Friends of Marymoor Park

Bird Sightings Week 40
October 1-7*

Rarities for Week 40:

Sora	02-Oct-08	From lake platform, an near right bank. Great long looks, photos
Long-billed Dowitcher	02-Oct-16	Three. Joshua Rudolph, ph. Continuing, first seen 30-Sep-16
California Scrub-Jay	07-Oct-21	One, continuing. First reported 30-Sep-21
Gray Catbird	02-Oct-19	First reported 30-Sep-19, and reported again 05-Oct-19
Lapland Longspur	03-Oct-13	Heard, and seen in flight
Lapland Longspur	02-Oct-16	Joshua Rudolph, photo
Clay-colored Sparrow	04-Oct-18	Near Compost Piles
Clay-colored Sparrow	07-Oct-05	Possibly the same bird seen 28-Sep-05 at the Compost Piles. Reported through 09-Oct-05
Clay-colored Sparrow	07-Oct-06	Found by Marv Breece. Compost Piles

Report for October 3, 2024 Birding at Marymoor

Last week it was 49 degrees when we started. Today it was 37 degrees! Very nice weather; nice stars before sunrise, only a little fog, and sunshine. The sun and the lack of wind meant we didn't suffer too badly from the cold, and that things warmed up pretty well. It was 54 degrees by 11:45 when we were done.

Highlights:

Falcon sp. - Probably a Peregrine, but it passed right overhead so fast that we couldn't be sure
Common Raven - Never an expected bird at the park. One flew overhead at the East Meadow. First of Fall (FOF)
Pacific Wren - One singing just east of the weir (FOF)
Lincoln's Sparrow - One, in an odd location for Lincoln's: the start of the boardwalk
Western Meadowlark - Three in the grass/gravel parking triangle in the NE part of the park
Townsend's Warbler - At least one just NE of the mansion (FOF)

Misses today included American Coot, Wilson's Snipe, gulls other than Glaucous-winged, Green Heron, Bushtit, Cedar Waxwing, American Pipit, and Common Yellowthroat.

The day not only had some unexpected misses, it also was short on surprises. Except for the Raven and Townsend's Warbler, pretty much everything we saw was predictable and expected.

Still a nice day, though.

For today, 49 species plus the falcon.

= Michael Hobbs

Report for October 5, 2023 Birding at Marymoor

Michael was away this week, so the rest of us combined forces to cover the weekly Marymoor walk. It was foggy to begin with and remained a bit overcast almost all morning - but the temps were mild and the birds seemed more active than they’ve been for many weeks at Marymoor. Although we turned up no rarities today and only about 47 species, it was a nice change to have great looks at so many birds this week. Highlights: Cackling Goose - small flocks heard several times - hard to know how many in total. American Wigeon - one in the slough Green-winged Teal - one in the slough our First of Fall, I believe Virginia Rail - Tony spotted one below the weir that stayed out in the open along the edge of the slough for quite long views Wilson’s Snipe - 6 + hanging out below the weir , some of them bobbing away Ruby-crowned Kinglet - seen and heard several times, back in numbers this week Varied Thrush - one heard near where the first ones were heard last week Fox Sparrows - lots of singing, it seemed, this week Misses: Other than Northern Flickers and a heard-only Downy, we had no other Woodpeckers. Hooded Merganser, Bushtit, Rock Pigeon also all eluded us Matt Bartels Seattle, WA
Barn Owl, pre-dawn. Photo by Tony Ernst	Fox Sparrow. Photo by Tony Ernst
Virginia Rail along the slough below the weir. Photo by Tony Ernst	Same Virginia Rail. Photo by Tony Ernst
Wilson's Snipe below the weir. Photo by Tony Ernst	A different Wilson's Snipe, also below the weir. Photo by Tony Ernst
Female Green-winged Teal. Photo by Tony Ernst	Female Belted Kingfisher. Photo by Tony Ernst

Report for October 6, 2022 Birding at Marymoor

It was pretty quiet today under the fog. Things picked up a bit, later on, when a breeze started pushing the fog southbound. Before that, there was a lot of GRAY. Almost all of the "summer" birds are gone, and more and more of the "winter" birds are arriving.

Highlights:

American Wigeon - three from the Lake Platform. First of Fall (FOF)
Ring-necked Duck - lone bird continues in slough. Looks like a male still in eclipse
Wilson's Snipe - one heard pre-dawn (FOF)
TURKEY VULTURE - 30 heading south late in the morning! See below
Northern Harrier - one also moving south above the 2nd group of vultures
Sharp-shinned Hawk - several accipiter sightings, with at least one being a Sharpie
Red-breasted Sapsucker - one seen by Margaret towards the south end of the Dog Area, along the slough
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - at least three (FOF)
Pacific Wren - one heard calling south of the East Meadow (FOF)
American Pipit - some heard pre-dawn over the Viewing Mound

There were only 3 of us left, walking around the mansion area after the main part of the survey, when we spotted 25 TURKEY VULTURES above the windmill cruising south. A few minutes later we noted 5 more, with the NORTHERN HARRIER above them. On 2017-09-17 we had 21 vultures in a kettle, and on 2006-10-04 we had 23 split between two kettles. So this is the prime time for southbound migration of vultures over the park, but today we had a new high count. (Today and those other two days are the only times we've had double-digit numbers of vultures).

