Friends of Marymoor Park

Bird Sightings Week 23
June 4-10*

Rarities for Week 23:

Least Flycatcher	05-Jun-83	R. Thorne per American Birds per E. Hunn spreadsheet
Ash-throated Flycatcher	05-Jun-17
...Ash-throated Flycatcher	08-Jun-17
Ash-throated Flycatcher	07-Jun-06	Near Compost piles
...Ash-throated Flycatcher	09-Jun-06	Reported by John Tubbs
California Scrub-Jay	05-Jun-17	Photographed by Josua Rudolph
House Wren	10-Jun-21	Bird remained 03-Jun to at least 01-Jul
Brewer's Sparrow	09-Jun-11
Baltimore Oriole	04-Jun-06	1st year male, originally reported by David White. Bird remained 04-Jun to 10-Jun

Report for June 8, 2023 Birding at Marymoor

It was a delightful day at Marymoor, with sunny skies and temps mostly in the low '60s. But it was pretty much a duplicate of last week. We had only one species this week that we didn't have last week. Highlights: Pied-billed Grebe - Two from the lake platform, first in 10 weeks Pileated Woodpecker - Babies being fed in the nest Song Sparrow - Feeding a Brown-headed Cowbird chick White-crowned Sparrow - Feeding a WCSP chick Bullock's Oriole - Activity at the nest near the heronry. There may be babies in the nest Other than that, it was the same only slightly less. There were only two BALD EAGLES not nine, and there were four species that we had last week that we missed this week: Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Glaucous-winged Gull (may have seen one a mile away), and Red-tailed Hawk. It was a good day for mammal sightings though: Eastern Gray Squirrel - near mansion American Beaver - across from Dog Central Muskrat - from Rowing Club dock Eastern Cottontail - a couple River Otter - across from Dog Central For the day, 56 species. = Michael Hobbs
First-year male Bullock's Oriole, 2023-06-04. Photo by Kazuto Shibata	First-year male Bullock's Oriole, 2023-06-04. Photo by Kazuto Shibata
Virginia Rail chicks, 2023-06-06. Photo by Kazuto Shibata	Virginia Rail chicks, 2023-06-06. Photo by Kazuto Shibata
Pileated Woodpeckers, 2023-06-07. Photo by Kazuto Shibata	Two of the three Pileated Woodpecker chicks, 2023-06-06. Photo by Kazuto Shibata

Report for June 9, 2022 Birding at Marymoor

Weather was cold, dark, dreary. Birds were staying hidden.

"Highlights":

Double-crested Cormorant - One flew to the lake. Only our 8th June record ever
Falcon sp. - One flew north on the far side of the slough. Merlin or Peregrine most likely

We did have some begging baby crows.

Most notable was that 12 species were Heard Only, which is pretty bad when you have only 54 species total.

Misses included Canada Goose, Glaucous-winged Gull, Green Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Barn Swallow, and Cliff Swallow.

As I said, for the day, just 54 species, 42 seen.

= Michael Hobbs

Report for June 10, 2021 Birding at Marymoor

Today turned out to be an excellent day at the park. We started off with overcast, and it was none-too-warm. For a while we had a bit of breeze and a very dark cloud that misted us. Later, it cleared to sun and clouds. The birds were pretty cooperative, and there were several surprises.

Highlights:

Wood Duck – I believe we had three females with ducklings
Mourning Dove – one glimpse, and later a really good look at one. Only our 2nd MODO sighting of the year so far
COMMON NIGHTHAWK – Matt and I had one flying silently over the boardwalk around 5 a.m. – First of Year (FOY)
BLACK SWIFT – when the mist started, we had at least FIFTY Black Swifts over the south end of the Dog Meadow. Later, we had a similar number over the Viewing Mound in the sun. Probably a High Count for the park
California Gull – a tight flock of 10 at the lake
Caspian Tern – one seen twice, or two
Merlin – flyby near the weir put the swallows atwitter
EASTERN KINGBIRD – one north of Fields 7-8-9 – FOY
RED-EYED VIREO – one singing (unseen) at the Rowing Club – FOY
HOUSE WREN – presumably the same bird as last week, singing from a birch snag on the far side of the slough below the weir at 5:45 a.m. My first ever for the park
Red Crossbill – after a few times when Matt thought he heard one/some, we had a single bird flying up the river while we were on the Rowing Club dock. Our latest spring sighting ever
Western Tanager – two at the Rowing Club parking lot
Lazuli Bunting – My best guess was a DOZEN males. I also saw one female. They were all over the East Meadow, but in several other places as well!

