? Several said they could do their own > equalizer > ? ? ? ?setup - but you have to know what area of the sound spectrum is > ? ? ? ?"wind" in order to eliminate that sound type. > > ? 6) I am trying out the aids from hear.com that you may have seen > ? ? ? ?internet ads for - and all of the above seems to be true.? At > least one > ? ? ? ?feature of these is the ability to focus your hearing > directionally - this > ? ? ? ?means you can tell the devices to 'accentuate sounds in front of me' > ? ? ? ?(or to the left, right, or behind).? These particular aids are > very small > ? ? ? ?and, so far, none of our friends have noticed them - they have a > very > ? ? ? ?small wire that runs to a 'speaker' in your ear and then a very > small > ? ? ? ?thing that sits behind your ear. > ? ? ? ? ? ?I have my first "repeat visit with the sound tech/audiologist" > ? ? ? ?tomorrow and will report back on how well they could/couldn't > ? ? ? ?improve the 'annoying sounds'. > > ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?- thanks again, you > are the best ... Jim > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 8 > Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2025 09:50:03 -0700 > From: via Tweeters > To: tweeters > Subject: [Tweeters] RFI Binocular sources > Message-ID: > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed > > I have to replace my lost pair of binoculars. The model I had is no > longer available and I want to test new models before making a purchase. > There are limited places that carry binocular here on the peninsula, but > I have to take a friend to Swedish Cherry Hill for a procedure in early > Sept. Since I'll have some time to spare, I wondered whether there is a > shop anywhere in that general vicinity within easy walk or bus ride that > would have inventory that I could try out for fit and function. > > Any info on possible spots would be greatly appreciated. Direct response > is encouraged rather than clogging this site with info of little > interest to others. > > judy mullally Port Angeles WA judyem at olypen dot com > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 9 > Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2025 09:59:38 -0700 > From: Zora Monster via Tweeters > To: judyem@olypen.com > Cc: tweeters > Subject: Re: [Tweeters] RFI Binocular sources > Message-ID: <46912483-DDAD-4DBC-9540-53EF0F70CB9C@mac.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Birds Connect Seattle (the former Seattle Audubon) has a large selection of binoculars to choose from. They?re probably your best bet in the city. https://birdsconnectsea.org/visit/ > > Zora Dermer > Seattle > Sent from my iPhone > >> On Aug 11, 2025, at 9:50?AM, via Tweeters wrote: >> >> ?I have to replace my lost pair of binoculars. The model I had is no longer available and I want to test new models before making a purchase. There are limited places that carry binocular here on the peninsula, but I have to take a friend to Swedish Cherry Hill for a procedure in early Sept. Since I'll have some time to spare, I wondered whether there is a shop anywhere in that general vicinity within easy walk or bus ride that would have inventory that I could try out for fit and function. >> >> Any info on possible spots would be greatly appreciated. Direct response is encouraged rather than clogging this site with info of little interest to others. >> >> judy mullally Port Angeles WA judyem at olypen dot com >> _______________________________________________ >> Tweeters mailing list >> Tweeters@u.washington.edu >> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > > ------------------------------ > > Subject: Digest Footer > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@mailman11.u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > ------------------------------ > > End of Tweeters Digest, Vol 252, Issue 10 > ***************************************** From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 11 13:45:49 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 11 13:46:17 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing aids + Bushtits Message-ID: My biggest complaint is that my favorite winter birding hat hisses and rustles in my ears when I wear my hearing aids. Need to shop for a better bonnet. The Bushtit fall extravaganza is in full swing at our feeder. I finally got a good, pretty accurate count--29 in the flock. Carol Stoner West Seattle -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 11 13:51:51 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Tom Benedict via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 11 13:52:10 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing aids + Bushtits In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <11BE1525-701C-45E0-8D64-0B2CC2C2877D@comcast.net> >My biggest complaint is that my favorite winter birding hat hisses and rustles in my ears when I wear my hearing aids. Indeed, when I scratch my scalp it sounds like sanding blocks being rubbed together inside my head! Good news on the Bushtits. Haven?t see those kind of numbers here yet. Tom Benedict Seahurst, WA > On Aug 11, 2025, at 13:45, Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters wrote: > > My biggest complaint is that my favorite winter birding hat hisses and rustles in my ears when I wear my hearing aids. Need to shop for a better bonnet. > > The Bushtit fall extravaganza is in full swing at our feeder. I finally got a good, pretty accurate count--29 in the flock. > > Carol Stoner > West Seattle From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 11 14:12:33 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dennis Paulson via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 11 14:12:40 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing aids + Bushtits In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <90026239-EE8F-4B00-A4B1-3AD953BFF511@comcast.net> Bushtits must be having a great year. We have a flock of 16+, could be as many as 20, that come in every day to the suet and bark butter feeders, and the yard is alive with flitting birds for 5 minutes or so, then they?re gone. Dennis Paulson Seattle > On Aug 11, 2025, at 1:45 PM, Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters wrote: > > My biggest complaint is that my favorite winter birding hat hisses and rustles in my ears when I wear my hearing aids. Need to shop for a better bonnet. > > The Bushtit fall extravaganza is in full swing at our feeder. I finally got a good, pretty accurate count--29 in the flock. > > Carol Stoner > West Seattle > > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 11 14:13:10 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Kevin Lucas via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 11 14:13:41 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing aids + Bushtits In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Carol, I find that a fully brimmed hat reflects many sounds, making birding by ear more difficult, and direction finding extremely difficult. I still hear high frequencies very well. The brim seems to reflect higher frequencies more than lower frequencies. While wearing a brimmed hat, sounds of others rustling their clothes and their whissssssssspers are among those that are disproportionately amplified to the detriment of my hearing birds well. Perhaps adding a layer of softer, textured fabric to the underside of the brim would help here (hear?), just as lining a sound recording parabola with fuzzies would trash the efficacy of it. While working with Desert Tortoises on projects that required me to wear a hardhat, I used an auxiliary full brim that was covered with terry cloth. I preferred it greatly to the other brim I had that was smooth and reflected high frequency sounds more. Sound direction finding was still diminished, but less so for me with the terry brim than with the stiffer one. Good Birding, Please ALWAYS practice ethical bird watching: https://www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding-ethics/ Even when you're not aware you too are being observed. Kevin Lucas Yakima County, Washington *Qui tacet consentire videtur* *I prefer truth and decency to lies, hate mongering, cruelty, genocide, self-dealing, and theft of billions of dollars by an oligarchy of addled-brained selfish billionaires.* On Mon, Aug 11, 2025 at 1:47?PM Tom and Carol Stoner via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > My biggest complaint is that my favorite winter birding hat hisses and > rustles in my ears when I wear my hearing aids. Need to shop for a better > bonnet. > > The Bushtit fall extravaganza is in full swing at our feeder. I finally > got a good, pretty accurate count--29 in the flock. > > Carol Stoner > West Seattle > > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 11 18:58:35 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Roger Moyer via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 11 18:58:39 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] RFI binoculars Message-ID: Cabellas or Bass Proshop both have a great selection of binoculars and their prices are pretty reasonable. Roger Moyer Chehalis, WA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 11 21:32:00 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Kim Thorburn via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 11 21:32:06 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] American Kestrel Message-ID: Hi Tweets, I'm wondering if anyone has insight about what seemed a very unusual event on July 22, 2025. I was working a field project on July 28, 2025 with another volunteer for WDFW at the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area in Lincoln County. In the process we drove an approximately 28-mile transect, mostly through public lands (Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area and BLM Telford Management Area) that comprises decent scablands shrub-steppe habitat. We began noticing American kestrel everywhere. We stopped counting at about 100 birds and probably saw twice that many. I have spent lots of time in this area and don't ever recall such a phenomenon. Many of the birds seemed to be hatch-year but there were clearly also adults. They were very active-perching, spatting, foraging. Some birds in this area over-winter. My anecdotal observation is that many over-wintering AMKE are adult males. I believe those that migrate only fly short distances. However, it seems early migratory activity, which, according to the literature occurs predominantly in September and tends to be solitary. Does anyone know if this is a known phenomenon and if so, what is means? Thanks, Kim Kim Marie Thorburn, MD, MPH Spokane, WA (509) 465-3025 home (509) 599-6721 cell -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 12 09:03:34 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dennis Paulson via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 12 09:03:41 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] American Kestrel In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <91C5A2C6-D4EF-4BAA-8E45-3D3888119E94@comcast.net> Kim, I haven?t heard of such concentrations. That sounds unique. Dennis Paulson Seattle > On Aug 11, 2025, at 9:32 PM, Kim Thorburn via Tweeters wrote: > > Hi Tweets, > > I'm wondering if anyone has insight about what seemed a very unusual event on July 22, 2025. > > I was working a field project on July 28, 2025 with another volunteer for WDFW at the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area in Lincoln County. In the process we drove an approximately 28-mile transect, mostly through public lands (Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area and BLM Telford Management Area) that comprises decent scablands shrub-steppe habitat. We began noticing American kestrel everywhere. We stopped counting at about 100 birds and probably saw twice that many. I have spent lots of time in this area and don't ever recall such a phenomenon. > > Many of the birds seemed to be hatch-year but there were clearly also adults. They were very active-perching, spatting, foraging. Some birds in this area over-winter. My anecdotal observation is that many over-wintering AMKE are adult males. I believe those that migrate only fly short distances. However, it seems early migratory activity, which, according to the literature occurs predominantly in September and tends to be solitary. > > Does anyone know if this is a known phenomenon and if so, what is means? > > Thanks, > > Kim > > Kim Marie Thorburn, MD, MPH > Spokane, WA > (509) 465-3025 home > (509) 599-6721 cell > > _______________________________________________ > 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 12 10:13:53 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Steve Loitz via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 12 10:14:32 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] American Kestrel In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Kim, did you see signs of a large grasshopper hatch? I have seen a couple AMKE gatherings of a couple dozen near Vantage and on the Columbian Plateau in late summer when there was a large grasshopper hatch. Steve Loitz Ellensburg WA On Mon, Aug 11, 2025 at 9:32?PM Kim Thorburn via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Hi Tweets, > > I'm wondering if anyone has insight about what seemed a very unusual event > on July 22, 2025. > > I was working a field project on July 28, 2025 with another volunteer for > WDFW at the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area in Lincoln County. In the process > we drove an approximately 28-mile transect, mostly through public lands > (Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area and BLM Telford Management Area) that > comprises decent scablands shrub-steppe habitat. We began noticing American > kestrel everywhere. We stopped counting at about 100 birds and probably saw > twice that many. I have spent lots of time in this area and don't ever > recall such a phenomenon. > > Many of the birds seemed to be hatch-year but there were clearly also > adults. They were very active-perching, spatting, foraging. Some birds in > this area over-winter. My anecdotal observation is that many over-wintering > AMKE are adult males. I believe those that migrate only fly short > distances. However, it seems early migratory activity, which, according to > the literature occurs predominantly in September and tends to be solitary. > > Does anyone know if this is a known phenomenon and if so, what is means? > > Thanks, > > Kim > > > > Kim Marie Thorburn, MD, MPH > > Spokane, WA > > (509) 465-3025 home > > (509) 599-6721 cell > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 12 11:54:25 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 12 11:54:41 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] American Kestrel In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: That is what I was thinking - maybe grasshoppers or even rodents! The numbers are staggering considering that there seems to be a general decrease in kestrel numbers. It would also indicate a good breeding success this year with abundant food elsewhere. Hans *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA thefedderns@gmail.com On Tue, Aug 12, 2025 at 10:16?AM Steve Loitz via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Kim, did you see signs of a large grasshopper hatch? I have seen a couple > AMKE gatherings of a couple dozen near Vantage and on the Columbian Plateau > in late summer when there was a large grasshopper hatch. > > Steve Loitz > Ellensburg WA > > On Mon, Aug 11, 2025 at 9:32?PM Kim Thorburn via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > >> Hi Tweets, >> >> I'm wondering if anyone has insight about what seemed a very unusual >> event on July 22, 2025. >> >> I was working a field project on July 28, 2025 with another volunteer for >> WDFW at the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area in Lincoln County. In the process >> we drove an approximately 28-mile transect, mostly through public lands >> (Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area and BLM Telford Management Area) that >> comprises decent scablands shrub-steppe habitat. We began noticing American >> kestrel everywhere. We stopped counting at about 100 birds and probably saw >> twice that many. I have spent lots of time in this area and don't ever >> recall such a phenomenon. >> >> Many of the birds seemed to be hatch-year but there were clearly also >> adults. They were very active-perching, spatting, foraging. Some birds in >> this area over-winter. My anecdotal observation is that many over-wintering >> AMKE are adult males. I believe those that migrate only fly short >> distances. However, it seems early migratory activity, which, according to >> the literature occurs predominantly in September and tends to be solitary. >> >> Does anyone know if this is a known phenomenon and if so, what is means? >> >> Thanks, >> >> Kim >> >> >> >> Kim Marie Thorburn, MD, MPH >> >> Spokane, WA >> >> (509) 465-3025 home >> >> (509) 599-6721 cell >> > _______________________________________________ > 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 12 12:04:51 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Diane Yorgason-Quinn via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 12 12:04:58 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] American Kestrel In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: About 35 years ago, a grass field grown for seed was burned (when it was legal to burn) to kill weed seeds, and during the early part of the burn, every fence post around it was occupied by a kestrel waiting to gather up the grasshoppers and other critters escaping from the fire. Possibly 30+ Kestrels. This was near Liberty Lake, WA. Diane Yorgason-Quinn Gig Harbor, WA Avosetta@hotmail.com ________________________________ From: Tweeters on behalf of Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 11:54 AM To: Steve Loitz Cc: Tweeters Subject: Re: [Tweeters] American Kestrel That is what I was thinking - maybe grasshoppers or even rodents! The numbers are staggering considering that there seems to be a general decrease in kestrel numbers. It would also indicate a good breeding success this year with abundant food elsewhere. Hans Hans Feddern Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA thefedderns@gmail.com On Tue, Aug 12, 2025 at 10:16?AM Steve Loitz via Tweeters > wrote: Kim, did you see signs of a large grasshopper hatch? I have seen a couple AMKE gatherings of a couple dozen near Vantage and on the Columbian Plateau in late summer when there was a large grasshopper hatch. Steve Loitz Ellensburg WA On Mon, Aug 11, 2025 at 9:32?PM Kim Thorburn via Tweeters > wrote: Hi Tweets, I'm wondering if anyone has insight about what seemed a very unusual event on July 22, 2025. I was working a field project on July 28, 2025 with another volunteer for WDFW at the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area in Lincoln County. In the process we drove an approximately 28-mile transect, mostly through public lands (Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area and BLM Telford Management Area) that comprises decent scablands shrub-steppe habitat. We began noticing American kestrel everywhere. We stopped counting at about 100 birds and probably saw twice that many. I have spent lots of time in this area and don't ever recall such a phenomenon. Many of the birds seemed to be hatch-year but there were clearly also adults. They were very active-perching, spatting, foraging. Some birds in this area over-winter. My anecdotal observation is that many over-wintering AMKE are adult males. I believe those that migrate only fly short distances. However, it seems early migratory activity, which, according to the literature occurs predominantly in September and tends to be solitary. Does anyone know if this is a known phenomenon and if so, what is means? Thanks, Kim Kim Marie Thorburn, MD, MPH Spokane, WA (509) 465-3025 home (509) 599-6721 cell _______________________________________________ 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 12 14:41:57 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (KRISTIN S STEWART via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 12 14:42:02 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hearing aids + Bushtits In-Reply-To: <90026239-EE8F-4B00-A4B1-3AD953BFF511@comcast.net> References: <90026239-EE8F-4B00-A4B1-3AD953BFF511@comcast.net> Message-ID: <323292688.20875.1755034917895@connect.xfinity.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 12 14:45:50 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Bud Anderson via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 12 14:46:07 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Kestrels Message-ID: At Sea-Tac Airport about six years ago, we had an unusual summer concentration of kestrel family groups. A normal family group is 7 birds, 2 adults and 5 young. They congregated in mid-July through mid-August on the grassy areas between runways, feeding on the late summer grasshopper bloom. I caught, banded and relocated 35 birds during that short period and, unfortunately, many others were struck by aircraft. It was a remarkable storm of kestrels and I had never seen that number at the airport before. So, good productivity of young kestrels and good grasshopper numbers can definitely create concentrations of these small falcons. I have heard reports of a kestrel decline in the eastern US, but in my experience and that of others, I don't know that there is hard evidence of a decline here in WA. Perhaps Sue Cottrell or Kent Woodruff could comment here. Both are banding large numbers of kestrels in WA. Finally, I hope that people understand that ageing kestrels in the field can be very difficult. Females, even in hand, especially so. Relatively recent studies have demonstrated that the old characteristics for ageing females, used since the 1950s, were inaccurate. Who would have guessed? Bud Anderson (360) 757-1911 falconresearch@gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 12 19:29:48 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Sharon Howard via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 12 19:30:02 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Payment for hearing aids Message-ID: <82881BA0-4A79-4408-8B91-5A3126E2B28D@comcast.net> All, just a reminder? for some of you who are planning to buy new hearing aids, be sure to check your health insurance plans because some of them will pay part or all of the expense. My husband has insurance through the State of Washington PEEB program and because he went to an approved plan provider his new aids cost him nothing as up to $3000 per aid was paid. From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 12 14:13:31 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 13 07:26:08 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Cedar River Mouth Message-ID: Today at the mouth of the Cedar River (CRM) in Renton: Least Sandpiper - 7 or more Western Sandpiper - at least 2 Semipalmated Sandpiper - 1 Pectoral Sandpiper - 1 Marv Breece Tukwila, WA marvbreece@q.com ....that the elected might never form to themselves an interest separate from the electors ... - Thomas Paine, from Common Sense -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Aug 13 20:55:00 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Shep Thorp via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 13 20:55:17 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for 8/13/2025 Message-ID: Dear Tweets, Approximately 40 of us had a super nice Summer day at the Refuge with cloudy skies in the morning clearing to sunny skies in the afternoon and temperatures in the 50's to 80's degrees Fahrenheit. There was a High 11'5" Tide at 8:56am, so we skipped the Orchard and Access Roads at 8am to chase the falling tide. Highlights included great looks of swallows BARN/VIOLET-GREEN/CLIFF/BANK and TREE on the Visitor Center Roof, First of Year GREAT EGRET spotted by Gene and Whittier flying up the McAllister Creek, four AMERICAN BITTERN (three juveniles and one adult) in the freshwater marsh along the Nisqually Estuary Trail, in addition we had great looks of VIRGINIA RAIL and SORA, there were upwards of 18 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER on the mudflats west of Leschi slough mixed in with LEAST SANDPIPER, WESTERN SANDPIPER, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, and the return of waterfowl including AMERICAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL, NORTHERN PINTAIL, NORTHERN SHOVELER and GADWALL. For the day we observed 69 species, with FOY Great Egret, we now have seen 161 species this year. See our eBird Report pasted below, photos to be uploaded. Others seen included Townsend's Chipmunk, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Eastern Gray Squirrel, Harbor Seal and American Bullfrog tadpole. 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 13, 2025 6:16 AM - 3:44 PM Protocol: Traveling 3.161 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Cloudy in the morning clearing to sunny skies in the afternoon with temperatures in the 50?s -80?s degrees Fahrenheit. A High 11?5? tide at 8:56am. Mammals seen Townsend?s Chipmunk, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Eastern Gray Squirrel, and Harbor Seal. We skipped the Orchard and Access Roads in the morning to chase the tide. 69 species (+6 other taxa) Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 80 Wood Duck 4 Visitor Center Pond. Blue-winged Teal 2 Spotted by Matt flying into freshwater marsh from Nisqually Estuary Trail. Powder blue coverts on top of wing with smaller bill. Northern Shoveler 10 Surge plain. Gadwall 8 Surge plain. Mallard 50 Northern Pintail 10 Surge plain. Green-winged Teal (American) 90 Counted in groups of 10 in the surge plain north of the Nisqually Estuary Trail. Mixed with Mallards, Northern Shovelers, Northern Pintail and Gadwall. Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 30 Light post on entrance road near hiway overpass. Band-tailed Pigeon (Northern) 25 Mourning Dove 1 Vaux's Swift 1 Spotted by Jody on west side of Twin Barns Loop Trail flying overhead. Anna's Hummingbird 3 Virginia Rail 2 Seen and heard in freshwater marsh. Sora 2 Seen and heard in freshwater marsh. Killdeer 10 Semipalmated Plover 15 Mudflats west of Leschi Slough. Short-billed Dowitcher 1 Photos. Saltwater side of dike between Leschi Slough and start of Boardwalk trail. Adult in molt, spotting on sides of neck. Short-billed/Long-billed Dowitcher 1 Greater Yellowlegs 40 Least Sandpiper 75 Western Sandpiper 45 peep sp. 150 Ring-billed Gull 300 California Gull 20 Glaucous-winged Gull 2 Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 4 Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 10 Larus sp. 300 Caspian Tern 15 Pied-billed Grebe 1 Visitor Center Pond. Brandt's Cormorant 5 Nisqually River Channel Marker. Double-crested Cormorant 300 American Bittern 4 Three juveniles and one adult. Great find by Heather on the inside of the Nisqually Estuary Trail in the tall cattails adjacent to the dike 3/4 of the way out towards the boardwalk trail. Great Egret 1 Spotted by Gene and Whittier flying up McAllister Creek from the Access Road. Photo. Great Blue Heron 70 Osprey 1 Cooper's Hawk 1 Twin Barns ?rea and Nisqually River overlook. Bald Eagle 15 Counted individually along Nisqually River, flying over Refuge and out over Nisqually Reach. Red-tailed Hawk 3 Belted Kingfisher 3 Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 3 Northern Flicker 3 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 1 Western Wood-Pewee 5 Willow Flycatcher 2 Warbling Vireo 3 Orchard in the morning before 8am. Steller's Jay (Coastal) 1 McAllister Creek west bank. American Crow 3 Black-capped Chickadee 20 Chestnut-backed Chickadee 4 Bank Swallow 4 Visitor Center Roof and fields south of the Twin Barns. Tree Swallow 1 Violet-green Swallow 4 Purple Martin 6 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 Barn Swallow 100 Cliff Swallow 15 Brown Creeper 2 Bewick's Wren 5 European Starling 350 Swainson's Thrush 3 American Robin 10 Cedar Waxwing 30 House Finch 2 Purple Finch 1 American Goldfinch 25 Savannah Sparrow 3 Song Sparrow 11 Spotted Towhee 1 Red-winged Blackbird 150 Orange-crowned Warbler 1 Spotted by Steve. Common Yellowthroat 2 Spotted by Jon. Yellow Warbler 8 Western Tanager 2 Orchard before 8am. View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S267097426 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 14 13:25:35 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Michael Hobbs via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 14 13:25:50 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-08-14 Message-ID: Tweets - Another rather dark and quiet August survey today. There were very few birds singing, and even calls were sparse. A big fall movement of birds should be starting any day now, but they hadn't arrived this morning... Highlights: Ring-billed Gull - One juvenile on the grass soccer fields. First of Fall (FOF) Green Heron - At least three different birds, several sightings American Barn Owl - At least one, and probably two, around 5:30 a.m. One sighting of a bird way off at the model airplane field, and then a few minutes later, one flying over the East Meadow from the west Warbling Vireo - One along the edge of the Dog Meadow Violet-green Swallow - At least three, near the Viewing Mound. Our first since early July Purple Martin - Around 15 to the west of the slough south of the Dog Area. They were perched until an accipiter came to call COMMON YELLOWTHROAT were our only warblers! Our biggest surprise today was a DOUGLAS SQUIRREL on the boardwalk railing. This is just the 7th time we've ever seen a Dougie at the park, and the first time we've had one in August. Misses today included Band-tailed Pigeon, Vaux's Swift (Mason had one Swift sp., but favored Black), Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Golden-crowned Kinglet (may have heard), Yellow, Black-throated Gray, and Wilson's Warblers, and Black-headed Grosbeak. For the day, 50 species, counting the Swift sp. and the accipiter (probably a Coop). = Michael Hobbs = BirdMarymoor@gmail.com = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 14 14:30:37 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 14 14:30:44 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Blackberries? