Friends of Marymoor Park

Bird Sightings Week 31
July 30 - August 5*

Rarities for Week 31:

Sora	30-Jul-05	Reported by Ned McGarry. Bird remained 13-Jul through 03-Aug
...Sora	03-Aug-05	Just above weir.
Red-shouldered Hawk	02-Aug-16	Photos of juvenile by Becky Flangian
...Red-shouldered Hawk	04-Aug-16	Juvenile seen apparently flying out of the park
Bank Swallow	30-Jul-15	One seen from Lake Platform
Bank Swallow	1-Aug-24	Two seen from Lake Platform
Mountain Beaver	02-Aug-08	Rowing Club. Marc Hoffman, ph.
Coypu (Nutria)	31-Jul-14

Report for August 1, 2024 Birding at Marymoor

Today is the cross-quarter day, halfway between the Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox. For the Celts, this was Lughnasadh, marking the beginning of the harvest season. I like to think of it as th start of Fall, with respect to birding around here. Ours was gorgeous, with sun, crystal clear skies, not a breath of wind, and temps mostly in the 60's. It's a tricky time of year, where a majority of individual birds are young of the year who often sound, act, range, and fly rather differently than how they will when grown.

Today also marked the first anniversary of Brian Bell's last Marymoor Survey. We miss him.

Highlights:

Canada Goose - Coalescing into larger and larger flocks. Appears to have been a successful nesting season
Pied-billed Grebe - One seen from Lake Platform was just our 2nd since April
Spotted Sandpiper - Spotless bird at weir
Green Heron - One at weir, later one at Lake Platform: same bird???
Barred Owl - Tony had one pre-dawn, our 4th record of the year
BANK SWALLOW - Two birds seen from the Lake Platform, First of Year (FOY), and just our 15th sighting ever
Tree Swallow - Quite a few seen, including at least 1 still-active nest. Usually, they are leaving the park soon
Purple Martin - Active at the gourds, including bringing in nesting materials. 2nd clutches?
Black-throated Gray Warbler - Two, or more probably several, west edge of Dog Meadow
Wilson's Warbler - Male singing and moving around briskly. Possibly more than one. First of Fall (FOF)
Western Tanager - One adult male along west edge of Dog Meadow

We were long-delayed near the Dog Area portapotties, trying to track down a continuously-repeated two-syllable call coming slightly more often than every two seconds. The repetitious calling was suggestive of Hutton's Vireo, only pitched lower and slightly slower, perhaps. MERLIN was useless, occasionally identifying it as Red-eyed Vireo.

Matt figured it was PURPLE FINCH, and we're 99.9% sure that he was right; we tracked the song down to a very small cluster of rather short trees that had many Purple Finch actively feeding (and being fed). I never actually saw one of them making the song, but there were no other birds present.

Misses today included Vaux's Swift, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Violet-green Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Red-winged Blackbird, and Brown-headed Cowbird.

For the day, 56 species. For the year, adding Bank Swallow, 128 species.

- Michael Hobbs

Western Wood-Pewee. Photo by Tony Ernst

Male Western Tanager. Photo by Tony Ernst

Report for August 3, 2023 Birding at Marymoor

Another day of perfect weather after the pre-dawn 53 foggy degrees warmed up. Not many surprises yet, but some pretty good birding none-the-less.

Highlights:

Rufous Hummingbird - At least two remain, neither an adult male
peep sp. - Single bird flying high down the river
Great Blue Heron - Heronry empty, only about 2 birds seen in the park
Green Heron - As numerous as Great Blue - 2 birds seen
Cooper's Hawk - At least 2 seen, but only our 5th sighting since February
Willow Flycatcher - About a dozen, including one feeding a baby Brown-headed Cowbird
Purple Martin - Lots of activity at the gourds and across the slough from the Big Cottonwood Forest. A dozen or more
Tree Swallow - Still active at the other pair of gourds. Tree Swallows have often left by this time of year
Brown-headed Cowbird - Missed them last week, but several babies this week
Black-throated Gray Warbler - One or two

We also had several looks at American Beaver in the slough, and there was a dead vole near the east end of the boardwalk

Misses today included Warbling Vireo, Cliff Swallow, and Wilson's Warbler.

For the day, counting the peep sp., 58 species.

= Michael Hobbs

Juvenile Belted Kingfisher. Photo by Michael Hobbs

American Crow. Photo by Michael Hobbs

Report for August 4, 2022 Birding at Marymoor

The weather was gray and unsettled, but the rain held off all morning. Breeding is mostly done at Marymoor, with only the Osprey still visibly feeding unfledged young. For a while it seemed like we were only on the losing end of Post-breeding Dispersal, but by the end of the day, we'd had a few post-breeding visitors ourselves.

