Report for September 9, 2010
|
Heavy overcast for most of the morning made it rather
dark for seeing birds sometimes. Throw in some wind, many trucks
driving through the Dog Area dumping hogs fuel for the paths, and
construction closing the Rowing Club, and you might the we'd have had a
mediocre day at the park. NOT SO.
The date of that trip? September 12, 1996. Deja
vu. Two COYOTES were howling at each other before 6:00,
according to Scott and Brian. And Brian found a PACIFIC TREEFROG
hopping on the ground near the mansion. |
|
![]() Pacific Treefrog under the firs near the mansion |
![]() New Barn Owl nest box, courtesy of Eastside Audubon and King County Parks. It's located near the mansion, just west of the old next box site. |
![]() Lincoln's Sparrow. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() American Goldfinch. Photo by Lillian Reis |
Report for September 2, 2010
|
Michael was over in eastern Washington today, so
Matt and I stood in for him. The day started out with some early
low-lying fog that cleared quickly. The rest of the day was gorgeous
with sun and nice temperatures (well, after a start of 43F). At the
very start we had a flock of warblers right at the parking spot
where we meet. We worked it over and saw at least 9 Orange-crowned
Warblers, a Yellow Warbler and a Black-throated Gray Warbler. During
the first part of the walk it seemed that every good tree we stopped
by was crawling with birds. We started at 6:30 and by 8:45 we hadn't
reached Dog Central (normally takes about an hour).
Lots of birds singing today, and lots of young
birds out. A nice movement of migrants moving thru also.
Notable birds:
Barn Owl - east meadow early
Orange-crowned Warblers - at least 14
Black-throated Gray Warbler - male and female
MacGillivray's Warbler
Cooper's Hawk - 2 (juvie and adult)
Swainson's Thrush (at least 10 night calls)
Common Yellowthroat - a whole bunch of juveniles
of varying plumages
Green Heron
Willow Flycatcher - probably 10
Lincoln's Sparrow - first of season (9)
Western Tanager
Black-headed Grosbeak (immature male)
Virginia Rail (heard)
Pacific-slope Flycatcher
Bushtit - first flocks for several weeks
Evening Grosbeak - heard
Brian H. Bell
Woodinville WA
|
|
![]() American Goldfinch. Photo by Hugh Jennings |
![]() Spotted Sandpiper, 2010-08-28. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Willow Flycatcher adult feeding juvenile... |
![]() Both photos, 2010-08-29 by Lillian Reis |
![]() Willow Flycatcher, 2010-08-29. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Lincoln's Sparrow, 2010-09-04. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Male Black-throated Gray Warbler, 2010-09-04. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Swainson's Thrush, 2010-09-04. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Sharp-shinned Hawk, 2010-09-08... |
![]() Two photos by Lillian Reis |
Report for August 26, 2010
|
The morning dawned absolutely gorgeous, with not a cloud
in the sky, the almost-full moon setting, along with Jupiter, and Mt.
Rainier shining in the morning sun. And then the weather changed. By
9:00 a.m., we had a thick overcast, and by a little after 10:00, it was
starting to drizzle a touch. It was not tremendously birdy, but there
were several nice highlights: |
|
![]() Juvenile Brown-headed Cowbird close enough to step on |
![]() Ollie's slightly more flattering portrait of the heedless cowbird |
![]() Male Wilson's Warbler in the blackberries at Dog Central |
![]() Sometimes one lucks into wonderful peek-a-boo views |
![]() Male Downy Woodpecker in an elderberry. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Hugh Jennings caught the moon before it set. |
Report for August 19, 2010
|
Instead of the "mostly sunny' the weather report
promised, we had dark overcast and mist this morning. The mist faded
after a bit, though we did have a few minutes of light drizzle as we
walked the East Meadow. Damp and 61 degrees - no wonder the summer
birds have fled. At least, it seems that most are gone, and they're yet
to be replaced by winter birds. We had just a hint of migration to
spice things up. Otherwise, it was a pretty quiet day. |
|
![]() Juvenile Spotted Towhee just getting a few rufous feathers. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Juvenile White-crowned Sparrow. Photo by Ollie Olive |
![]() American Robin photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Male Belted Kingfisher. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() From August 17, a couple of photos of an Orange-crowned Warbler |
![]() Both photos by Lillian Reis. Note the dark tail feathers. |
Report for August 12, 2010
|
We had a small group today (lots of people are
traveling) under a dark sky. It was neither warm nor cold, though it
certainly wasn't summery. Kind of dead, really, but we found a few birds
to look at. |
|
![]() Juvenile Spotted Towhee just getting a few rufous feathers. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Barn Swallows, with a few Violet-green Swallows and House Finches. |
![]() Barn Swallow with unusual white markings. My soft-focus portrait... |
![]() ...and Ollie's sharper one |
![]() Rufous Hummingbird in the Pea Patch. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Female Mallard with turtle, in the slough near the windmill |
![]() Osprey misses a fish... |
![]() ...and shakes himself dry. Photos by Lillian Reis, 2010-08-06 |
![]() Western Wood-Pewees. Photo by Lillian Reis, 2010-08-07 |
![]() Photo by Hugh Jennings |
Report for August 5, 2010
|