Quite a few "summer" birds, many seen as recently as last week, were not seen today. These include Band-tailed Pigeon, Osprey, swallows, Swainson's Thrush, Orange-crowned Warbler, and Common Yellowthroat. All of these absences are to be expected by this date.

Unexpected Misses today included American Coot, Ring-billed Gull, Green Heron, Lincoln's Sparrow, and Western Meadowlark.

Please, send rain!

For the day, 54 species.

= Michael Hobbs

Male Ring-necked Duck in eclipse plumage. Photo by Bob Asanoma

Juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawk. Photo by Bob Asanoma

Report for October 7, 2021 Birding at Marymoor

Another gorgeous, wonderful day at the park. Weather was great, birds were plentiful. A great day for raptor diversity! What more can one ask for?

Highlights:

American Wigeon – Two at the weir, more in a flyover. First of Fall (FOF)
Mourning Dove – one at the Compost Piles just before the walk
Ring-billed Gull – one (FOF)
TURKEY VULTURE – 1-3 over the windmill (might have been just one circling overhead) (FOF)
NORTHERN HARRIER – one flew from grass soccer fields towards the East Meadow just before the walk started. First of the Year! (FOY)
Sharp-shinned Hawk – one flew over the boardwalk
Cooper’s Hawk – one near the Viewing Mound shortly before the walk
Bald Eagle – heard calling, and one seen distantly from the Lake Platform
Red-tailed Hawk – several
Western Screech-Owl – Matt and I heard one or two pre-dawn, but never managed a view
Great Horned Owl – Matt and I heard a pair calling pre-dawn, and saw them in a snag far to the east
Pileated Woodpecker – heard a few times
Merlin – one from the Viewing Mound pre-dawn
PEREGRINE FALCON – one glimpsed flying south over the Dog Meadow
Violet-green Swallow – late morning these were pretty much everywhere you looked, high in the sky. Maybe 75 total
Barn Swallow – Matt had one
Bushtit – small flock below weir – first sightings in 5 weeks
Swainson’s Thrush – Matt and I heard a few pre-dawn. They should be leaving completely VERY soon
Western Meadowlark – seven north of Fields 7-8-9. One or more were singing
Orange-crowned Warbler – at least two, both very yellow

A late scan of the lake turned up three HORNED GREBE and three RED-NECKED GREBE (FOY), as well as our only DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT. Jordan had a CALIFORNIA SCRUB-JAY on his way out of the park.

Singing birds included Anna’s Hummingbird, Marsh Wren, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, and Western Meadowlark.

Misses today included Gadwall, Hooded Merganser, Virginia Rail, Green Heron, Barn Owl, Brown Creeper, Cedar Waxwing, and American Pipit (though several times we thought we might be hearing them).

Despite the long list of Misses, we still had 66 species today!

= Michael Hobbs

Photo by Bob Asanoma

Male Belted Kingfisher.
Photo by Bob Asanoma

Report for October 1, 2020 Birding at Marymoor

The seasons have changed, and all of a sudden we’re into late fall/early winter birding. Summer birds and pass-through migrants were practically non-existent at Marymoor today, but returning winter birds easily filled out the day. We were in the dark, damp, dead zone underneath the fog for much of the morning, and the passerines were pretty scarce and quiet.

Highlights:

Snow Goose – one, in with Canadas. First for 2020
Greater White-fronted Goose – flock of seven on grass fields
Cackling Goose – 21, in two clumps amongst the Canadas
American Wigeon – one at the weir, five on a late scoping of the lake
BUFFLEHEAD – two females seen on a late scoping of the lake. First of Fall (FOF), and earliest fall sighting ever
Horned Grebe – one near Lake Platform – FOF
RED-NECKED GREBE – one on late scoping of the lake – First for 2020
Western Grebe – two on lake. I had two on Tuesday, 9/29, for FOF
Western Screech-Owl – very cooperative bird gave us looks, west portion of boardwalk, around 6am
Merlin – two sightings of fast flybys
American Pipit – somewhere around 17, grass fields
Western Meadowlark – at least 10! I had one on Tuesday, 9/29, for FOF
Red-winged Blackbird – large flock – maybe 40-50 total
Common Yellowthroat – still a handful around; pretty much our only “summer” bird
Yellow-rumped Warbler – a couple of dozen, including at least one Myrtle

The most unusual sighting was at the first footbridge, across the slough from the Rowing Club. We came across a flock of Black-capped Chickadees fairly low in the trees, all agitated. There was also a Bewick’s Wren, and two Fox Sparrows, all calling. We eventually spotted the apparent cause of their distress – a MOUSE (probably a House Mouse, Mus musculus, that was dangling from the very end of a twig above the trail. Soon, the mouse dropped to the ground with an audible splat, and it scurried off. The birds moved around, still agitated, for another minute.