Highlights:

Hooded Merganser - One a Rowing Club was the first since May
RED-NECKED GREBE - One on the lake, our earliest fall sighting ever for this species
American Coot - A late scan of the lake turned up one, first since early May
Spotted Sandpiper - Two unspotted birds on the weir
California Gull - About 10 on the lake, many of them juveniles
Caspian Tern - At least 4 over the lake
Green Heron - One juvenile on the old Beaver lodge opposite Dog Central
Cooper's Hawk - I had one after the survey
Barn Owl - Matt had one pre-dawn from the Lake Platform (!)
Western Screech-Owl - Matt heard one pre-dawn
Cliff Swallow - Two in SE part of the park; first in 5 weeks
Orange-crowned Warbler - One in nice mixed flock south of East Meadow
Black-throated Gray Warbler - At least one in the same mixed flock
Wilson's Warbler - At least one in the same mixed flock as well

Misses today included Killdeer, Warbling Vireo, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Brown-headed Cowbird, and Black-headed Grosbeak.

We also missed Tree Swallows for the first time since early March, as expected. We've only had about a dozen Tree Swallow sightings ever after the end of July.

For the day, counting three species I added late, 59 species.

= Michael Hobbs

Report for August 5, 2021 Birding at Marymoor

Another too-nice morning at Marymoor; the doldrums continue. Still waiting for a drenching rain that is so desperately needed. Pre-dawn, Jupiter and the crescent moon were deep orange, as was the sun when it rose, indicative of the smoke to the east. The early sun was a scary color.

Highlights:

Pied-billed Grebe – first for the survey proper since early April; one on the lake
LEAST SANDPIPER – just after 5 a.m., Matt and I heard one from the Lake Platform, and even saw it briefly as it checked us out!
Caspian Tern – one, again. Ninth straight week, and 11th of the last 12 weeks
Green Heron – juvenile along the slough
Cooper’s Hawk – several glimpses of a juvenile
Hairy Woodpecker – one across the slough from the Lake Platform
Pileated Woodpecker – probable juvenile along the slough, across from the Rowing Club dock
Merlin – brief glimpse of one being pursued by a Purple Martin or two
Western Wood-Pewee – adult feeding begging young at the Rowing Club ponds
Willow Flycatcher – SO MANY – including three young on a branch, begging. We’re thinking hatch-year birds sing, too, based on the plethora of “Fitz-Bew”s
Purple Martin – three babies sticking their heads out of one gourd, at least one in the 2nd gourd. So cute!
Yellow Warbler – two heard singing

Lowlights:

Great Blue Heron – if I counted correctly, there were ONLY TWO!
Barn Swallow – one over the Pea Patch was the only swallow besides the martins!
Savannah Sparrow – only one
Black-headed Grosbeak – like last week, only one, this time at the Rowing Club
SIXTEEN species were represented by a single bird only. EIGHT more were heard-only. The only gulls we had were far too far away for ID.

Misses included Rock Pigeon, Band-tailed Pigeon, Spotted Sandpiper, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Warbling Vireo, Violet-green Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Bushtit, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, and Wilson’s Warbler.

QUIET.

For the day, we eked out 53 species.

= Michael Hobbs

Report for July 30, 2020 Birding at Marymoor

A gorgeous summer morning today. Sunrise was a spectacular radiance of purple and orange. Our walk started out warm and became hot. Birds were not terribly active, but we doggedly managed to find quite a few species. Very little singing, and some species seen in much smaller numbers than recently

Highlights:

Wood Duck – one clutch of 2 fairly small ducklings, even at this late date
American Coot – lone summering bird continues near Lake Platform
Spotted Sandpiper – one on the weir
Caspian Tern – Matt heard one pre-dawn
Green Heron – adult at Rowing Club pond
Osprey – babies from NE ballfields nest are now flying around
Barn Owl – Matt and Ruth enjoyed seeing one in the East Meadow until 5:50 a.m.
Red-breasted Sapsucker – adult and 3 juveniles near start of boardwalk
Hairy Woodpecker – female near Lake Platform
Pileated Woodpecker – one heard calling west of the slough, to complete a five woodpecker day
PEREGRINE FALCON – 2nd year bird; back and wing coverts seemingly half “adult” and half retained juvenile feathers. Bird found motionless in large cottonwood; gave great looks. First for the survey for 2020
COMMON RAVEN – heard two birds fly overhead; our first since February 13th
Northern Rough-winged Swallow – a couple seen from the Lake Platform
Swainson’s Thrush – good looks at a spotted juvenile on the boardwalk
Purple Finch – quite a few sightings, some singing
Pine Siskin – several heard; I may have seen 2. Only our second record ever for Week 31
American Goldfinch – Several sightings. Also heard what we think was a goldfinch singing a long song with the rhythm of a vireo song. In trying to find the singer, I spotted the Peregrine
Cedar Waxwing – many juveniles, a few adults
Brown-headed Cowbird – only one juvenile seen; no adults
Yellow Warbler – a couple of singing males, plus some others
Black-throated Gray Warbler – four or more juveniles seen

Misses today included Hooded Merganser, Pied-billed Grebe, Cliff Swallow, Red-winged Blackbird, and Wilson’s Warbler.