Baby birds were plentiful. Beside Wood Duck and Mallard, and the babies at the heronry, we also had many species feeding young, and nests with young, as well as some already independent youngsters around: Red-breasted Sapsucker, Tree Swallow, Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Bushtit, American Robin, House Finch (pretty sure), and Dark-eyed Junco.

Misses today included Common Merganser, Rock Pigeon, Glaucous-winged Gull, Green Heron, and Cliff Swallow.

For the day, 66 species. Adding three today, we’re at 146 species for 2021.

= Michael Hobbs

House Wren. Photo by Jordan Roderick

Garter Snake, 2021-06-09. Photo by Bob Asanoma

Report for June 04, 2020 Birding at Marymoor

Ten of us met at Marymoor this morning, under a perfect lumpy quilt of overcast. We split into two groups of 5 to make social distancing more possible, and set out in opposite directions around the loop.

Highlights:

AMERICAN WIGEON – one male in the slough. This is the first time we’ve had one in June, and we have only one record for May (2002-05-08)
Common Merganser – the other group had a female with 7 small ducklings in the slough
Virginia Rail – 2 or 3 called from across the slough
American Coot – lone bird still hanging around near the Lake Platform
EASTERN KINGBIRD – two birds in the East Meadow. Most sightings for this species have come in early June. First of Year (FOY)
RED-EYED VIREO – we saw singing birds both at the south end of the Dog Meadow and at the Rowing Club next to the boathouse (FOY)
Northern Rough-winged Swallow – two were flying around the slough below the weir
Orange-crowned Warbler – Matt heard one pre-dawn
Black-throated Gray Warbler – one continues to sing near the Rowing Club parking lot. Only our 4th June record
Western Tanager – we saw a female. The other group saw a female and heard a second bird. Not commonly seen in June at Marymoor
Lazuli Bunting – Pretty sure we had at least 3 males, as well as a female

Babies: Canada Goose (at least 2 clutches), Wood Duck (3 clutches), Mallard (3 clutches), Common Merganser, Rufous Hummingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird (very recently fledged), Great Blue Heron (in the nests), Downy Woodpecker (being fed in the nest), Savannah Sparrow (being fed), and Dark-eyed Junco (being fed).

Misses today included Green Heron, Cliff Swallow, and Pine Siskin (may have glimpsed).

My group had 69 species. Jordan’s group had 62 species, to give a combined total of 73 species.

= Michael Hobbs

Report for June 06, 2019 Birding at Marymoor

We had lots of birders and a little rain, on a cool, cloudy morning. It was pretty birdy early, and lots of baby birds were out and about, but some species stayed frustratingly out of sight.

Highlights:

Wood Duck – two clutches of small ducklings at the lake
Rock Pigeon – one flew north – first since April for the Thursday walks
Band-tailed Pigeon – quite a few, with some great looks
BLACK SWIFT – 10 over the lake in the mizzle – First for us for 2019
Spotted Sandpiper – one at the weir
Western Wood-Pewee – several more than we’ve had so far in 2019
Willow Flycatcher – ditto
Northern Rough-winged Swallow – at least one at the weir
Yellow-rumped Warbler – one singing (unseen) near mansion

Babies noted (or in some cases merely suspected) included Wood Duck, Mallard, Great Blue Heron (still in the nests), Barn Owl (heard in the windmill pre-dawn), Black-capped Chickadee, Bushtit, American Robin, European Starling, House Finch, Spotted Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, and Red-winged Blackbird.