Misses today included Hooded Merganser, Green Heron, Bushtit, Marsh Wren, and Cedar Waxwing. No swifts, Osprey, flycatchers, vireos, or swallows, and warblers were down to just Common Yellowthroat and Yellow-rumped.

For the day, 59 species.

== Michael Hobbs

Snow Goose. Photo by Bob Asanoma

Red-tailed Hawk with prey. Photo by Bob Asanoma

Report for October 4, 2019 Birding at Marymoor

It was mizzly and dark for quite a while this morning, and very quiet until we got to the East Meadow. I mean REALLY QUIET. Then things started hopping.

Highlights:

Virginia Rail – one heard spontaneously from the far side of the slough from the lake platform
Wilson’s Snipe – 3+ below the weir; really hard to count as they flew around from spot to spot
Western Screech-Owl – Matt and I heard one just before 6:00 a.m.
GREAT HORNED OWL – Matt heard one up the canyon from the west park entrance at 5am – First of Fall
Red-breasted Sapsucker – one at the Rowing Club parking lot
Merlin – close flyby at the Pea Patch
Peregrine Falcon – close flyby at the East Meadow
NORTHERN SHRIKE – Very brown juvenile, East Meadow. Probably our 2nd earliest First of Fall ever
Barn Swallow – only two distant birds
- Sparrows galore – but nothing rare; still, the Pea Patch was full of them. Good numbers of Savannahs, Lincoln’s, singing Fox
Common Yellowthroat – one seen, maybe another one heard
Yellow-rumped Warbler – only a handful

On my way home I spotted a TURKEY VULTURE over the Dog Meadow.

Yesterday, Kazuto Shibata found and photographed a GRAY CATBIRD near the footbridge south of the East Meadow around 12:30. Two hours later, I was unable to find the bird, but did have a WESTERN MEADOWLARK in the East Meadow

Mammals today included a VIRGINIA OPOSSUM, a species we’ve seen less than 15 times previously in the park.

For the day, 55 species, with at least 58 for the week.

== Michael Hobbs

Report for October 4, 2018 Birding at Marymoor

A very nice morning today, with partly sunny skies and no wind. Temps moderate. Birds really quite good.

Highlights:

Cackling Goose – About 35 total – First of Fall (FOF)
Ring-necked Duck? – or let’s say “some brownish diving ducks – FOF”
Western Grebe – a few on lake
Wilson’s Snipe – Matt heard a couple pre-dawn – FOF
Northern Harrier – at least 1
Cooper’s Hawk – many sightings – three total birds?
Violet-green Swallow – 3
Barn Swallow – 1
CLAY-COLORED SPARROW – one in weeds and blackberries near Viewing Mound, new for 2018
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW – One with GCSP below weir – FOF
Common Yellowthroat – maybe 3 juveniles

Jordan’s photos helped us be sure it was a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW and not a Chipping Sparrow; the differences can be subtle. This is the 5th or 6th Clay-colored we’ve found at Marymoor, all in the Sept-Nov period. It’s the 3rd time we’ve had CCSP in Week 40, the other times being in 2005 and 2006.

For the day, we got 60 species (counting the diving ducks). Purple Finch and Lincoln’s Sparrow were in the “probable but not quite listable” category. Other than that, our only obvious “miss” for the day was Hooded Merganser.