For the day, we managed 63 species

== Michael Hobbs

Photos by Bob Asanoma

Peregrine Falcon. Photo by Bob Asanoma

Yellow Warbler. Photo by Bob Asanoma

Young male Wilson's Warbler, 2018-07-31. Photo by Kazuto Shibata

Report for August 5, 2019 Birding at Marymoor

We had our first PIED-BILLED GREBE since May, –no gulls-, and an EASTERN KINGBIRD in the East Meadow. We finished with 56 species.

= Michael Hobbs

Report for August 2, 2018 Birding at Marymoor

It was a fitting morning for our first post-Lunasa (fall cross-quarter) survey. Heavy overcast, cool, breezy, with mist, mizzle, and even a few minutes of light rain at the Rowing Club. The birds were really quiet, and it seems that several species are clearing out of the area. Highlights: Canada Goose – flock of about 120 on Fields 7-8-9 Wood Duck – yet another clutch of small ducklings COMMON MERGANSER – female with 5 small ducklings near weir. First in 6 weeks, and rare this time of year Spotted Sandpiper – two juveniles at weir CASPIAN TERN – one over lake Green Heron – juvenile along slough OSPREY – 6 adults over lake, juveniles in nest by velodrome Barn Owl – Matt had an adult over the East Meadow early; first there in months Western Screech-Owl – at least two heard before 5am near Mysterious Thicket Purple Martin – babies in 3 of 4 gourds at Lake Platform; at least 3 in rear right gourd Barn Swallow – our only other swallow species, and only 2-3 of them Swainson’s Thrush – just one heard Savannah Sparrow – just one BULLOCK’S ORIOLE – two juveniles. Never before have we had BUOR after July 30 Yellow Warbler – two Wilson’s Warbler – male at south end of Dog Meadow LAZULI BUNTING – two adult males and two juveniles in Pea Patch Mammals: Mule Deer (buck), Muskrat, Eastern Cottontail, Eastern Gray Squirrel Misses today included Rock Pigeon, Vaux’s Swift, Rufous Hummingbird, Cooper’s Hawk, Violet-green Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Purple Finch, Red-winged Blackbird, and Black-headed Grosbeak. Interesting to note that we had YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER every week from the first week of March through the third week of July, and then none the last two weeks. They clearly bred at Marymoor this year, but, as is typical, no sightings now. We probably won’t see more until mid-September, but then they will be one of the most common birds through the beginning of November. For the day, just 52 species. == Michael Hobbs	Purple Martins at the Lake Platform gourds. Photo by Hugh Jennings House Finches. Photo by Hugh Jennings
Belted Kingfishers, 2018-07-31. Photo by Kazuto Shibata	Adult male Common Yellowthroat, 2018-07-31. Photo by Kazuto Shibata
Male Downy Woodpecker, 2018-07-31. Photo by Kazuto Shibata	Female Black-throated Gray Warbler, 2018-07-30. Photo by Kazuto Shibata
Common Mergansers, 2018-07-30. Photo by Kazuto Shibata	Common Yellowthroat, 2018-07-29. Photo by Kazuto Shibata
Young male Wilson's Warbler, 2018-07-31. Photo by Kazuto Shibata

Report for August 3, 2017 Birding at Marymoor

Not surprisingly, the word of the day was ‘hot’ — we started in decently cool conditions but it soon heated up — and as expected, the birding in the doldrums went from slowish down to downright quiet. Not a lot around, but we worked hard and made it to 52 species for the day. Brian Bell, Sharon Cormier-Aagaard & I subbed for Michael, and were joined by four others. Highlights, as such: Green Heron - one adult & one imm at the weir Spotted Sandpipers - still around - 3 of them at the weir Great Blue Heron - still a few on the nests at the heronry Barn Owl - Brian glimpsed one early Western Screech-Owl - Brian heard one early near other recent reports Pacific-slope Flycatcher - 1 in the off-leash area Purple Martin - watched on being fed in the gourds at the lake viewing platform, 5-6 overhead later in the morning Swainson’s Thrush — several heard over the east meadow before dawn - perhaps a migration movement of them [seems early?] - never saw any after daylight Common Yellowthroat were our only warblers - but we saw many many young ones Black-headed Grosbeak - one adult male Good birding, Matt Bartels	Juvenile Downy Woodpecker. Photo by Bob Asanoma
Juvenile Common Yellowthroat. Photo by Bob Asanoma	Willow Flycatcher. Photo by Bob Asanoma
Adult male Black-headed Grosbeak. Photo by Bob Asanoma	Adult male Black-headed Grosbeak. Photo by Bob Asanoma
Painted Turtle. Photo by Bob Asanoma	Muskrat. Photo by Bob Asanoma