Mammals today included Eastern Gray Squirrel, American Beaver, Muskrat, *many* Eastern Cottontail, Raccoon (new for 2019), and a recently deceased Townsend’s Mole (new for 2019).

Misses today included Green Heron, Red-tailed Hawk, Belted Kingfisher, Cliff Swallow, and Chestnut-backed Chickadee. Still, we managed 62 species for the day, with BLACK SWIFT the only addition to our 2019 list.

Oh, and we had a brief visit from old friend Ollie Oliver at the Rowing Club :)

= Michael Hobbs

Report for June 07, 2018 Birding at Marymoor

Today we were missing many of our regulars, all headed down to the WOS Conference this weekend. Nevertheless, nine of us took to Marymoor Park for the weekly walk. It was cool-ish and overcast, with a little breeze, but a very pleasant day with decent #s of birds, but no rarities. Well, two rarities: Great to see Grace & Ollie Oliver back again! Highlights: Wood Duck - several clutches - I counted 13 babies pre-dawn at the viewing platform. Overall, around 30 Wood Ducks on the day. Killdeer - copulation - below the weir Spotted Sandpipers - 2 pairs nearby as well Band-tailed Pigeon - 20 or more, including close looks at adult & immature, and one flock of 13 Eurasian Collared-Dove - Brian Bell had one as he left for WOS Western Screech-Owl - heard pre-dawn - first in over a month Red-breasted Sapsucker - feeding young at nest at dog central Merlin - one fly-by early at viewing mound Western Wood-Pewee - not huge #s , but the first week we’ve had regular vocalizing around the park this year Purple Martin - 2 at the lake viewing platform gourds - first time in gourds this year for us Swainson’s Thrush & Cedar Waxwings - very numerous again today , though Swainson’s remained invisible Bullock’s Oriole - 2 males around ‘singing’ Red-winged Blackbirds - a pair copulating at weir, followed by a couple watching young ones trying it out as well! 5 species of warbler - Orange-crowned, Wilson’s & Yellow-rumped heard only, Yellow & Common Yellowthroat seen & heard Lazuli Bunting - 3 males, 1 female I don’t believe we had any species new for the park year list - we’re about all done with new arrivals for the summer For the day, 61 species Matt Bartels [subbing for Michael Hobbs]	Adult Spotted Sandpiper below weir. Photo by Ollie Oliver Juvenile Great Blue Heron below heronry. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Juvenile Band-tailed Pigeon. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Adult Band-tailed Pigeon. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Osprey. Photo by Bob Asanoma	Male Rufous Hummingbird. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Female Purple Martin in nesting gourd. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Purple Martin on gourd hanger. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Male Wood Ducks. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Male Red-winged Blackbird. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Male Lazuli Bunting. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Barn Swallows. Photo by Hugh Jennings

Barn Swallow. Photo by Ollie Oliver

Report for June 8, 2017 Birding at Marymoor

We had nothing but light rain and drizzle today, and it really hid the birds. Low species count for the day, and many of those heard-only. Just not that many birds wanting to be found. Highlights: Wood Duck – female sitting on a pile of ducklings at Rowing Club, same as last week Band-tailed Pigeon – at least 20 BLACK SWIFT – perhaps a dozen, despite the drizzle ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER – in dying cherry trees along trail below the weir – strange location Wilson’s Warbler – one heard near east end of boardwalk. Probably won’t have another until the end of July, as they don’t nest in the park Lazuli Bunting – male chasing female around the north edge of the East Meadow The baby GREAT BLUE HERONS are getting very large at the heronry. The highlights list was rather short today, and the species count was just 54 (down from 71 last week). == Michael Hobbs	Purple Martins nesting in the gourds. Photo by Michael Hobbs
Eastern Kingbird, 2017-06-05. Photo by Kazuto Shibata	Eastern Kingbird, 2017-06-05. Photo by Kazuto Shibata
Eastern Kingbird, 2017-06-05. Photo by Joshua Rudolph	Eastern Kingbird, 2017-06-05. Photo by Joshua Rudolph
Eastern Kingbird, 2017-06-05. Photo by Joshua Rudolph	Eastern Kingbird, 2017-06-05. Photo by Jordan Roderick
California Scrub-Jay, 2017-06-05. Photo by Joshua Rudolph	Ash-throated Flycatcher, 2017-06-05. Photo by Kazuto Shibata
Ash-throated Flycatcher, 2017-06-05. Photo by Kazuto Shibata	Ash-throated Flycatcher, 2017-06-04. Photo by Lillian Reis
Western Kingbird losing to a Tree Swallow, 2017-06-04. Photo by Kazuto Shibata	Western Kingbird, 2017-06-04. Photo by Kazuto Shibata