The year list is now at 150 +/- 1

== Michael Hobbs

Double-crested Cormorant. Photo by Jordan Roderick

Juvenile Cooper's Hawk. Photo by Jordan Roderick

Juvenile Clay-colored Sparrow. Photo by Jordan Roderick

Northern Flicker. Photo by Bob Asanoma

Downy Woodpecker. Photo by Bob Asanoma

Report for October 5, 2017 Birding at Marymoor

A gorgeous fall morning, with a full moon being replaced by a brilliant sun. Several of us were unprepared for the 37 degree start temperature, but it fairly quickly warmed up, reaching 60 by the time we left. We had to detour, as the trail was closed from the lake platform east to the south end of the East Meadow so that they can remove the crumbled pavement from the path. It will become (at least for now) a crushed gravel trail. The day was pretty birdy, though we didn’t have anything really rare, just a pretty complete set of what might typically be present. Highlights: Cackling Goose – flock of about 25 landed near Teatro Zinzanni Horned Grebe – late stop at lake verified presence of 4 Western Grebe – 6+ on lake Ring-billed Gull – confirmed from late view – First of Fall (FOF) California Gull – also confirmed from late lake view Northern Harrier – one over Dog Meadow Sharp-shinned Hawk – several views Cooper’s Hawk – several views -All 5 common woodpeckers- Merlin – several quick or distant views Pacific Wren – Just one, near dog swim beach #2. FOF American Pipit – at least one from Viewing Mound around 7am Orange-crowned Warbler – 2 Common Yellowthroat – 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler – a couple of dozen, both Audubon’s and Myrtle’s Townsend’s Warbler – one NE of mansion The only notable misses for the day were Hooded Merganser and Glaucous-winged Gull. Alas, we had no owls either. And no bunnies. For the day, 63 species. == Michael Hobbs	Pre-dawn Fog, from the Viewing Mound. Photo by Michael Hobbs Male Belted Kingfisher. Photo by Hugh Jennings
Pileated Woodpecker. Photo by Bob Asanoma	Adult Cooper's Hawk. Photo by Jordan Roderick
American Crow. Photo by Hugh Jennings	Male Purple Finch. Photo by Jordan Roderick
Hugh Jennings, belatedly celebrating his 91st birthday, with Sharon Aagaard. Hugh still manages to walk the main loop of about 3 miles almost every week. Photo by Michael Hobbs	Garter Snake. Photo by Bob Asanoma

Report for October 6, 2016 Birding at Marymoor

A nice fall day today, with the rain holding off and fun birding along the way. Brian, Sharon & I filled in for a traveling Michael, and though nothing rare showed up we had a good day. Highlights: Wilson's Snipe - several heard pre-dawn over east meadow Turkey Vulture - one at Rowing Club Northern Harrier - 1 over east meadow Barn Owl - 1 heard at 5:00 at windmill, 1 seen in east meadow at 6:00 Eurasian Collared-Dove - 1 in trees by concert area Peregrine Falcon - one soaring over mansion area American Pipit - many fly-overs, none on ground to study - 15 + total American Robin - dozens in small flocks throughout the day flying by Pacific Wren - 2, one of them very cooperative for good looks Yellow-rumped Warbler [Audubon’s] - only warbler of the day! Golden-crowned Sparrows - back in decent #s Western Meadowlark - 3 in east meadow Mammal highlights included bats before dawn and 3 River Otters in the slough, attempting to catch some Mallards. For the day, about 58 species Matt Bartels	Male Belted Kingfisher. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Cooper's Hawk. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Cooper's Hawk. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Female and male Red-winged Blackbird. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Downy Woodpecker. Photo by Milt Vine
Northern Harrier. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Western Meadowlarks. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Killdeer. Photo by Ollie Oliver	American Crow. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Rock Pigeon. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Turkey Vulture. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Three River Otters. Photo by Bob Asanoma	River Otters. Photo by Hugh Jennings
River Otter proves its really a dog...	...by going after a tennis ball. Photos by Ollie Oliver
River Otter. Photo by Ollie Oliver	River Otter. Photo by Ollie Oliver

Report for October 1, 2015 Birding at Marymoor

It was foggy this morning, with the fog not clearing until after 9:30. This made viewing difficult along much of our route. If I’d had more time and energy, I would have walked the loop a second time, for I think we probably missed a lot of birds the first time around. Still, we did pretty well. Highlights: Cackling Goose 1 with Canadas, NE corner. First of Fall Green Heron 2 juveniles at Rowing Club pond Wilson’s Snipe Several flushed below weir Barn Owl Nice looks from Viewing Mound around 6:15 Northern Saw-whet Owl Matt thinks he heard one in the wee hours Pileated Woodpecker Finally seen N of concert venue after hearing often Merlin One flying north of grass soccer fields Peregrine Falcon One flew W->NE over meadows American Pipit One flushed from below weir Western Meadowlark 4 north of fields 7-8-9, First of Fall Evening Grosbeak A few flyovers Yesterday, a BLACK BEAR was reported from the Rowing Club. There are photos (marymoor.org/Galleries/BLBE.htm) of one seen on August 30th, crossing the boardwalk. These are the first bear sightings in memory at Marymoor. For the day, 55-56 species. == Michael Hobbs	Savannah Sparrow. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Cackling Goose hiding behind 3 Canada Geese. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Four Western Meadowlarks. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Juvenile Cooper's Hawk, Pea Patch. Photo by Hugh Jennings	"Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warbler Photo by Ollie Oliver
Bald Eagle, 2015-09-30. Photo by Lillian Reis	Dragonfly, 2015-09-29. Photo by Lillian Reis
Dragonfly, 2015-09-29. Photo by Lillian Reis	Dragonfly, 2015-09-29. Photo by Lillian Reis