Report for August 4, 2016 Birding at Marymoor

A glorious, fabulous day under clear skies and comfortable temps. Biggest news was a juvenile RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, a new bird for the park, our 233rd species! Highlights: Green Heron 2 adults at Rowing Club, juvenile along slough Cooper’s Hawk Many sightings - 2+ juveniles RED-SHOULDERED HAWK Juvenile Spotted Sandpiper Adult(s) and a downy baby GREATER YELLOWLEGS 1 heard flying over the slough Barn Owl 2+ flying East Meadow ~5am, another heard at windmill earlier Western Screech-Owl Great looks near start of boardwalk, 4:50 a.m. Vaux’s Swift Higher numbers than usual - ~15 Pileated Woodpecker 2 NW of park entrance Tree Swallow Still a couple, though gourd babies have fledged Orange-crowned Warbler Quite a few (~5) Yellow Warbler Adults and downy fledglings Black-throated Gray Warbler 3, including an adult male As we started out from the parking lot at 6:00 a.m., we heard what we thought might be a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, and managed to glimpse a bird we discounted as a juvenile Red-tail. We really should have tried harder to track down the bird, though, as its call had a gull-like quality typical of RSHA. But later, as we walked back to our cars along the edge of grass fields 7-8-9, there was a hawk sitting on a short light pole. Perched, it appeared possible for juvenile Red-tail, but as soon as it took off, it showed brilliant white crescents near the wingtips. As it flew away, it often used a flap-flap-flap-glide that was not as powerful as a Red-tail’s flight. As it started to soar, it gave us great looks, showing the white wing crescents, wings that “reached forward” while soaring, reddish underwing coverts with NO patagial marks, no belly band, very dark primary tips, and a longer heavily-banded tail. We were able to watch the bird for several minutes as it soared higher and higher. Unfortunately, it apparently left the park heading west. It turns out that the RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was present on Tuesday, 2016-08-02 as well. Becky Flangian and I walked past the bird in the rain that morning, and Becky got a couple of photos (below). The GREATER YELLOWLEGS called several times from over the slough. Unfortunately, we were in the East Meadow at the time. The same thing happened last week. Misses today included Rock Pigeon, Rufous Hummingbird, Warbling Vireo, Wilson’s Warbler, Red-winged Blackbird, and Brown-headed Cowbird. Tuesday, there were not one but TWO downy SPOTTED SANDPIPERS at the weir (I hope we just missed the other one this morning), some ROCK PIGEONS, a juvenile RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER, a PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER near dog beach#2, and a male LAZULI BUNTING in the grasses in the Dog Meadow east of dog beach #2. There was still one baby GREAT BLUE HERON on the nest, and the TREE SWALLOWS were actively feeding young at the lake gourd. Later that day, Kazuto Shibata had a NORTHERN HARRIER, a new species for the year. So for the day, 60 species. For the week, 65 species. Adding Northern Harrier and Red-shouldered Hawk, we’re up to at least 140 species for the year. == Michael Hobbs	Western Screech-Owl. Photo by Michael Hobbs Western Screech-Owl. Photo by Michael Hobbs Downy juvenile Spotted Sandpiper at weir. Photo by Hugh Jennings
American Beaver. Photo by Hugh Jennings	Spotted Towhee. Photo by Hugh Jennings
Not recognized to species at the time, Michael Hobbs and Becky Flangian walked past the RED-SHOULDERED HAWK in the rain on Tuesday, 2016-08-02. It was sitting on the same post from which it took off the next Thursday.	Becky got these two photos. The three white bars on the secondaries, just above the feet in this photo, are indicative of a juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk. So the bird was around for at least a couple of day, and may show up again perhaps.
Male Lazuli Bunting, 2016-08-02. Photo by Becky Flangian	Tree Swallow just fed the baby in the gourd, 2016-08-02. These young fledged sometime that day or the next. Photo by Becky Flangian

Report for July 30, 2015 Birding at Marymoor

A gorgeous, gorgeous dawn today, with crystal clear skies, orange sun on Mt. Rainier, and wispy ground fog swirled across the meadows. Really, you should have been there. Only negative: no owls (except for the babies Matt heard in the windmill around 4 a.m.) The rest of the day was remarkable both for the quiet and for the unexpected. Except for a huge jump upwards in the number of CANADA GEESE (I counted 140), birds were few and far between, but interesting. Highlights: Common Merganser Lone duckling just below the weir Green Heron Juvenile at Rowing Club pond Virginia Rail First one since April; heard along slough Spotted Sandpiper 2-3 at weir; looked like adult and 1-2 babies Eurasian Collared-Dove Flock of 9 over mansion Rufous Hummingbird Still at least 1 in Pea Patch. May linger through August Pileated Woodpecker One west of the park at 6:00 Purple Martin Adults continue to feed young at gourd BANK SWALLOW One gave us a great look at the Lake Platform Brown Creeper Many sightings (5+), singing Black-thr. Gray Warbler 2 along west edge of Dog Meadow Western Tanager 1-2 along west edge of Dog Meadow BULLOCK’S ORIOLE 1 along west edge of Dog Meadow With today’s COMMON MERGANSER sighting, we’ve now recorded that species in every week of the year. Finally filled in that gap :) I believe the EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE flock is a new High Count for the park. This is only the 2nd or 3rd record for BANK SWALLOW at Marymoor, and my first, personally. There is some consistent seasonality to the sightings and suspected sightings, with four reports all between July 15 and August 8. Today’s BULLOCK’S ORIOLE sighting ties a July 30, 2009 sighting as our latest fall record. In all, 63 species today. == Michael Hobbs	Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, American Robin, off to the west at sunrise. Photo by Ollie Oliver Western Wood-Pewee. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Male Downy Woodpecker. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Swainson's Thrush eating Red Elderberry. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Bullock's Oriole Photos by Ollie Oliver	The parts of the Bullock's Oriole that you couldn't see in the last photo
Young male Common Yellowthroat. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Adult Cedar Waxwing in a European Hawthorn. Photo by Ollie Oliver Photo by Lillian Reis
Savannah Sparrow. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Brown Creeper - young bird? Photo by Ollie Oliver
Juvenile Green Heron. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Warbling Vireo. Photo by Ollie Oliver