Report for June 9, 2016 Birding at Marymoor

A nice enough spring day, though surprisingly quiet at times. A few species were abundant, but we had to work rather hard to pick up more. Luckily, with the big group, and quite a few good birders, we were able to track down a good list of species. Highlights: Wood Duck Pair at lake with mixed duckling clutch Mallard I believe 3 clutches of ducklings total Common Merganser Nine around weir Great Blue Heron Baby “grum grum grum” calls from heronry Band-tailed Pigeon Nice flyby over fields 7-8-9 Barn Owl Matt had one at windmill very early Great Horned Owl Matt heard one to the west of the park entrance - all 5 woodpeckers - Pileated heard-only Warbling Vireo 1 east of Dog Meadow, 1 at Rowing Club – FOY - six swallow species – Including 3 N. Rough-winged at Viewing Mound Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 lingering birds American Pipit Single flyover Or.-crowned Warbler Not too many, not very cooperative Common Yellowthroat MANY singing birds Yellow-rumped Warbler MANY flocks, almost all “Audubon’s” Bl.-thr. Gray Warbler One singing across slough from windmill – FOY Wilson’s Warbler One silent male in Dog Meadow – FOY CHIPPING SPARROW One in Pea Patch – FOY Wh.-crowned Sparrow Gambelii subspecies heard, as well as expected Pugetensis Black-headed Grosbeak 1-2 singing west of slough – FOY The WOOD DUCKS at the lake had 8-9 ducklings, a majority of which were HOODED MERGANSER ducklings. We were a little disappointed to have no flycatchers, and to have such low warbler numbers (excluding the ubiquitous Yellowthroats and Yellow-rumps). A good mammal day helped though: Besides the introduced Eastern Gray Squirrels and Eastern Cottontails, we also had two DEER, two AMERICAN BEAVER at the weir, a COYOTE, and a MUSKRAT. For the day, 65 species of birds. For the year, adding Warbling Vireo, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, and Black-headed Grosbeak, we’re at 120 species for the year. == Michael Hobbs	Female Mallard with "teenage" ducklings. Photo by Ollie Oliver Male Yellow Warbler. Note distinctive yellow tail. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Northern Flicker. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Cedar Waxwing. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Black-capped Chickadee. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Singing Marsh Wren. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Juvenile Golden-crowned Kinglet. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Red-breasted Sapsucker. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Juvenile and adult American Robin. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Juvenile American Robin being fed by adult. Photo by Ollie Oliver
American Beaver. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Adult and juvenile American Beaver. Photo by Hugh Jennings
Juvenile American Beaver. Photo by Ollie Oliver	American Beaver. Photo by Ollie Oliver