We had a really nice day today. Warm and sunny, without
being too warm, and mostly without being too sunny. The group consisted
of just the hard-core regulars. And even though these are the August
Doldrums, we had some post-breeding dispersal action to keep things
interesting. |
|
![]() Lillian Reis got this confirming shot of a Pacific-slope Flycatcher |
![]() At least in the left gourd, the Purple Martins are feeding one or more young |
![]() Like Bushtits, only different |
![]() Swainson's Thrush on the slough trail. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Green Heron. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Downy Woodpecker, seen from the boardwalk. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
Report for July 29, 2010
|
I guess today I should have called this the Marymoor
Parking Lot Report, as several thousand cars were being parked there,
and 60 school busses were being used to take people to Sahalee golf
course for the USGA Senior Tour tournament. Except for having to park
near the mansion, instead of our usual spot, we weren't too, too
impacted by the traffic though. |
|
![]() Female Purple Martin. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() House Finch caught in netting a the Pea Patch (we freed it) |
![]() Merlin in Snag Row |
![]() Merlin. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Mule Deer and fawn at Rowing Club |
![]() Ollie's photo of the fawn |
![]() Eagle turns tables on a crow. Photo by Lillian Reis, 2010-07-27 |
![]() Raccoon eying Mallards. Photo by Lillian Reis, 2010-07-28 |
Report for July 22, 2010
|
It was cold, with heavy overcast, breezy, and at times misty at Marymoor this morning. Add in the late-summer blahs, and it wasn't our most exciting day at the park.
For the day, 56 species were noted. It was a group
effort (translation: several species were seen only by 1-2 people). |
|
![]() Juvenile White-crowned Sparrow. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Juvenile Junco. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Hairy Woodpecker. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() "Streeeeetch". Great Blue Heron. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() |
Juvenile Cedar Waxwing. Photo by Lillian Reis, 2010-07-18 |
Report for July 15, 2010
|
Michael is out of town this week, so Brian Bell & I took
the reins for this week's Marymoor Park walk. It was a beautiful morning
at Marymoor -- little fog early, mosquitoes not too bad, and the heat
never kicked in despite the sun. Mt. Rainier was prominent in the
distance. Willow Flycatchers' "fitz-bews" & Swainson's Thrush "whits"
begin the For the day, 59 species, with notable misses including
Tree Swallow & |
|
![]() Pied-billed Grebe at the lake platform. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Juvenile Brown-headed Cowbird. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() White-crowned Sparrow. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Cedar Waxwing tossing a berry. Photo by Lillian Reis, 2010-07-16 |
![]() Juvenile Downy Woodpecker. Photo by Lillian Reis, 2010-07-18 |
![]() Green Heron. Photo by Lillian Reis, 2010-07-09 |
![]() Cabbage White butterfly. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Young Mule Deer (or Black-tailed Deer). Photo by Ollie Oliver |
Report for July 8, 2010
|
Finally, a gorgeous, summer day. It actually felt like
July, with not a cloud in the sky, and temps in the 70's. There was a
touch of morning fog,, especially over the East Meadow before we
started, but nothing that interfered with our regular walk. Oh - and
the water levels have dropped to several inches below the 4 foot level,
so there was no need for rubber boots! It was a fairly birdy, too. |
|
![]() Juvenile Barn and Tree Swallows in East Meadow. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Barn Swallows atop dirt piles. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Male American Goldfinch. Photo by Hugh Jennings |
![]() Northern Flicker in nest hole in Snag Row |
![]() Chestnut-backed Chickadee |
![]() Male "Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warbler. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Dragonfly. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Marsh Wren, 2010-07-10. Photo by Lillian Reis |
Report for July 1, 2010
|
It was a rather gloomy and damp morning that made me
wish I'd worn my gore-tex jacket instead of just a sweatshirt. We had
gentle mist most of the morning, which was far less annoying than the
mosquitoes. And while a few birds (i.e. robins) were very visible and
obvious, things were otherwise pretty quiet. |
|
![]() Very pale-backed juvenile Bald Eagle. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Anna's Hummingbird in the Pea Patch. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Rufous Hummingbird. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Same bird. Juvenile???. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
Report for June 24, 2010
|
Finally a summery day! Still a cool 50 degrees to
start, but by 10:30, it approached 70. And there was sun. Fairly birdy
too. |
|
![]() Least Flycatcher. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Female Black-headed Grosbeak. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Swainson's Thrush |
![]() Red-breasted Sapsucker. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Bald Eagle adult in Big Cottonwood Forest... |
![]() ...Ollie had a closer angle |
![]() American Goldfinch male |
![]() Same guy looking a bit less ruffled |