Report for July 31, 2014 Birding at Marymoor

What a gorgeous morning. Dawn was clear, with Venus gleaming. A little later, Mt. Rainier was orange through the chilly ground fog. They day warmed evenly under blue skies and by the end, we were walking around in mid-70’s bliss. There were lots of birds to look at, and some good surprises (and one horrible surprise). Highlights: AMERICAN BITTERN At Rowing Club pond – FOY Green Heron Juvenile – probably one bird, seen twice Cooper’s Hawk? Largish accipiter flew east into park Killdeer Five adults, four babies near weir Virginia Rail Two responded from Lake Platform GREATER YELLOWLEGS One calling repeatedly while flying (unseen) California Gull Adult, and later a juvenile, over lake BARN OWL 1 roosting in Doug Fir, west edge of East Meadow Pileated Woodpecker One, calling a lot, seen by most Warbling Vireo Adult feeding young, south end of Dog Meadow Purple Martin Gourds looked empty; one flying over lake Tree Swallow At least 1; will be leaving soon Orange-crowned Warbler Two, south end of East Meadow Common Yellowthroat ABUNDANT, with many juveniles Yellow Warbler More than recent weeks, incl. feeding young Wilson’s Warbler Male, west edge of Dog Meadow The AMERICAN BITTERN was the first for the year, and one of our best looks ever for this species at the park. It was very near the road in the main pond at the Rowing Club at Marymoor West, just sitting in the grass at the edge of the pond. We’d not had a Bittern during one of our walks since 2009, and I have only two reports (both from 2013) in the intervening period. The HORRIBLE SURPRISE was our first-ever sighting of NUTRIA, along the slough across from the 3rd Dog Swim Beach. This is BAD NEWS, for this non-native is very destructive and damaging. Also, Ollie Oliver saw a MERLIN in the park yesterday. For the day, 63 species. For the year, adding American Bittern, I believe we’re at 140 species (low compared to previous years at this date). == Michael Hobbs	Baby Killdeer below weir. Photo by Hugh Jennings Juvenile Killdeer below weir. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Juvenile Yellow Warbler. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Juvenile Green Heron. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Nutria. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Nutria. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Western Wood-Pewee. Photo by Hugh Jennings	Same Western Wood-Pewee. Photo by Lillian Reis. Note how different cameras change the appearance of the bird.
Juvenile Red-breasted Sapsucker. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Juvenile Brown-headed Cowbird. Photo by Hugh Jennings
Swainson's Thrush eating Red Osier Dogwood berries. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Juvenile Warbling Vireo. Photo by Lillian Reis
Barn Owl at its day roost. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Rufous Hummingbird. Photo by Lillian Reis
Male Red-breasted Nuthatch. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Brown Creeper. Photo by Ollie Oliver
American Bittern at the Rowing Club. Photo by Ollie Oliver	American Bittern at the Rowing Club. Photo by Ollie Oliver
American Bittern at the Rowing Club. Photo by Lillian Reis	American Bittern at the Rowing Club. Photo by Lillian Reis
American Bittern swallowing a bullfrog. Photo by Lillian Reis	Juvenile Savannah Sparrow, 2014-07-25. Photo by Lillian Reis

Report for August 1, 2013 Birding at Marymoor

It was cool and cloudy dark and breezy, and there were hardly any birds (neither species nor individuals), but there were signs that post-breeding movements are beginning. So we didn’t have much, but we did have some species of note. Highlights: Canada Goose At least 80 this week Pied-billed Grebe Juvenile(s?) in slough – first since early May GREEN HERON Juvenile along slough – first of the year! Osprey Have fledged; at least 4 at lake Virginia Rail Heard on far side of slough Eurasian Collared-Dove 1 near Compost Piles – first non-spring sighting Pacific-slope Flycatcher 1 singing south of East Meadow Tree Swallow Nesting in 2 boxes? 2nd clutches. Beaver Two in slough We had lots of misses today, including Downy Woodpecker, Steller’s Jay, Cliff Swallow, Wilson’s Warbler, Red-winged Blackbird, and Brown-headed Cowbird. We managed just 50 species. Adding Green Heron brings our year list up to 143. == Michael Hobbs	Juvenile Belted Kingfisher at the weir. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Juvenile Green Heron, first of that species for 2013. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Juvenile Pied-billed Grebe. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Juvenile Tree Swallow in a nest box. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Eurasian Collared-Dove. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Adult male Spotted Towhee. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Juvenile Dark-eyed Junco. Photo by Ollie Oliver
	Beaver in slough. Photo by Ollie Oliver