Report for June 4, 2015 Birding at Marymoor

It was a very nice summer day today, with few unexpected species, but with a good collection of the expected birds. LOTS of breeding behavior and baby birds to see, and a good amount of singing. Viewing wasn’t as easy; about 8 species were heard-only. Highlights: Mallard Several clutches of ducklings, variety of ages Pied-billed Grebe Probably same lone bird as last week, Lake Platform Great Blue Heron Many young on nests Red-tailed Hawk Baby being fed on odd-snag nest west of entrance Spotted Sandpiper FOUR at weir Barn Owl Young again heard in windmill, 4:15 a.m. Rufous Hummingbird Large numbers (~14) must include some young Hairy Woodpecker Fully-fledged, independent young in forest OLIVE-S. FLYCATCHER Heard DISTANTLY WNW of windmill, 5:45 a.m. Western Wood-Pewee Nest building observed Cedar Waxwings Gathering moss Yellow-rumped Warbler Gathering nest materials near mansion White-crowned Sparrow Adult with young juvenile at Compost Piles Dark-eyed Junco 2 adults with VERY young juvenile, E of mansion Lazuli Bunting ~3 singing, heard from Viewing Mound, 5:15 a.m Red Crossbill Many (~40) including flock that looked to be females & juveniles Photos confirmed that last week, we had an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER perched extremely far to the SE, so today’s bird was not a First Of Year. But adding that species, I believe we’re up to 135 species. For today, “only” 63 species. == Michael Hobbs	One of four Spotted Sandpipers near the weir. Photo by Ollie Oliver One of four Spotted Sandpipers near the weir. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Warbling Vireo. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Juvenile Hairy Woodpecker. Photo by Bob Asanoma
Mallards at the lake. Photo by Hugh Jennings	Mallard Ducklings. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Male Wood Duck. Photo by Ollie Oliver	American Crow, showing an over-long hooked bill. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Red Crossbill flock. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Close-up from previous photo: Red Crossbills. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Tail view of a male Black-headed Grosbeak. Photo by Ollie Oliver	More typical side view of a male Black-headed Grosbeak. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Juvenile Dark-eyed Junco. Photo by Ollie Oliver	House Finch; they have been hard to find this year. Photo by Hugh Jennings
Male Lazuli Bunting. Photo by Louis Kreemer	Red Elderberry. Photo by Bob Asanoma
Townsend's Mole. Photo by Bob Asanoma	Male Lazuli Bunting. Photo by Lillian Reis
Adult male Common Yellowthroat, 2015-05-29. Photo by Lillian Reis	Sub-adult male Common Yellowthroat, 2015-05-29. Photo by Lillian Reis
Female Brown-headed Cowbird, 2015-05-29. Photo by Lillian Reis	Swainson's Thrush, 2015-05-29. Photo by Lillian Reis
Bugs on grass flowers, 2015-05-29. Photo by Lillian Reis

Report for June 5, 2014 Birding at Marymoor

It wasn’t exactly warm and toasty this morning, and there was enough overcast that we had unfulfilled hopes that we’d see Black Swifts today, but otherwise the birding was really quite pleasant. There are an increasing number of baby birds about, which is beginning to lead to confusion – “What’s making THAT call???”, “Is that an adult female or a juvie???” etc. It’s adds interest to the day :) Highlights: Wood Duck At least 3 clutches of ducklings Red-tailed Hawk Begging, fledged juvenile near Rowing Club Caspian Tern A couple of people saw one Barn Owl Seen at 4:15 a.m. Not by me (#asleep) Common Nighthawk Heard long before our 5:30 start (see above) Belted Kingfisher Two spent an hour chasing each other high overhead All 5 Woodpecker species Pacific-slope Flycatcher Seen/heard by a few near start of boardwalk EASTERN KINGBIRD One north of Viewing Mound Purple Martin Another early bird Yellow-rumped Warbler One singing near mansion Wilson’s Warbler One singing near rowing club Lazuli Bunting Several singing males again Bullock’s Oriole Some fledglings perhaps, plus adults Good day for mammals too, with American Beaver, and Raccoon seen, as well as the usual suspects. COMMON NIGHTHAWK has only very rarely been noted, though both in spring and fall migration. We’ve had about a dozen records of EASTERN KINGBIRD, almost all from the first three weeks in June. This is probably the same bird reported by Matthew Pike from yesterday. We were surprised to have both Yellow-rumped Warbler and Wilson’s Warbler at the park today. Both species typically clear out for the actual nesting season. We have only sporadic records of YRWA for June, July, and August. For WIWA, they’re usually gone for just June and July. Misses today included Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, and Cliff Swallow. We’re still waiting for our first Black Swifts and Red-eyed Vireo. We’ve only had one sighting of Green Heron all year, and no Pine Siskins at all. Still, for the day, 63 species, and for the year (adding Common Nighthawk, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and Eastern Kingbird) I think we’re at 139. == Michael Hobbs	Pileated Woodpecker. Photo by Ollie Oliver Killdeer. Photo by Ollie Oliver
White-crowned Sparrow. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Female Yellow Warbler. Photo by Lillian Reis
Raccoon. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Raccoon. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Great Blue Heron. Photo by Lillian Reis	Great Blue Heron. Photo by Lillian Reis
Eastern Kingbird. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Eastern Kingbird. Photo by Hugh Jennings
Red-winged Blackbird harassing a Great Blue Heron. Photo by Lillian Reis	Here the Red-winged Blackbird appears to land on the Great Blue Heron.\| Photo by Lillian Reis
Vaux's Swift. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz	Male Brown-headed Cowbird. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz
Male Lazuli Bunting. Photo by Hugh Jennings	Great Blue Heron, 2014-06-04. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz

Female Common Merganser, 2014-06-04. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz

Spotted Sandpiper, 2014-06-04. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz

Osprey, 2014-06-04. Photo by Ollie Oliver

1st year male Bullock's Oriole, 2014-06-04. Photo by Ollie Oliver

Band-tailed Pigeon, 2014-06-04. Photo by Ollie Oliver

Great Blue Heron babies in the nest, 2014-06-04. Photo by Ollie Oliver

Warbling Vireo, 2014-06-04. Photo by Ollie Oliver

Western Wood-Pewee, 2014-06-04. Photo by Ollie Oliver

Male Black-headed Grosbeak, 2014-06-04. Photo by Ollie Oliver

Male Lazuli Bunting, 2014-06-04. Photo by Ollie Oliver

Red-tailed Hawk and Bald Eagle tangling, 2014-06-01...

...yes, the Bald Eagle is upside-down...

...mid-air almost-collision...

...Four photos by Lillian Reis

Black-headed Grosbeak, 2014-05-30. Photo by Lillian Reis

Common Yellowthroat, 2014-05-30. Photo by Lillian Reis

Great Blue Heron, 2014-05-30. Photo by Lillian Reis

Report for June 6, 2013 Birding at Marymoor

Michael is in Ecuador, so Matt and I got to substitute for him today at Marymoor. It was a nice day, with much singing (particularly early), mild temperatures and clear and sunny. 60 species including one First of Year Highlights: Red-eyed Vireo Singing at Dog Central (FOY) Bushtits Newly fledged young, incl. one group of 10 Red-breasted Nuthatch Newly fledged young Chestnut-backed Chickadee Newly fledged young Lazuli Bunting 3 singing males Misses: Rock Pigeon Killdeer Evening Grosbeak owls Brian H. Bell	Red-eyed Vireo. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Baby Bushtits, very newly fledged. Photo by Hugh Jennings	Bushtit baby being fed. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Male Rufous Hummingbird. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Two Steller's Jays. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Lillian Reis found this baby Pacific Wren, 2013-06-05. This is the first record of breeding that we have for this species at Marymoor.	Two photos by Lillian Reis, 2013-06-05
Two juveniles, of six total Bald Eagles, that were hunting for ducklings on the lake, 2013-06-01. Photo by Hugh Jennings	Savannah Sparrow, 2013-06-01. Photo by Hugh Jennings
Male Yellow Warbler (top) and juvenile Common Yellowthroat, 2013-05-31. Photo by Lillian Reis	Male Common Yellowthroat, 2013-05-31. Photo by Lillian Reis