Report for October 2, 2014 Birding at Marymoor

What a glorious day! There were 20 of us at Marymoor today, and with that many eyes, on this birdy a day, it’s no surprise that we turned up lots of good stuff. The early morning fog burned off quickly, and the sunny morning warmed fast too. It was birdy all morning long, with unusually high counts for several species and even quite a bit of singing. Highlights: SNOW GOOSE Flock of 11 flying north, 7:30 a.m. First of Fall Cacking Goose Flock of 30-40 before 7:00 a.m.. FOF Northern Shoveler 1-2 males near weir Horned Grebe One swam right past us down the slough Western Grebe One on lake Osprey Still one over lake Band-tailed Pigeon Jim & Nancy reported 4 in a tree early Barn Owl Several pre-dawn looks Short-eared Owl One look, NE corner of East Meadow, early Red-breasted Sapsucker Two at Rowing Club; last birds of the day Pileated Woodpecker One flew over boardwalk Violet-green Swallow 4+ over boardwalk, East Meadow Barn Swallow Over a dozen still Hermit Thrush Ollie’s photos clarified identification VARIED THRUSH At least 2. FOF Orange-crowned Warbler 3, west edge of Dog Meadow Common Yellowthroat 2+ Last of the year? WH.-THROATED SPARROW One with a large flock of GCSP near weir Western Meadowlark One, East Meadow. FOF BREWER’S BLACKBIRD Male, East Meadow. First for 2014 Evening Grosbeak Heard overhead We had extraordinary numbers of ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD (12+), NORTHERN FLICKER (maybe 10), STELLER’S JAY (20-30), SPOTTED TOWHEE (15-20), SAVANNAH SPARROW (40+), and DARK-EYED JUNCO (100+). There was a notable amount of SINGING, from Brown Creeper, Marsh Wren, Bewick's Wren, Song Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Purple Finch, and House Finch. Anna's Hummingbirds were doing their display flights as well. This was our earliest fall sighting of SNOW GOOSE by four days, and only the third October sighting prior to the 4th week in October. It was our 4th earliest WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. In other news, Lillian Reis saw a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE on September 27, and a WESTERN SCRUB-JAY (photos below) on October 1. For the day, 68 species. For the year, adding BREWER’S BLACKBIRD, I think we're up to 154 species – that’s high, and a new record is possible this year. I will be giving a data-rich summary of the last 20 years of birding at Marymoor Park at Monday’s WOS meeting in Seattle. See www.wos.org for more information. == Michael Hobbs	Eleven Snow Geese. Photo by Ollie Oliver A White-throated Sparrow (lower left) photobombed this portrait of a Golden-crowned Sparrow. Photo by Ollie Oliver Juvenile Cooper's Hawk. Photo by Ollie Oliver
American Goldfinch. Photo by Hugh Jennings	Male Red-winged Blackbird. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Many spider webs were visible in the fog. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Many of the Oregon Ash trees have good seed crops this year, so we should have more great looks at Purple Finches like this male. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Orange-crowned Warbler. Photo by Casey Warf	Orange-crowned Warbler. Photo by Ollie Oliver.
Hermit Thrush. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Hermit Thrush. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Hermit Thrush. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Hermit Thrush. Photo by Casey Warf
Lincoln's Sparrow. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Yellow-rumped Warbler Photo by Ollie Oliver
Male Brewer's Blackbird. Photo by Hugh Jennings	Male Brewer's Blackbird. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Horned Grebe. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Horned Grebe. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Western Scrub-Jay, 2014-10-01. Photo by Lillian Reis	Western Scrub-Jay, 2014-10-01. Photo by Lillian Reis

Report for October 3, 2013 Birding at Marymoor

We had an excellent day today at Marymoor. Overcast to start but with sun later on. Lots of bird activity today kept us hanging around various spots longer than usual. Matt Bartels and I got to be Michael's representative in his absence. Michael should be back next week. Notable birds today: Best bird of the day - Lapland Longspur - apparently first since 2005 Greater White-fronted Goose - 6 imm. Cackling Goose - first flocks Horned Grebe on Lake Sammamish Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks Barn Owl - early in East Meadow Vaux's Swift - late Pileated Woodpecker Hammond's Flycatcher - unusual for fall Violet-green Swallow & Barn Swallow - late Ruby-crowned Kinglet - first of fall American Pipit - about 25 Orange-crowned Warbler - about 6 with bright yellow variety Black-throated Gray Warbler - 1 imm. - really crisp plumage Fox Sparrow - 6 Good Birding, Brian H. Bell	Double-crested Cormorant, distinctive in silhouette. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Hammond's Flycatcher. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Unusually bright and reddish Savannah Sparrow. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Black-throated Gray Warbler. Photo by Lillian Reis	Birders at the Lake Platform. Photo by Lillian Reis
American Pipit. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Sharp-shinned Hawk. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Western Meadowlark in flight, 2013-10-02. Photo by Lillian Reis	Western Meadowlark in flight, 2013-10-02. Photo by Lillian Reis
Fox Sparrow, 2013-10-01. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Pied-billed Grebe, 2013-10-01. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Spotted Towhee, 2013-10-01. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Juvenile Greater White-fronted Geese, 2013-10-01. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Turkey Vulture, 2013-09-30. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Turkey Vulture, 2013-09-30. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Adult Ring-billed Gull, 2013-09-29. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Juvenile Ring-billed Gull, 2013-09-29. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Lincoln's Sparrow in alert posture, 2013-09-29. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Lincoln's Sparrow in alert posture, 2013-09-29. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Marymoor from the new Sammamish Landing Park. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Blow-up of same, showing the lake platform and martin gourds at Marymoor