![]() Western Wood-Pewee |
![]() Savannah Sparrows. I believe the one on the right is a juvenile |
![]() Male Bullock's Oriole in Snag Row |
![]() Marsh Wren. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Male Wilson's Warbler near windmill |
![]() Male Purple Martin in a nest gourd, 2010-06-18. Photo by Bill Byers |
![]() Mt. Rainier looking good |
![]() The (non-native) Tulip Poplars are in bloom near the mansion |
Report for June 17, 2010
|
A very nice day at Marymoor, despite the heavy
overcast. No precipitation, and not very much wind. On the downside,
sometimes a bit dim for good viewing, way too many mosquitoes near the
lake, and so much fresh growth on the trees and shrubs that finding
birds was somewhat tricky. It's a jungle out there. |
|
![]() Least Flycatcher. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Least Flycatcher. Photo by Rick Hibpshman http://www.flickr.com/photos/crappywildlifephotography |
![]() Purple Martin pair at nest gourds |
![]() Swainson's Thrush |
![]() Eastern Kingbird. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Female Common Merganser atop park office chimney |
![]() American Crow. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Mushroom gills. Photo by Hugh Jennings. |
![]() Ash-throated Flycatcher |
![]() Ash-throated Flycatcher. Photo by Rick Hibpshman http://www.flickr.com/photos/crappywildlifephotography |
Report for June 10, 2010
|
A heavy overcast with mist turning to rain was our fate
this morning. By 9:00, it was clearing a bit, but we were almost done
by then. Pretty quiet, except for the incessant buzzing on mosquitoes.
Repellant can deter them from biting, but it doesn't keep them out of
your eyes and ears. Water levels are outrageously high - 4.8 feet at the
gauge, which translates into flooding over part of the trail as you
approach the boardwalk, water over the east side of the boardwalk, and
water over the access to the Rowing Club dock! This is approaching the
high water levels of winter! |
|
![]() Juvenile Bald Eagle. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Great Blue Heron in front of Cirque du Soleil tents. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() White-crowned Sparrow. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
|
![]() Ring-necked Pheasant male, in the Pea Patch. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Nest in the East Meadow. Species and photographer uncertain. |
![]() Song Sparrow with baby Brown-headed Cowbird... |
![]() ...and feeding it. Photos by Lillian Reis |
![]() Western Wood-Pewee photo by Lillian Reis, 2010-06-11 |
![]() Female House Finch photo by Lillian Reis, 2010-06-12 |
Report for June 3, 2010
|
The weather was fairly cooperative this morning. Broken
overcast, a bit of a breeze, and still unseasonably cool, but not cold
today. And no precipitation (yay). Water levels are really high for
June, with part of the boardwalk flooded! Normally we're heading down
into dry times by now, but not this year. Not too terribly birdy today,
and migration is almost over. But summer birds are here and nesting. |
|
![]() Savannah Sparrow photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Cedar Waxwing photo by Ollie Olive |
![]() Tree Swallow in the East Meadow |
![]() Cottonwood snag that had housed a Chestnut-backed Chickadee nest |
![]() Juvenile Downy Woodpecker in the nest hole. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Black-capped Chickadee fledgling photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Looking for kinglets near the mansion |
![]() Male Rufous Hummingbird. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() American Robin with worms, 2010-05-28. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Willow Flycatcher, 2010-05-30. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() |
American Robin with worms, 2010-05-28. Photo by Lillian Reis |
Report for May 27, 2010
|
The weather was actually decent this morning. Well, not
windy, not too cold, no precipitation. It was overcast, especially
early on, and we were beset with thick fog for the first couple of
hours. But really, compared to - say - yesterday, it was a delight.
There were LOTS of birders, and luckily there were also LOTS of birds to
look at and listen to., There were quite a few things that were
seen/heard by only a few people, but that's the way it goes when you
approach 20 people in the group. |
|
![]() Closer view of the babies climbing up. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Swainson's Thrush photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Black Swift. The tail can look deeply notched... |
![]() ...or slightly indented. The wings are usually arced, as here |
![]() Perhaps this Black Swift was maneuvering for a bug - tail flared, wings thrust forward |
![]() Male Bullock's Oriole. Photo by Ollie Oliver through the fog |
![]() Barn Swallow on the Stage fencing |
![]() ...and leaving the fence. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Cedar Waxwing. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Male Hairy Woodpecker bringing food to the young. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Female arriving at the nest. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Female with young. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Mule Deer. Photo by Megan Lyden, 2010-05-21 |
![]() Female Mallard, with her ducklings and a turtle. Photo by Megan Lyden, 2010-05-21 at the Rowing Club |
Report for May 20, 2010
|
It was a miserable, cold, windy, dark morning.