Report for August 2, 2012 Birding at Marymoor

It was really quiet today at Marymoor, though fairly birdy. No species on the day's list were heard-only (very unusual), and several were only from distant views. There was a lot of tracking down quiet bird calls, with fairly good success. The weather was mostly overcast, and a bit cool, but really quite nice. We enjoyed the setting full moon early, and glimpsed the Blue Angels late. Highlights: Green Heron 2 at lake Cooper's Hawk Several views, juvenile(s) American Coot 1 in slough Barn Owl Matt had 3 early Purple Martin Seen over the meadows all morning Northern Rough.-winged Swallow Two seen Wilson's Warbler Nice male along slough LAZULI BUNTING NW Dog Meadow, feeding cowbird There were LOTS of babies, of many species, and many molting adults, as is typical of August. It makes identifications more difficult. Here's a list of the species I believe have bred at Marymoor this year: Wood Duck Many boxes, many babies Mallard Relatively few this year Hooded Merganser Poss. only via egg dumping in Wood Duck nest boxes Great Blue Heron New heronry fledged double-digit numbers Osprey At least 2 young Bald Eagle 1-2 nests; hard to tell how successful Red-tailed Hawk 2-3 nests. One fledged for sure. Killdeer Success probably low due to park activity Rock Pigeon Nest under entrance bridge Barn Owl Nesting in windmill Anna's Hummingbird No nests noted, but surely breeding Rufous Hummingbird Ditto Downy Woodpecker Western Wood-Pewee Found one nest Willow Flycatcher Have never found a nest, but clearly breed American Crow Didn't notice a nest this year, but clearly breed Purple Martin Gourds and boxes - good numbers Tree Swallow First nesting may have failed, renested Cliff Swallows Probably bred in NE corner or just outside park Barn Swallows Must be nesting somewhere... Black-capped Chickadee A few nests found Chestnut-backed Chickadee Not sure we ever found a nest this year Bushtit Not many nests found this year, but many young Brown Creeper Not confirmed this year, but very probable Bewick's Wren Ditto Marsh Wren Swainson's Thrush MUST be nesting, but well hidden American Robin Good at hiding nests too European Starling Nested in restroom, probably elsewhere too Cedar Waxwing A couple of nests found Common. Yellowthroat Lots of success this year Yellow Warbler Nothing confirmed inside the park, but probable Spotted Towhee Must be nesting, lots of success Savannah Sparrow Presumed nesting in East Meadow (confirmed prev.) Song Sparrow Must be nesting, lots of success White-crowned Sparrow Nests in Pea Patch Dark-eyed Junco Lots of specked babies - must nest Black-headed Grosbeak Not sure we found a nest this year, but many babies Red-winged Blackbird Maybe a nest or two Brown-headed Cowbird Way too many Bullock's Oriole At least 1 nest, fledglings Purple Finch Must be nesting, but no evidence House Finch Ditto American Goldfinch Ditto Then there are a few more species which must have nested nearby, if not in the park (and where young were seen in the park): Canada Goose, Common Merganser, Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron, Vaux's Swift, Warbling Vireo, Violet-green Swallow, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Lazuli Bunting. For the day, I think we were at around 54 species. == Michael Hobbs	Setting full moon. Photo by Ollie Oliver Setting full moon. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz Killdeer. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz Killdeer. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz
Juvenile Brown-headed Cowbird begging food from male Lazuli Bunting. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Male Lazuli Bunting. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Laz in flight. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz	Lazuli Bunting. Photo by Hugh Jennings
Male Spotted Towhee. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Green Heron. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Male Common Yellowthroat. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz	Western Wood-Pewee nest. Note beak pointing to the left. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Juvenile Cooper's Hawk turned upside-down in a futile attempt to grab a Barn Swallow. Maybe it will live long enough to learn which birds to hunt. Photo by Lillian Reis	Brown Creeper. Photo by Lillian Reis
Juvenile Red-breasted Sapsucker. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz	Osprey with fish, seemingly strafed by model airplane, 2012-07-31. Photo by Lillian Reis