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <60cc0e82-2be2-4dc0-b756-d8cb3c65114e@jimbetz.com> ? Question - has anyone ever seen a bird feeding on blackberries? What bird(s)? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?- Jim in Skagit (where the blackberries are coming ripe) From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 14 14:36:24 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Scott Ramos via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 14 14:37:05 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Blackberries? In-Reply-To: <60cc0e82-2be2-4dc0-b756-d8cb3c65114e@jimbetz.com> References: <60cc0e82-2be2-4dc0-b756-d8cb3c65114e@jimbetz.com> Message-ID: Jim, Several species, including Fox Sparrows (often), Golden-crowned Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, House Finch, Purple Finch. There are likely many more. Scott Ramos Seattle On Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 2:30?PM Jim Betz via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > > Question - has anyone ever seen a bird feeding on blackberries? What > bird(s)? > > - Jim in Skagit (where the blackberries are coming > ripe) > _______________________________________________ > 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 14 14:43:58 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Thomas Dorrance via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 14 14:44:14 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Blackberries? In-Reply-To: References: <60cc0e82-2be2-4dc0-b756-d8cb3c65114e@jimbetz.com> Message-ID: Robins too, sometimes becoming inebriated if the berries are fermenting, just as with bears and Saskatoon berries. Tom Dorrance Seattle On Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 2:37?PM Scott Ramos via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Jim, > > Several species, including Fox Sparrows (often), Golden-crowned Sparrow, > Spotted Towhee, House Finch, Purple Finch. There are likely many more. > > Scott Ramos > Seattle > > On Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 2:30?PM Jim Betz via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > >> >> Question - has anyone ever seen a bird feeding on blackberries? What >> bird(s)? >> >> - Jim in Skagit (where the blackberries are coming >> ripe) >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 Thu Aug 14 15:02:30 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Russ Koppendrayer via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 14 15:02:41 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Blackberries? In-Reply-To: References: <60cc0e82-2be2-4dc0-b756-d8cb3c65114e@jimbetz.com> Message-ID: The purple excrement from large European Starling flocks can be a problem this time of year if a blackberry patch is near a parking lot for example. Russ Koppendrayer Longview On Thu, Aug 14, 2025, 2:44?PM Thomas Dorrance via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Robins too, sometimes becoming inebriated if the berries are fermenting, > just as with bears and Saskatoon berries. > Tom Dorrance > Seattle > > On Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 2:37?PM Scott Ramos via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > >> Jim, >> >> Several species, including Fox Sparrows (often), Golden-crowned Sparrow, >> Spotted Towhee, House Finch, Purple Finch. There are likely many more. >> >> Scott Ramos >> Seattle >> >> On Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 2:30?PM Jim Betz via Tweeters < >> tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: >> >>> >>> Question - has anyone ever seen a bird feeding on blackberries? What >>> bird(s)? >>> >>> - Jim in Skagit (where the blackberries are coming >>> ripe) >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Tweeters mailing list >>> Tweeters@u.washington.edu >>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> Tweeters mailing list >> Tweeters@u.washington.edu >> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >> > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 14 15:46:35 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Kim Thorburn via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 14 15:46:44 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] American Kestrel In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Thanks All for sharing your insights, knowledge and stories. A lot of the observed behavior was definitely compatible with insect foraging. There was little hovering. Much of the perching was on the ground, such as basalt outcrops. Some of the flight almost seemed like flycatching. That said, my task for the day involved walking a couple of miles overland through shrub-steppe and I did not find it like previous grasshopper storms I've encountered during which it almost feels like one needs to be wearing protective gear. However, I am noticing grasshoppers this year seem to be a small species that I haven't paid much attention to in past years. As I think about what we observed, I am convinced it was some sort of insect fete. Good birding, Kim Kim Marie Thorburn, MD, MPH Spokane, WA (509) 465-3025 home (509) 599-6721 cell ________________________________ From: Tweeters on behalf of Kim Thorburn via Tweeters Sent: Monday, August 11, 2025 9:32 PM To: Tweeters Subject: [Tweeters] American Kestrel Hi Tweets, I'm wondering if anyone has insight about what seemed a very unusual event on July 22, 2025. I was working a field project on July 28, 2025 with another volunteer for WDFW at the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area in Lincoln County. In the process we drove an approximately 28-mile transect, mostly through public lands (Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area and BLM Telford Management Area) that comprises decent scablands shrub-steppe habitat. We began noticing American kestrel everywhere. We stopped counting at about 100 birds and probably saw twice that many. I have spent lots of time in this area and don't ever recall such a phenomenon. Many of the birds seemed to be hatch-year but there were clearly also adults. They were very active-perching, spatting, foraging. Some birds in this area over-winter. My anecdotal observation is that many over-wintering AMKE are adult males. I believe those that migrate only fly short distances. However, it seems early migratory activity, which, according to the literature occurs predominantly in September and tends to be solitary. Does anyone know if this is a known phenomenon and if so, what is means? Thanks, Kim Kim Marie Thorburn, MD, MPH Spokane, WA (509) 465-3025 home (509) 599-6721 cell -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 14 18:33:45 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 14 18:33:51 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Blackberries? In-Reply-To: <60cc0e82-2be2-4dc0-b756-d8cb3c65114e@jimbetz.com> References: <60cc0e82-2be2-4dc0-b756-d8cb3c65114e@jimbetz.com> Message-ID: We have three extensive blackberry patches here and I have seen Cedar Waxwings, American Robins, European Starlings, California Quail, and Steller?s Jays, among other species feeding on them. Any opportunistic feeder seems to snack on them. May all your birds be identified, Denis DeSilvis May all your birds be identified, Denis DeSilvis avnacrs 4 birds at outlook dot com ________________________________ From: Tweeters on behalf of Jim Betz via Tweeters Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2025 2:30:37 PM To: via Tweeters Subject: [Tweeters] Blackberries? Question - has anyone ever seen a bird feeding on blackberries? What bird(s)? - Jim in Skagit (where the blackberries are coming ripe) _______________________________________________ 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 14 19:55:10 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Matt Bartels via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 14 19:56:14 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Blackberries? In-Reply-To: <60cc0e82-2be2-4dc0-b756-d8cb3c65114e@jimbetz.com> References: <60cc0e82-2be2-4dc0-b756-d8cb3c65114e@jimbetz.com> Message-ID: Jim - Did?t you ask the same question a couple years back? I recall a lively list of responses that time too > On Aug 14, 2025, at 2:30 PM, Jim Betz via Tweeters wrote: > > > Question - has anyone ever seen a bird feeding on blackberries? What bird(s)? > > - Jim in Skagit (where the blackberries are coming ripe) > On Oct 7, 2024, at 11:51 AM, Jim Betz via Tweeters wrote: > > Hi > > Now that the blackberry season is past - I was reflecting on the fact that, to the best of my > > knowledge, I've never seen a bird eating blackberries. I went to the web and looked it up > > and, according to the web, birds do eat blackberries. So why haven't I seen them doing this? > > In fact - my observation is that birds seem to avoid blackberry stands (as in, if there are > > other bushes nearby you are much more likely to see any birds there than in the blackberries). > > Are the blackberries on the East Coast different than here in the West? I even found > > pictures of birds "in the blackberries" (but did not see very many of them actually feeding > > on the blackberries). > > - Jim Matt Bartels Seattle, WA From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 15 00:35:42 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 15 00:35:59 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Blackberries? In-Reply-To: References: <60cc0e82-2be2-4dc0-b756-d8cb3c65114e@jimbetz.com> Message-ID: Most finches and sparrows like to feed on dried blackberries in the winter months. Hans On Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 7:56?PM Matt Bartels via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Jim - > Did?t you ask the same question a couple years back? I recall a lively > list of responses that time too > > > On Aug 14, 2025, at 2:30 PM, Jim Betz via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > > > > > > Question - has anyone ever seen a bird feeding on blackberries? What > bird(s)? > > > > - Jim in Skagit (where the blackberries are coming > ripe) > > > On Oct 7, 2024, at 11:51 AM, Jim Betz via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > > > > Hi > > > > Now that the blackberry season is past - I was reflecting on the fact > that, to the best of my > > > > knowledge, I've never seen a bird eating blackberries. I went to the > web and looked it up > > > > and, according to the web, birds do eat blackberries. So why haven't I > seen them doing this? > > > > In fact - my observation is that birds seem to avoid blackberry stands > (as in, if there are > > > > other bushes nearby you are much more likely to see any birds there than > in the blackberries). > > > > Are the blackberries on the East Coast different than here in the > West? I even found > > > > pictures of birds "in the blackberries" (but did not see very many of > them actually feeding > > > > on the blackberries). > > > > - Jim > > Matt Bartels > Seattle, WA > _______________________________________________ > 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 Fri Aug 15 04:45:39 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 15 04:46:04 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?So=2C_what_are_the_connections_between_Birds?= =?utf-8?q?=2C_a_Himalayan_giant=2C_spineless_cactus=2C_Potato-tomato_hybr?= =?utf-8?q?id=2C_freestone_peach=2C_elephant_garlic=2C_the_Shasta_daisy=2C?= =?utf-8?q?_fries_at_McDonald=27s=2C__a_mutated_potato_called_the_Russet_B?= =?utf-8?q?urbank_and_the_spread_of_Himalayan_blackberries_=28a_hugely_suc?= =?utf-8?q?cessful_=2C_invasive_species_in_Western_Washington=29=2C_Mercer?= =?utf-8?q?_Island=2C_a_farm_for_=E2=80=9Ctroubled_boys=E2=80=9D=2C__Thoma?= =?utf-8?q?s_Edison=2C_Henry_Ford=2C_and_fresh_fruit_for_the_masses=3F?= =?utf-8?q?=E2=80=94-=E2=80=9DThe_Strange=2C_Twisted_Story_Behind_Seattle?= =?utf-8?q?=27s_Blackberries_=3A_The_Salt_=3A_NPR=E2=80=9D?= Message-ID: <359B6767-65B5-48E1-B8E1-261EEB0FC227@gmail.com> ? Luther Burbank. See the informative article: link below. And to partially answer JIM?s question, Birds and other animals, eat the berries and spread the seeds far and wide, every year in Western Washington. Every few years I remove all of the Himalayan blackberry vines and roots from my yard. Birds reseed the blackbirds in my yard every year and new roots and vines have to be removed a few years later. So yes, birds eat blackberries. When I was in undergraduate school, studying environmental sciences, one of my proposed research projects was to study the lead content of blackberries from bushes near roads, where people commonly pick them. At that time gasoline was leaded and I was concerned about the possible lead content in those blackberries, among other pollutants from motor vehicles that may have been absorbed by the plant Or adhered to the surface of the Himalayan blackberry plants and their berries. The proposal was accepted, but I chose a different topic. Best regards, Dan Reiff The article: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/08/29/491797791/the-strange-twisted-story-behind-seattles-blackberries Sent from my iPhone From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 15 05:48:38 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Gary Bletsch via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 15 05:48:46 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Himalayan Blackberries References: <13607606.118223.1755262118626.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <13607606.118223.1755262118626@mail.yahoo.com> Dear Tweeters, Although I favor native plants in a passive sort of way, I will never bad-mouth the Himalayan Blackberry--if that is still the right name. I owe my life to Himalayan Blackberries. In December of 1990, my 1971 Dodge Dart started sliding and spinning, doing 360's all over Interstate 5 in Tukwila. I'd hit black ice. After bouncing off a little subcompact, the car went careening toward a semi, which I somehow missed. I distinctly remember saying goodbye to what had seemed like a pretty darned good life up to that point. A moment later, I was sitting in the driver's seat, utterly unharmed. The bulb of a huge freeway light pole was slowly swinging back and forth right, a cubit from my window. I had clipped the pole, which landed on my roof, denting it only slightly. The front of the car had plunged into a huge patch of blackberries, which absorbed the impact of a 3000-pound Mopar going 60 mph. The frame was not bent; I just needed a new radiator and a few dents hammered out.? Today there is a line of concrete barriers where that blackberry patch used to be. If I had hit that, I would almost certainly have died, or at least suffered serious injury. At my old place in the Skagit Valley, we had huge, long thickets of blackberries. The goats and I had our work cut out for us, keeping it under control.? White-crowned Sparrows and several other species nested in there. I don't remember exactly what birds ate the fruits, but many did, certainly including Starlings, Towhees, and Robins. In winter, I'd have all sorts of interesting birds sheltering in those thickets, including White-throated Sparrows almost every winter.? Besides being my goats' absolute favorite food, the blackberries provided an enormous bounty of fruit, and blackberry pie was a major feature of our late-summer diet every year. Yours truly, Gary Bletsch PS I did a birding trip in the foothills of the Himalayas a few years ago, visiting India and Bhutan. While I saw Cannabis sativa growing wild all over the place, I never saw a blackberry. Maybe "Armenian Blackberry" would be a better name. The Wikipedia?article states that the plant is native to Armenia and northern Iran.? ? -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 15 09:04:35 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 15 09:04:44 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Himalayan Blackberries In-Reply-To: <13607606.118223.1755262118626@mail.yahoo.com> References: <13607606.118223.1755262118626.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <13607606.118223.1755262118626@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <791567826.82933.1755273875653@connect.xfinity.com> Gary brings up a good point about some of our decisions about habitat, its restoration, and modifications. Early in my career I read an article by a WDG Wildlife Biologist. He described a situation (probably made up) of a corner of his yard overrun with blackberries. A song Sparrow nested there. In honor of his European roots, he annually "collected" a bird or two to eat. Every year the sparrows nested and produced young. Then, he decided to clean up the yard, install a gazebo and fire pit, and make the yard neater. No more sparrow nesting, no more sparrow eating. He had converted a piece of land from supporting Song Sparrow to essentially reducing the world population by a pair and their young. Like putting up those barriers instead of blackberry. The second was in conversations with an entomologist regarding proposals to replace (exotic) stands of eucalyptus in coastal CA with native shrubs and such. This would remove the trees in which Monarchs wintered and not replace them (Monarchs have site fidelity) for decades at the minimum. There are times when exotic species may be providing ecological services that the native plants don't/didn't. Not saying that we should keep all the exotics but perhaps a deeper dive into the services they provide and how the loss of them will be mitigated. Hal Michael Board of Directors, Ecologists Without Borders http://ecowb.org/ Olympia WA 360-459-4005 360-791-7702 (C) ucd880@comcast.net > On 08/15/2025 5:48 AM PDT Gary Bletsch via Tweeters wrote: > > > Dear Tweeters, > > Although I favor native plants in a passive sort of way, I will never bad-mouth the Himalayan Blackberry--if that is still the right name. I owe my life to Himalayan Blackberries. > > In December of 1990, my 1971 Dodge Dart started sliding and spinning, doing 360's all over Interstate 5 in Tukwila. I'd hit black ice. After bouncing off a little subcompact, the car went careening toward a semi, which I somehow missed. I distinctly remember saying goodbye to what had seemed like a pretty darned good life up to that point. A moment later, I was sitting in the driver's seat, utterly unharmed. The bulb of a huge freeway light pole was slowly swinging back and forth right, a cubit from my window. I had clipped the pole, which landed on my roof, denting it only slightly. The front of the car had plunged into a huge patch of blackberries, which absorbed the impact of a 3000-pound Mopar going 60 mph. The frame was not bent; I just needed a new radiator and a few dents hammered out. > > Today there is a line of concrete barriers where that blackberry patch used to be. If I had hit that, I would almost certainly have died, or at least suffered serious injury. > > At my old place in the Skagit Valley, we had huge, long thickets of blackberries. The goats and I had our work cut out for us, keeping it under control. > > White-crowned Sparrows and several other species nested in there. I don't remember exactly what birds ate the fruits, but many did, certainly including Starlings, Towhees, and Robins. In winter, I'd have all sorts of interesting birds sheltering in those thickets, including White-throated Sparrows almost every winter. > > Besides being my goats' absolute favorite food, the blackberries provided an enormous bounty of fruit, and blackberry pie was a major feature of our late-summer diet every year. > > Yours truly, > > Gary Bletsch > > PS I did a birding trip in the foothills of the Himalayas a few years ago, visiting India and Bhutan. While I saw Cannabis sativa growing wild all over the place, I never saw a blackberry. Maybe "Armenian Blackberry" would be a better name. The Wikipedia article states that the plant is native to Armenia and northern Iran. > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 15 11:58:44 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Steve Hampton via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 15 11:59:27 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Himalayan Blackberries In-Reply-To: <791567826.82933.1755273875653@connect.xfinity.com> References: <13607606.118223.1755262118626.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <13607606.118223.1755262118626@mail.yahoo.com> <791567826.82933.1755273875653@connect.xfinity.com> Message-ID: Here's one of those strange examples: In California, Himalayan blackberries are one of the few places where seriously-declining Tricolored Blackbirds can nest successfully, as more native places (marshes) are now a patchwork easily infiltrated by predators such as night-herons and raccoons. I recall a rookery of 2,000 night-herons in a eucalyptus grove near a smallish cattail marsh. The herons wiped out 5,000 TRBL nests in a few nights. But in the blackberries, the Trikes are successful. On Fri, Aug 15, 2025 at 9:05?AM HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Gary brings up a good point about some of our decisions about habitat, its > restoration, and modifications. > > Early in my career I read an article by a WDG Wildlife Biologist. He > described a situation (probably made up) of a corner of his yard overrun > with blackberries. A song Sparrow nested there. In honor of his European > roots, he annually "collected" a bird or two to eat. Every year the > sparrows nested and produced young. Then, he decided to clean up the yard, > install a gazebo and fire pit, and make the yard neater. No more sparrow > nesting, no more sparrow eating. He had converted a piece of land from > supporting Song Sparrow to essentially reducing the world population by a > pair and their young. Like putting up those barriers instead of > blackberry. > > The second was in conversations with an entomologist regarding proposals > to replace (exotic) stands of eucalyptus in coastal CA with native shrubs > and such. This would remove the trees in which Monarchs wintered and not > replace them (Monarchs have site fidelity) for decades at the minimum. > > There are times when exotic species may be providing ecological services > that the native plants don't/didn't. Not saying that we should keep all > the exotics but perhaps a deeper dive into the services they provide and > how the loss of them will be mitigated. > > Hal Michael > Board of Directors, Ecologists Without Borders > Olympia WA > 360-459-4005 > 360-791-7702 (C) > ucd880@comcast.net > > > > On 08/15/2025 5:48 AM PDT Gary Bletsch via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > > > Dear Tweeters, > > Although I favor native plants in a passive sort of way, I will never > bad-mouth the Himalayan Blackberry--if that is still the right name. I owe > my life to Himalayan Blackberries. > > In December of 1990, my 1971 Dodge Dart started sliding and spinning, > doing 360's all over Interstate 5 in Tukwila. I'd hit black ice. After > bouncing off a little subcompact, the car went careening toward a semi, > which I somehow missed. I distinctly remember saying goodbye to what had > seemed like a pretty darned good life up to that point. A moment later, I > was sitting in the driver's seat, utterly unharmed. The bulb of a huge > freeway light pole was slowly swinging back and forth right, a cubit from > my window. I had clipped the pole, which landed on my roof, denting it only > slightly. The front of the car had plunged into a huge patch of > blackberries, which absorbed the impact of a 3000-pound Mopar going 60 mph. > The frame was not bent; I just needed a new radiator and a few dents > hammered out. > > Today there is a line of concrete barriers where that blackberry patch > used to be. If I had hit that, I would almost certainly have died, or at > least suffered serious injury. > > At my old place in the Skagit Valley, we had huge, long thickets of > blackberries. The goats and I had our work cut out for us, keeping it under > control. > > White-crowned Sparrows and several other species nested in there. I don't > remember exactly what birds ate the fruits, but many did, certainly > including Starlings, Towhees, and Robins. In winter, I'd have all sorts of > interesting birds sheltering in those thickets, including White-throated > Sparrows almost every winter. > > Besides being my goats' absolute favorite food, the blackberries provided > an enormous bounty of fruit, and blackberry pie was a major feature of our > late-summer diet every year. > > Yours truly, > > Gary Bletsch > > PS I did a birding trip in the foothills of the Himalayas a few years ago, > visiting India and Bhutan. While I saw *Cannabis sativa *growing wild all > over the place, I never saw a blackberry. Maybe "Armenian Blackberry" would > be a better name. The *Wikipedia *article states that the plant is native > to Armenia and northern Iran. > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 Fri Aug 15 12:20:50 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 15 12:20:53 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Blackberries? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1ecf1103-8aaa-4ff2-adb2-ad1af068dd40@jimbetz.com> ? I do not remember asking this before - but I may have - they say that your memory is the 3rd thing to go ... and I can't remember the first two. ? At least part of why I asked is because I was out birding and noticing that the Himalayan (I always thought the name was due to their size and shape) Blackberries are ready for picking in many locations here in Skagit County. ? As a kid we used planks (2x8 to 2x12 x 8 to 12 feet long) ... we stood the plank on end and pushed it out onto the berries and then walked out onto it allowing us access to the berries not on the edges of the patch. ? I have often seen birds in the blackberries, just never seen them feeding on the berries. ?- Jim in Skagit (where I'm guessing Gary would like to be so he can pick berries while birding) From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 15 12:31:47 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Megan Lyden via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 15 12:31:51 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Blackberries Message-ID: I volunteer at a bird banding/fall migration monitoring station. Many bird species gorge on blackberries during their layovers, including Robins, Swainson?s and Hermit Thrushes, Black-Headed Grosbeaks, Song Sparrows, House and Purple Finches, etc. It?s obvious from the staining around their bills and their excrement. Megan Lyden Bellevue WA From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 15 13:10:49 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (LMarkoff via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 15 13:11:01 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Himalayan Blackberries, and Trikes In-Reply-To: References: <13607606.118223.1755262118626.