Blessedly, we only had about 5 minutes of rain (9:02-9:07 or
thereabouts), but it threatened all morning. About 10% of our species
were heard-only, and there were quite a few things seen only by a few
people. Whining aside, we actually did pretty well. |
|
![]() Female American Goldfinch. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Mallard Ducklings all in a row, with a Painted Turtle, at the Rowing Club |
![]() Bushtit rebuilding a nest at the Rowing Club. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Beaver in the slough across from Dog Central. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Green-winged Teals with a drake Cinnamon Teal, 2010-05-14. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Male Bullock's Oriole, 2010-05-16. Photo by Lillian Reis |
Report for May 13, 2010
|
We had a really nice morning, and while it didn't feel
particularly birdy, we had lots of good stuff. It was COLD to start,
and while the temp went up more than 20 degrees during our visit
(37-59), it didn't start to warm up until 9:00. That sounds like I'm a
whiner, but we'd been birding 3 1/2 hours by 9:00... |
|
![]() Male Cinnamon Teal |
![]() Male Cinnamon Teal |
![]() Male Blue-winged Teal. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Male Cinnamon Teal with male Blue-winged Teal. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Bushtit |
![]() Tree Swallows at a nest box. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Cliff Swallows gathering mud for their nests at the Compost Piles |
![]() Barn Swallow gathering mud for its nest. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Fleeing female Hooded Merganser. Photo by Lillian Reis |
|
![]() Mushrooms in the Big Cottonwood Forest |
![]() Trout? From lake platform. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
Report for May 6, 2010
|
With Michael still back east, Matt Bartels and I
got to substitute for him.
0600- 1230. The day started out cloudy and 43F.
It stayed cloudy most of the day, but no wind. Later there were some
sunbreaks. We finished at 52F. 4.20 water level. It was a good day
with lots of bird activity, singing and calling.
70 species, 77 for week (see below), looks like
112 for the year
Green Heron
1 at river by rowing club
Bald Eagle
A least 6 adults, at least 7 immatures
Barn Owl
2 adults early, 3 young in nest box
Vaux's Swift
1 flyover
Hammond's Flycatcher 1 early near
dog central - much studied
Western Kingbird
1 at south end of East Meadow
Cassin's Vireo
1 heard and seen at the rowing club
Warbling Vireo
At least 1 at RC
Purple Martin
1 male at compost piles
Cedar Waxwing
12 overhead
Orange-crowned Warbler At least 8 singing, 2
seen
Yellow Warbler
1 heard early, 1 at RC late
Yellow-rumped Warbler ~30, both
Audubon's and Myrtle's
Common Yellowthroat
~12
Wilson's Warbler
1 singing near park office and mansion
Western Tanager
2 adult males in conifers NE of mansion
Lincoln's Sparrow
2
Black-headed Grosbeak 2 singing
Evening Grosbeak
8-10 in flyover
First of Year - Hammond's Flycatcher, Cassin's
Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Western Tanager
Seen by Evan Houston on Sunday (same week)
Greater White-fronted Goose Flock of 200
Red-necked Grebe
11 on lake
California Gull
4 on soccer field
Band-tailed Pigeon
4 flyover
Short-eared Owl
1 in East Meadow
Hermit Thrush
2
Nashville Warbler
2
[From Tweeters post by Brian H. Bell] |
|
![]() Female Hairy Woodpecker with a beak full of creepy crawlies. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() And she hammers for more. Photo by Ollie |
![]() Western Kingbird photo by Hugh Jennings |
![]() Male Wilson's Warbler. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Male Western Tanager. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Male Western Tanager. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Mother Wood Duck at the Rowing Club. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() One of her ducklings. Photo by Ollie |
![]() Bald Eagle with crows east of the boardwalk. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Yellow-rumped Warbler, 2010-05-07. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Male Common Yellowthroat, 2010-05-07. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Barn Owl chick in the nest box, 2010-05-07. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Northwestern Deermouse (?). Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Beaver. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
Report for April 29, 2010
|
The day started out cloudy, but it never rained.
The temperature was 43F to start and got all the way up to 63 by the
end of the day, with some sun. No wind. It was a good spring morning
with lots of singing and calling. Michael had to leave early
for an out-of-town trip.
We wound up with 65 species. At least 107 for the
year.