Report for August 4, 2011 Birding at Marymoor

We had a wonderful day today. Clear skies. Views of Mt. Rainier. Warmth (mid-50's rising to low 70's). And birds. Lots of birds. Fall migration/dispersal is beginning, as we definitely saw some species that don't breed near Marymoor. Highlights: Green Heron 2 babies, 1 adult, along slough Merlin 3rd week in a row Barn Owl Baby(s?) still inside windmill Red-breasted Sapsucker 1 NE of mansion Pileated Woodpecker 2 flew east, landed near mansion COMMON RAVEN 2 flew down river around 6:20am Purple Martin Heard overhead a few times BANK SWALLOW???? Tantalizing maybe near weir Orang-crowned Warbler 1 - NW part of Dog Area Yellow Warbler 1 male somewhat near Orange-crowned Black-throated Gray Warbler 2-4 seen, several locations Wilson's Warbler 1 near east end of boardwalk Common Yellowthroat Many, including male feeding cowbird RED CROSSBILL Heard overhead more than once Pine Siskin With goldfinches, thistles in East Meadow This is just the 4th record for RED CROSSBILL at Marymoor, and the first outside of the spring season. Also, right on schedule, we heard the distinctive flight call of the BLUE ANGELS, though we were unable to see them. They seem to migrate through this area annually, right around this time of year. If previous years are any guide, they may stick around for another couple of days, and then they'll disappear again until next year. Very odd... For the day, 64 species. For the year, with the crossbill, we're now at 148. == Michael Hobbs	Pileated Woodpecker showing primary molt. Photo by Ollie Oliver Male Black-headed Grosbeak. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Orange-crowned Warbler. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Bushtit on the ground! Photo by Ollie Oliver
Male Brown-headed Cowbird. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Female House Sparrow - first of 2011. Photo by Lillian Reis
Western Wood-Pewee. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Bushtit, 2011-08-03. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Juvenile Golden-crowned Kinglet, 2011-08-03. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Male Purple Martin, 2011-08-01. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz
Caspian Tern, 2011-08-01. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz	Killdeer, 2011-07-29. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz
Swift Forktail Damselfly just emerged from its exuvia (lower left). Photo by Ollie Oliver	Eight-spotted Skimmer and Cardinal Meadowhawk. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Cardinal Meadowhawk. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Eight-spotted Skimmer. Photo by Ollie Oliver

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. Highlights: Cooper's Hawk One soaring above the stage Green Heron At least 2 birds-of-the-year Virginia Rail 2-3. loudly squawking, at the lake Red-breasted Sapsucker One near the mansion Vaux's Swift Maybe 8-10, and good looks Pacific-slope Flycatcher 1 glimpsed, 1, photographed by Lillian Warbling Vireo At least one at edge of Dog Meadow Purple Martin Left gourd has at least 1 baby being fed Tree Swallow Still active at nest boxes in the East Meadow Orange-crowned Warbler Several Yellow Warbler Several, including some still singing Black-throated Gray Warbler At least 2 (male and female) MacGillivray's Warbler At least 1 Common Yellowthroat Lots of juveniles Wilson's Warbler 1-3, including a very bright male Purple Finch Numerous and widespread We had good mixed flocks of hyperactive warblers at two spots - just north of Dog Central along the slough, and along the southwest edge of the Dog Meadow, near the bench. A six warbler day was quite special. The Virginia Rails were barely glimpsed (mostly just motion), but were working from a wide repertoire of calls. The Rowing Club area is mostly closed for preliminary work on a new boathouse. The regular path to the river is closed. You can walk a mowed trail to the north, but can get only a glimpse into the main pond from the north side.. The South Pond is completely inaccessible. For the day, 63 species. == Michael	Blurry photo day. This is a female and/or immature MacGillivray's Warbler Here you can see a faint hooding, and the broken eye ring (or eye arcs)
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 30, 2009

Eight of us met at 6:00am for our walk. It was sunny and warm, and while it got hot, it wasn't unbearable. From 6:00-11:00, temps ranged from the mid-70's to the mid-80's. The real heat is reserved for afternoons. It was amazingly birdy this morning. Between the usual doldrums of this time of year, combined with the heat, I thought we'd get 50 well-baked species and hurry home before we melted. Highlights: Ring-necked Pheasant Our lone male continues Spotted Sandpiper 2-3 on lily pads in slough Caspian Tern One flew downslough calling Anna's Hummingbird Numerous and widespread Red-breasted Sapsucker One near start of boardwalk Hairy Woodpecker One east of the weir Pacific-slope Flycatcher One near start of boardwalk Red-eyed Vireo 2? near east end of boardwalk We had a four warbler day, with 1-2 YELLOW WARBLERS, 2-3 male WILSON'S WARBLERS, many COMMON YELLOWTHROATS, and an immature BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER at the Rowing Club. At the south end of the Dog Meadow, we had 1-2 juvenile LAZULI BUNTINGS being fed by a female. Later, we had a male Laz at the east end of Snag Row. We had a juvenile(?) BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, our latest sighting ever for that species. We've never had orioles in August-April, so it will be a surprise if we see one next week. We also had one unseen calling EVENING GROSBEAK apparently flying high above the weir. The Community Gardens were abuzz with hummingbirds. There were several ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD and at least 2 RUFOUS. Might have been 6-8 hummingbirds in the gardens all told, and there were lots of conflicts (including interspecies jabbing over ownership of particularly nice flowers). No Tree or Violet-green Swallows. For the day, 60 species. == Michael	Juvenile Bald Eagle having breakfast at the model airplane field Red-winged Blackbird
Marsh Wren photo by Randy Bjorklund	Spotted Sandpiper on the weir. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Female Hairy Woodpecker	Western Wood-Pewee photo by Ollie Oliver
Juvenile Lazuli Bunting	Adult female and juvenile Lazuli Bunting
Female Purple Martin photo by Randy Bjorklund	Red-eyed Vireo photo by Ollie OIiver
Willow Flycatcher photo by Randy Bjorklund	Male Lazuli Bunting photo by Randy Bjorklund
Fish photo by Ollie Oliver	Raccoon at the Rowing Club. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Blue Angels	Blue Angels
Juvenile male Red-winged Blackbird. Photo by Brian Dobbins, 2009-07-25	Juvenile Green Heron. Photo by Brian Dobbins, 2009-07-25
Muskrat. Photo by Brian Dobbins, 2009-07-25	Female Purple Martin. Photo by Brian Dobbins, 2009-07-25

