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
Northern Shrike. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Say's Phoebe. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Say's Phoebe. Photo by Ollie Oliver