Notable birds:
Green Heron
Flyby for Michael as he left
Cooper's Hawk
Flyby for Michael as he left
Barn Owl
Two downy young in the nest box
Western Kingbird
One in the East Meadow
Warbling Vireo
Purple Martin
1 male at lake
Black-capped Chickadee
At nest
Chestnut-backed Chickadee At nest
Hermit Thrush
2
Orange-crowned Warbler
At least 20
Nashville Warbler
1 male singing along trail from East
Meadow to Alder/Cottonwood Forest
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Everywhere, at least 100+, probably
60-70 Audubon's, about 30 Myrtles
Fox Sparrow
1 lingering
Black-headed Grosbeak
2 males singing - First of Year
Eastern Cottontail, E. Gray Squirrel, Muskrat
Notable misses: Barn Swallow, Pied-billed Grebe,
American Coot, Virginia Rail
Brian H. Bell and Matt Bartels (for Michael
Hobbs)
|
|
![]() Orange-crowned Warbler. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Cliff Swallows gathering mud for their nests. Photo by Lillian Reis, 2010-04-30 |
![]() Bad photo of a Warbling Vireo |
![]() From Tuesday, 2010-04-27, a Western Kingbird in the East Meadow |
![]() From Tuesday, 2010-04-27, a male Wilson's Warbler at the Rowing Club |
![]() Same guy |
Report for April 22, 2010
|
We had a FABULOUS Earth Day at Marymoor today. The
weather was cloudy and chilly, though there was a bit of clearing and
warmth very late in the morning. But it was phenominally birdy, with
little wind and no rain. The best birds were two NASHVILLE WARBLERS;
and a WESTERN KINGBIRD at the Compost Piles. For 2010 so far: 105 species (adding Common Loon,
California Gull, Vaux's Swift, Western Kingbird, Purple Martin, Cliff
Swallow, Swainson's Thrush, Hermit Thrush, and Nashville Warbler this
week). |
|
![]() 2 of 3 Western Meadowlarks at the East Meadow |
![]() Savannah Sparrow in the East Meadow |
![]() Golden-crowned Kinglet |
![]() Same guy, different lighting, and with his crown mostly down |
![]() Black-capped Chicadee |
![]() Barn Owl in the nest box |
![]() After the walk, Lillian Reis tried to find the Western Kingbird at the Compost Piles, and instead found this American Pipit |
![]() Lillian took this photo of a Red-tailed Hawk with what looks like a snake, 2010-04-16 |
![]() More great photos of the Anna's X Rufous Hummingbird hybrid... |
![]() ...both taken by Michael Hamilton, 2010-04-18 |
Report for April 15, 2010
|
We had a really nice morning (especially the first part)
to close out a great week at Marymoor. It was a gorgeous morning until
around 7:30 or 8:00, when it clouded over. The breeze really came up
once we got to the East Meadow. But the weather never got bad. Common Goldeneye Down to 1 female
remaining |
|
![]() Hairy Woodpecker male just east of the weir |
![]() Male 'Audubon's' Yellow-rumped Warbler |
![]() Drake Wood Duck from the lake platform |
![]() Marsh Wren gathering fluff. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Tree Swallow in the box, Savannah Sparrow on the box |
![]() Northern Harrier. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Lillian's nice portrait of an apple blossom |
![]() It's a guy. No - it's a girl (look at the bill). The odd Mallard at the Rowing Club |
![]() Bushtit padding the nest. Photo by Lillian Reis at the Rowing Club |
![]() Possible nest location for Black-capped Chickadee. Photo by Lillian Reis at the RC |
Report for April 14, 2010
|
Been a busy week at Marymoor, so I'm putting up a blog posting in advance of tomorrow's regular survey. Spring brings a bunch of new birds that we haven't seen all winter. Occasionally, it brings something that hasn't been seen at the park at all. The new park bird was SANDHILL CRANES. There were two reports, actually. First, I received a belated report that Jan McGruder had seen two on the grass soccer fields on Saturday, April 3. Before I'd even had a chance to digest that report, I heard that Charlie Wright, Ryan Merrill, and Evan Houston had two fly over the Rowing Club on April 11. Ryan got a couple of photos of those. Other new birds for the year found by Charlie, Ryan, and Evan: Northern Harrier I've also seen a couple of new birds for the year: 4/11: American Pipit - flock of
25 near model airplane field Other good birds seen: 4/10: Sharp-shinned Hawk and
Merlin - Charlie et. al. at the Rowing Club
|
|
![]() Northern Shrike looking fine... |
![]() ...East Meadow, 2010-04-11 |
![]() Fox Sparrow, 2010-04-09. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Pine Siskin 2010-04-13 |
![]() Savannah Sparrow, 2010-04-13 |
![]() Orange-crowned Warbler, 2010-04-14 |
![]() Wait, is that a Golden Eagle???? |
![]() Crap, no. It's a model airplane! !@#@$% |
Report for April 8, 2010
|
From 6:30 until about 8:00, we were beset by gloomy
overcast. We then had a 20-minute rain squall. After that, it slowly
got sunny. It was breezy at times. It was never exactly warm, and it
certainly wasn't spring-like, but I'd say we were really lucky with the
weather. For the first two hours after I got home it was hailing,
sometimes hard. Water levels are high as well, after all of our recent
precipitation, though there wasn't water over the trail, just mud. |
|
![]() Mallard on left has a washed out male plumage, and a female-type beak |
![]() This is possibly a case of gynandromorphism. The male to the right appears normal |
![]() Hugh Jennings' photo of the tulips at the windmill |
![]() Hugh Jennings' photo of the turtles at the Rowing Club pond |