Report for July 31, 2008

Only seven of us this morning, on a fine morning. A bit chilly to start, but somewhat sunny and warming. Fall migration has begun, so there was some excitement there. Also, still lots of babies, so the awwww factor was pretty high. The Blue Angels passed over the park (at least 4 of them in formation), so we had some roaring speed as well. Highlights: We again had three RIVER OTTERS just above the weir. Other mammals included a FAWN at the Rowing Club and two MUSKRATS from the Rowing Club dock. High flybys included a CASPIAN TERN and the first TURKEY VULTURE we've ever had in the June-July-August period. Between Dog Central and the south end of the dog area we had a great mixed flock of birds, which included: Yellow Warbler (5+) Wilson's Warbler (2-3) Orange-crowned Warbler (3+) Black-throated Gray Warbler (1) Warbling Vireo (2) Red-eyed Vireo (2+) Black-headed Grosbeak Purple Finch Swainson's Thrush Possible Pacific-slope Flycatcher ...and at least a half-dozen other species The Big Cottonwood Forest featured a male WESTERN TANAGER and three HAIRY WOODPECKERS The best sighting was probably the three baby WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES nestled side-by-side on a branch among the Oregon Ash trees near the east end of the boardwalk. Parent(s) flew down to feed them (very quickly) every minute or so. Awwww. This Saturday, Eastside Audubon (formerly ELWAS) is holding a Grand Opening of the Marymoor BirdLoop, from 10-2. They have adopted the old Interpretive Trail and have installed a couple of informational kiosks (one of which is finished), and they will be putting in some new interpretive signs. They've created two new trails, and will be extending the boardwalk so we won't be as hampered by high water as in the past. For more information, see www.eastsideaudubon.org For the day, 60 species of bird, 5 species of mammal (plus one unidentified furry scurrier), 2 non-native turtles, bullfrog, and Garter Snake. == Michael	One of three River Otters above the weir
	One of three River Otters above the weir
Rufous Hummingbird on the dead branches of a Red Elderberry...	...and Away!
Male Western Tanager in the Big Cottonwood Forest	Eclipse-plumage male Mallard
Three baby Western Wood-Pewees sitting calmly and quietly together...	...until Mom (or Dad) arrives with food. Then, watch out!
The Blue Angels are in town for Sea Fair..	...and gave us a buzz during their Thursday practice
Black-tailed Deer fawn at the Rowing Club	Muskrat from the Rowing Club dock, one of two there

Report for August 2, 2007

There were eleven of us today, I think, on a beautiful birdy morning. The early scattered ground fog didn't hide an impressive sunrise on Mt. Rainier, nor the waining moon in the deep blue sky. Warbler migration, or at least post-breeding dispersal, is apparently well underway - we had a six-warbler morning. Other highlights included the Blue Angels doing an overflight of the East Meadow, as well as flybys of other airplanes involved in the SeaFair display.

Highlights:
    Green Heron                                 Several really nice sightings!
     Merlin ???                                    Quick look, in the Dog Meadow
     Virginia Rail                                  Scott found us one to see at the weir
     Pileated Woodpecker                   Two on the ridgetop west of the park
     Warbling Vireo                             Several at south end of Dog Meadow
     Red-eyed Vireo                           Adult(s) feeding young with WAVIs
    Orage-crowned Warbler               One below weir in willows - First Of Fall
    Yellow Warbler                             2-3 singing, some females seen
    Yellow-rumped Warbler                1 NE of mansion
    Black-throated Gray Warbler        1 with vireos - First of 2007
    Common Yellowthroat                   Several males, plus females and immatures
    Wilson's Warbler                           3+, including a male and female together

Early on, we saw a COOPER'S HAWK flying east over the river with prey in its talons. Later, as we circled the mansion, we saw perhaps the same bird being harassed by crows.

The RED-EYED VIREOS were great - nicely colored, and AT EYE LEVEL as they fed their young. Some great views were available. Both the Warbling and Red-eyes were singing.

BUSHTITS and CEDAR WAXWINGS were especially ubiquitous and numerous; the vireos were hidden among a flock of about 50 Bushtits, and we saw several other large flocks other places.

For the day, 59 species. I forgot my camera, and nobody else brought one either... :(

== Michael

Bird Sightings Week 31
July 30 - August 5* *adjust by 1 day in leap years

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July 30 - August 5* *adjust by 1 day in leap years