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <13607606.118223.1755262118626@mail.yahoo.com> <791567826.82933.1755273875653@connect.xfinity.com> Message-ID: <00b801dc0e20$b3bccef0$1b366cd0$@mycci.net> Yes, I was going to mention this phenomenon. When I lived in Oregon, I saw my first-ever Tricolored Blackbirds nesting in a large blackberry patch in Klamath County, OR, a thrill for me! p.s. Gary, am thankful that those blackberries saved you and that you are still with us! Lori Markoff From: Tweeters On Behalf Of Steve Hampton via Tweeters Sent: Friday, August 15, 2025 11:59 AM To: TWEETERS tweeters Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Himalayan Blackberries Here's one of those strange examples: In California, Himalayan blackberries are one of the few places where seriously-declining Tricolored Blackbirds can nest successfully, as more native places (marshes) are now a patchwork easily infiltrated by predators such as night-herons and raccoons. I recall a rookery of 2,000 night-herons in a eucalyptus grove near a smallish cattail marsh. The herons wiped out 5,000 TRBL nests in a few nights. But in the blackberries, the Trikes are successful. On Fri, Aug 15, 2025 at 9:05?AM HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters > wrote: Gary brings up a good point about some of our decisions about habitat, its restoration, and modifications. Early in my career I read an article by a WDG Wildlife Biologist. He described a situation (probably made up) of a corner of his yard overrun with blackberries. A song Sparrow nested there. In honor of his European roots, he annually "collected" a bird or two to eat. Every year the sparrows nested and produced young. Then, he decided to clean up the yard, install a gazebo and fire pit, and make the yard neater. No more sparrow nesting, no more sparrow eating. He had converted a piece of land from supporting Song Sparrow to essentially reducing the world population by a pair and their young. Like putting up those barriers instead of blackberry. The second was in conversations with an entomologist regarding proposals to replace (exotic) stands of eucalyptus in coastal CA with native shrubs and such. This would remove the trees in which Monarchs wintered and not replace them (Monarchs have site fidelity) for decades at the minimum. There are times when exotic species may be providing ecological services that the native plants don't/didn't. Not saying that we should keep all the exotics but perhaps a deeper dive into the services they provide and how the loss of them will be mitigated. Hal Michael Board of Directors, Ecologists Without Borders Olympia WA 360-459-4005 360-791-7702 (C) ucd880@comcast.net On 08/15/2025 5:48 AM PDT Gary Bletsch via Tweeters > wrote: Dear Tweeters, Although I favor native plants in a passive sort of way, I will never bad-mouth the Himalayan Blackberry--if that is still the right name. I owe my life to Himalayan Blackberries. In December of 1990, my 1971 Dodge Dart started sliding and spinning, doing 360's all over Interstate 5 in Tukwila. I'd hit black ice. After bouncing off a little subcompact, the car went careening toward a semi, which I somehow missed. I distinctly remember saying goodbye to what had seemed like a pretty darned good life up to that point. A moment later, I was sitting in the driver's seat, utterly unharmed. The bulb of a huge freeway light pole was slowly swinging back and forth right, a cubit from my window. I had clipped the pole, which landed on my roof, denting it only slightly. The front of the car had plunged into a huge patch of blackberries, which absorbed the impact of a 3000-pound Mopar going 60 mph. The frame was not bent; I just needed a new radiator and a few dents hammered out. Today there is a line of concrete barriers where that blackberry patch used to be. If I had hit that, I would almost certainly have died, or at least suffered serious injury. At my old place in the Skagit Valley, we had huge, long thickets of blackberries. The goats and I had our work cut out for us, keeping it under control. White-crowned Sparrows and several other species nested in there. I don't remember exactly what birds ate the fruits, but many did, certainly including Starlings, Towhees, and Robins. In winter, I'd have all sorts of interesting birds sheltering in those thickets, including White-throated Sparrows almost every winter. Besides being my goats' absolute favorite food, the blackberries provided an enormous bounty of fruit, and blackberry pie was a major feature of our late-summer diet every year. Yours truly, Gary Bletsch PS I did a birding trip in the foothills of the Himalayas a few years ago, visiting India and Bhutan. While I saw Cannabis sativa growing wild all over the place, I never saw a blackberry. Maybe "Armenian Blackberry" would be a better name. The Wikipedia article states that the plant is native to Armenia and northern Iran. _______________________________________________ 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 Fri Aug 15 14:23:55 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Anne Millbrooke via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 15 14:24:46 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Birds that eat blackberries References: <822D8448-D9B9-4047-9D07-D1FFDF765947.ref@yahoo.com> Message-ID: <822D8448-D9B9-4047-9D07-D1FFDF765947@yahoo.com> According to Bird Feeder Hub, these 14 birds eat blackberries: Red-eyed vireo American robin Cedar waxwing Red-headed woodpecker Northern mockingbird European starling Gray catbird Bluebirds - eastern, western, and mountain Brown thrasher Baltimore orioles Spotted towhee Indigo bunting Northern cardinals Purple finch Source: https://birdfeederhub.com/birds-that-eat-blackberries/ From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 15 20:03:33 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Robert O'Brien via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 15 20:03:48 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Himalayan Blackberries In-Reply-To: References: <13607606.118223.1755262118626.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <13607606.118223.1755262118626@mail.yahoo.com> <791567826.82933.1755273875653@connect.xfinity.com> Message-ID: The very same concept applies to insects. I live on a large rural property with mostly invasive annuals, biennials, perennials, etc.. Three plants provide sustenance for many dozens of insect pollinators (*NOT* just bees and butterflies) Queen Anne's Lace (native to Europe and Asia and naturalized in North America and Australia ), and the two invasive Thistle species. Without them, there would be virtually no insects here. And birds need insects. Here are a few examples for Queen Anne's Lace (~Wild Carrot). https://bugguide.net/adv_search/bgsearch.php?user=128549&taxon=&description=queen+ann&county=&city_location=&adult=&immature=&male=&female=&representative= Bob OBrien Portland On Fri, Aug 15, 2025 at 11:59?AM Steve Hampton via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Here's one of those strange examples: In California, Himalayan > blackberries are one of the few places where seriously-declining Tricolored > Blackbirds can nest successfully, as more native places (marshes) are now a > patchwork easily infiltrated by predators such as night-herons and > raccoons. I recall a rookery of 2,000 night-herons in a eucalyptus grove > near a smallish cattail marsh. The herons wiped out 5,000 TRBL nests in a > few nights. But in the blackberries, the Trikes are successful. > > > > On Fri, Aug 15, 2025 at 9:05?AM HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > >> Gary brings up a good point about some of our decisions about habitat, >> its restoration, and modifications. >> >> Early in my career I read an article by a WDG Wildlife Biologist. He >> described a situation (probably made up) of a corner of his yard overrun >> with blackberries. A song Sparrow nested there. In honor of his European >> roots, he annually "collected" a bird or two to eat. Every year the >> sparrows nested and produced young. Then, he decided to clean up the yard, >> install a gazebo and fire pit, and make the yard neater. No more sparrow >> nesting, no more sparrow eating. He had converted a piece of land from >> supporting Song Sparrow to essentially reducing the world population by a >> pair and their young. Like putting up those barriers instead of >> blackberry. >> >> The second was in conversations with an entomologist regarding proposals >> to replace (exotic) stands of eucalyptus in coastal CA with native shrubs >> and such. This would remove the trees in which Monarchs wintered and not >> replace them (Monarchs have site fidelity) for decades at the minimum. >> >> There are times when exotic species may be providing ecological services >> that the native plants don't/didn't. Not saying that we should keep all >> the exotics but perhaps a deeper dive into the services they provide and >> how the loss of them will be mitigated. >> >> Hal Michael >> Board of Directors, Ecologists Without Borders >> Olympia WA >> 360-459-4005 >> 360-791-7702 (C) >> ucd880@comcast.net >> >> >> >> On 08/15/2025 5:48 AM PDT Gary Bletsch via Tweeters < >> tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: >> >> >> Dear Tweeters, >> >> Although I favor native plants in a passive sort of way, I will never >> bad-mouth the Himalayan Blackberry--if that is still the right name. I owe >> my life to Himalayan Blackberries. >> >> In December of 1990, my 1971 Dodge Dart started sliding and spinning, >> doing 360's all over Interstate 5 in Tukwila. I'd hit black ice. After >> bouncing off a little subcompact, the car went careening toward a semi, >> which I somehow missed. I distinctly remember saying goodbye to what had >> seemed like a pretty darned good life up to that point. A moment later, I >> was sitting in the driver's seat, utterly unharmed. The bulb of a huge >> freeway light pole was slowly swinging back and forth right, a cubit from >> my window. I had clipped the pole, which landed on my roof, denting it only >> slightly. The front of the car had plunged into a huge patch of >> blackberries, which absorbed the impact of a 3000-pound Mopar going 60 mph. >> The frame was not bent; I just needed a new radiator and a few dents >> hammered out. >> >> Today there is a line of concrete barriers where that blackberry patch >> used to be. If I had hit that, I would almost certainly have died, or at >> least suffered serious injury. >> >> At my old place in the Skagit Valley, we had huge, long thickets of >> blackberries. The goats and I had our work cut out for us, keeping it under >> control. >> >> White-crowned Sparrows and several other species nested in there. I don't >> remember exactly what birds ate the fruits, but many did, certainly >> including Starlings, Towhees, and Robins. In winter, I'd have all sorts of >> interesting birds sheltering in those thickets, including White-throated >> Sparrows almost every winter. >> >> Besides being my goats' absolute favorite food, the blackberries provided >> an enormous bounty of fruit, and blackberry pie was a major feature of our >> late-summer diet every year. >> >> Yours truly, >> >> Gary Bletsch >> >> PS I did a birding trip in the foothills of the Himalayas a few years >> ago, visiting India and Bhutan. While I saw *Cannabis sativa *growing >> wild all over the place, I never saw a blackberry. Maybe "Armenian >> Blackberry" would be a better name. The *Wikipedia *article states that >> the plant is native to Armenia and northern Iran. >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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) > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 15 22:33:57 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Steve Hampton via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 15 22:34:12 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Himalayan Blackberries In-Reply-To: References: <13607606.118223.1755262118626.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <13607606.118223.1755262118626@mail.yahoo.com> <791567826.82933.1755273875653@connect.xfinity.com> Message-ID: Good point on the insects, but let's add that native trees are critical. Chickadees and others need over 6,000 moth caterpillars to fledge a nest of chicks, and they only get those from native willows, alders, bitter cherries, etc. On Fri, Aug 15, 2025 at 8:03?PM Robert O'Brien wrote: > The very same concept applies to insects. I live on a large rural > property with mostly invasive annuals, biennials, perennials, etc.. Three > plants provide sustenance for many dozens of insect pollinators (*NOT* > just bees and butterflies) Queen Anne's Lace (native to Europe and Asia and > naturalized in North America and Australia ), and the two invasive > Thistle species. Without them, there would be virtually no insects here. > And birds need insects. > Here are a few examples for Queen Anne's Lace (~Wild Carrot). > > https://bugguide.net/adv_search/bgsearch.php?user=128549&taxon=&description=queen+ann&county=&city_location=&adult=&immature=&male=&female=&representative= > Bob OBrien Portland > > On Fri, Aug 15, 2025 at 11:59?AM Steve Hampton via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > >> Here's one of those strange examples: In California, Himalayan >> blackberries are one of the few places where seriously-declining Tricolored >> Blackbirds can nest successfully, as more native places (marshes) are now a >> patchwork easily infiltrated by predators such as night-herons and >> raccoons. I recall a rookery of 2,000 night-herons in a eucalyptus grove >> near a smallish cattail marsh. The herons wiped out 5,000 TRBL nests in a >> few nights. But in the blackberries, the Trikes are successful. >> >> >> >> On Fri, Aug 15, 2025 at 9:05?AM HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters < >> tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: >> >>> Gary brings up a good point about some of our decisions about habitat, >>> its restoration, and modifications. >>> >>> Early in my career I read an article by a WDG Wildlife Biologist. He >>> described a situation (probably made up) of a corner of his yard overrun >>> with blackberries. A song Sparrow nested there. In honor of his European >>> roots, he annually "collected" a bird or two to eat. Every year the >>> sparrows nested and produced young. Then, he decided to clean up the yard, >>> install a gazebo and fire pit, and make the yard neater. No more sparrow >>> nesting, no more sparrow eating. He had converted a piece of land from >>> supporting Song Sparrow to essentially reducing the world population by a >>> pair and their young. Like putting up those barriers instead of >>> blackberry. >>> >>> The second was in conversations with an entomologist regarding proposals >>> to replace (exotic) stands of eucalyptus in coastal CA with native shrubs >>> and such. This would remove the trees in which Monarchs wintered and not >>> replace them (Monarchs have site fidelity) for decades at the minimum. >>> >>> There are times when exotic species may be providing ecological services >>> that the native plants don't/didn't. Not saying that we should keep all >>> the exotics but perhaps a deeper dive into the services they provide and >>> how the loss of them will be mitigated. >>> >>> Hal Michael >>> Board of Directors, Ecologists Without Borders >>> Olympia WA >>> 360-459-4005 >>> 360-791-7702 (C) >>> ucd880@comcast.net >>> >>> >>> >>> On 08/15/2025 5:48 AM PDT Gary Bletsch via Tweeters < >>> tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: >>> >>> >>> Dear Tweeters, >>> >>> Although I favor native plants in a passive sort of way, I will never >>> bad-mouth the Himalayan Blackberry--if that is still the right name. I owe >>> my life to Himalayan Blackberries. >>> >>> In December of 1990, my 1971 Dodge Dart started sliding and spinning, >>> doing 360's all over Interstate 5 in Tukwila. I'd hit black ice. After >>> bouncing off a little subcompact, the car went careening toward a semi, >>> which I somehow missed. I distinctly remember saying goodbye to what had >>> seemed like a pretty darned good life up to that point. A moment later, I >>> was sitting in the driver's seat, utterly unharmed. The bulb of a huge >>> freeway light pole was slowly swinging back and forth right, a cubit from >>> my window. I had clipped the pole, which landed on my roof, denting it only >>> slightly. The front of the car had plunged into a huge patch of >>> blackberries, which absorbed the impact of a 3000-pound Mopar going 60 mph. >>> The frame was not bent; I just needed a new radiator and a few dents >>> hammered out. >>> >>> Today there is a line of concrete barriers where that blackberry patch >>> used to be. If I had hit that, I would almost certainly have died, or at >>> least suffered serious injury. >>> >>> At my old place in the Skagit Valley, we had huge, long thickets of >>> blackberries. The goats and I had our work cut out for us, keeping it under >>> control. >>> >>> White-crowned Sparrows and several other species nested in there. I >>> don't remember exactly what birds ate the fruits, but many did, certainly >>> including Starlings, Towhees, and Robins. In winter, I'd have all sorts of >>> interesting birds sheltering in those thickets, including White-throated >>> Sparrows almost every winter. >>> >>> Besides being my goats' absolute favorite food, the blackberries >>> provided an enormous bounty of fruit, and blackberry pie was a major >>> feature of our late-summer diet every year. >>> >>> Yours truly, >>> >>> Gary Bletsch >>> >>> PS I did a birding trip in the foothills of the Himalayas a few years >>> ago, visiting India and Bhutan. While I saw *Cannabis sativa *growing >>> wild all over the place, I never saw a blackberry. Maybe "Armenian >>> Blackberry" would be a better name. The *Wikipedia *article states that >>> the plant is native to Armenia and northern Iran. >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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) >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 16 10:11:10 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Robert O'Brien via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 16 10:11:25 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Himalayan Blackberries In-Reply-To: References: <13607606.118223.1755262118626.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <13607606.118223.1755262118626@mail.yahoo.com> <791567826.82933.1755273875653@connect.xfinity.com> Message-ID: Fortunately, we have those as well. That is why I restricted my comments to non-trees and pollinators in the wider sense. Not all insects are pollinators, of course. But the so common notion among the general public that pollinators = (bees (so often just Honey Bees) and butterflies).is much too limiting. And, by the way, Himalayan (& Evergreen) Blackberries are great for Honeybees and are a seasonal staple for apiarists. As for Bitter Cherries, they are native of course. And attractive to wildlife in flower and in fruit. Thrushes love them.. But in our area around Portland the invasive Eurasian Cherry, Prunus avium, is rampant. This tree becomes gigantic and supplies huge crops per tree of the same two features for birds and insects. And then, also around Portland, there is the English Hawthorn. Ditto to the Eurasian Cherry. Rampant. We also have the native Douglas (Black) Hawthorne on our place but the English Hawthorn outperforms the native 10:1. in flower and fruit and rampacity (is that even a word?). Now I'm NOT saying we should let non-natives take over. Not at all. Just trying to add a little realism to the invasion by the non-natives. Which of course was the spirit of this entire thread. Which I greatly enjoy. Bob OBrien Portland On Fri, Aug 15, 2025 at 10:34?PM Steve Hampton via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Good point on the insects, but let's add that native trees are critical. > Chickadees and others need over 6,000 moth caterpillars to fledge a nest of > chicks, and they only get those from native willows, alders, bitter > cherries, etc. > > > > On Fri, Aug 15, 2025 at 8:03?PM Robert O'Brien wrote: > >> The very same concept applies to insects. I live on a large rural >> property with mostly invasive annuals, biennials, perennials, etc.. Three >> plants provide sustenance for many dozens of insect pollinators (*NOT* >> just bees and butterflies) Queen Anne's Lace (native to Europe and Asia and >> naturalized in North America and Australia ), and the two invasive >> Thistle species. Without them, there would be virtually no insects here. >> And birds need insects. >> Here are a few examples for Queen Anne's Lace (~Wild Carrot). >> >> https://bugguide.net/adv_search/bgsearch.php?user=128549&taxon=&description=queen+ann&county=&city_location=&adult=&immature=&male=&female=&representative= >> Bob OBrien Portland >> >> On Fri, Aug 15, 2025 at 11:59?AM Steve Hampton via Tweeters < >> tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: >> >>> Here's one of those strange examples: In California, Himalayan >>> blackberries are one of the few places where seriously-declining Tricolored >>> Blackbirds can nest successfully, as more native places (marshes) are now a >>> patchwork easily infiltrated by predators such as night-herons and >>> raccoons. I recall a rookery of 2,000 night-herons in a eucalyptus grove >>> near a smallish cattail marsh. The herons wiped out 5,000 TRBL nests in a >>> few nights. But in the blackberries, the Trikes are successful. >>> >>> >>> >>> On Fri, Aug 15, 2025 at 9:05?AM HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters < >>> tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: >>> >>>> Gary brings up a good point about some of our decisions about habitat, >>>> its restoration, and modifications. >>>> >>>> Early in my career I read an article by a WDG Wildlife Biologist. He >>>> described a situation (probably made up) of a corner of his yard overrun >>>> with blackberries. A song Sparrow nested there. In honor of his European >>>> roots, he annually "collected" a bird or two to eat. Every year the >>>> sparrows nested and produced young. Then, he decided to clean up the yard, >>>> install a gazebo and fire pit, and make the yard neater. No more sparrow >>>> nesting, no more sparrow eating. He had converted a piece of land from >>>> supporting Song Sparrow to essentially reducing the world population by a >>>> pair and their young. Like putting up those barriers instead of >>>> blackberry. >>>> >>>> The second was in conversations with an entomologist regarding >>>> proposals to replace (exotic) stands of eucalyptus in coastal CA with >>>> native shrubs and such. This would remove the trees in which Monarchs >>>> wintered and not replace them (Monarchs have site fidelity) for decades at >>>> the minimum. >>>> >>>> There are times when exotic species may be providing ecological >>>> services that the native plants don't/didn't. Not saying that we should >>>> keep all the exotics but perhaps a deeper dive into the services they >>>> provide and how the loss of them will be mitigated. >>>> >>>> Hal Michael >>>> Board of Directors, Ecologists Without Borders >>>> Olympia WA >>>> 360-459-4005 >>>> 360-791-7702 (C) >>>> ucd880@comcast.net >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On 08/15/2025 5:48 AM PDT Gary Bletsch via Tweeters < >>>> tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: >>>> >>>> >>>> Dear Tweeters, >>>> >>>> Although I favor native plants in a passive sort of way, I will never >>>> bad-mouth the Himalayan Blackberry--if that is still the right name. I owe >>>> my life to Himalayan Blackberries. >>>> >>>> In December of 1990, my 1971 Dodge Dart started sliding and spinning, >>>> doing 360's all over Interstate 5 in Tukwila. I'd hit black ice. After >>>> bouncing off a little subcompact, the car went careening toward a semi, >>>> which I somehow missed. I distinctly remember saying goodbye to what had >>>> seemed like a pretty darned good life up to that point. A moment later, I >>>> was sitting in the driver's seat, utterly unharmed. The bulb of a huge >>>> freeway light pole was slowly swinging back and forth right, a cubit from >>>> my window. I had clipped the pole, which landed on my roof, denting it only >>>> slightly. The front of the car had plunged into a huge patch of >>>> blackberries, which absorbed the impact of a 3000-pound Mopar going 60 mph. >>>> The frame was not bent; I just needed a new radiator and a few dents >>>> hammered out. >>>> >>>> Today there is a line of concrete barriers where that blackberry patch >>>> used to be. If I had hit that, I would almost certainly have died, or at >>>> least suffered serious injury. >>>> >>>> At my old place in the Skagit Valley, we had huge, long thickets of >>>> blackberries. The goats and I had our work cut out for us, keeping it under >>>> control. >>>> >>>> White-crowned Sparrows and several other species nested in there. I >>>> don't remember exactly what birds ate the fruits, but many did, certainly >>>> including Starlings, Towhees, and Robins. In winter, I'd have all sorts of >>>> interesting birds sheltering in those thickets, including White-throated >>>> Sparrows almost every winter. >>>> >>>> Besides being my goats' absolute favorite food, the blackberries >>>> provided an enormous bounty of fruit, and blackberry pie was a major >>>> feature of our late-summer diet every year. >>>> >>>> Yours truly, >>>> >>>> Gary Bletsch >>>> >>>> PS I did a birding trip in the foothills of the Himalayas a few years >>>> ago, visiting India and Bhutan. While I saw *Cannabis sativa *growing >>>> wild all over the place, I never saw a blackberry. Maybe "Armenian >>>> Blackberry" would be a better name. The *Wikipedia *article states >>>> that the plant is native to Armenia and northern Iran. >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> 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) >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Tweeters mailing list >>> Tweeters@u.washington.edu >>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >>> >> > > -- > ?Steve Hampton? > Port Townsend, WA (qat?y) > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 16 10:28:48 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Diann MacRae via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 16 10:28:54 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Himalayan Blackberries In-Reply-To: References: <13607606.118223.1755262118626.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <13607606.118223.1755262118626@mail.yahoo.com> <791567826.82933.1755273875653@connect.xfinity.com> Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 16 19:37:46 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dennis Paulson via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 16 19:37:50 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Fwd: Scholarships available for upcoming student symposium! References: Message-ID: <0D4F53EE-A842-49FF-A7D2-2BC242EAF8FE@comcast.net> Begin forwarded message: > > From: Western Field Ornithologists > Subject: Scholarships available for upcoming student symposium! > Date: August 16, 2025 at 7:35:12 PM PDT > To: Dennis Paulson > Reply-To: Maci MacPherson > > > Scholarships applications open for students to attend Frontiers in Ornithology - Student Symposium in Seattle, WA > > > The Frontiers in Ornithology Symposium will take place on October 4, 2025 at The Mountaineers Seattle Program Center in Seattle, Washington. This is an event for students ages 13-23 and their mentors. WFO is a proud sponsor of this student-specific event. > > The primary mission of this event is to focus on ornithology, conservation science and related academic pursuits. Students do not want to miss this very special opportunity. Please share with any students you know who may be interested and have them apply for a scholarship today! > . > > > > > > > 793A East Foothill Blvd #134 > San Luis Obispo CA 93405 > United States > westernfieldornithologists.org > 541-554-3781 > Thank you for your support! > > Unsubscribe > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 17 00:14:48 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Kellie Sagen via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 17 00:14:54 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Blackberries? Message-ID: Tweets, I am super grateful a patch of Himalayan blackberry saved the life of Gary B. Phew! However, I will bad-mouth that wretched plant every chance I get. I?ve been trying to eradicate it from my property for eons. Its thorns cut up my arms, legs, hands and sometimes my face every year no matter what I wear. Maybe a suit of armor would work. I have planted over 1500 natives and yet the Himalayan blackberry outcompetes them all. It refuses to die. It does attract several species of birds and other wildlife and makes a great cobbler. I have actually seen it for sale locally even though it is on our state?s noxious weed list. According to the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board - It is a notorious invasive species in many countries around the world and costs millions of dollars for both control and in estimated impacts. This species spreads aggressively and has severe negative impacts to native plants, wildlife and livestock. Birds eat all kinds of berries including the Himalayan blackberry but I hope one day it will not be for sale anymore and will be wiped off the face of the earth, erm Washington and other areas it should not be. We can plant Snowberry, Twinberry, Osoberry, etc in its place to save the next Gary B on a collision course with death! Okay, lively response over. I think I may have been triggered! Back to your regularly scheduled programming. Sincerely, Kellie Sagen P.S. Native plants attract native insects which feed native birds. Yay natives! From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 17 00:34:26 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 17 00:34:42 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Union Lake Swan? Message-ID: Just a silly question: we were walking the Burke-Gilman Trail in Fremont yesterday, Saturday 8/16 and sat on a bench at the Aurora bridge. I noticed a large white bird on the water at the south side of the bridge. I did not have binoculars with me, but it struck me like a swan and not a large white domestic duck or goose. Has anybody seen this bird? Thanks! 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 Sun Aug 17 06:23:54 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Nagi Aboulenein via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 17 06:24:03 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Blackberries? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Kellie - We have an HOA-owned greenspace adjacent to our subdivision (King City, OR), which, when we first moved here quite a while back, was heavily infested with Himalayan Blackberries. At the time, the HOA hired a professional company to remove the blackberry bushes. It took them 4 consecutive years of heavy duty chemical application (which I wasn?t very happy with, but unable to do anything about since the HOA contracts were already in place when we moved in) and manual labor. Simply cutting off the above-ground portions doesn?t do much - the bushes grow back with a vengeance. The chemicals that were applied were to prevent that regrowth. And still they had to keep doing it for four years in row! Good birding! ? Nagi Aboulenein > On Sunday, Aug 17, 2025 at 00:14, Kellie Sagen via Tweeters wrote: > Tweets, > > I am super grateful a patch of Himalayan blackberry saved the life of Gary B. Phew! However, I will bad-mouth that wretched plant every chance I get. I?ve been trying to eradicate it from my property for eons. Its thorns cut up my arms, legs, hands and sometimes my face every year no matter what I wear. Maybe a suit of armor would work. I have planted over 1500 natives and yet the Himalayan blackberry outcompetes them all. It refuses to die. > > It does attract several species of birds and other wildlife and makes a great cobbler. I have actually seen it for sale locally even though it is on our state?s noxious weed list. According to the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board - It is a notorious invasive species in many countries around the world and costs millions of dollars for both control and in estimated impacts. This species spreads aggressively and has severe negative impacts to native plants, wildlife and livestock. > > Birds eat all kinds of berries including the Himalayan blackberry but I hope one day it will not be for sale anymore and will be wiped off the face of the earth, erm Washington and other areas it should not be. We can plant Snowberry, Twinberry, Osoberry, etc in its place to save the next Gary B on a collision course with death! > > Okay, lively response over. I think I may have been triggered! Back to your regularly scheduled programming. > > Sincerely, > Kellie Sagen > > P.S. Native plants attract native insects which feed native birds. Yay natives! > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 17 10:04:01 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (William Stafford Noble via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 17 10:04:19 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Union Lake Swan? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: That is a decoy, owned by the adjacent houseboat. On Sun, Aug 17, 2025 at 12:34 AM Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Just a silly question: we were walking the Burke-Gilman Trail in > Fremont yesterday, Saturday 8/16 > and sat on a bench at the Aurora bridge. I noticed a large white bird on > the water at the south side of the bridge. I did not have binoculars with > me, but it struck me like a swan and not a large white domestic duck or > goose. Has anybody seen this bird? > > Thanks! > > Hans > > -- > *Hans Feddern* > Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA > thefedderns@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 17 11:15:30 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 17 11:15:44 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Union Lake Swan? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Thank you gentlemen! It never put it head down! Hans *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA thefedderns@gmail.com On Sun, Aug 17, 2025 at 10:04?AM William Stafford Noble wrote: > That is a decoy, owned by the adjacent houseboat. > > On Sun, Aug 17, 2025 at 12:34 AM Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > >> Just a silly question: we were walking the Burke-Gilman Trail in >> Fremont yesterday, Saturday 8/16 >> and sat on a bench at the Aurora bridge. I noticed a large white bird on >> the water at the south side of the bridge. I did not have binoculars with >> me, but it struck me like a swan and not a large white domestic duck or >> goose. Has anybody seen this bird? >> >> Thanks! >> >> Hans >> >> -- >> *Hans Feddern* >> Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA >> thefedderns@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 17 11:55:56 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hubbell via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 17 11:56:19 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Union Bay Watch } Waldo+ Message-ID: <50F8F274-E5FB-4D3F-8890-D73F03091CBA@comcast.net> Tweeters, This notice contains two different links. I hope you enjoy them both! https://unionbaywatch.blogspot.com/2025/07/waldo.html https://unionbaywatch.blogspot.com/2025/08/by-any-other-name.html Have a great day on Union Bay! Larry -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 17 12:37:12 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 17 12:37:15 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Green Heron Name? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <6b43ead5-e281-47f2-b1d3-2bf10da41de8@jimbetz.com> Larry, ? We, the people in the field, don't get to choose the names for the birds.? It's best to just accept whatever name they have rather than lobby for a change ... ???? At least the name of the Green Heron hasn't changed like the Marsh Hawk and some others ...? - Jim in Skagit From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 17 13:16:18 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Elaine Anderson via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 17 13:16:33 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Green Heron Name? In-Reply-To: <6b43ead5-e281-47f2-b1d3-2bf10da41de8@jimbetz.com> References: <6b43ead5-e281-47f2-b1d3-2bf10da41de8@jimbetz.com> Message-ID: I didn?t get the sense that Larry was lobbying for a change, but that he was having a bit of fun with physical descriptors. I never did understand where ?green heron? came from! Elaine On Sun, Aug 17, 2025 at 12:37?PM Jim Betz via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Larry, > > We, the people in the field, don't get to choose the names for the > birds. It's best to just > > accept whatever name they have rather than lobby for a change ... ??? > At least the name > > of the Green Heron hasn't changed like the Marsh Hawk and some others > ... - Jim in Skagit > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 17 13:38:52 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 17 13:38:55 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Cedar River Mouth shorebirding 8.17.25 Message-ID: <0RZ1VCLWYQU4.ZU9TR2VVF16D2@luweb01oc> Today (8.17.25) at the mouth of the Cedar River in Renton: Least Sandpiper - a few Western Sandpiper - a few juveniles & 1 adult Semipalmated Sandpiper - 2 juv https://flic.kr/p/2ro64eE & https://flic.kr/p/2ro5uVA Long-billed Dowitcher - 1 adult Solitary Sandpiper - 1 juv https://flic.kr/p/2ro4i3M & https://flic.kr/p/2rnZ3aQ Marv Breece Tukwila, WA marvbreece@q.com ....that the elected might never form to themselves an interest separate from the electors ... - Thomas Paine, from Common Sense -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 17 13:42:05 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 17 13:42:10 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] POPULAR SCIENCE: Bald eagles stun scientists with bizarre migration pattern Message-ID: <5435738B-E498-48A9-9CEC-0C84CF71BB49@gmail.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 17 15:43:29 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Rob Faucett via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 17 15:44:17 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] DISREGARD - Missing msgs #1 Message-ID: Hi Folks - Sorry to trouble you. We?re trying to figure out the missing messages problem. MAKE PLAIN TEXT = ENABLED -- Rob Faucett Seattle, WA (206) 619-5569 From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 17 15:45:55 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Rob Faucett via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 17 15:46:10 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] DISREGARD - Missing msgs #2 [was] #1 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <7459C475-CD75-4602-8C11-A837CC6291A1@mac.com> Last one. ? Rob Faucett +1(206) 619-5569 robfaucett@mac.com Seattle, WA 98105 > On Aug 17, 2025, at 3:44?PM, Rob Faucett wrote: > > ?Hi Folks - Sorry to trouble you. We?re trying to figure out the missing messages problem. > > MAKE PLAIN TEXT = ENABLED > > -- > Rob Faucett > Seattle, WA > (206) 619-5569 > From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 17 18:47:42 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Carol Riddell via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 17 18:47:56 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Edmonds Roundup - July 2025 Message-ID: Hi Tweeters, With July additions we have reached 170 species for our Edmonds 2025 list. In taxonomic order, the new species are: Vaux?s Swift (code 3), 1 at Edmonds marsh, 7-3-2025. Semipalmated Sandpiper (code 3), 2 at Edmonds marsh, 7-1-2025 (critical field marks described). Leach?s Storm-Petrel (code 5), 1 at waterfront, 7-16-2025 (critical field marks described). American White Pelican (code 4), approximately 35 flying over Edmonds marsh, 7-5-2025 (ID photos). Of interest: A Green Heron (code 3) was at Edmonds marsh throughout the month, with two seen together on 7-10-2025. Declined: Short-billed Dowitcher (code 4), Lesser Yellowlegs (code 4), Baird?s Sandpiper (code 3), Bank Swallow (code 4), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (code 3). These were just ticks on eBird checklists with no documentation. They could be data entry errors, misidentifications, or correct identifications. Without some documentation, we cannot add these species to the year list. 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 2025 city checklist, with 283 species, please request it from checklistedmonds at gmail dot com. The 2025 checklist, with sightings through July, is in the bird information box at the Olympic Beach Visitor Station at the base of the public pier. Good birding, Carol Riddell Edmonds, WA cariddellwa at gmail dot com Abundance codes: (1) Common, (2) Uncommon, (3) Harder to find, usually seen annually, (4) Rare, 5+ records, (5) Fewer than 5 records -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 17 20:46:50 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 17 20:47:18 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Blackberries Message-ID: <02E8607B-153C-43F2-9F0E-40ADEBAFCC4A@comcast.net> The discussion about Himalayan blackberries sufficiently addressed, I?ll just add that I was taught by the natural resources staff for the Forest Steward program on Mercer Island the following method of removing blackberries: Cut the canes starting from the top into 8? to 12? pieces. Let them fall where they may. When you?re down to about 8? left, dig out the roots. Keep doing that over the area of work. Rake up the pieces and root wads into a pile and let them compost on site. I find this method prevents them from attaching to my sleeves, jacket, pants, hat, and what all. Likewise prevents lots of cursing. Lots of fun! Carolyn Boatsman From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 17 20:57:43 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (dick via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 17 20:57:48 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Off-Topic: Backroads from Ellensburg to Wenatchee? Message-ID: <48k3smnpx8-1@m0247478.ppops.net> Does anyone know if there is a summertime route from Ellensburg to Wenatchee through the Colockum Area? Maybe accessing Mission Ridge from the South?ThanksDick, BellinghamSent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 17 22:24:06 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Larry Schwitters via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 17 22:24:28 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Vaux's Migration begins Message-ID: <93BCA82A-B9CD-4579-92DA-749AB1E608A8@me.com> Every night since the rain hit Wagner and Selleck have been sheltering low thousands of swifts. You don?t want to go to Selleck. You might want to go to Monroe. Larry Schwitters Issaquah From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 18 14:38:57 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Larry Schwitters via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 18 14:39:29 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Issaquah Bobcat In-Reply-To: <93BCA82A-B9CD-4579-92DA-749AB1E608A8@me.com> References: <93BCA82A-B9CD-4579-92DA-749AB1E608A8@me.com> Message-ID: <892BB03A-89C1-4457-BC9E-95FF132C5BA9@me.com> Not a bird but they eat birds. Got a very good look at a very large Bobcat yesterday half way between Issaquah Costco headquarters and Home Depot. Larry Schwitters Issaquah From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 18 15:03:28 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Sally Walters via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 18 15:04:02 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Green heron names Vol 252, Issue In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <20AFF079-30A7-424F-8E4C-2E6DA00A1F43@gmail.com> ?Green heron?s naming woes? I'm old enough to remember the green-backed heron?s name change. Given the brief small amount of green ?. Woe with me! Perhaps the gray green-backed rufous necked heron. Multi colored heron? Sally M. Walters Sacramento CA Sent from my iPhone On Aug 18, 2025, at 12:00?PM, via Tweeters wrote: ?Send Tweeters mailing list submissions to tweeters@u.washington.edu To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to tweeters-request@mailman11.u.washington.edu You can reach the person managing the list at tweeters-owner@mailman11.u.washington.edu When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of Tweeters digest..." Today's Topics: 1. Green Heron Name? (Jim Betz via Tweeters) 2. Re: Green Heron Name? (Elaine Anderson via Tweeters) 3. Cedar River Mouth shorebirding 8.17.25 (MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters) 4. POPULAR SCIENCE: Bald eagles stun scientists with bizarre migration pattern (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) 5. DISREGARD - Missing msgs #1 (Rob Faucett via Tweeters) 6. Re: DISREGARD - Missing msgs #2 [was] #1 (Rob Faucett via Tweeters) 7. Edmonds Roundup - July 2025 (Carol Riddell via Tweeters) 8. Blackberries (via Tweeters) 9. Off-Topic: Backroads from Ellensburg to Wenatchee? (dick via Tweeters) 10. Vaux's Migration begins (Larry Schwitters via Tweeters) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2025 12:37:12 -0700 From: Jim Betz via Tweeters To: via Tweeters Subject: [Tweeters] Green Heron Name? Message-ID: <6b43ead5-e281-47f2-b1d3-2bf10da41de8@jimbetz.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed Larry, ? We, the people in the field, don't get to choose the names for the birds.? It's best to just accept whatever name they have rather than lobby for a change ... ???? At least the name of the Green Heron hasn't changed like the Marsh Hawk and some others ...? - Jim in Skagit ------------------------------ Message: 2 Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2025 13:16:18 -0700 From: Elaine Anderson via Tweeters To: jimbetz@jimbetz.com Cc: via Tweeters Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Green Heron Name? Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" I didn?t get the sense that Larry was lobbying for a change, but that he was having a bit of fun with physical descriptors. I never did understand where ?green heron? came from! Elaine On Sun, Aug 17, 2025 at 12:37?PM Jim Betz via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Larry, > > We, the people in the field, don't get to choose the names for the > birds. It's best to just > > accept whatever name they have rather than lobby for a change ... ??? > At least the name > > of the Green Heron hasn't changed like the Marsh Hawk and some others > ... - Jim in Skagit > > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: ------------------------------ Message: 3 Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2025 13:38:52 -0700 From: MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters To: Tweeters@u.washington.edu Subject: [Tweeters] Cedar River Mouth shorebirding 8.17.25 Message-ID: <0RZ1VCLWYQU4.ZU9TR2VVF16D2@luweb01oc> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" Today (8.17.25) at the mouth of the Cedar River in Renton: Least Sandpiper - a few Western Sandpiper - a few juveniles & 1 adult Semipalmated Sandpiper - 2 juv https://flic.kr/p/2ro64eE & https://flic.kr/p/2ro5uVA Long-billed Dowitcher - 1 adult Solitary Sandpiper - 1 juv https://flic.kr/p/2ro4i3M & https://flic.kr/p/2rnZ3aQ Marv Breece Tukwila, WA marvbreece@q.com ....that the elected might never form to themselves an interest separate from the electors ... - Thomas Paine, from Common Sense -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: ------------------------------ Message: 4 Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2025 13:42:05 -0700 From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters To: Tweeters Subject: [Tweeters] POPULAR SCIENCE: Bald eagles stun scientists with bizarre migration pattern Message-ID: <5435738B-E498-48A9-9CEC-0C84CF71BB49@gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: ------------------------------ Message: 5 Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2025 15:43:29 -0700 From: Rob Faucett via Tweeters To: TWEETERS Subject: [Tweeters] DISREGARD - Missing msgs #1 Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 Hi Folks - Sorry to trouble you. We?re trying to figure out the missing messages problem. MAKE PLAIN TEXT = ENABLED -- Rob Faucett Seattle, WA (206) 619-5569 ------------------------------ Message: 6 Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2025 15:45:55 -0700 From: Rob Faucett via Tweeters To: TWEETERS Subject: Re: [Tweeters] DISREGARD - Missing msgs #2 [was] #1 Message-ID: <7459C475-CD75-4602-8C11-A837CC6291A1@mac.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 Last one. ? Rob Faucett +1(206) 619-5569 robfaucett@mac.com Seattle, WA 98105 > On Aug 17, 2025, at 3:44?PM, Rob Faucett wrote: > > ?Hi Folks - Sorry to trouble you. We?re trying to figure out the missing messages problem. > > MAKE PLAIN TEXT = ENABLED > > -- > Rob Faucett > Seattle, WA > (206) 619-5569 > ------------------------------ Message: 7 Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2025 18:47:42 -0700 From: Carol Riddell via Tweeters To: tweeters Subject: [Tweeters] Edmonds Roundup - July 2025 Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" Hi Tweeters, With July additions we have reached 170 species for our Edmonds 2025 list. In taxonomic order, the new species are: Vaux?s Swift (code 3), 1 at Edmonds marsh, 7-3-2025. Semipalmated Sandpiper (code 3), 2 at Edmonds marsh, 7-1-2025 (critical field marks described). Leach?s Storm-Petrel (code 5), 1 at waterfront, 7-16-2025 (critical field marks described). American White Pelican (code 4), approximately 35 flying over Edmonds marsh, 7-5-2025 (ID photos). Of interest: A Green Heron (code 3) was at Edmonds marsh throughout the month, with two seen together on 7-10-2025. Declined: Short-billed Dowitcher (code 4), Lesser Yellowlegs (code 4), Baird?s Sandpiper (code 3), Bank Swallow (code 4), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (code 3). These were just ticks on eBird checklists with no documentation. They could be data entry errors, misidentifications, or correct identifications. Without some documentation, we cannot add these species to the year list. 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 2025 city checklist, with 283 species, please request it from checklistedmonds at gmail dot com. The 2025 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: ------------------------------ Message: 8 Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2025 20:46:50 -0700 From: via Tweeters To: tweeters@u.washington.edu Subject: [Tweeters] Blackberries Message-ID: <02E8607B-153C-43F2-9F0E-40ADEBAFCC4A@comcast.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 The discussion about Himalayan blackberries sufficiently addressed, I?ll just add that I was taught by the natural resources staff for the Forest Steward program on Mercer Island the following method of removing blackberries: Cut the canes starting from the top into 8? to 12? pieces. Let them fall where they may. When you?re down to about 8? left, dig out the roots. Keep doing that over the area of work. Rake up the pieces and root wads into a pile and let them compost on site. I find this method prevents them from attaching to my sleeves, jacket, pants, hat, and what all. Likewise prevents lots of cursing. Lots of fun! Carolyn Boatsman ------------------------------ Message: 9 Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2025 20:57:43 -0700 From: dick via Tweeters To: TWEETERS Subject: [Tweeters] Off-Topic: Backroads from Ellensburg to Wenatchee? Message-ID: <48k3smnpx8-1@m0247478.ppops.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" Does anyone know if there is a summertime route from Ellensburg to Wenatchee through the Colockum Area? Maybe accessing Mission Ridge from the South?ThanksDick, BellinghamSent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: ------------------------------ Message: 10 Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2025 22:24:06 -0700 From: Larry Schwitters via Tweeters To: tweeters@u.washington.edu Subject: [Tweeters] Vaux's Migration begins Message-ID: <93BCA82A-B9CD-4579-92DA-749AB1E608A8@me.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 Every night since the rain hit Wagner and Selleck have been sheltering low thousands of swifts. You don?t want to go to Selleck. You might want to go to Monroe. Larry Schwitters Issaquah ------------------------------ Subject: Digest Footer _______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list Tweeters@mailman11.u.washington.edu http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters ------------------------------ End of Tweeters Digest, Vol 252, Issue 17 ***************************************** From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 18 17:57:30 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 18 17:57:44 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Green heron names Vol 252, Issue In-Reply-To: <20AFF079-30A7-424F-8E4C-2E6DA00A1F43@gmail.com> References: <20AFF079-30A7-424F-8E4C-2E6DA00A1F43@gmail.com> Message-ID: Thank you Sally! Yes, I go back to Green-backed Heron, but could not remember the name. Despite checking in old field guides and even the remake of Peterson?s original field guide showed Green Heron! Hans *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA thefedderns@gmail.com On Mon, Aug 18, 2025 at 3:04?PM Sally Walters via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > > ?Green heron?s naming woes? I'm old enough to remember the green-backed > heron?s name change. Given the brief small amount of green ?. Woe with me! > Perhaps the gray green-backed rufous necked heron. Multi colored heron? > Sally M. Walters > Sacramento CA > > Sent from my iPhone > > On Aug 18, 2025, at 12:00?PM, via Tweeters > wrote: > > ?Send Tweeters mailing list submissions to > tweeters@u.washington.edu > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > tweeters-request@mailman11.u.washington.edu > > You can reach the person managing the list at > tweeters-owner@mailman11.u.washington.edu > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Tweeters digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Green Heron Name? (Jim Betz via Tweeters) > 2. Re: Green Heron Name? (Elaine Anderson via Tweeters) > 3. Cedar River Mouth shorebirding 8.17.25 > (MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters) > 4. POPULAR SCIENCE: Bald eagles stun scientists with bizarre > migration pattern (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) > 5. DISREGARD - Missing msgs #1 (Rob Faucett via Tweeters) > 6. Re: DISREGARD - Missing msgs #2 [was] #1 > (Rob Faucett via Tweeters) > 7. Edmonds Roundup - July 2025 (Carol Riddell via Tweeters) > 8. Blackberries (via Tweeters) > 9. Off-Topic: Backroads from Ellensburg to Wenatchee? > (dick via Tweeters) > 10. Vaux's Migration begins (Larry Schwitters via Tweeters) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2025 12:37:12 -0700 > From: Jim Betz via Tweeters > To: via Tweeters > Subject: [Tweeters] Green Heron Name? > Message-ID: <6b43ead5-e281-47f2-b1d3-2bf10da41de8@jimbetz.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed > > Larry, > > ? We, the people in the field, don't get to choose the names for the > birds.? It's best to just > > accept whatever name they have rather than lobby for a change ... ???? > At least the name > > of the Green Heron hasn't changed like the Marsh Hawk and some others > ...? - Jim in Skagit > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2025 13:16:18 -0700 > From: Elaine Anderson via Tweeters > To: jimbetz@jimbetz.com > Cc: via Tweeters > Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Green Heron Name? > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > I didn?t get the sense that Larry was lobbying for a change, but that he > was having a bit of fun with physical descriptors. > > I never did understand where ?green heron? came from! > > Elaine > > On Sun, Aug 17, 2025 at 12:37?PM Jim Betz via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > > > Larry, > > > > We, the people in the field, don't get to choose the names for the > > birds. It's best to just > > > > accept whatever name they have rather than lobby for a change ... ??? > > At least the name > > > > of the Green Heron hasn't changed like the Marsh Hawk and some others > > ... - Jim in Skagit > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Tweeters mailing list > > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: < > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20250817/8d2d58cb/attachment-0001.html > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2025 13:38:52 -0700 > From: MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters > To: Tweeters@u.washington.edu > Subject: [Tweeters] Cedar River Mouth shorebirding 8.17.25 > Message-ID: <0RZ1VCLWYQU4.ZU9TR2VVF16D2@luweb01oc> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Today (8.17.25) at the mouth of the Cedar River in Renton: > > > Least Sandpiper - a few > Western Sandpiper - a few juveniles & 1 adult > Semipalmated Sandpiper - 2 juv https://flic.kr/p/2ro64eE & > https://flic.kr/p/2ro5uVA > Long-billed Dowitcher - 1 adult > Solitary Sandpiper - 1 juv https://flic.kr/p/2ro4i3M & > https://flic.kr/p/2rnZ3aQ > > > > > > Marv Breece > Tukwila, WA > marvbreece@q.com > > ....that the elected might never form to themselves an interest separate > from the electors ... > - Thomas Paine, from Common Sense > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: < > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20250817/96e64c0a/attachment-0001.html > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2025 13:42:05 -0700 > From: Dan Reiff via Tweeters > To: Tweeters > Subject: [Tweeters] POPULAR SCIENCE: Bald eagles stun scientists with > bizarre migration pattern > Message-ID: <5435738B-E498-48A9-9CEC-0C84CF71BB49@gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: < > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20250817/28bc8d4c/attachment-0001.html > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 5 > Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2025 15:43:29 -0700 > From: Rob Faucett via Tweeters > To: TWEETERS > Subject: [Tweeters] DISREGARD - Missing msgs #1 > Message-ID: > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 > > Hi Folks - Sorry to trouble you. We?re trying to figure out the missing > messages problem. > > MAKE PLAIN TEXT = ENABLED > > -- > Rob Faucett > Seattle, WA > (206) 619-5569 > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 6 > Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2025 15:45:55 -0700 > From: Rob Faucett via Tweeters > To: TWEETERS > Subject: Re: [Tweeters] DISREGARD - Missing msgs #2 [was] #1 > Message-ID: <7459C475-CD75-4602-8C11-A837CC6291A1@mac.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 > > Last one. > ? > Rob Faucett > +1(206) 619-5569 > robfaucett@mac.com > Seattle, WA 98105 > > > On Aug 17, 2025, at 3:44?PM, Rob Faucett wrote: > > > > ?Hi Folks - Sorry to trouble you. We?re trying to figure out the > missing messages problem. > > > > MAKE PLAIN TEXT = ENABLED > > > > -- > > Rob Faucett > > Seattle, WA > > (206) 619-5569 > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 7 > Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2025 18:47:42 -0700 > From: Carol Riddell via Tweeters > To: tweeters > Subject: [Tweeters] Edmonds Roundup - July 2025 > Message-ID: > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Hi Tweeters, > > With July additions we have reached 170 species for our Edmonds 2025 list. > In taxonomic order, the new species are: > > Vaux?s Swift (code 3), 1 at Edmonds marsh, 7-3-2025. > > Semipalmated Sandpiper (code 3), 2 at Edmonds marsh, 7-1-2025 (critical > field marks described). > > Leach?s Storm-Petrel (code 5), 1 at waterfront, 7-16-2025 (critical field > marks described). > > American White Pelican (code 4), approximately 35 flying over Edmonds > marsh, 7-5-2025 (ID photos). > > Of interest: A Green Heron (code 3) was at Edmonds marsh throughout the > month, with two seen together on 7-10-2025. > > Declined: Short-billed Dowitcher (code 4), Lesser Yellowlegs (code 4), > Baird?s Sandpiper (code 3), Bank Swallow (code 4), Northern Rough-winged > Swallow (code 3). These were just ticks on eBird checklists with no > documentation. They could be data entry errors, misidentifications, or > correct identifications. Without some documentation, we cannot add these > species to the year list. > > 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 2025 city checklist, with 283 > species, please request it from checklistedmonds at gmail dot com. The 2025 > 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: < > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20250817/d52e35ae/attachment-0001.html > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 8 > Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2025 20:46:50 -0700 > From: via Tweeters > To: tweeters@u.washington.edu > Subject: [Tweeters] Blackberries > Message-ID: <02E8607B-153C-43F2-9F0E-40ADEBAFCC4A@comcast.