Report for April First, 2010
|
We had a really good day, despite clouds, mizzle, and a
cold breeze. Spring birds are beginning to return. Everything is
singing. There are nests to watch. Etc. |
|
![]() First duckling of the year, but there was no adult in sight. |
![]() European Starling |
![]() American Robin |
![]() American Crow |
![]() Red-breasted Nuthatch excavating hole. |
![]() Ollie Oliver's photo of same. They nested in this hole last year |
![]() Golden-crowned Kinglet |
![]() Where did that iPod go? I heard it singing... |
![]() Brown Creeper. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Marsh Wren. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
Report for March 25, 2010
|
Fifteen of us trudged around Marymoor today. It was
cold and dark and breezy and wet. Not terrible, but not very nice
either. Certainly nothing like the last couple of balmy days. Oh, if
only we'd had yesterday's weather! Not too terribly birdy, but we
managed to see quite a lot. |
|
![]() "Myrtle's" Yellow-rumped Warbler. Photo by Lillian Reis, 3/24/10 |
![]() Turkey Vulture. Photo by Lillian Reis, 3/24/10 |
![]() Adult male, 1st winter male, and female Common Goldeneye. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Male Rufous Hummingbird in the rain. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Anna's Hummingbird on the nest. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Male Hairy Woodpecker checking out last year's nest hole |
![]() Snail on the path. Photo by Hugh Jennings |
![]() Another of Lillian's photos of the Turkey Vulture, 3/24/10 |
Report for March 21, 2010
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SPRING I went out very briefly on Friday, March 19, and found a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE working the fence line between the East Meadow and the Dog Meadow. Unfortunately, I didn't have a camera with me. This was only the 2nd time I've ever seen Townsend's Solitaire at Marymoor Park. The other time was also March 19, but way back in 1998. I also had first-of-the-year SAVANNAH SPARROWS in the East Meadow. Brian Bell tried to find the solitaire later in the morning, but came up empty. He did see the first VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS of the year, though. Saturday afternoon, I spent a couple of hours cleaning out garbage, and managed to extract about 10 bags of dog poop that people had flung into the woods. I also gathered several bottles and cans, a couple of coffee cups, and a garbage can lid that was floating in the lake, as well as assorted other crap. There weren't very many birds about. Today, I made another brief morning stop and found a SAY'S PHOEBE in the East Meadow. This is right on schedule for them, as they annually (or almost annually) pass through Marymoor, usually during Week 12, which started Friday. I also had a large flock (40+) of Violet-green Swallows. Others who followed up on my reports found TWO phoebes, as well as two lingering NORTHERN SHRIKE. Based on past years, the shrikes should stick around for 2-3 more weeks before heading north. == Michael |
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![]() Say's Phoebe. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Say's Phoebe. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
Report for March 18, 2010
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A frosty but sunny day today, and the sun warmed things
up eventually. A bit of a breeze developed, though, so we never got to
balmy. It was birdy, but we're still just edging into Spring. |
![]() Green Heron across the slough from Dog Central |
![]() Great Blue Heron |
![]() Ollie Oliver got a different view showing the lower belly speckling |
![]() Tree Swallow at the martin gourds at the lake platform |
![]() Red-breasted Sapsucker. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Juvenile Cooper's Hawk. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Red-breasted Nuthatch. Photo by Hugh Jennings |
![]() I don't know how Sharon ever spotted... |
![]() ...the Anna's Hummingbird nest in the conifers NE of the mansion |
Report for March 11, 2010
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The breezy, wet , chilly weather kept the number of
birders down to |
![]() Male Hairy Woodpecker. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Mew Gulls. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Cackling Goose. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
Report for March 4, 2010
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We had a big group of birders (20+) sorting through the
birds at Marymoor today, despite the damp and the mist. No swallows
today, and it otherwise didn't feel particularly spring-like, except for
the quantity and variety of bird song. Lots of (mostly ornamental)
fruit trees in bloom, though. P.S. I went to Seattle Opera's FALSTAFF last night, and it was great. Everyone should go! |
![]() Knut Hansen found the Western Screech-Owl posed where he could take flash photos |
![]() Here are its feet as it took off from the branch... |
![]() Knut Hansen got a great shot of a Golden-crowned Kinglet |
![]() Western Gull. Or "Olympic"? Wing-tips look black... Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() American Coot in front of a pair of Green-winged Teal, from the Rowing Club dock |
![]() Lillian Reis caught this Yellow-rumped Warbler in the act of landing |