Report for October 4, 2012 Birding at Marymoor

Our first frosty morning (all the cars reported 32 degrees at 7:30, and there was a touch of frost here and there), but with the sun out, things warmed up. It was at least 60 by the time we were done. Rather quiet today – we seem to be in a bit of a crease between summer birds and winter birds – we had only 2 species of duck, for example. But still some interesting stuff. Highlights: (FOF=First of Fall) Cackling Goose A couple of small flocks early – FOF Red-necked Grebe Looked like 2 well out on the lake – FOF Sharp-shinned Hawk At least 2 Cooper’s Hawk At least 2 Red-tailed Hawk At least 3 pairs Merlin One over mansion – landed a little after 7:30 Common Raven One heard from start of boardwalk Varied Thrush One near S end of Dog Meadow – FOF American Pipit At least 1 calling over Compost Piles early WHITE-THROATED SPARROW At least 3! Pine Siskin Our first largish flock ~25 After I got home, Houston Flores texted me to say there was a NORTHERN HARRIER over the East Meadow. Weirdest sight– near the park office, one male ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD had another Anna’s male pinned on his back on the ground. They stayed that way for quite a while, watching us as we approached. I think we interrupted a fight. For the day, 54 species. == Michael Hobbs	Subadult Pied-billed Grebe in the slough fog "Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warbler in the morning sun. Photo by Ollie Oliver
White-throated Sparrow, one of two under some bushes. Photo by Hugh Jennings	"Sooty" Fox Sparrow. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Marsh Wren. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Male Anna's Hummingbird on the ground, with another male on its back, pinned underneath the first. They remained like this for at nearly a minute as we walked up. Only the beak of the bottom bird is really visible in this photo.
"Sooty" Fox Sparrow, 2012-10-01. Photo by Ollie Oliver	White-throated Sparrow, 2012-10-01. Photo by Ollie Oliver
White-throated Sparrow, 2012-10-01. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Savannah Sparrow, 2012-10-01. Photo by Ollie Oliver

Report for October 6, 2011 Birding at Marymoor

Michael Hobbs is in Prague for three weeks, and Matt Bartels & I substituted for him today at Marymoor. 0635-1300, 51-60F, cloudy Started out cool and cloudy, but really quite birdy (we were to 40 species before dog central). Fairly quiet, but we still managed to see lots of good birds including: Two flights of Snow Geese (one of 5, one of 93) Wood Ducks with the males in prime plumage Hooded Merganser with a beautiful male A very obliging Cooper's Hawk that posed for us for several minutes 3 Red-tailed Hawks, with one immature with a blue wing tag (couldn't read a number) A late flock of Violet-green Swallows The first Varied Thrush of the season [Scott had one last week ~mh] Tons of Yellow-rumped Warblers, plus Orange-crowned, Wilson's and Common Yellowthroat Several Fox Sparrows 63 species bunny, Long-tailed Weasel, deer, Eastern Gray Squirrel Brian H. Bell Woodinville, WA	Long-tailed Weasel in the early morning. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Five Snow Geese. Photo by Ollie Oliver	94 Snow Geese. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Northern Harrier (top left) and Red-tailed Hawk. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Golden-crowned Sparrow and Savannah Sparrows. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Northern Pintail. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Male Hooded Merganser. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Bewick's Wren, 2011-10-02. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Western Meadowlark, 2011-10-02. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Coyote, 2011-10-02. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Lincoln's Sparrow, 2011-10-02. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Cabbage White butterfly, 2011-10-02. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Western Meadowlark, 2011-10-02. Photo by Lillian Reis
Wilson's Snipe, 2011-10-02. Photo by Lillian Reis	Green Herons, 2011-09-30. Photo by Lillian Reis