Report for June 7, 2012 Birding at Marymoor

Another fairly miserable morning, with lots of rain. Amazingly, we got good looks at a few nice birds, but mostly it was a day of slogging through, hearing more than we were seeing, and not even hearing very much. Highlights: Wood Duck Quite a few mothers with babies Caspian Tern Three overhead while we were on the slough trail Black Swift Despite the rain, about 15 Western Kingbird Seen by a couple of us, East Meadow Lazuli Bunting Great looks, NW corner of dog area Bullock's Oriole Lots of interactions between males Normally, we don't see BLACK SWIFTS on rainy days, but probably the lousy weather all over the state probably has pushed them to forage in unusual locations and under inclement conditions. For the day, just 54 species. = Michael Hobbs	The weather was so bad that no photos were obtained on the Thursday walk. But Ollie and Lillian got out earlier in the week when the weather was better :) Baby Great Blue Herons are getting large. Photo by Ollie Oliver, 2012-06-06
Male Anna's Hummingbird, 2012-06-03. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Male Anna's Hummingbird, 2012-06-03. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Band-tailed Pigeon, 2012-06-06. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Band-tailed Pigeon, 2012-06-06. Photo by Ollie Oliver. Note banded tail!
Western Kingbird, 2012-06-06. Photo by Lillian Reis	Western Kingbird, 2012-06-06. Photo by Lillian Reis
Vaux's Swift, 2012-06-06. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Vaux's Swift, 2012-06-06. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Four young Bald Eagles. Photo by Lillian Reis, 2012-06-03	Two of the young Bald Eagles tangling. Photo by Lillian Reis, 2012-06-03
Female Western Tiger Swallowtail, 2012-06-06. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Baby Garter Snake, 2012-06-06. Photo by Ollie Oliver

Report for June 9, 2011 Birding at Marymoor

It was overcast, but not too chilly, nor windy, nor did it rain. Conditions were perfect -- for MOSQUITOES. They also must have been perfect for CEDAR WAXWINGS, because they were everywhere. It seemed that every single bird we ever saw perched up and visible was a waxwing. In general, sightings of birds were tough to come by today, but we glimpsed a lot and heard a lot. Biggest highlight was a BREWER'S SPARROW at the Compost Piles. Our in-the-field assessment was that it was NOT a "timberline" subspecies, but I'd like to sit down with some photos and some books. This is just the 2nd time Brewer's Sparrow has been seen at Marymoor. The other sighting was from 2000-04-30. Other highlights: Green Heron Many sightings Virginia Rail Matt actually saw 1, boardwalk, predawn CASPIAN TERN Two flying north, twice. 4 birds? Barn Owl Matt had 3 predawn - young birds? Black Swift 2-3 over Big Cottonwood Forest Red-breasted Sapsucker Many sightings RED-EYED VIREO Singing, not seen, N of Dog Central Purple Martin Female in gourd, male & female at Compost Piles Western Tanager Maybe our last for this spring We also had a DEER, a LONG-TAILED WEASEL, and 4 GARTER SNAKES at the Rowing Club. For the day, 64 species of bird. Evan Houston birded last Tuesday, 6/7, and had six species we didn't have today: Hooded Merganser, Cooper's Hawk, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, Lazuli Bunting, Bullock's Oriole, and Evening Grosbeak, and earlier in the week Lillian had Mourning Dove and Western Kingbird. Also, the Lewis's Woodpecker was being seen until at least Saturday, so the week total is at least 73. New for the park year list were the Caspian Terns, Red-eyed Vireo, and of course the Brewer's Sparrow. Evan's Pacific-slope Flycatcher was also new for the year list, to put us at 146. == Michael Hobbs	Brewer's Sparrow. Photo by Hugh Jennings Green Heron, SE part of Dog Meadow. Photo by Hugh Jennings
Caspian Tern. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Vaux's Swift - the "cigar with wings". Photo by Ollie Oliver
Green Heron. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Green Heron. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz
Savannah Sparrow. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Willow Flycatcher. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Brewer's Sparrow. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Brewer's Sparrow. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz
Mourning Dove. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Rufous Hummingbird. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz
Bullfrog at the Rowing Club. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Garter Snake. Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz
Female Purple Martin in the left gourd. Female Tree Swallow in the right gourd. Males of each species eyeing each other from above their respective gourds. Photo 2011-06-05 by Lillian Reis.	Mourning Dove, 2011-06-05. Photo by Lillian Reis
Cliff Swallow building nest, 2011-06-04. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Cliff Swallows at their nest, 2011-06-04. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Western Kingbird in East Meadow, 2011-06-04. Photo by Lillian Reis	Cedar Waxwing, 2011-06-04. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Lewis's Woodpecker, 2011-06-04. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Lewis's Woodpecker, 2011-06-04. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Western Wood-Pewee, 2011-06-04. Photo by Ollie Oliver	Male Black-headed Grosbeak, 2011-06-04. Photo by Ollie Oliver
Bushtit cleaning the nest, 2011-06-03. Photo by Dave Templeton	Bushtit with babies to feed, 2011-06-03. Photo by Dave Templeton
Lewis's Woodpecker, 2011-06-03. Photo by Lillian Reis	Lewis's Woodpecker, 2011-06-03. Photo by Lillian Reis