![]() The lake platform is WAY too small for our large group. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Lillian Reis caught the Bushtit working on the nest |
![]() Cherry(?) blossoms. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Ollie Oliver got a photo of the Western Meadowlarks... |
![]() ...and of the Killdeer |
![]() Marsh Wren singing. Photo by Lillian Reis, 3/5 |
![]() Bald Eagle carrying stick (presumed nest material). Photo by Lillian Reis, 3/5 |
Report for February 25, 2010
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The skies couldn't decide what to do today, so we had
overcast and sun, clearing and drizzle, in alternation. It was a touch
breezy at times, though other times not bad at all. And the temps were
mild; 45 degrees at the coldest. |
![]() Northern Flickers. Photo by Lillian Reis ![]() Red-breasted Sapsucker. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() My extremely out of focus shot of a Bushtit building a nest |
![]() Adult Bald Eagle. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Red-breasted Nuthatch near park office |
![]() Eastern Gray Squirrel. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Green-winged Teal and Hooded Mergansers at the Rowing Club |
![]() Male Green-winged Teal at the Rowing Club. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Red-tailed Hawk Pair |
![]() Red-tailed Hawk pair. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Male Hooded Merganser displaying to female. |
![]() Both photos by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Canada Geese. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Garter Snake photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Mew Gulls, with a juvenile Ring-billed Gull, center. Photo by Lillian Reis, 2/27 |
![]() Tree Swallow. Photo by Lillian Reis, 2/27 |
Report for February 18, 2010
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A bit of early fog, and a bit colder than recently at the start, but another gorgeous day all-in-all.. Highlights: Cackling Goose
Still some with Canadas on grass parking lot Notable were all of the species heard singing:: For the day, 59 species. For the year, Pileated was new. = Michael
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![]() Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Photo by Lillian Reis ![]() Pied-billed Grebe |
![]() Golden-crowned Kinglet |
![]() Golden-crowned Kinglet |
![]() Female Bushtit. Photo by Scott Ramos |
![]() Red-tailed Hawk, 2010-02-19. Photo by Lillian Reis |
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Willow |
Report for February 11, 2010
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Early rain and rain after, but except for the first half
hour, we were blessed with another good day for birding at Marymoor.
For a few minutes around 11:00, it was actually sunny, though most of
the morning was rather dark, though warm. It certainly feels
spring-like, though of course we still only have "winter" birds. |
![]() Beaver just upstream from the weir. Photo by Ollie Oliver ![]() Barn Owl in the nest box between the mansion and the stage. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Golden-crowned Kinglet. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Hairy Woodpecker, uncharacteristically on a twig, not a trunk. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Golden-crowned Sparrow with odd black-and-white mark on one side of the head only. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Fungus near the windmill |
![]() Lillian Reis had better weather for photographing this Fox Sparrow, 2010-02-05 |
![]() Lillian caught this Red-tailed Hawk imitating the cover of the big Sibley, 2010-02-12 |
Report for February 4, 2010
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What a nice morning to be out! It was 37 degrees at
7:30, which seemed cold in comparison to how warm it's been. It warmed
up pretty nicely during the morning as the sun danced through the
clouds. The wind didn't pick up until we were through. And IT'S
SPRING, according to the wrens, chickadees, sparrows, Indian Plum, and
some willows. Singing constantly filled the air. |
![]() Ollie Oliver caught some of the majesty of the sunrise ![]() Double-crested Cormorants fly to the lake |
![]() Gadwall pair on the slough |
![]() American Goldfinches |
![]() Pine Siskin (right) with American Goldfinches |
![]() Lillian Reis's photo of a Pine Siskin shows the yellow wing-stripe well |
![]() Golden-crowned Kinglet |
![]() Song Sparrow. Photo by Scott Ramos |
![]() Cedar Waxwing photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Red-breasted Sapsucker. Photo by Hugh Jennings |
![]() Red-breasted Sapsucker. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Hairy Woodpecker photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Belted Kingfisher eating a salamander or newt, at the Rowing Club |
![]() Green-winged Teal posturing, at the Rowing Club |
![]() Moon portrait by Scott Ramos |
![]() "Sun feather" by Scott Ramos |
![]() Blooming Indian Plum (Oso Berry) |
![]() Strange but beautiful clouds |
Report for January 28, 2010
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The weather was fine (high overcast, warm), but
the birds were pretty scarce. We did our normal walk-through at our
normal pace, but after 9:00 we didn't see much. There was almost nothing to photograph. With so many birders (16), there were lots of eyes.