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 > > The discussion about Himalayan blackberries sufficiently addressed, I?ll > just add that I was taught by the natural resources staff for the Forest > Steward program on Mercer Island the following method of removing > blackberries: > > Cut the canes starting from the top into 8? to 12? pieces. Let them fall > where they may. When you?re down to about 8? left, dig out the roots. > Keep doing that over the area of work. Rake up the pieces and root wads > into a pile and let them compost on site. > > I find this method prevents them from attaching to my sleeves, jacket, > pants, hat, and what all. Likewise prevents lots of cursing. Lots of fun! > > Carolyn Boatsman > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 9 > Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2025 20:57:43 -0700 > From: dick via Tweeters > To: TWEETERS > Subject: [Tweeters] Off-Topic: Backroads from Ellensburg to Wenatchee? > Message-ID: <48k3smnpx8-1@m0247478.ppops.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Does anyone know if there is a summertime route from Ellensburg to > Wenatchee through the Colockum Area? Maybe accessing Mission Ridge from the > South?ThanksDick, BellinghamSent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: < > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20250817/8ac0963f/attachment-0001.html > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 10 > Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2025 22:24:06 -0700 > From: Larry Schwitters via Tweeters > To: tweeters@u.washington.edu > Subject: [Tweeters] Vaux's Migration begins > Message-ID: <93BCA82A-B9CD-4579-92DA-749AB1E608A8@me.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 > > Every night since the rain hit Wagner and Selleck have been sheltering low > thousands of swifts. > > You don?t want to go to Selleck. You might want to go to Monroe. > > Larry Schwitters Issaquah > > ------------------------------ > > Subject: Digest Footer > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@mailman11.u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > ------------------------------ > > End of Tweeters Digest, Vol 252, Issue 17 > ***************************************** > _______________________________________________ > 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 18 18:24:03 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Diann MacRae via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 18 18:24:25 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Green heron names Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 18 18:44:00 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (J Christian Kessler via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 18 18:44:41 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Green heron names In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: but most herons are multi-colored. the whole point of the current name change effort is descriptive & unique names. which is why the old name of Green-backed Heron made sense, and worked fine for much of my life. the AOU made a lot of unnecessary name changes (including its own) but can't seem to grapple with the really logical recent proposals. Chris Kessler On Mon, Aug 18, 2025 at 6:25?PM Diann MacRae via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Hi, Tweets and all > > Well, I certainly go back to the original names - someone liked green, for > sure. I kind of liked Sally's suggestion of 'Multi-colored heron'- names > are fun and totally confusing at times. > > Cheers, Diann > > Diann MacRae > Olympic Vulture Study > 22622 - 53rd Avenue S.E. > Bothell, WA 98021 > tvulture@gmx.com > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -- ?Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass ? it?s about learning how to dance in the rain.? Deborah Tuck -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 18 19:01:13 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 18 19:01:32 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Green heron names Vol 252, Issue In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <3280F6B8-D173-4284-B548-FDDD0CF0B89D@pasq.net> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 18 19:02:24 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 18 19:02:31 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] JBLM Eagle's Pride Golf Course Monthly Birdwalk-Thursday, August 21. Message-ID: Hi Tweeters, The Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) birdwalk is scheduled for Thursday, August 21. The JBLM Eagle's Pride GC birders meet the third Thursday of each month at 8:00AM March-Oct. (Starting time changes to 9:00AM Nov-Feb). Starting point is the Driving Range Tee, Eagle's Pride Golf Course, I-5 Exit 116, Mounts Road Exit. When you turn into the course entrance, take an immediate left onto the road to the driving range - that's where we meet. Please park reasonably close to other vehicles as this is a busy time of the year for both golfers and birders. ;>) Also, to remind folks that haven't been here before, even though Eagle's Pride is a US Army recreation facility, you don't need any ID to attend these birdwalks. Hope you're able to make it! Current weather forecast is 56-72degF (60-77 real-feel) and mostly sunny during the walk. As always, dress for success! 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 18 20:45:33 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 18 20:45:55 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Green heron names Vol 252, Issue In-Reply-To: <3280F6B8-D173-4284-B548-FDDD0CF0B89D@pasq.net> References: <3280F6B8-D173-4284-B548-FDDD0CF0B89D@pasq.net> Message-ID: I think the name Green-backed Heron came from when the Green Heron was combined with the Striated Heron of the Old World and South America. Then they were split again. Dennis Paulson Seattle > On Aug 18, 2025, at 19:01, via Tweeters wrote: > > The remake of Peterson?s guide showed green Heron, because it was green Heron before it was green baked heron. I grew up with green Heron, so it?s nice for it to have gone back. > > Greg Pasquariello From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 19 09:02:37 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Anne Millbrooke via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 19 09:02:41 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] naming green heron References: <911011896.830870.1755619357398.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <911011896.830870.1755619357398@mail.yahoo.com> "Green Herons were originally classified in 1766 by Carl Linnaeus as Ardea virescens, with Ardea being the broad genus containing typical larger herons. The virescens portion of the name is Latin for greenish. "Later it was given its own genus as Butorides virescens, first by Baird in 1858. Butorides comes from Latin for ?bittern? again nodding to some of their bittern-like habits." "For many decades?Butorides virescens,?was the accepted scientific name. However, a 2021 review of heron evolutionary relationships proposed splitting Butorides back into multiple genera. Under this taxonomic update, Green Herons are now placed in the genus Procolon, as Procolon virescens. "So in summary, the scientific names for Green Herons have shifted from:Ardea virescens ?> Butorides virescens ?> Procolon virescens "This illustrates how our understanding of taxonomy is continually being updated as new studies shed light on the evolutionary relationships between bird species. Regardless of genus, the virescens portion connecting Green Herons to their green plumage has remained constant." Source: Birdful,?https://www.birdful.org/what-are-the-names-of-green-herons/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 19 13:02:28 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 19 13:02:56 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Blackberries Message-ID: <3DD40963-5F9A-46E0-BC66-821E600CF1E2@comcast.net> ?Hi again Tweeters. I?m resubmitting my message about removing blackberries because what was included in Tweeters today subbed question marks for inches, making the post nonsensical. Thanks much. Carolyn Boatsman The discussion about Himalayan blackberries sufficiently addressed, I?ll just add that I was taught by the natural resources staff for the Forest Steward program on Mercer Island the following method of removing blackberries: Cut the canes starting from the top into 8 to 12 inch pieces. Let them fall where they may. When you?re down to about 8 inches left, dig out the roots. Keep doing that over the area of work until you?ve had enough! Rake up the pieces and root wads into piles and let them compost on site. I find this method prevents them from attaching to my sleeves, jacket, pants, hat, and what all. Likewise prevents lots of cursing. Lots of fun! Carolyn Boatsman From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 19 19:36:32 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 19 19:37:10 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] naming green heron In-Reply-To: <911011896.830870.1755619357398@mail.yahoo.com> References: <911011896.830870.1755619357398.ref@mail.yahoo.com> <911011896.830870.1755619357398@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <32436C31-4B59-45D1-B5BD-9FCE76E3C087@comcast.net> Anne, might you be able to find the citation of the original paper that made this generic change? I follow the names of birds very closely, and I have never heard of this decision. The Butorides species are still all in that genus in Birds of the World online. And I can?t imagine splitting Butorides, as the two to four currently recognized species are so close they have been combined and split more than once. The article claimed that Butorides was going to be split into multiple genera, yet the four species listed under Procolon are what some consider the four species of Butorides! To my knowledge, no other species has ever been included under Butorides. Any online search for Procolon has given me only a medicine. That Birdful article is very confusing/confused? Dennis Paulson Seattle > On Aug 19, 2025, at 09:02, Anne Millbrooke via Tweeters wrote: > > "Green Herons were originally classified in 1766 by Carl Linnaeus as Ardea virescens, with Ardea being the broad genus containing typical larger herons. The virescens portion of the name is Latin for greenish. > > "Later it was given its own genus as Butorides virescens, first by Baird in 1858. Butorides comes from Latin for ?bittern? again nodding to some of their bittern-like habits." > > "For many decades Butorides virescens, was the accepted scientific name. However, a 2021 review of heron evolutionary relationships proposed splitting Butorides back into multiple genera. Under this taxonomic update, Green Herons are now placed in the genus Procolon, as Procolon virescens. > > "So in summary, the scientific names for Green Herons have shifted from: > Ardea virescens ?> Butorides virescens ?> Procolon virescens > > "This illustrates how our understanding of taxonomy is continually being updated as new studies shed light on the evolutionary relationships between bird species. Regardless of genus, the virescens portion connecting Green Herons to their green plumage has remained constant." > > Source: Birdful, https://www.birdful.org/what-are-the-names-of-green-herons/ > _______________________________________________ > 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 Wed Aug 20 13:44:25 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Gary Bletsch via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 20 13:44:32 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] off-topic Ghana RFI References: <1123703990.1142377.1755722665840.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1123703990.1142377.1755722665840@mail.yahoo.com> Dear Tweeters, A birding trip to Ghana may soon be in the offing for me. Something tells me that it would be wise to go with a guide. Any information that Tweeters might have regarding birding in Ghana, including guide services, would be appreciated. Thanks! Yours truly, Gary Bletsch -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Aug 20 14:44:44 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 20 14:45:09 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Eastern WA: Suncadia: Message-ID: Hello Tweeters, I would like to look for Birds in the Suncadia development area sometime this week. It looks like a huge area and I have no idea where to look for Birds. I would appreciate any suggestions regarding where to look. Thank you, Dan Sent from my iPhone From tweeters at u.washington.edu Wed Aug 20 22:37:12 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Elaine Chuang via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 20 22:37:25 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Caspian Terns (CATE) in Seattle this year Message-ID: <79DD116A-9165-4C77-81C4-62C0395F5C50@uw.edu> Fans of the Caspian Tern (CATE) are familiar with the exceptionally tough time they've had here in the Puget Sound region / Salish Sea for several years (2021 heat dome, 2022 avian influenza). That?s on top of what is now chronic pursuit of and disruption of their preferred nesting sites, e.g., islands near the mouth of the Columbia River, where 25 years ago, that colony was believed to represent 10 percent of the worldwide CATE population. More recently, Rat Island near Port Townsend was used for nesting, later failing. Periodically, here in Seattle-ish Puget Sound, several large, flat rooftops (Kimberly-Clark, Port of Seattle - Coast Guard buildings, Trident Seafoods, Northwest Industries) have served as stand-ins for flat, sandy, gravelly natural nesting areas. This year, it has been realized only recently that CATE are gathered atop the paired almost flat roofs (in the shape of a very low "M") at 2421 W. Commodore Way in Interbay, half a mile from the Chittendon (Ballard) Locks. From valuable communications with the highly experienced Chris Anderson of WDFW (thanks so much, Chris), it may be that this colony represents the bulk of the region?s CATE population this season. Incidentally, it turns out that this is the same building they used in 2013-14 when it was Northwest Industries, only now with a new roof. We do have very recent visual confirmation of a handful of juvenile birds among the many, many adults, so some successful breeding has definitely taken place, and these young are fledge-ready! Business tenants on Commodore Way who've been patiently waiting out the noisy, messy season say that the number of birds has fallen recently. General migratory departure of our CATE for more southerly coasts is likely in late August into September, and rarely later. So if you?d care to get some views of these wonderful birds in numbers and be enveloped in their raucous symphony, the address is above. Having a spotting scope would be advantageous. For an alternative experience, there are a number of photos and videos as well as maps with marked viewpoints here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/154614679@N02/albums/72177720327956265/ Tom P. Good, Ph.D., who has been Research Biologist for NOAA Fisheries since 2001, has special interest in and experience with the Caspian Tern. In January, 2024, he presented his insights to the Washington Ornithological Society. You may view this informative presentation on the natural history and plight of these birds, "Caspian Terns in Puget Sound: caught between multiple rocks and hard places," here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs4qkuMbmQ0&t=187s. Please enjoy! Elaine Chuang Seattle elc at uw dot edu From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 21 03:15:08 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 21 03:15:33 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?b?4oCcRmx5IHVwIHRoZSBDcmVla+KAnSBiaXJkOiBBZGRp?= =?utf-8?q?tional_Green_Heron_name_Information_from_the_=E2=80=9CBirds_of_?= =?utf-8?q?the_World=E2=80=9D_species_account_=28part_1_of_2=29?= Message-ID: <3A44AAC3-8989-480D-A159-4DCA7AF6F18A@gmail.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 21 04:05:35 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 21 04:06:00 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?Green_Heron_name_and_plumage_colors=3A_?= =?utf-8?b?4oCcQmlyZHMgb2YgdGhlIFdvcmxk4oCdIChQYXJ0IDIgb2YgMik=?= Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 21 10:31:33 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Shep Thorp via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 21 10:31:51 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR 8/20/2025 Message-ID: Dear Tweets, Approximately 35 of us had a really nice Summer's Day at the Refuge with overcast skies in the morning and light rain, clearing to sunny skies by late morning, and temperatures in the 50's to 70's degrees Fahrenheit. A Low -1?7? Tide at 10:07am and a High 13?7?Tide at 5:59pm. Highlights included migrating WESTERN TANAGER in the Orchard. A lot of bird activity along edge habitat of the west end parking lot and the field adjacent across the Access Road where there were numerous CEDAR WAXWING, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH feeding and we had sightings of LESSER GOLDFINCH, PINE SISKIN, WARBLING VIREO and First Of Year HOUSE WREN. We decided to do the Twin Barns Loop Trail counter clockwise starting at the East Entrance, and found a mixed flock of feeding WILSON'S WARBLERS, YELLOW WARBLERS, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE, BUSHTIT, and Laurie spotted our First Of Year BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER all between the twin bench overlook and the beaver deceiver. The Nisqually Estuary Trail or new dike continues to be terrific for excellent views of juvenile and adult AMERICAN BITTERN, SORA, and VIRGINIA RAIL. There are reports for four juveniles and one adult. In the afternoon we had a nice tidal push but only distant views of BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER and upwards of 1500 WESTERN SANDPIPER. For the day we observed 69 species. With FOY House Wren and Black-throated Green we are now at 163 species for the year. See our eBird Report pasted below, photos to be added. It was a nice frog day with numerous Red-legged Frog in the Orchard, Pacific Chorus Frog and American Bullfrog. We also observed Townsend's Chipmunk, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, Columbian Black-tailed Deer and Harbor Seal. 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 20, 2025 6:30 AM - 5:08 PM Protocol: Traveling 3.284 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Overcast in the morning with light rain, clearing to sunny skies by late morning. A Low -1?7? Tide at 10:07am and a High 13?7?Tide at 5:59pm. The west end Parking lot and field west of the access road were very busy with birds. We decided to do the Twin Barns Loop Trail in reverse and had excellent warblers along the east side of the Trail in between the Twin Bench overlook and Beaver Deceiver with FOY Black-throated Gray warblers. 69 species (+7 other taxa) Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 50 Wood Duck 4 Visitor Center Pond Blue-winged/Cinnamon Teal 1 Freshwater Marsh Mallard 40 Northern Pintail 10 Flooded mudflats. Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 9 Band-tailed Pigeon (Northern) 9 Orchard Mourning Dove 5 Orchard Anna's Hummingbird 3 hummingbird sp. 1 Virginia Rail 2 Freshwater marsh. Sora 2 Freshwater marsh. Black-bellied Plover 4 Mudflats west of Leschi Slough. Short-billed/Long-billed Dowitcher 3 Wilson's Snipe 5 Flying around the freshwater marsh in the morning around 7am. Greater Yellowlegs 45 Least Sandpiper 60 Western Sandpiper 1500 Large flocks of peep shorebirds on mudflats with incoming tide. Counted in groups of 100. Observed around 3pm with incoming high tide at 5:30 of 13feet. Tide level around 10-11feet. Ring-billed Gull 500 California Gull 2 Glaucous-winged Gull 1 Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 5 Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 10 Larus sp. 200 Caspian Tern 3 Mudflats west of Leschi Slough along the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail. Pied-billed Grebe 1 Visitor Center Pond Brandt's Cormorant 2 Nisqually River channel marker Double-crested Cormorant 75 American Bittern 3 Two juveniles seen, I heard only. Reports from other birders of four juveniles and one adult feeding young. Freshwater marsh on Nisqually Estuary Trail. Great Blue Heron 70 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 Soaring over the Refuge. Cooper's Hawk 2 Soaring over the Refuge. Northern Harrier 1 Nisqually Reach. Bald Eagle 8 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Belted Kingfisher 4 Red-breasted Sapsucker 3 East entrance to Twin Barns Loop Trail. Downy Woodpecker 3 Northern Flicker 3 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 2 Merlin 1 North section of Twin Barns Loop Trail. Western Wood-Pewee 6 Twin Barns Loop Trail. Willow Flycatcher 5 Twin Barns Loop Trail. Warbling Vireo 2 West Parking Lot. Steller's Jay 1 West bank of McAllister Creek American Crow 31 Common Raven 3 Black-capped Chickadee 26 Chestnut-backed Chickadee 6 Tree Swallow 2 Violet-green Swallow 4 Purple Martin 2 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 Barn Swallow 50 Cliff Swallow 1 Bushtit 38 Brown Creeper 4 Northern House Wren 1 Spotted by Sheryl and confirmed by Ed and Shep. Foraging in Field south of Old McAllister Creek Access Road. Bewick's Wren 5 European Starling 250 Swainson's Thrush 7 American Robin 24 Cedar Waxwing 75 House Finch 4 Twin Barns Purple Finch 3 Orchard and west parking lot. Pine Siskin 1 West parking lot. Lesser Goldfinch 1 Spotted by Sue and confirmed by Jon, flying out of field south of Old McAllister Access Road. American Goldfinch 50 Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 19 Red-winged Blackbird 150 Brown-headed Cowbird 6 Common Yellowthroat 11 Yellow Warbler 6 Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 Spotted by Laurie, confirmed by Lisa, Ken and others. Many good warblers along the east side of the Twin Barns Loop Trail between the double bench overlook and the Beaver Deceiver. Wilson's Warbler 9 Western Tanager 3 Orchard. View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S268610413 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 21 12:13:36 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Mark Oberle via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 21 12:13:45 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] off-topic Ghana RFI Message-ID: Gary A few years ago a tweeter post was positive about Ashanti African Tours (guide = guide was William Apraku,). Even longer ago a colleague in France, Mike Bowman , recommended Ghana a lot. He helped encourage his guide, Kaluafai, to go professional guiding: malimbetours dot com Please let me know what you find since I would like to go to Ghana some time. PS: I just returned from 3 weeks in Uganda with several Seattle birders. Rockjumper: Great birding, excellent guide (Greg de Klerk). Inspiration from close encounters with chimps, gorillas and other primates Mark Oberle Manchester, WA oberle@mindspring.com www.puertoricobirds.com From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 21 12:31:39 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (tina cohen via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 21 12:31:54 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] RFI lodging in Costa Rica Message-ID: I?m helping plan a family reunion in Costa Rica. Does anyone have suggestions for a children friendly venue that must include a pool? This group is used to plush accommodations. Birds would be a bonus! I would love to show the family charismatic species. I already have names of several good venues for birding such as Savegre Lodge. But they don?t have a pool or child centric activities. Please respond off list to me only, treesyes@gmail.com Thank you, Tina C Treesyes@gmail.com From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 21 17:27:09 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Michael Hobbs via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 21 17:27:31 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-08-21 Message-ID: Tweets - It felt downright cold (at 51 degrees) this morning at 5:30 a.m. but I didn't care since I was viewing Jupiter, Venus, a sliver of a moon, and MERCURY! Life planet! Thanks to Mason on the heads up on that one. By our start time of 6:30, the sun was up and it was a delightful crystal clear day with perfect temperature, perfect light, no breeze and (after a bit) many birds. I am declaring The Doldrums officially over. We also had a trio of young birding brothers with us today who were engaged and engaging, and were excellent at spotting birds. Highlights: Green Heron - Many sightings, often of two birds at a time. Pretty sure we had three or possibly more Belted Kingfisher - At least 3 different birds Red-breasted Sapsucker - One well west of the slough, south of the Dog Area. First of Fall (FOF) Pileated Woodpecker - Pair near Dog Central Willow Flycatcher - Many sightings, despite most of them being silent Warbling Vireo - At least two Common Raven - One flew over the boardwalk. First of Year (FOY) for the survey Black-capped Chickadee - Notably many Swainson's Thrush - Many whitting predawn, at least two seen during the walk Purple Finch - Dozens! Some singing scraps of song interspersed in the constant popping calls Red-winged Blackbird - At least one flyby male, and maybe a flock behind him (FOF) Black-throated Gray Warbler - Many (5+) seen in willows (FOF) Western Tanager - At least one adult male and 1-2 females/juveniles. Maybe more heard (FOF) Black-headed Grosbeak - Maybe 3, none being adult males Misses today included Vaux's Swift, Killdeer, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Brown-headed Cowbird, Orange-crowned Warbler, and Wilson's Warbler For the day, 53 species. Adding Common Raven, we're up to 124 species for the survey in 2025. = 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 21 18:31:48 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Kersti Muul via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 21 18:32:30 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] CATE Message-ID: Awesome Elaine! I have documented CATE in ok numbers previous years on the buildings off Commodore - 2022, 2023, albeit not nesting there; chickless nomads from the fragment colony... (2022 was the highest occupancy and they abandoned the 15th of August) The roof seemed too sloped for nesting, unless laying in the troughs! I have the exact numbers somewhere in my data sheets... I have recorded some juvs with adults making contact calls over the last two weeks in West Seattle. Flight path: Duwamish -> Beach drive over our house in the evenings. It is unclear where they fledged from, but hoping from the scant locals in West Seattle. It's great to hear the kids, at any rate. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 21 18:38:58 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Shep Thorp via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 21 18:39:31 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Correction to Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for 8/20/2025 Message-ID: A few corrections to my Wednesday Walk Report... 1) no Black-throated Green was seen, it was a Black-throated Gray Warbler. 2) the House Wren was likely an immature Marsh Wren, fooled again by subadult plumage. Fun photos from Lisa Genuit to check out. 3) we observed four juvenile Bitterns on the day and likely had an adult in the vicinity, so upwards of 5 American Bitters. Thanks for the collaboration! Shep -- Shep Thorp Browns Point 253-370-3742 Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Thurston, Washington, US Aug 20, 2025 6:30 AM - 5:08 PM Protocol: Traveling 3.284 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Wednesday Walk. Overcast in the morning with light rain, clearing to sunny skies by late morning. Temperatures in the 50's to 70's degrees Fahrenheit. A Low -1?7? Tide at 10:07am and a High 13?7?Tide at 5:59pm. The west end Parking lot and field west of access road very busy with birds. We decided to do the Twin Barns Loop Trail in reverse and had excellent warblers along the east side of the Trail in between the Twin Bench overlook and Beaver Deceiver with FOY Black-throated Gray warblers. 69 species (+7 other taxa) Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 50 Wood Duck 4 Visitor Center Pond Blue-winged/Cinnamon Teal 1 Freshwater Marsh Mallard 40 Northern Pintail 10 Flooded mudflats. Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 9 Band-tailed Pigeon (Northern) 9 Orchard Mourning Dove 5 Orchard Anna's Hummingbird 3 hummingbird sp. 1 Virginia Rail 2 Freshwater marsh. Sora 2 Freshwater marsh. Black-bellied Plover 4 Mudflats west of Leschi Slough. Short-billed/Long-billed Dowitcher 3 Wilson's Snipe 5 Flying around the freshwater marsh in the morning around 7am. Greater Yellowlegs 45 Least Sandpiper 60 Western Sandpiper 1500 Large flocks of peep shorebirds on mudflats with incoming tide. Counted in groups of 100. Observed around 3pm with incoming high tide at 5:30 of 13feet. Tide level around 10-11feet. Ring-billed Gull 500 California Gull 2 Glaucous-winged Gull 1 Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 5 Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 10 Larus sp. 200 Caspian Tern 3 Mudflats west of Leschi Slough along the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail. Pied-billed Grebe 1 Visitor Center Pond Brandt's Cormorant 2 Nisqually River channel marker Double-crested Cormorant 75 American Bittern 5 Four juveniles seen, one Bittern heard only. Reports from other birders of four juveniles and one adult feeding young. Freshwater marsh on Nisqually Estuary Trail. Great Blue Heron 70 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 Soaring over the Refuge. Cooper's Hawk 2 Soaring over the Refuge. Northern Harrier 1 Nisqually Reach. Bald Eagle 8 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Belted Kingfisher 4 Red-breasted Sapsucker 3 East entrance to Twin Barns Loop Trail. Downy Woodpecker 3 Northern Flicker 3 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 2 Merlin 1 North section of Twin Barns Loop Trail. Western Wood-Pewee 6 Twin Barns Loop Trail. Willow Flycatcher 5 Twin Barns Loop Trail. Warbling Vireo 2 West Parking Lot. Steller's Jay 1 West bank of McAllister Creek American Crow 31 Common Raven 3 Black-capped Chickadee 26 Chestnut-backed Chickadee 6 Tree Swallow 2 Violet-green Swallow 4 Purple Martin 2 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 Barn Swallow 50 Cliff Swallow 1 Bushtit 38 Brown Creeper 4 Marsh Wren 1 Spotted by Sheryl and confirmed by Ed and Shep. Foraging in Field south of Old McAllister Creek Access Road. Bewick's Wren 5 European Starling 250 Swainson's Thrush 7 American Robin 24 Cedar Waxwing 75 House Finch 4 Twin Barns Purple Finch 3 Orchard and west parking lot. Pine Siskin 1 West parking lot. Lesser Goldfinch 1 Spotted by Sue and confirmed by Jon, flying out of field south of Old McAllister Access Road. American Goldfinch 50 Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 19 Red-winged Blackbird 150 Brown-headed Cowbird 6 Common Yellowthroat 11 Yellow Warbler 6 Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 Spotted by Laurie, confirmed by Lisa, Ken and others. Many good warblers along the east side of the Twin Barns Loop Trail between the double bench overlook and the Beaver Deceiver. Wilson's Warbler 9 Western Tanager 3 Orchard. View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S268610413 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 21 22:25:47 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Brian Zinke via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 21 22:26:02 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Swifts Night Out in Monroe - Sept 6 Message-ID: Hi Tweets, You are cordially invited to join us for our annual Swifts Night Out in Monroe on Saturday, September 6 from 4:30pm till dusk (~8pm) at the Wagner Performing Arts Center (639 West Main Street, Monroe, WA 98272 ). For those new to the event, we invite the public to join us for an evening to celebrate the breathtaking migration of the Vaux's Swift. During spring and fall migration, the swifts use the chimney of the old Frank Wagner Elementary School as a night roost. Sometimes it's a few birds, sometimes it's more than 20,000! Half the fun is never knowing what you'll get on any particular night. We invite you to claim your space on the school lawn and wait for the swifts to arrive near sunset. Chairs, blankets, and binos are all recommended. While waiting, we'll have information booths, children's activities, and a presentation by Larry Schwitters, our preeminent Vaux's Swift expert (6pm in the auditorium). We'll also have a food truck on site, so we hope you'll plan to make an evening of it! Learn more on our website: https://www.pilchuckaudubon.org/swifts-night-out Hope to see you there! Brian -- [image: Logo] Brian Zinke Executive Director phone: (425) 232-6811 email: director@pilchuckaudubon.org Pilchuck Audubon Society 1429 Avenue D, PMB 198, Snohomish, WA 98290 [image: Facebook icon] [image: Twitter icon] [image: Instagram icon] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 22 07:12:09 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jim Betz via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 22 07:12:13 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Caspian Terns (CATE) in Seattle this year In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <36856b9e-cc16-493e-963f-be0cf64019e7@jimbetz.com> Elaine, ? Thank you for these pictures of CATE in Seattle! ? Any nesting colony needs the site -plus- available feed.? I presume this colony is getting their fish from the Ship Canal ... ?? Do you have recommendations for viewing locations for that activity? - Jim (in Skagit, near enough to drive down) From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 22 08:02:43 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (B B via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 22 08:02:50 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Last Blog Post on Colombia Trip References: <1670428455.147908.1755874963440.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1670428455.147908.1755874963440@mail.yahoo.com> I think I forgot to share this earlier.? Apologies if it is a repeat.? Covers the end of my visit to Caribbean coast of Colombia. https://blairbirding.com/2025/08/22/colombia-2025-days-6-through-11-finishing-the-tour/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 22 14:27:49 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Charlie Wright via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 22 14:28:03 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Westport Seabirds trip report for 8/14/2025 Message-ID: Hello All, After being rescheduled by high winds the previous day, Westport Seabirds participants were treated to good-to-excellent sea conditions on the 14th of August, with sometimes-glassy seas and high overcast most of the day -- no squinting! The crew for this trip were Captain Phil and first mate Chris Anderson, and spotters Scott Mills, Bruce LaBar, and me. The "shrimpers" (pink shrimp trawling vessels) were concentrating to the south of Grays Canyon, so that too is where we headed. Not long after crossing the bar, our first South Polar Skua of the day was observed being persistently chased by a California Gull - interesting to see the tables turned, but perhaps more in the way crows mob eagles than a reversal of roles. 'Tis the season for "first of season". As we clipped southward, a Buller's Shearwater made an exhilarating close pass by the bow. They're just arriving along our coast from toiling in the open North Pacific, now taking a circuitous route back to breeding islands in the Southern Hemisphere near New Zealand. At last we reached the shrimpers, and behind them we found some big flocks of Pink-footed Shearwaters and a good number of Black-footed Albatross, mainly resting on the water, conserving energy and waiting for the winds to pick back up (they wouldn't have to wait long, as a front arrived in the late afternoon). As we arrived at the edge of the continental shelf, a Leach's Storm-Petrel made a very distant flyby, seen by only a couple onboard. As is often the case on windless and pleasant days, chumming was not adrenaline-inducing, but it did afford us some nicer, stationary views of Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels and Sabine's Gulls. >From our chum spot, a floating log could occasionally be glimpsed between troughs on the horizon, about 2 miles away. Initially the log was lined with Arctic Terns. The terns dispersed at one point, some of them flying directly over the Monte Carlo, and when we started motoring over to check out the log we could see why. They had been replaced by 3 gorgeous Long-tailed Jaegers. This trio allowed Phil to position them in good lighting before taking to the air. There was an adult with intact tail streamers, an adult with missing streamers, and another adult (uniform underwings) that had already begun molting into nonbreeding plumage with a splotchy face and dark breast. Like the Buller's Shearwater, these were the first of their species on 2025 Westport trips. The calm seas also aided our alcid search. We had several unusually good views of Cassin's Auklets and a cooperative Tufted Puffin in addition to many murre chick + adult pairs. Our final shrimper visit of the day provided point blank views of a Short-tailed Shearwater (after a number of quick flybys). Veterans of Westport pelagics like myself are still in shock that this has become an expected August bird in our waters -- no longer do we have to wait until those late fall trips. Finally it was time to head back to the harbor. Back inshore, while we were taking in the classic sight of a gray bird on a gray rock with 5 Wandering Tattlers sleeping on the Point Brown Jetty, a juvenile Franklin's Gull was suddenly hovering over us. This is only the third time Franklin's has been seen on a Westport Pelagic, with the 2nd record being a breeding plumage bird this May. It was a pretty quiet day for mammals, with several humpback and gray whales that did not feel like cooperating for close views. Even the Dall's porpoises showed no interest in playing. Quite a few good-sized Mola sp. were seen, including a large breaching individual. eBird checklists with species totals and photos: Leaving Grays Harbor -- https://ebird.org/checklist/S268316327 Outbound thru Shrimpers -- https://ebird.org/checklist/S268316374 Continental Shelf, chum -- https://ebird.org/checklist/S268316361 Transit back, more Shrimpers -- https://ebird.org/checklist/S268316499 Entering Grays Harbor -- https://ebird.org/checklist/S268316390 Hope to see you on the ocean this fall! -- Charlie Wright Tacoma, Washington From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 22 15:27:13 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 22 15:27:19 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Eagle's Pride Golf Course (GC) monthly bird walk - 08-21-2025 Message-ID: Tweeters, As I sit here nursing a G&T making Thursday's late report, I looked through what we found on our walk and realized the numbers of species belie the reality of the paucity of individual numbers. Please look at what your area has as number of individuals of each species seen during this time of year and try to relate them to what you've had in the past. At our home in Roy, the species count is sorta normal, but the numbers of individuals are down, especially of Chipping Sparrows, which we usually have many coming through from the nesting areas in Ft. Lewis. Maybe it's just me, but the count of species individuals seems definitely down. (FYI: Our temperature on our on-site weather station had the low temperature of 43 deg (!) when I left to head to Eagle's Pride at 0700.) Nonetheless, here's the Eagle's Pride GC report for Thursday, August 21. A bit cool to start but warming quickly (52-72degF) on a delightful day at JBLM Eagle's Pride GC. The 20 of us cruised the usual route, sort of expecting the summer doldrums, but were disappointed in that term, with several highlights during the walk: WOOD DUCK - 13 seen, with 11 at the 9th hole pond. PIED-BILLED GREBE - One on nest (lily pads) and one beside it at Hodge Lake. Late (?) nesting has happened several times over the years at this site. (Have already had one nesting taken place this year.) Looking forward to next month to see if young are found. RED-TAILED HAWK - Immature sitting on the new water tower near the maintenance yard area. ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD - 4 with two doing lengthy display flights. Mammals were scarce except for the 3 Douglas Squirrels heard during the walk. The JBLM Eagle's Pride GC birders meet the third Thursday of each month at 8:00AM except for November to February, when the start time is at 9:00AM. 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 18 * October 16 * November 20 (9AM start) 38 species Canada Goose 29 A single flock flyover. Wood Duck 13 Mallard 3 Band-tailed Pigeon 8 Mourning Dove 2 Anna's Hummingbird 4 Two put on lengthy display flights. Pied-billed Grebe 2 Two at nearly the middle of Hodge Lake, with one on the nest (on lily pads) and one next to it. Red-tailed Hawk 1 Red-breasted Sapsucker 1 Northern Flicker 6 Western Wood-Pewee 12 Willow Flycatcher 2 Hutton's Vireo 1 Heard and seen. Steller's Jay 4 Black-capped Chickadee 12 Chestnut-backed Chickadee 12 Violet-green Swallow 2 Barn Swallow 5 Bushtit 10 Golden-crowned Kinglet 4 Red-breasted Nuthatch 7 Brown Creeper 3 Bewick's Wren 3 European Starling 4 Swainson's Thrush 2 American Robin 42 Cedar Waxwing 15 House Finch 8 American Goldfinch 4 Dark-eyed Junco 7 White-crowned Sparrow 11 Song Sparrow 8 Spotted Towhee 4 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Orange-crowned Warbler 1 Yellow Warbler 1 Western Tanager 3 Black-headed Grosbeak 1 View this checklist online at https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Febird.org%2Fchecklist%2FS268841338&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cd9e1363751ea4d34756b08dde1c886bc%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638914973543956709%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=VfHZoIgcXMtyRiIrRPU2%2FtOFP%2FArA5wJP1l2WGlX6q0%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 Sat Aug 23 06:41:56 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Gary Bletsch via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 23 06:42:00 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] off-topic RFI about a tour operator References: <1728719954.300820.1755956516325.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1728719954.300820.1755956516325@mail.yahoo.com> Dear Tweeters, If anyone out there in Tweeterland knows anything about Birdfinders, which is a birding tour operator in the UK, please let me know. Am considering going with them to Ghana. Yours truly, Gary Bletsch -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 23 06:46:21 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Nagi Aboulenein via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 23 06:46:31 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] RFI: Puerto Rico birding Message-ID: <717736a6-ae58-4618-aa89-1f115136fed1@Canary> Hello Tweeters - Taghrid and I are thinking about making a birding trip to Puerto Rico next March. In addition to the fun of doing our own research, we?d like to also ask for Tweeter's sage advice and recommendations as far as must-visit birding places, birdy lodges/hotels, guides, etc. If there are sufficient responses, I will post a summary. Thanks! ? Nagi Aboulenein -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 23 13:30:44 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (tina cohen via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 23 13:31:00 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] RFI Costa Rica lodging summary Message-ID: <2137F043-8039-4CD6-A480-143F182460FD@gmail.com> Thanks to everyone who provided suggestions. The majority of respondents - by far - recommended Arenal Observatory Lodge. I appreciate all your help. Tina From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 23 13:31:38 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 23 13:31:41 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Kent Valley birds 8.23.25 Message-ID: Today at the Cedar River Mouth, Renton: Least Sandpiper - a few Western Sandpiper - a few Semipalmated Sandpiper - 4 juv Greater Yellowlegs - 1 juv Merlin, black Peregrine Falcon https://flic.kr/p/2rpaSqk Today at M Street, Auburn: no peeps Lesser Yellowlegs - 5 juv Peregrine Falcon Red-necked Phalarope - 1 juv https://flic.kr/p/2rpaRWQ Marv Breece Tukwila, WA marvbreece@q.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 23 18:56:45 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Larry Schwitters via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 23 18:57:40 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Ring-necked duck In-Reply-To: <93BCA82A-B9CD-4579-92DA-749AB1E608A8@me.com> References: <93BCA82A-B9CD-4579-92DA-749AB1E608A8@me.com> Message-ID: <3BF3AB68-F46A-4980-8996-813942D53A4C@me.com> For weeks and weeks there has been a single Ring-necked hanging out with the Mallards at Lake Sammamish Park. Its become quite tame. This morning there were 3 more. Larry Schwitters Issaquah From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 23 19:18:05 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 23 19:18:10 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?Hopeful_news=3A_=E2=80=9CThe_latest_update_o?= =?utf-8?q?n_the_reintroduction_of_=27Alal=C4=81_Hawaiian_crows_to_Maui?= =?utf-8?b?4oCd?= Message-ID: Tweeters: Continued efforts are impressive. Dan Reiff https://www.birdwatchingdaily.com/news/conservation/latest-update-on-the-reintroduction-of-alala-hawaiian-crows-to-maui/ Sent from my iPhone From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 23 19:34:55 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 23 19:35:00 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?I_did_not_know_there_were_options-_I_thought?= =?utf-8?q?_Merlin_was_the_only_one_available=3A__=E2=80=9CBest_bird_song_?= =?utf-8?q?identification_apps_in_2025_=E2=80=94_Easily_identify_bird_call?= =?utf-8?q?s=E2=80=9D_=7C_Live_Science?= Message-ID: <7224D106-1A80-4BDA-9E21-6E2B941F8819@gmail.com> Tweeters, I did not know there were options- I thought Merlin was the only one available. Has anyone tried the others reviewed in this article? Thanks, Dan Reiff, PhD https://www.livescience.com/animals/birds/best-bird-identification-apps Sent from my iPhone From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 24 07:56:11 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (William Stafford Noble via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 24 07:56:30 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Ring-necked duck In-Reply-To: <3BF3AB68-F46A-4980-8996-813942D53A4C@me.com> References: <93BCA82A-B9CD-4579-92DA-749AB1E608A8@me.com> <3BF3AB68-F46A-4980-8996-813942D53A4C@me.com> Message-ID: Yes, I saw them yesterday as they passed about 10 feet from me, when I was standing on the ramp leading into the water. I didn't think to take their picture, but when I entered the observation in eBird, it indicated that seeing four at once is unusual and that I should add additional information about the sighting. This led me to a question I frequently wonder about: I know that there are accepted "field marks" for each species, but I'm not sure how to find out what they are. Is there a resource somewhere (ideally, an app) that specifically lists the primary field marks per species? Bill On Sat, Aug 23, 2025 at 6:57?PM Larry Schwitters via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > For weeks and weeks there has been a single Ring-necked hanging out with > the Mallards at Lake Sammamish Park. Its become quite tame. This morning > there were 3 more. > > Larry Schwitters Issaquah > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 24 09:40:39 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Larry Schwitters via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 24 09:41:04 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Ring-necked duck In-Reply-To: References: <93BCA82A-B9CD-4579-92DA-749AB1E608A8@me.com> <3BF3AB68-F46A-4980-8996-813942D53A4C@me.com> Message-ID: Hello Bill, Size matters. Obviously smaller than the Mallards and Gadwalls. From Nat Geo field guide. Peaked head. Bold white ring near tip of bill. Larry > On Aug 24, 2025, at 7:56?AM, William Stafford Noble wrote: > > Yes, I saw them yesterday as they passed about 10 feet from me, when I was standing on the ramp leading into the water. I didn't think to take their picture, but when I entered the observation in eBird, it indicated that seeing four at once is unusual and that I should add additional information about the sighting. This led me to a question I frequently wonder about: I know that there are accepted "field marks" for each species, but I'm not sure how to find out what they are. Is there a resource somewhere (ideally, an app) that specifically lists the primary field marks per species? > > Bill > > > On Sat, Aug 23, 2025 at 6:57?PM Larry Schwitters via Tweeters > wrote: >> For weeks and weeks there has been a single Ring-necked hanging out with the Mallards at Lake Sammamish Park. Its become quite tame. This morning there were 3 more. >> >> Larry Schwitters Issaquah >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 24 09:47:18 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (HAL MICHAEL via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 24 09:47:41 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Ring-necked duck Message-ID: <1254384609.282970.1756054038917@connect.xfinity.com> Hmm, maybe it is unusual for that location as I am used to seeing multiple Ring-necks when I see them. One would be more unusual, at least for me. Hal Michael Board of Directors, Ecologists Without Borders http://ecowb.org/ Olympia WA 360-459-4005 360-791-7702 (C) ucd880@comcast.net > On 08/24/2025 7:56 AM PDT William Stafford Noble via Tweeters wrote: > > > Yes, I saw them yesterday as they passed about 10 feet from me, when I was standing on the ramp leading into the water. I didn't think to take their picture, but when I entered the observation in eBird, it indicated that seeing four at once is unusual and that I should add additional information about the sighting. This led me to a question I frequently wonder about: I know that there are accepted "field marks" for each species, but I'm not sure how to find out what they are. Is there a resource somewhere (ideally, an app) that specifically lists the primary field marks per species? > > Bill > > > On Sat, Aug 23, 2025 at 6:57?PM Larry Schwitters via Tweeters wrote: > > > For weeks and weeks there has been a single Ring-necked hanging out with the Mallards at Lake Sammamish Park. Its become quite tame. This morning there were 3 more. > > > > Larry Schwitters Issaquah > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Tweeters mailing list > > Tweeters@u.washington.edu mailto:Tweeters@u.washington.edu > > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 24 09:53:01 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Robert O'Brien via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 24 09:53:14 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Ring-necked duck In-Reply-To: References: <93BCA82A-B9CD-4579-92DA-749AB1E608A8@me.com> <3BF3AB68-F46A-4980-8996-813942D53A4C@me.com> Message-ID: Yes, the bill ring. A rather notorious name for this duck since the neck ring is very difficult to see. 10-15 years ago someone at AOS sent in a proposal to change the name to Ring-billed Duck. Fortunately it was not accepted. As for me,I love idiosyncrasies Bob OBrien Portland On Sun, Aug 24, 2025 at 9:41?AM Larry Schwitters via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Hello Bill, > > Size matters. Obviously smaller than the Mallards and Gadwalls. > > From Nat Geo field guide. > > Peaked head. Bold white ring near tip of bill. > > Larry > > On Aug 24, 2025, at 7:56?AM, William Stafford Noble wrote: > > Yes, I saw them yesterday as they passed about 10 feet from me, when I was > standing on the ramp leading into the water. I didn't think to take their > picture, but when I entered the observation in eBird, it indicated that > seeing four at once is unusual and that I should add additional information > about the sighting. This led me to a question I frequently wonder about: I > know that there are accepted "field marks" for each species, but I'm not > sure how to find out what they are. Is there a resource somewhere (ideally, > an app) that specifically lists the primary field marks per species? > > Bill > > > On Sat, Aug 23, 2025 at 6:57?PM Larry Schwitters via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > >> For weeks and weeks there has been a single Ring-necked hanging out with >> the Mallards at Lake Sammamish Park. Its become quite tame. This morning >> there were 3 more. >> >> Larry Schwitters Issaquah >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 24 12:16:42 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Larry Schwitters via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 24 12:17:04 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Wagner swifts Message-ID: <2837D7D5-0972-4EF6-8538-90F5E07F502D@me.com> There has been 100ish swifts roosting in Wagner for the last 4 or 5 days. They've been sleeping in. It seems they over did it this morning. It?s no longer morning and most haven?t left. Larry Schwitters Issaquah From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 24 14:00:10 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Jane Hadley via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 24 14:00:16 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Best places for fall shorebirds locally Message-ID: <1ed2fcc9-5d8d-491f-af0c-a0369a9e407f@gmail.com> Dear Tweeters Universe - What do you think is the best place or two to see migrating shorebirds in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties? M Street Marsh? Cedar River Mouth? Dune Peninsula in Tacoma? Hylebos Waterway?? Alki (Charles Richey)? h??apus Village Park & Shoreline Habitat (formerly Terminal 107 Park) in Seattle? Jetty Island in Snohomish? Trying to avoid the drive out to the coast. Jane Hadley Seattle, WA hadleyj1725@gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 24 14:14:21 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (ck park via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 24 14:15:01 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Best places for fall shorebirds locally In-Reply-To: <1ed2fcc9-5d8d-491f-af0c-a0369a9e407f@gmail.com> References: <1ed2fcc9-5d8d-491f-af0c-a0369a9e407f@gmail.com> Message-ID: i haven't been in a few years, but back when, the place to be was everett's jetty island. mudflat on the west side of the island is a spot where you can find shorebirds, from plovers, least, and western sandpipers to whimbrel, curlew, and dowitcher, and others in-between... On Sun, Aug 24, 2025 at 2:00?PM Jane Hadley via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Dear Tweeters Universe - What do you think is the best place or two to see > migrating shorebirds in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties? > > M Street Marsh? Cedar River Mouth? Dune Peninsula in Tacoma? Hylebos > Waterway? Alki (Charles Richey)? h??apus Village Park & Shoreline Habitat > (formerly Terminal 107 Park) in Seattle? Jetty Island in Snohomish? > > Trying to avoid the drive out to the coast. > > Jane Hadley > > Seattle, WA > > hadleyj1725@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 24 14:17:15 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 24 14:17:18 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] shorebirds August 24, 2025 Message-ID: Today at the Cedar River Mouth in Renton: Least Sandpiper- a few Western Sandpiper - a few Semipalmated Sandpipers - 6 - yes, SIX ! Semipalmated Plover - 2 Baird's Sandpiper - 1 Spotted Sandpiper - 2 Merlin - just passing thru Peregrine Falcon - hunting shorebirds; great action! Today at M Street Marsh in Auburn: Solitary Sandpiper - 1 The pond is dry at M Street. Although there is a lot of water in Mill Creek, there is no mud for shorebirds. I saw no peeps today at M Street Marv Breece Tukwila, WA marvbreece@q.com ....that the elected might never form to themselves an interest separate from the electors ... - Thomas Paine, from Common Sense -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 24 15:55:41 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dennis Paulson via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 24 15:55:49 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Best places for fall shorebirds locally In-Reply-To: <1ed2fcc9-5d8d-491f-af0c-a0369a9e407f@gmail.com> References: <1ed2fcc9-5d8d-491f-af0c-a0369a9e407f@gmail.com> Message-ID: <4FB4EB23-7E26-4763-9617-E092242D3D73@comcast.net> Jane, to add to what I said about the end of Channel Drive, a friend just had Stilt, Pectoral, Baird?s & Solitary Sandpipers there, along with both yellowlegs! Dennis Paulson Seattle > On Aug 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM, Jane Hadley via Tweeters wrote: > > Dear Tweeters Universe - What do you think is the best place or two to see migrating shorebirds in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties? > > M Street Marsh? Cedar River Mouth? Dune Peninsula in Tacoma? Hylebos Waterway? Alki (Charles Richey)? h??apus Village Park & Shoreline Habitat (formerly Terminal 107 Park) in Seattle? Jetty Island in Snohomish? > > Trying to avoid the drive out to the coast. > > Jane Hadley > > Seattle, WA > > hadleyj1725@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 24 16:38:10 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hank Heiberg via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 24 16:38:24 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Green Heron vs. Crow References: <1C0C1056-E779-4FBC-B5C5-988F754D34C8@gmail.com> Message-ID: <3FDC666A-92E0-4B85-B9F1-471E4A94DAE5@gmail.com> ??While trucks with boat trailers were lined up to launch boats at the Lake Sammamish Boat launch, a drama played out nearby. A Crow tried to intimidate a Green Heron without success. Please be patient with the following slide show and give it time to load and run. https://www.flickr.com/photos/ljcouple/54742646588/in/dateposted/ Later the Green Heron moved to a perch above a Great Blue Heron. https://www.flickr.com/photos/ljcouple/54742654974/in/photostream/ Then for some reason the Green Heron dove in front of the Great Blue Heron. The Great Blue Heron was not fazed. https://www.flickr.com/photos/ljcouple/54742655014/in/dateposted/ Hank Heiberg Issaquah, WA hankdotheiberggmailcom -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 24 23:59:37 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 24 23:59:56 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] FOS American Wigeon Message-ID: This morning, Sunday, August 24th I found a First-of-Season female American Wigeon on Lake Lorene, Twin Lakes, Federal Way. This is the earliest I have ever seen. Normally the first wigeons appear about the middle of September. Good Birding and stay cool ! 