Report for October 7, 2010

Another nice day at Marymoor today - the early morning was gorgeous and birdy, though the wind picked up a bit after the first couple of hours, and the birds became a little harder to find. Early on, though, the park was just FULL of birds. Swallows seem to have all left, and ducks haven't arrived yet, but there were a lot of other species to see. Highlights (FOF=First of Fall): TURKEY VULTURE 2 flew south over E edge of park Barn Owl 1 or 2 were seen pre-dawn, East Meadow Great Horned Owl ? Scott had a GHOW or Barred Owl early NORTHERN SHRIKE One at Compost Piles - FOF Orange-crowned Warbler 2 still around Yellow-rumped Warbler 100+ White-throated Sparrow TWO in the willows at the weir - great looks Western Meadowlark 2 near Compost Piles Brewer's Blackbird One with dozens of RWBL at the Pea Patch Pine Siskin 2 at the Pea Patch - FOF Evening Grosbeak Saw 1 flock overhead, heard several others A juvenile RED-TAILED HAWK kept flying into birdy spots as if it were a Cooper's Hawk. At least 4 times, I thought we finally had an accipiter for the day, but it was always just the Red-tail. The little birds reacted as if it were an accipiter. Scott Ramos's large, dark owl flew close to his head, and it was carrying a rat. It was still too dark for him to see details, but by size and dark tones, he figures it was either Great Horned or Barred. Neither of these is usually seen over the East Meadow. By one day, this was the earliest NORTHERN SHRIKE fall sighting we've ever had., beating out the October 8. 2007 sighting. Lots of "misses" - No Hooded Merganser, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Ring-billed Gull, or Glaucous-winged Gull were seen, all of which we typically would see at this time of year. We did have a few gulls way far out on the lake - too far for ID. For the day, 57 species. == Michael	It was a really nice morning, especially early Terrible photo, but clearly two White-throated Sparrows
Better shot of one of the White-throated Sparrows. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Male House Finch. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Golden-crowned Sparrows were singing today. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Bushtit photo by Ollie Oliver
"Oregon"-type Dark-eyed Junco. Photo by Ollie Oliver	The Turkey Vultures were not close. Photo by Ollie Olvier
This was the juvenile Red-tailed Hawk that kept trying to hunt like a Cooper's Hawk	Northern Shrike at the Compost Piles. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Leaves in the slough. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Male Wood Duck
Western Grebes. Photo by Ollie Oliver, 2010-10-01	Pileated Woodpecker. Photo by Ollie Oliver, 2010-10-01
Spider photo by Ollie OIiiver, 2010-10-01	Probable hybrid Chinese Goose X Canada Goose. Photo by Ollie Oliver, 2010-10-03

Report for October 1, 2009

What an unexpectedly great day at Marymoor. The forecast rain failed to arrive, and while it was overcast, there was little wind. Temps were moderate. And it was BIRDY. It was a real mix of new arrivals, lingering summer birds (or more likely migrant summer birds from up north passing through), and some lucky finds. Highlights: Greater White-fronted Goose 2 juveniles with Canadas Ring-necked Duck First of fall (FoF) - a couple Common Merganser FoF - 6 flew overhead to the lake Double-crested Cormorant FoF - one seen late on the lake American Kestrel One seen early Merlin One flying down the slough Virginia Rail Heard one. First since May Mourning Dove One in Pea Patch Vaux's Swift Getting late - 1 with swallows Pileated Woodpecker One in Snag Row Violet-green Swallow Maybe 50+, all over. Maybe way more. Barn Swallow Maybe 20 Ruby-crowned Kinglet FoF - 2 American Pipit ~30 on grass fields Cedar Waxwing Many flocks - 90+ birds Orange-crowned Warbler 6+, many bright yellow Yellow Warbler 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler MANY Common Yellowthroat Still one heard Western Meadowlark FoF - 2 in East Meadow, 1 near pipits Evening Grosbeak Small flock flew over lake platform An astounding 66 species, though I must admit that it was so birdy that we stayed six hours in the park! I'm pretty sure there were a few more species that we just couldn't nail down too. == Michael	Hooded Merganser, photo by Scott Ramos Juvenile Cooper's Hawk
Lincoln's Sparrow, photo by Scott Ramos	Yellow Warbler, photo by Ollie Oliver
Band-tailed Pigeons	Common Mergansers
Savannah Sparrow	Savannah Sparrow, photo by Scott Ramos
Western Meadowlark, photo by Scott Ramos	Orange-crowned Warbler, photo by Randy Byorklund
Pileated Woodpecker	Pileated Woodpecker
American Crow	Two adult male, one juvenile male, and two female Red-winged Blackbirds
Mourning Dove, photo by Ollie Oliver	Two juvenile White-fronted Geese
Two juvenile Greater White-fronted Geese, photo by Ollie Oliver	White-fronted Geese, photo by Scott Ramos
Toadstool	Toadstool
High-bush Cranberry	Raccoon, 2009-10-02, photo by Lillian Reis
"Sooty" Fox Sparrow, 2009-10-02, photo by Lillian Reis	Hairy Woodpecker, 2009-10-02, photo by Lillian Reis