Four species were added to the list by Scott Ramos, who left early and
had some luck that we didn't on his way out. |
![]() Matt looks for owls in a cedar |
![]() Black-capped Chickadee. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Spotted Towhee. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Male Anna's Hummbingbird |
![]() Ollie Oliver's photo of the same Anna's Hummingbird |
![]() Greater White-fronted Goose with Canada Geese. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Male Ring-necked Duck at the Rowing Club. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Witch Hazel in bloom. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Tiny fungus on the end of a twig. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Face hidden in the roots of a tree along the shore of the slough. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Heron cloud. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Female Common Goldeneyes. Photo by Scott Ramos |
Report for January 21, 2010
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Not a bad day to be out. Too breezy at times, but warm,
only partially overcast, and no precipitation. The wind was sometimes a
problem, sometimes not. It didn't feel terribly birdy, and we missed a
few "common" birds like Cooper's Hawk and White-crowned Sparrow. But we
ended up with a pretty good list, especially after a rather productive
visit to the Rowing Club at the end. |
![]() Male Downy Woodpecker. Photo by Hugh Jennings |
![]() Lillian Reis caught a shot of the three Trumpeter swans |
![]() Bushtit near Dog Central |
![]() Song Sparrows were singing. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Female Downy Woodpecker working a large Black Cottonwood |
![]() Adult Northern Shrike in the East Meadow. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Male Anna's Hummingbird at the Pea Patch. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Male Ring-necked Duck at the Rowing Club. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Male Bufflehead at the Rowing Club. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Green-winged Teal pair at the Rowing Club |
![]() Male Green-winged Teal. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
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European Hazelnut, Corylus avellana,
catkins and tiny flower. The native hazelnut, Corylus cornuta, blooms later in the spring (March, typically). Photo by Hugh Jennings |
Report for January 14, 2010
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We were blessed by several hours without precipitation this morning. We had a beautiful sunrise, it didn't start misting until 10:30, and the rain held off until noon. Not too terribly birdy, but a decent day none-the-less. Water levels are high, after all of this rain - about 5 feet at the weir gauge. There were some large puddles approaching the boardwalk, and the boardwalk itself was under as much as 4 inches of water in places. Highlights: |
![]() Another great purple and orange sunrise |
![]() Hairy Woodpecker west of the mansion. It looks to have worked these branch for a while. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Steller's Jay. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Adult White-crowned Sparrow at the Compost Piles. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Adult Cooper's Hawk next to the Community Gardens. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Male Common Goldeneye. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Originally identified (based on song) as a Winter Wren, upon close examination of the photo, it was determined to be an iPod. Photo and joke by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Mew Gulls. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Cedar Waxwings. Streaking on the sides and flanks, as well as the absence of red tips on the wings, indicates that the near bird is a subadult. Photo by Lillian Reis. |
Report for January 7, 2010
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Still being a bit jet-lagged, getting up early wasn't a
problem for me this morning. I got down to the East Meadow by 7:00 am
for one of the best sunrises ever. Before the sun came up, though, we
had pretty good looks at both a BARN OWL and a SHORT-EARED OWL - a great
start for 2010 at Marymoor. |
![]() ![]() Scott Ramos caught some of the glory of sunrise |
![]() Golden-crowned Sparrows |
![]() Scott Ramos saw two River Otters in the slough |
![]() Common Goldeneye on the lake (Pied-billed Grebe in the background). Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Adult White-crowned Sparrow at the Compost Piles. Photo by Scott Ramos |
![]() Brown Creeper |
![]() The creeper appeared frozen in place, perhaps because it saw the Merlin |
![]() Merlin atop whip-snag near concert stage. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Song Sparrow. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Ryan Merrill's photo of the Brown Creeper |
![]() Two adult White-crowned Sparrows, apparently of the gambelli subspecies. Photo by Ryan Merrill. |
Report for December 31, 2009
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Michael is still in Prague so he missed out on the last Marymoor walk of the year. Today started out mostly cloudy and chilly, but with no wind. It gradually clouded over completely, but with structure to the clouds and the Cascades visible on the horizon. Eventually the cloud cover became a solid gray stratus and we waited for the rain. The rain, predicted to start at 10 AM held off and didn’t start until close to noon. The species diversity was good, although the absolute numbers of birds seemed to be down. There were a few birds singing including Bewick's and Marsh Wrens and Red-winged Blackbirds, and several other species were giving abbreviated versions of songs.
We didn't see anything spectacular but did have nice sightings of: Barn Owls Trumpeter Swans Common Merganser Green Heron Sharp-shinned Hawk Northern Harrier hear 3 Virginia Rails and get nice looks at the Northern Shrike.
55 species
All in all, it was a good day for the last day of December.
Brian H. Bell |
![]() Male Common Merganser. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Common Goldeneye pair near the weir. Photo by Hugh Jennings |
![]() Ollie's shot of the same |
![]() Bufflehead at the lake, with at least two Common Goldeneye. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Four female Common Goldeneye, with Bufflehead. Photo by Lillian Reis |
![]() Adult Cooper's Hawk. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
![]() Chestnut-backed Chickadee. Photo by Ollie Oliver |
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Definitely not at Marymoor...
As Brian mentioned, we've been in Prague,
Czech Republic. The winter birding here is very slow - I've seen
fewer species in two weeks than the Marymoor crew had in 5 hours on
Thursday. But there are some rather nice birds amongst them, Happy New Year to all. = Michael |