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 25 00:48:04 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Michael Price via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 25 00:48:17 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Southbound Waterfowl Migration Underway (was: Ring-necked Duck) Message-ID: Hi tweets Now it's late summer, waterfowl have completed their full molt and are flightworthy again. Since they're done breeding, they're starting to head either south or out to the coast, or both. This likely accounts for the sudden appearance of these Ring-necked Ducks. A sighting of five Green-winged Teal flying east low out over salt water past Jericho Park in Vancouver BC on Aug 21 is a bit early, but the dabblers are the first southbound ducks to arrive, then the lake and pond divers, then the sea ducks like scoters in October and November, and in Vancouver BC, GWTE is the first of them. The southbound waterfowl migration has begun, and the Great Wheel turns. best wishes, m Michael Price Vancouver BC Canada loblollyboy@gmail.com Every answer deepens the mystery. -- E.O. Wilson -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 25 04:30:47 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Bob Flores via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 25 04:30:52 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Alex Sowers possible yellow breasted flycatcher Message-ID: Hello, I was at Bassett Park most of the day and did see the bird Alex had photographed. I have some poor photos nothing as good as Alex?s. I am posting here because the bird was still there when I left at about 6ish. There were birds found in the afternoon that were not around, detected, earlier in the day. This bird was seen multiple times and only at what he calls the magic bush, lol. I will be there at daybreak so if seen I will get the word out. Bob Flores From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 25 04:42:47 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Bob Flores via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 25 04:42:52 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Alex Sowers possible yellow breasted flycatcher In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Sorry all meant yellow Bellied. Just woke up. ?? Bob Flores > On Aug 25, 2025, at 04:30, Bob Flores wrote: > > ?Hello, > I was at Bassett Park most of the day and did see the bird Alex had photographed. I have some poor photos nothing as good as Alex?s. I am posting here because the bird was still there when I left at about 6ish. There were birds found in the afternoon that were not around, detected, earlier in the day. This bird was seen multiple times and only at what he calls the magic bush, lol. I will be there at daybreak so if seen I will get the word out. > Bob Flores From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 25 12:03:02 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Bob Flores via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 25 12:03:07 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] =?utf-8?q?Alex_Sowers_yellow_bellied_flycatcher_Adam?= =?utf-8?b?4oCZcyBDb3VudHk=?= Message-ID: I saw this bird many times throughout the day and just as I left around 6pmish. My photos are no where as good as Alex?s. There were new birds detected at the watering spot, magic tree, in the afternoon I suspected new birds moving in. The fact that the bird in question was still there may lead to finding it this morning? I will post if it?s here. Also I agree with Alex?s assessment of identification. I am not very familiar with this species and was unsure of its id at the time. Bob Flores From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 25 13:15:42 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (john dantoni via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 25 13:15:45 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Good video on YouTube! References: <1393187228.327408.1756152942089.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1393187228.327408.1756152942089@mail.yahoo.com> Hi Tweets,I watched a fun video on YouTube called Listers:? A glimpse into extreme Birdwatching yesterday.? ?You'll probably enjoy it too!Best,John D'AntoniMalaga, WA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 25 13:38:07 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Bob Flores via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 25 13:38:12 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hooper Adams Co Message-ID: I am on Gray Td have not made it to the houses I have been pushing around 80 birds along the rd. Very mixed. If your in the area come I need help keeping track Sent from my iPhone From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 25 14:08:23 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Ted Ryan via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 25 14:08:46 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Off-topic: Extreme bird watching - a movie Message-ID: <915ced5a-3793-4eaa-bc49-ebe6b1387fa6@app.fastmail.com> I recently came across this youtube movie: LISTERS: A Glimpse Into Extreme Birdwatching I thoroughly enjoyed it. It both makes fun of and brings good attention to, birding. Hardcore listers with no sense of humor may not enjoy this. For the rest of you, I think you will. Ted Ryan South Kitsap, WA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 25 14:16:50 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Rob Faucett via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 25 14:17:07 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Off-topic: Extreme bird watching - a movie In-Reply-To: <915ced5a-3793-4eaa-bc49-ebe6b1387fa6@app.fastmail.com> References: <915ced5a-3793-4eaa-bc49-ebe6b1387fa6@app.fastmail.com> Message-ID: It?s fabulous. ? Rob Faucett +1(206) 619-5569 robfaucett@mac.com Seattle, WA 98105 > On Aug 25, 2025, at 2:09?PM, Ted Ryan via Tweeters wrote: > > ? > I recently came across this youtube movie: > > LISTERS: A Glimpse Into Extreme Birdwatching > > I thoroughly enjoyed it. It both makes fun of and brings good attention to, birding. Hardcore listers with no sense of humor may not enjoy this. For the rest of you, I think you will. > > Ted Ryan > South Kitsap, WA > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 25 15:30:02 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Larry Schwitters via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 25 15:30:26 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Lake Sammamish today Message-ID: <9390F01F-297B-480B-8E12-9905DDF319E1@me.com> After a heavy weekend human presence the beach is back to only one Ring-necked Duck. The more exciting news is that for the first time since May 5th there were coots. Two of em. Swift migration hasn?t made it to Portland yet but a thousand poured into the Rainier Riverside Church chimney at 8:30 last night. We're a bit disappointed in the visual from our in chimney camera but the sound is fantastic. Absolute audio mayhem. Larry Schwitters Issaquah From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 25 15:36:47 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Deli Kiz via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 25 15:37:01 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Off-topic: Extreme bird watching - a movie In-Reply-To: References: <915ced5a-3793-4eaa-bc49-ebe6b1387fa6@app.fastmail.com> Message-ID: It was great!! They got me at "they've been piping sand all day" and had me all the way to "I wanna put the watching back into bird-watching." And I agree. "That's gold." I just wish they put a bit more time into the conservation part of things. They did mention a lot of the problem areas of birding and our ability to save and care for birds outside of birding which was great. I hope they do their next film mostly about that. While watching the killdeers I thought there could easily be a documentary about the grass crazy weed angry mowing folk - and this can be their sound track by our local Dana Lyons. For those in this group who are chasing birds for lists, or if you get offended easily, or don't appreciate some edgy young humor, this is definitely not the movie for you, it will suck. I believe most others will enjoy it. Happy (bird) watching, D. On Mon, Aug 25, 2025 at 2:17?PM Rob Faucett via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > It?s fabulous. > ? > Rob Faucett > +1(206) 619-5569 > robfaucett@mac.com > Seattle, WA 98105 > > > On Aug 25, 2025, at 2:09?PM, Ted Ryan via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > > > > ? > > I recently came across this youtube movie: > > > > LISTERS: A Glimpse Into Extreme Birdwatching > > > > I thoroughly enjoyed it. It both makes fun of and brings good attention > to, birding. Hardcore listers with no sense of humor may not enjoy this. > For the rest of you, I think you will. > > > > Ted Ryan > > South Kitsap, WA > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Tweeters mailing list > > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 25 16:09:16 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Bruce Barrett via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 25 16:09:56 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Off-topic: Extreme bird watching - a movie In-Reply-To: References: <915ced5a-3793-4eaa-bc49-ebe6b1387fa6@app.fastmail.com> Message-ID: Maybe. Maybe, not. Although I don't year-list, I am a very focused Lower 48 Life-lister. I found the movie very entertaining. Sure, there were places where I interjected "yes, but", and I found the fact that these two were not actually birders disingenuous. That they over-stressed themselves by camping in their van for a year may have added to the entertainment value (if, indeed repeatedly describing one's morning ablutions is entertaining!),but it took away from their comments on listing. It's still a fun movie. My main push-back is the implied assumption that one has to choose just one of the numerous interests that define a "birder". I am a city boy, brought up with zero exposure to the countryside. Am I as focused on conservation as those who have dedicated their lives to it, such as those who work in museums or spend hours on local issues? Am I as skilled at identification as tour leaders or those for whom birding is their sole interest? No, and no. However, although listing (a form of "collecting" - just like stamp collecting, or collecting) is my main focus, I claim that I'm not bad at identifying birds, and am way more focused on conservation than Joe Public. The movie fails to make this point in their effort to laugh at listers. Maybe I can laugh at anyone who spends a year camping out in a van. Oh - wait - what did my family do for six weeks and 12,500 miles touring the US in 1978. Whoops! Bruce Barrett San Jose, CA Virus-free.www.avg.com <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> On Mon, Aug 25, 2025 at 3:37?PM Deli Kiz via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > It was great!! They got me at "they've been piping sand all day" and had > me all the way to "I wanna put the watching back into bird-watching." And I > agree. "That's gold." I just wish they put a bit more time into the > conservation part of things. They did mention a lot of the problem areas of > birding and our ability to save and care for birds outside of birding which > was great. I hope they do their next film mostly about that. While watching > the killdeers I thought there could easily be a documentary about the grass > crazy weed angry mowing folk - and this can be their sound track > by our local Dana Lyons. > > For those in this group who are chasing birds for lists, or if you get > offended easily, or don't appreciate some edgy young humor, this is > definitely not the movie for you, it will suck. I believe most others will > enjoy it. > > Happy (bird) watching, > D. > > > On Mon, Aug 25, 2025 at 2:17?PM Rob Faucett via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > >> It?s fabulous. >> ? >> Rob Faucett >> +1(206) 619-5569 >> robfaucett@mac.com >> Seattle, WA 98105 >> >> > On Aug 25, 2025, at 2:09?PM, Ted Ryan via Tweeters < >> tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: >> > >> > ? >> > I recently came across this youtube movie: >> > >> > LISTERS: A Glimpse Into Extreme Birdwatching >> > >> > I thoroughly enjoyed it. It both makes fun of and brings good >> attention to, birding. Hardcore listers with no sense of humor may not >> enjoy this. For the rest of you, I think you will. >> > >> > Ted Ryan >> > South Kitsap, WA >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Tweeters mailing list >> > Tweeters@u.washington.edu >> > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >> _______________________________________________ >> Tweeters mailing list >> Tweeters@u.washington.edu >> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >> > _______________________________________________ > 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 25 18:00:01 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Robert O'Brien via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 25 18:00:16 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Off-topic: Extreme bird watching - a movie In-Reply-To: <915ced5a-3793-4eaa-bc49-ebe6b1387fa6@app.fastmail.com> References: <915ced5a-3793-4eaa-bc49-ebe6b1387fa6@app.fastmail.com> Message-ID: I've been pretty much a hard-core birder for 70 years.but I don't take much of anything very seriously. If it's anything like *Best in Show *(a mockumentary) I'm gonna love it. That;s my pre-quil review. Thanks for posting it. Bob obrien PDX On Monday, August 25, 2025, Ted Ryan via Tweeters wrote: > I recently came across this youtube movie: > > LISTERS: A Glimpse Into Extreme Birdwatching > > I thoroughly enjoyed it. It both makes fun of and brings good attention > to, birding. Hardcore listers with no sense of humor may not enjoy this. > For the rest of you, I think you will. > > Ted Ryan > South Kitsap, WA > > > > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 25 18:13:15 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Robert O'Brien via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 25 18:13:31 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] The Big Year Movie Message-ID: While on the subject of Birding Movies. Not so many of them out there. Newer birders may not know about https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT9r_Hazdk82WCKBtmVbzDfe9c1ZiBO6YGiaNZy4eFKdP0QNW7I I was so extremely lucky to be on Attu for 6 weeks in 1998; for the Birding Experience of a lifetime, so I met some of the participants, particularly Sandy.Kominsky and saw an incredible array of birds. Most especially shorebirds, my absolute favorites. This is not really a mockumentary at all and I'd only give it a B or B+, but still worth watching. Bob OBrien PDX -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 25 18:27:24 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Qblater via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 25 18:27:46 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] The Big Year Movie In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <26425E5A-5B78-4CC0-AA73-462CBF14AEF1@yahoo.com> Speaking of big years?.. I highly recommend a documentary on utube called ?Listers - a glimpse into Extreme Birdwatching ? A little raunchy but Very Funny Clarice Clark Puyallup, WA > On Aug 25, 2025, at 6:14?PM, Robert O'Brien via Tweeters wrote: > > ? > While on the subject of Birding Movies. Not so many of them out there. Newer birders may not know about > https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT9r_Hazdk82WCKBtmVbzDfe9c1ZiBO6YGiaNZy4eFKdP0QNW7I > > I was so extremely lucky to be on Attu for 6 weeks in 1998; for the Birding Experience of a lifetime, so I met some of the participants, particularly Sandy.Kominsky and saw an incredible array of birds. Most especially shorebirds, my absolute favorites. > This is not really a mockumentary at all and I'd only give it a B or B+, but still worth watching. > Bob OBrien PDX > > _______________________________________________ > 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 25 18:36:00 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Steve Loitz via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 25 18:36:14 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] The Big Year Movie In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Fun movie, although the book was far better. Steve Loitz Ellensburg On Mon, Aug 25, 2025 at 6:13?PM Robert O'Brien via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > While on the subject of Birding Movies. Not so many of them out there. > Newer birders may not know about > > https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT9r_Hazdk82WCKBtmVbzDfe9c1ZiBO6YGiaNZy4eFKdP0QNW7I > > I was so extremely lucky to be on Attu for 6 weeks in 1998; for the > Birding Experience of a lifetime, so I met some of the participants, > particularly Sandy.Kominsky and saw an incredible array of birds. Most > especially shorebirds, my absolute favorites. > This is not really a mockumentary at all and I'd only give it a B or B+, > but still worth watching. > Bob OBrien PDX > > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -- Steve Loitz Ellensburg, WA steveloitz@gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 25 19:17:47 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 25 19:18:01 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] The Big Year Movie In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I watched it four times and been to High Island four times ?. Hans *Hans Feddern* Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA thefedderns@gmail.com On Mon, Aug 25, 2025 at 6:36?PM Steve Loitz via Tweeters < tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > Fun movie, although the book was far better. > > Steve Loitz > Ellensburg > > On Mon, Aug 25, 2025 at 6:13?PM Robert O'Brien via Tweeters < > tweeters@u.washington.edu> wrote: > >> While on the subject of Birding Movies. Not so many of them out there. >> Newer birders may not know about >> >> https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT9r_Hazdk82WCKBtmVbzDfe9c1ZiBO6YGiaNZy4eFKdP0QNW7I >> >> I was so extremely lucky to be on Attu for 6 weeks in 1998; for the >> Birding Experience of a lifetime, so I met some of the participants, >> particularly Sandy.Kominsky and saw an incredible array of birds. Most >> especially shorebirds, my absolute favorites. >> This is not really a mockumentary at all and I'd only give it a B or B+, >> but still worth watching. >> Bob OBrien PDX >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Tweeters mailing list >> Tweeters@u.washington.edu >> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters >> > > > -- > Steve Loitz > Ellensburg, WA > steveloitz@gmail.com > _______________________________________________ > Tweeters mailing list > Tweeters@u.washington.edu > http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Mon Aug 25 09:10:00 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dennis Paulson via Tweeters) Date: Mon Aug 25 20:05:37 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Fwd: August 2025 Update: The Trouble With AI Bird Images References: Message-ID: <27F616F9-D48C-4911-BAD9-E77D75296C68@comcast.net> This is, sadly, becoming more and more of a concern. It?s easy to see the good in AI, and it?s becoming easier all the time to see the bad in it. Dennis Paulson Seattle >> >> Newsletter - August 2025 >> ? >> The Trouble With AI Bird Images >> ? >> Lately I?ve been thinking a lot about photorealistic, AI-generated images of birds. Not the cartoonish ones that are easy to spot, but images that could easily be mistaken for real bird photography. >> ? >> My inspiration for this newsletter topic was the image below, which has made the rounds on social media: >> >> ? >> It?s a great shot of an in-the-flesh Chestnut-backed Chickadee perched on a field guide opened to the exact page for this species. Pretty cool, right? >> ? >> Sure. Maybe? Because right away, I found myself wondering, ?Is this an AI-generated image? A fake?? >> ? >> I was dubious. >> ? >> In the case of this chickadee situation, I?m fairly (though not 100%) certain it?s a real photo of a real bird. I did some research and found what I think is the original source, the person who posted it on Reddit . >> ? >> So it took some actual work?some Internet sleuthing and too much of my valuable time?to determine if the image was real or AI-generated. >> ? >> I sure wish I didn?t have to go through all that trouble. >> ? >> A couple of years ago, AI images of birds just weren?t good enough to cause me this kind of headache. The results were strange and flawed?the body proportions were way off, the feet had too many toes, the wings bent at odd angles, the plumage patterns and colors didn?t match any real species, even with a familiar species like an American Robin. If you were using AI to generate an image of a robin, no matter how many times you tried, you?d never get an anatomically accurate representation. >> ? >> >> AI-generated bird, circa 2022. Not too convincing. Thanks, I hate it. >> ? >> But now, in 2025, things are different. The images are way better. Many of them are now good enough to fool even experienced birders?myself included?if we don?t slow down and look closely. And that?s why I think it?s time to talk about this issue. >> From Rainbow Owls to Photorealism >> >> Of course, manipulated images aren?t new. Long before AI, we had heavily Photoshopped ?rainbow owls? or parrots with impossible colors going viral on Facebook. To most birders, those were obvious fakes. But plenty of casual nature lovers saw them, believed them, and shared them. >> ? >> The difference now is that AI can (at least sometimes) produce birds that actually look real. The toes, the plumage patterns? the whole shebang. >> ? >> >> AI-generated American Robin, circa 2025. Disturbingly realistic. Even the toes are pretty good. >> And now such images are flooding social media and other places we search for photos. Stock image sites are practically drowning in AI bird images these days. In the best cases, the platform requires that AI images be labeled as such. But a lot of AI slop is still slipping through the cracks and being passed off as ?real.? >> ? >> >> AI-generated image of a female Allen's Hummingbird. >> How Do We Tell the Difference? >> >> For now, many AI bird images still have giveaways: >> ? >> Anatomy or plumage patterns that are slightly ?off.? (The first thing I look at is the toes.) >> ? >> Birds that are too immaculately clean. No dirt or scars or mussed feathers. >> ? >> Backgrounds that look melted or inconsistent or just weirdly ethereal. >> ? >> Sometimes the only clue is that the image looks too perfect. Real bird photography usually has quirks?motion blur, awkward angles, imperfect lighting. When a photo looks like a flawless magazine cover every time, that in itself can be suspicious. >> ? >> But the technology is improving really fast. Soon AI may even learn to mimic those ?imperfections,? making detection nearly impossible. >> ? >> There are these AI models that generate increasingly realistic images, but other models are being trained to detect those AI-generated images. It?s a robot arms race! And we don?t know which clanker team will win. Maybe detection tools will keep up. Maybe they won?t. >> ? >> At some point, soon, we?ll need help from the platforms themselves?Meta, X, Instagram, TikTok?to use technology to label AI content automatically? Without just trusting in the ?honor system,? which is how things are now. If something is artificially generated, we deserve to know before mistaking it for something from the real world. >> Why It Matters >> >> This isn?t just an annoyance for bird lovers who want to see real birds. There are deeper concerns: >> ? >> Citizen Science: eBird and iNaturalist rely on real images to document species distributions and support conservation. Fake images could skew the data and introduce "noise." >> ? >> Faltering Trust in Media: If we can?t tell what?s real, do we just assume all digital media is fake? This issue is, of course, much wider and more sinister than what's going on with just bird images. >> ? >> Undercutting Real Artists: Because AI-generated bird photos can be cranked out by the thousands almost effortlessly and almost for free, this threatens the careers of talented, hard-working nature photographers. >> ? >> Devaluing Reality: If people are constantly exposed to flawless, fantasy birds, will they become underwhelmed by the real thing? For kids who grow up consuming this kind of media, this could weaken their appreciation of actual flesh-and-blood wildlife. >> ? >> I think about this in the same way I think about junk food. If what we eat day after day is heavily-processed junk food full of sugar, fat, and salt, we might have a hard time appreciating real food that?s actually good for us. Similarly, AI can create images that might be more colorful, more dramatic, and more enticing than photos of real birds. But like junk food, they risk dulling our taste for the real, soul-sustaining thing. >> The Bigger Picture: Authenticity >> >> This problem isn?t limited to bird photos, of course. AI is generating ever more convincing text, video, music, and voices too. >> ? >> For example, it would be fairly easy right now to produce an AI-driven ?bird podcast??with AI doing all the work: writing the script and generating a realistic voice to read it. >> ? >> Would it sound believable? To many listeners, yeah probably. Would it be authentic? No way, Jos?! >> ? >> And this is where I find some hope. I think I have some job security as a podcaster. Because the quirks of being human?the dumb (and unquestionably clever and hilarious) jokes, the personal anecdotes, the consistent thread of one real person speaking to you across years worth of episodes?those are things AI can?t replicate convincingly. Not yet? Hopefully not ever. >> ? >> Which means authenticity is going to matter more than ever. People will crave it. They?ll value real voices, real experiences, and real encounters with the natural world. >> >> What We Can Do >> So where does all this leave us? >> ? >> Well, unfortunately, we need to be more skeptical than ever before. Like the example of me questioning the reality of that Chestnut-backed Chickadee photo. >> Other things we can do? >> ? >> Sharpen our own eyes: Learn to spot the ?field marks? of AI images just like we learn the field marks of birds. Spend time studying real photos and illustrations, so you become very familiar with bird anatomy. >> ? >> Rely on trusted sources: Reputable outlets like National Geographic, PBS, and the BBC. As well as respected photographers and scientific publications. Investigate the source of the image if you can. Legitimate wildlife photographers typically have portfolios, social media histories, and can provide additional shots from the same session. Be suspicious of social media accounts that share only "perfect" bird photos without any biological context, behind-the-scenes content, or variation in quality. >> ? >> Push for transparency: Speak up and demand that platforms require disclosure of AI content. >> ? >> Seek authenticity: If you can?t trust images and other media, you can place more value on having direct experiences in nature. And you can follow creators who are clearly, undeniably human. Like me! ? >> ? >> We?re entering a weird new world, my friends. If we care about birds, nature, and truth, we?ll need to adapt. But maybe this will push us to appreciate and value the real stuff even more. >> ? >> All the best and all the birds, >> ? >> Ivan >> >> Ivan Phillipsen >> Creator and Host of The Science of Birds >> -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 26 03:39:50 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Robert O'Brien via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 26 03:39:54 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] AI