Report for October 2, 2008

Seven of us noodled around the park today under mostly heavy overcast. We had periods of drizzle and a moment of light rain, but it could have been much worse. The birding was slow to start - we had a scant 30 species by the time we got to the lake platform, but things picked up there. The big highlight was a juvenile SORA that gave us great views from the lake platform. The bird was along the edge of the vegetation on the slough side of the base of the platform, and we had at least 10 minutes to view it. Thanks, Mark, for spotting this one. Other highlights: Northern Shoveler 1 at lake, First of Fall American Wigeon 1 at lake, First of Fall Western Grebe 1-2, new for 2008 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 adult Cooper's Hawk Adult and juvenile Barn Owl Ollie had one early over the East Meadow Hairy Woodpecker One in Oregon Ash from Dog Meadow Ruby-crowned Kinglet One near mansion - First of Fall Orange-crowned Warbler One near the mansion Yelow-rumped Warbler Many, and all over Wilson's Warbler One along the edge of the East Meadow So a 3 rail day (with heard-only Virginia Rail, and several Coots to go along with the Sora). Also, I almost never mention this, but Marymoor must be a major AMERICAN ROBIN roost site, since early in the morning, hundreds (400-1000) robins fly out. They tend to start leaving before First Crow in small numbers, but most wait another half hour or so. Many fly to the northwest and west. Another major highlight was a MINK across the slough from Dog Central. I also got glimpses of a RACCOON near the 2nd dog swim beach. For the day, 58 species of bird. == Michael	Adult Sharp-shinned Hawk American Wigeon female with two male Wood Ducks
A bunch of male Wood Ducks with an American Coot (center, facing left)	Juvenile Sora
Juvenile Sora	Ollie Oliver's photo of the juvenile Sora
Ollie Oliver's photo of a Golden-crowned Kinglet	Ollie Oliver's photo of a Western Meadowlark
Male Northern Flicker	Ollie Oliver's photo of the Northern Flicker
Ollie Oliver's photo of a mushroom	Ollie Oliver's photo of more fungi

Report for October 4, 2007

Despite the weather, we had a very nice and birdy morning. It was admittedly cloudy most of the morning, with quite a lot of drizzle and a moment of light rain, but also some sunshine. Not too cold nor too windy, but quite damp.

Matt had an amazing-sounding show in the East Meadow early, which I've asked him to report separately. I'll just say that it was part of his 7-raptor day. Even for those who didn't see the early morning owl show, though, the day was quite good. The most amazing thing was the complete and TOTAL ABSENCE OF GEESE. Nary a one.

Highlights:

Western Grebe                At least 25 on the lake
Bald Eagle                       1 well out on the lakeshore
Sharp-shinned Hawk       At least 2 immatures
Cooper's Hawk               Adult & Immature
Red-tailed Hawk             At least 3
PEREGRINE FALCON 1 flying north along slough at 8:00
WILSON'S SNIPE         Many (8-12) in East Meadow - great looks
Mew Gull                        1+, First of Fall
Barn Owl                         East Meadow, as late as 7:00 a.m.
SHORT-EARED OWL   East Meadow, early
Pacific-slope Flycatcher   Uncertain ID - 1 at the south end of the Dog Meadow
Violet-green Swallow       20-30. Getting late for them
Barn Swallow                  Only 1
American Pipit                 Two at East Meadow, more overhead
Orange-crowned Warbler Maybe 6
Yellow Warbler                One immature male near weir
Yellow-rumped Warbler   Dozens
Common Yellowthroat     One still around

We had good numbers of sparrows of all eight of the common species at this time of year (actually, only one DARK-EYED JUNCO, but lots of the others).

For the day, 62 species. For the year, Short-eared Owl brings us to 151 species.

== Michael

As Michael mentioned, I had a good start to the rainy day at Marymoor today. After watching the Barn Owl over the East Meadow, on and off from 6:30 onwards, I headed to the sparrow piles at about 7:00. From that vantage point, looking out into the meadow near the model airplane field, I caught a glimpse of a SHORT-EARED OWL. As it flew around, I noticed it was being chased. By a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. And then I noticed a second Sharpie. Watching the 2 Sharpies pursue the Short-eared, I soon noticed that the BARN OWN had joined in the chase. For a while I had great views of the parade of a Short-eared Owl, 2 juvie Shapies & a Barn Owl all flying over the meadow. Eventually one of the Sharpies broke off and landed in a tree near the sparrow piles. Right next to a perched COOPER'S HAWK. It was quite nice to have a ready-made size & tail comparison of them. The Sharpie & Coopers traded some very unhappy sounding words before the Sharpie decided to move on. Perhaps most surprising was that no crows joined in the chase -- maybe the rain kept them away this morning?

For those interested in watching the owl show at Marymoor, here's my advice. Park at the start of the trail that runs between the off-leash dog area and the East Meadow. The sparrow piles, right at the beginning of that trail have traditionally been a good vantage point for Short-eared Owls at dawn or dusk when they are around. Barn Owl, present year round, tends to work the far edge of the meadow. I generally walk down the path until I'm past where the new gate to the off-leash dog area. Watch across the meadow along the tree line [I believe this would be the south east edge of the meadow]. I generally try to be in place an 45 minutes to an hour before sunrise to wait for the Barn. Once it is light enough for multiple crows to be overhead, it is usually too late for Barn. I'd say I see Barn Owl about 50% of the time when I'm out there . Short-eared Owls have usually been active much closer to sunrise [and even after sunrise], naturally. Some years, they seem to just past through Marymoor around this time of year. Other years, they stick around longer into the winter.

Good owling--

Matt Bartels Seattle, WA

Bird Sightings Week 40
October 1-7* *adjust by 1 day in leap years

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