vs. RI Message-ID: Interesting article. If you wish to compare 2 hummer photos, the blog post AI and a real one RI, rake a look at this one. Rufous vs. Allen's but a minor detail, from the monthly Oregon photo contest. Bob obrien PDX https://oregonbirding.org/photo-contest-voting/#jp-carousel-12915 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 26 04:10:18 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Robert O'Brien via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 26 04:10:22 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] AI vs. RI In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Maybe not clear. This refers to Dennis Paulson's recent post about AI bird images and the AI hummer photo contained therein. On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Robert O'Brien wrote: > Interesting article. If you wish to compare 2 hummer photos, the blog post > AI and a real one RI, rake a look at this one. Rufous vs. Allen's but a > minor detail, from the monthly Oregon photo contest. > Bob obrien PDX > > > https://oregonbirding.org/photo-contest-voting/#jp-carousel-12915 > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 26 12:20:00 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Carol Riddell via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 26 12:20:16 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Re Hooper Adams County Message-ID: Hi Bob Your post is obscure, at least to me. Would you mind clarifying what you are referring to? Thanks, Carol Riddell Edmonds, WA Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2025 20:38:07 +0000 From: Bob Flores via Tweeters To: "tweeters@u.washington.edu" Subject: [Tweeters] Hooper Adams Co Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" I am on Gray Td have not made it to the houses I have been pushing around 80 birds along the rd. Very mixed. If your in the area come I need help keeping track Sent from my iPhone From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 26 13:56:33 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 26 13:56:36 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Cedar River Mouth 8.26.25 Message-ID: Today (8.26.25) at the Cedar River Mouth in Renton: Semipalmated Plover - 4 juv Short-billed Dowitcher - 1 juv https://www.flickr.com/gp/138163614@N02/273144j2hJ Long-billed Dowitcher - 1 adult https://www.flickr.com/gp/138163614@N02/34Ac7fX29z Greater Yellowlegs - 1 juv Spotted Sandpiper - 2 Semipalmated Sandpiper - 5 juv (maybe more) Western Sandpiper - a few Least Sandpiper - a few Black Phoebe - 1 Marv Breece Tukwila, WA marvbreece@q.com ....that the elected might never form to themselves an interest separate from the electors ... - Thomas Paine, from Common Sense -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 26 14:00:36 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Paula Flores via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 26 14:00:45 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Listers...Not the video you are thinking of! Message-ID: Hi Birders.,. There have been lot of reviews regarding the documentary/comedy about birding. Unfortunately, birders here on Tweeter have been getting the many birding films (that we have probably all watched) mixed up with the new video that has just been posted on YouTube. The correct title to search on YouTube is...."LISTERS" A Glimpse To Extreme Birdwatching. It is kind of confusing to find, but IMHO there isn't a more entertaining move that covers birders and their obsession. A true story of a couple goofy brothers who find an old field guide, learn about listing and big years, and decide to go on an adventure. It is both heartwarming and hilarious, and very honest, including pointing out some environmental issues. It brought back a lot of my own memories about listing before E-bird appeared, and as beginning birders, they rely a lot on E-Bird and Merlin. Hope everyone can find this new gem and enjoy it as much as I did. Good Birding! Paula Flores Tweeters -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Tue Aug 26 15:05:03 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (pan via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 26 15:05:11 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] possible melanism in Pigeon Guillemot Message-ID: <797866632.418535.1756245903829@fidget.co-bxl> Tweets, Yesterday morning, Alec Roseto and I observed a Pigeon Guillemot at fairly close range foraging and resting on the water near West Point in Seattle's Discovery Park.? The bird's plumage was all black, except for some occasional white bits visible if the undertail feathers were disturbed.? Its feet were dark dusky gray to brown, with some dark orange parts.? Bill and eyes were dark, and we didn't get to see the inside of the mouth.? The plumage looked to be in good shape, not worn or tattered.?? Immatures present now are in typical mottled gray and white plumage, though wing patches can be inconspicuous.? Adults are in typical breeding plumage, with large white wing patches, though some are worn or mottled, and with bright red legs and feet.? Birds of the World says first year summer plumage has more dark feathering in the white wing patches.? It also says immature birds have duller feet, dark gray to dull orange as they age.?? Oiled birds aren't usually so black, and usually show some difference in feather condition or texture from unstained birds.?? Birds of the World says there are no records of melanism in Pigeon Guillemot, but there are reports of melanism, including the absence of white wing patches,?in the closely related Black Guillemot from five countries.? ?? It seems likely this is a melanistic Pigeon Guillemot, which could affect both feather and leg/foot color.?? 26 August, 2025, Alan Grenon panmail AT mailfence PERIOD com Seattle Ewins, P. J. (2020). Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus columba), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (A. F. Poole and F. B. Gill, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. Butler, R. G., D. E. Buckley, D. N. Nettleship, P. F. D. Boesman, and E. Garcia (2020). Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (S. M. Billerman, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. -- 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 26 15:24:45 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Steve Hampton via Tweeters) Date: Tue Aug 26 15:25:00 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] possible melanism in Pigeon Guillemot In-Reply-To: <797866632.418535.1756245903829@fidget.co-bxl> References: <797866632.418535.1756245903829@fidget.co-bxl> Message-ID: Yes, all-black melanistic Pigeon Guillemots have been documented in the Salish Sea. We photographed one last year. Here is the eBird report with pics: https://ebird.org/checklist/S191240167 Copying from the notes there: Including this all black guillemot. Seen with Jim Danzenbaker and Hillary Smith. Thank you to Hillary for managing these photographs as the bird was quite distant at times. Per Peter Pyle, likely a melanistic juvenile based on fresh plumage and pinkish legs. Though, in Japan and the Russian Far East, there is a form ("snowi") that can be all black. Peter brought this apparent melanistic PIGU to my attention, from Semiahmoo Oct 7, 2023: https://ebird.org/checklist/S151648445 On Tue, Aug 26, 2025 at 3:05?PM pan via Tweeters wrote: > Tweets, > > Yesterday morning, Alec Roseto and I observed a Pigeon Guillemot at fairly > close range foraging and resting on the water near West Point in Seattle's > Discovery Park. The bird's plumage was all black, except for some > occasional white bits visible if the undertail feathers were disturbed. > Its feet were dark dusky gray to brown, with some dark orange parts. Bill > and eyes were dark, and we didn't get to see the inside of the mouth. The > plumage looked to be in good shape, not worn or tattered. > > Immatures present now are in typical mottled gray and white plumage, > though wing patches can be inconspicuous. Adults are in typical breeding > plumage, with large white wing patches, though some are worn or mottled, > and with bright red legs and feet. Birds of the World says first year > summer plumage has more dark feathering in the white wing patches. It also > says immature birds have duller feet, dark gray to dull orange as they > age. > > Oiled birds aren't usually so black, and usually show some difference in > feather condition or texture from unstained birds. > > Birds of the World says there are no records of melanism in Pigeon > Guillemot, but there are reports of melanism, including the absence of > white wing patches, in the closely related Black Guillemot from five > countries. > > It seems likely this is a melanistic Pigeon Guillemot, which could affect > both feather and leg/foot color. > > 26 August, 2025, > > Alan Grenon > panmail AT mailfence PERIOD com > Seattle > > > Ewins, P. J. (2020). Pigeon Guillemot (*Cepphus columba*), version 1.0. > In Birds of the World (A. F. Poole and F. B. Gill, Editors). Cornell Lab of > Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. > > Butler, R. G., D. E. Buckley, D. N. Nettleship, P. F. D. Boesman, and E. > Garcia (2020). Black Guillemot (*Cepphus grylle*), version 1.0. In Birds > of the World (S. M. Billerman, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, > NY, USA. > > > -- > Sent with https://mailfence.com > Secure and private email > _______________________________________________ > 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 Wed Aug 27 10:47:21 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (pan via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 27 10:47:29 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Red Knot documentary Message-ID: <357009248.14891.1756316841337@fidget.co-bxl> Tweets, I recommend to you the documentary film, "Horseshoe Crab Moon."? It's screening free today through the Vermont organization, Sustainable Woodstock. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/film-screening-horseshoe-crab-moon-tickets-1450209759429 Beyond information, it's full of video of shorebirds and research techniques.? It looks like there are other viewing opportunities, as well.?? Cheers, 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 Wed Aug 27 17:06:27 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Wed Aug 27 17:06:52 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] SEMAFOR: Record-breaking falcon sells for $320k in Saudi Message-ID: <3F5F32D9-416A-4D27-9F14-D82767382BE7@gmail.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 28 12:07:22 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Shep Thorp via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 28 12:07:39 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Wednesday Walk at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually NWR for 8/27/2025 Message-ID: Hi Tweets, Approximately 35 of us had a cool Summer day at the Refuge with overcast skies and temperatures in the 50?s to 70?s degrees Fahrenheit. There was a High 11?2? Tide at 8:57am, so we altered our route and skipped the Orchard and Access Roads in the morning to head out on the west entrance to the Twin Barns Loop Trail and Nisqually Estuary Trail or new dike to catch the falling tide. Highlights included continuing AMERICAN BITTERN with three juvenile and one adult being observed in the freshwater marsh. While enjoying one of the juvenile's being fed by an adult, we also had sightings of SORA and heard VIRGINIA RAIL. The tidal push was productive in pushing upwards of 1000 WESTERN SANDPIPER closer to the trail and we observed our First of Year BAIRD'S SANDPIPER and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, although we only had scope views. PEREGRINE FALCON was perched above the Nisqually River Overlook and AMERICAN KESTREL was perched in a Spruce Tree in the surge plain. We had additional nice observations of GREAT EGRET, two birds, flying into the Refuge. From the Puget Sound Observation Platform we scoped First of Year PIGEON GUILLEMOT and had a pair of RHINOCEROS AUKLETS fly through. For the day we observed 74 species, with FOY Baird's Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, and Pigeon Guillemot, we now have observed 165 species so far this year. We also had a great mammal day with River Otter in the Visitor Center Pond Overlook both in the morning and afternoon, Douglas Squirrel around the parking lots, Long-tailed Weasel in the Orchard, Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Harbor Seal, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, and Eastern Gray Squirrel. There were sightings of Red-legged Frog, Pacific Choral Frog and American Bullfrog. Pink Salmon were observed in the Riparian Forest Overlook, as well as Pink Salmon carcasses along the banks of the Nisqually River. See our eBird report pasted below for further details. 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 27, 2025 6:51 AM - 3:34 PM Protocol: Traveling 3.071 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Wednesday walk. Overcast skies with temperatures in the 50?s to 70?s degrees Fahrenheit. A High 11?2? Tide at 8:57am, we altered our route and skipped the Orchard and Access Roads heading out on the west entrance to the Twin Barns Loop Trail to the Nisqually Estuary Trail to catch the falling tide. Mammals seen included River Otter, Douglas Squirrel, Eastern Gray Squirrel, Long-tailed Weasel, Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Eastern Cotton-tailed Rabbit, and Harbor Seal. Others seen included American Bullfrog, Pacific Choral Frog and Red-legged Frog. 74 species (+8 other taxa) Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 125 Wood Duck 7 Visitor Center Pond. Northern Shoveler 3 American Wigeon 3 Mallard 30 Northern Pintail 25 Green-winged Teal 50 dabbling duck sp. 6 Common Merganser 25 Band-tailed Pigeon (Northern) 11 Anna's Hummingbird 3 Virginia Rail 5 Sora 3 Killdeer 8 Semipalmated Plover 11 Surge plain and mudflats. Long-billed Dowitcher 1 Short-billed/Long-billed Dowitcher 5 Wilson's Snipe 1 Greater Yellowlegs 30 Baird's Sandpiper 3 Surge plain and mudflats. Least Sandpiper 75 Western Sandpiper 1000 Counted in groups of 100 on the mudflats of the surge plain and west of Leschi Slough on a falling high tide. Semipalmated Sandpiper 2 Mudflats west of Leschi Slough. Western/Semipalmated Sandpiper 1 shorebird sp. 1 Possible Sanderling heard. Rhinoceros Auklet 2 Pigeon Guillemot 1 Short-billed Gull 1 Ring-billed Gull 400 California Gull 5 Glaucous-winged Gull 2 Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 10 Western/Glaucous-winged Gull 10 Larus sp. 300 Caspian Tern 6 Brandt's Cormorant 1 Nisqually River channel marker and flying over the Sound between Reach and Anderson Island. Double-crested Cormorant 100 American Bittern 4 Three young and one adult in freshwater marsh. Great Egret 2 Two observed flying into Refuge. One landed in freshwater marsh, the other along McAllister Creek Great Blue Heron (Great Blue) 50 Turkey Vulture 1 Osprey 1 Cooper's Hawk 1 Northern Harrier 1 Bald Eagle 12 Counted individually. 5 observed on inner Refuge and 6-8 observed on Reach and along Nisqually River. Belted Kingfisher 3 Downy Woodpecker (Pacific) 1 Northern Flicker 2 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 1 American Kestrel (Northern) 1 Peregrine Falcon 1 Subadult. Willow Flycatcher 2 Steller's Jay 2 American Crow 6 Common Raven 1 Black-capped Chickadee 20 Chestnut-backed Chickadee 2 Bank Swallow 2 Violet-green Swallow 10 Purple Martin 1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 Barn Swallow (American) 257 Bushtit (Pacific) 10 Brown Creeper 4 Marsh Wren 2 Bewick's Wren 4 European Starling 100 Swainson's Thrush 7 American Robin 1 Cedar Waxwing 4 House Finch 1 Pine Siskin 1 American Goldfinch 50 White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis) 9 Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 8 Song Sparrow (rufina Group) 22 Spotted Towhee 2 Red-winged Blackbird 20 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 Common Yellowthroat 11 Yellow Warbler 5 Western Tanager 2 View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S269926107 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 28 13:45:17 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Michael Hobbs via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 28 13:45:33 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Marymoor Park (Redmond, King Co.) 2025-08-28 Message-ID: Tweets - A rather drab, dull, overcast morning today, without much of anything UNTIL... Very distantly, from the Lake Platform, I found a small gull flying. After watching it for quite a while, and after Jordan got some photos to zoom in on, we were able to be certain we had a SABINE'S GULL ! New bird for the park, and Marymoor Bird #247. There were also some small birds flying low over the water near the Sabine's. I thought they might be swallows, but they just didn't fly right. While they couldn't have been ID'd from Marymoor without a scope, it turned out these were RED-NECKED PHALAROPES. I was able to see these again on a late scan of the lake and could tell they were phalaropes, and other birders at Idylwood Park (a little further south along the west edge of Lake Sammamish) were able to identify them with certainty. The only other time we've had Red-necked Phalarope was one bird on September 20, 2018. Other Highlights: Rufous Hummingbird - One at the Pea Patch. Third-latest sighting we've ever had at Marymoor Least Sandpiper (?) - From the Lake Platform we also heard what sounded very much like Least's flight calls, but could spot no birds Cooper's Hawk - Two juveniles. Eric saw them interacting early in the morning. We had two sightings of individual birds later Misses today were numerous: Hooded Merganser, Vaux's Swift, Glaucous-winged Gull (maybe had one way out over the lake), American Barn Owl, Willow Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Barn Swallow, Marsh Wren, Red-winged Blackbird, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and Wilson's Warbler. The only warblers we had were Common Yellowthroats. For the day, just 45 species. It's amazing how a few rare birds can turn a Meh Day into a Great Day. = Michael Hobbs = BirdMarymoor@gmail.com = www.marymoor.org/birding.htm From tweeters at u.washington.edu Thu Aug 28 14:47:50 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters) Date: Thu Aug 28 14:47:54 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Kent Valley Birds 8.28.25 Message-ID: <2TP9XFEA2RU4.GJNAZ16ZXWC52@luweb03oc> At Cedar River Mouth in Renton: Semipalmated Plover - 4 Killdeer Long-billed Dowitcher - 1 adult in alternate plumage Long-billed Dowitcher - 1 juvenile Spotted Sandpiper Semipalmated Sandpiper - 3 juv Western Sandpiper Least Sandpiper Baird's Sandpiper - 6 juv At M Street Marsh in Auburn: Bufflehead Northern Harrier Long-billed Dowitcher - 1 adult Pectoral Sandpiper - 1 adult Videos: https://flic.kr/ps/376fhN Marv Breece Tukwila, WA marvbreece@q.com ....that the elected might never form to themselves an interest separate from the electors ... - Thomas Paine, from Common Sense -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 29 10:45:14 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Lin Stern via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 29 10:45:29 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] ALL WOMEN Pelagic out of Garibaldi, OR Message-ID: <9D9ECF87-FF0F-4C51-99A8-0DAE7DF3EC5B@gmail.com> Hello everyone! We?re looking for two more women to join us on an All-Women Pelagic out of Garibaldi, OR on Saturday, September 14th. This trip was originally planned for August 17 but had to be postponed due to mechanical issues on the boat?those are fully fixed now and we?re ready to go! September is a fantastic time to be out on the ocean: the weather is usually still good, and bird numbers and species diversity are really starting to pick up. It?s one of the best opportunities to get good looks at species you rarely (if ever) catch from shore?think shearwaters, jaegers, storm-petrels, and albatross. Even better, this trip is truly all women: not only the participants, but also the captain, crew, and guides. You?ll be out on the water with an incredible team and a welcoming group of women from Oregon, Washington, and even a few from beyond. If you?re interested or have questions, please don?t hesitate to reach out to me or Tim Shelmerdine (tim.oregonpelagictours@gmail.com). We?d love to have you join us! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Fri Aug 29 12:15:14 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Nick Bayard via Tweeters) Date: Fri Aug 29 12:15:28 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Bring Birds Back, Season 7 Message-ID: Hello, Tweets! Just a quick note to share that BirdNote's longform podcast, Bring Birds Back, has returned for Season 7. Topics include birdsong and speech, restoration ecology, the climate crisis, biomimicry, and more! You can listen anywhere you get your podcasts, or directly on our website, here: https://birdnote.org/podcasts/bring-birds-back The final episode, featuring J. Drew Lanham, comes out next week. Best, Nick -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 30 14:58:46 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 30 14:58:50 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Kent Valley Shorebirds 8.30.25 Message-ID: This morning there were at least 10 shorebird species at the Cedar River Mouth in Renton: Semipalmated Plover - 3 Killdeer Short-billed Dowitcher - 1 juv Long-billed Doeitcher - 1 adult & 1 juv Spotted Sandpiper Red Knot - 1 juv Semipalmated Sandpiper - 2 juv Western Sandpiper Least Sandpiper Baird's Sandpiper - 4 juv videos of today's & previous birds: https://flic.kr/ps/376fhN There was also a mink as well as a young river otter. Marv Breece Tukwila, WA marvbreece@q.com ....that the elected might never form to themselves an interest separate from the electors ... - Thomas Paine, from Common Sense -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 30 18:01:20 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dennis Paulson via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 30 18:01:35 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Kent Valley Shorebirds 8.30.25 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <36D68DA6-0676-4238-ABC2-925170733EEE@comcast.net> Marv, those are wonderful numbers for King County! Dennis Paulson Seattle > On Aug 30, 2025, at 2:58?PM, MARVIN BREECE via Tweeters wrote: > > This morning there were at least 10 shorebird species at the Cedar River Mouth in Renton: > Semipalmated Plover - 3 > Killdeer > Short-billed Dowitcher - 1 juv > Long-billed Doeitcher - 1 adult & 1 juv > Spotted Sandpiper > Red Knot - 1 juv > Semipalmated Sandpiper - 2 juv > Western Sandpiper > Least Sandpiper > Baird's Sandpiper - 4 juv > > videos of today's & previous birds: https://flic.kr/ps/376fhN > > There was also a mink as well as a young river otter. > > > Marv Breece > Tukwila, WA > marvbreece@q.com > > ....that the elected might never form to themselves an interest separate from the electors ... > - Thomas Paine, from Common Sense > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 30 18:18:56 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Diann MacRae via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 30 18:19:00 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] turkey vultures Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 30 18:29:06 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Odette James via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 30 18:29:13 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Phalarope References: <1033166819.494623.1756603746879.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1033166819.494623.1756603746879@mail.yahoo.com> A phalarope, most likely Red-necked, foraging with Least and Western Sandpipers on the sandbar of the Cedar River delta, at 6:20 pm, today, August 30. The bird is on the farthest north sandbar with a lot of other peep. It's a long shot for me, so I can't be sure it's not a Red. In non-breeding plumage, with a jet black streak up the back of the neck and head, a black streak through the eye bending down behind the eye. A bit larger than the accompanying peep. Looks like it has a streaky back and very thin bill, but it is a long shot. Good viewing at this time of day from my vantage point to the west of the delta. Not foraging on the water but running around picking up bits on the sand just like the peep. A pleasant surprise, which is what I love about birding. Odette James, Lakeshore Retirement Community -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sat Aug 30 18:56:32 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Dan Reiff via Tweeters) Date: Sat Aug 30 18:56:57 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Kent Valley Shorebirds 8.30.25 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <7F0CB106-F31B-4630-984C-8758273FEA61@gmail.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 31 08:12:55 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Cara Borre via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 31 08:13:09 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Westport Seabirds Trip Report August 27, 2025 Message-ID: We began our August 27th trip in the dark at 6:00am, a reminder that the last days of summer are upon us. A shifting, distant fog stayed with us much of the day, adding to that seasonal feeling. Once we cleared the Grays Harbor bar, sea conditions proved favorable. Our participants included many repeat guests, with several seasoned veterans on board, among them author and photographer Kirk Zufelt, whose book Oceanic Birds of the World (coauthored with Steve Howell) is a must-have for traveling and local seabirders alike. Passing through the inshore zone, we noted the expected Common Murres, including a few fathers with chicks in tow. Early on, numbers of Sooty Shearwaters were relatively low compared with past trips, though everyone had good opportunities to study them. Pink-footed Shearwater outnumbered Sooty by day?s end, with totals of 1016 for Pink-footed to 955 for Sooty. On our way to a shrimper, we picked up a Short-tailed Shearwater, a species that gave us superb views throughout the day both on the water and in flight. We ended with 87 Short-taileds, our season high to date. At a shrimp boat, we added three Black-footed Albatross, had nice looks at Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, as well as a single Northern Fulmar, and a pair of Buller?s Shearwaters. Buller?s turned out to be the star of the trip, with a total of 10 birds, many offering excellent, prolonged looks. A highlight came when one Buller?s, first spotted preening on the water, squared off against a Pink-footed Shearwater in a spirited skirmish. The smaller Buller?s held its ground impressively. Moving into deeper waters, we tallied Sabine?s Gull, Arctic Tern, South Polar Skua, Pomarine Jaeger, Cassin?s Auklet, and Leach?s Storm-Petrel before stopping to chum. We were able to study and photograph the tubenoses at close range during our chum stop and added a couple of distant passing Long-tailed Jaegers. On the return route, Captain Phil plotted a course past two more shrimpers, giving us an opportunity to scan nearly a thousand birds in hopes of finding something new for the day, the proverbial ?needle in a haystack?. After about half an hour, the ?needle? was spotted, a voice rang out from starboard, ?Flesh-footed Shearwater!? The bird lifted from the water, crossing to the port side surrounded by Pink-footed Shearwaters. Most participants got at least a glimpse of this exciting visitor from the southern hemisphere. Mammal highlights included several Humpback Whale encounters, Dall?s Porpoise, and a Guadalupe Fur Seal. Blue Shark and Ocean Sunfish were cataloged in the fish category to round out a fantastic day full of marine wildlife sightings. As always, Captain Phil Anderson and First Mate Chris Anderson provided excellent seamanship and service. Spotters Scott Mills, Gene Revelas, and I worked to ensure everyone saw the birds and understood the key field marks. Thanks to all who joined us and please upload your photos to our eBird checklists so others can share the adventure! Hope to sea you out there! Cara Borre Gig Harbor -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 31 11:18:07 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Stacey T via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 31 11:18:21 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] Hong Kong guide recommendations Message-ID: <9BBA18BD-0546-43C5-8E4B-8A352664599E@gmail.com> Hi Tweets, I may have a free day in Hong Kong in October, and I am looking into the birding hotspots there as well as guides. If anyone has any recommendations for local guides, I?d be very grateful for advice. Thanks, Stacey Taylor Tko107130 at gmail dot com From tweeters at u.washington.edu Sun Aug 31 13:51:54 2025 From: tweeters at u.washington.edu (Ian Paulsen via Tweeters) Date: Sun Aug 31 13:51:56 2025 Subject: [Tweeters] The Birdbooker Report Message-ID: <74913ee0-b150-94c8-605-f827605f3ee@zipcon.net> HI ALL: Just posted about 1 bird and 2 non-bird books at my blog here: https://birdbookerreport.blogspot.com/2025/08/new-titles.html sincerely Ian Paulsen Bainbridge Island, WA, USA Visit my BIRDBOOKER REPORT blog here: https://birdbookerreport.blogspot.com/