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! Highlights - well, not a lot: Ring-necked Pheasant Poor Lonesome George struts well... Black Swift 15-20 over the south Dog Meadow Vaux's Swift Just a couple, but pretty good looks Red-breasted Sapsucker 2 just south of Dog Meadow Pacific-slope Flycatcher 2+ heard, one seen at start of boardwalk Swainson's Thrush Lots of nice singing Dark-eyed Junco Many juveniles around the mansion And did I mention mosquitoes and mist? For the day, 58 species, but several of those were heard-only, and several more were in the 1-seen, several heard category. == Michael	Band-tailed Pigeons. Photo by Ollie Oliver
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 4, 2009

A gorgeous summer day, EXCEPT FOR THE MOSQUITOES! The summer birds were singing, but mostly invisible. Lots of babies about, though. Highlights: Ring-necked Pheasant Male sounding off frequently Rufous Hummingbird Nobody visible at the nest, but female nearby Hutton's Vireo? Calling bird near Dog Central may have been this species Cedar Waxwing Ubiquitous. Lazuli Bunting 3(?) near southeast entrance to Dog Area Bullock's Oriole Pair chasing each other around, maybe more For juveniles, we had lots of baby AMERICAN ROBIN, a female RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD feeding a young bird below the weir, a probable juvenile RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD near the start of the boardwalk, at least one baby GREEN HERON visible under the adult on the nest at the Rowing Club, and a baby HAIRY WOODPECKER was peeking out of the nest hole across from the Rowing Club dock. Near the Rowing Club dock, we had a mixed flock of baby WOOD DUCKS (8+) which included 3 baby HOODED MERGANSER. There was no adult of either species around, as far as we could tell. The ducklings all appeared to be same age, and quite young. The BARN OWL in the nest box is rising higher and higher in the box, and is looking cramped. We couldn't see any young ones yet, though. We also had a RACCOON and 2 LONG-TAILED WEASEL. Huge CARP were stirring up the lily pads a the lake For the day, 56 species. == Michael	The Barn Owl is sitting higher and higher The Raccoon disappears on the far side of the slough
When the two weasels spotted us, one went left and one went right...	...then the one on the left popped up and made a dash across the trail to join the other
Male Rufous Hummingbird in the Dog Meadow	Some of the 8+ Wood Duck babies with 2 (of 3) Hooded Merganser ducklings
Probable juvenile Northern Flicker along the east edge of the East Meadow	There were two of them together, and they were playing/fighting/being siblings
Dave Templeton's male House Finch	In the photo the juvenile(s?) under the adult are not visible

Report for June 5, 2008

I left for the WOS Conference right after Marymoor, and so never did one of my regular write-ups. Now I can't really remember things like the weather very well. It was overcast, I remember that. Highlights: Wood Duck At least 3 clutches of ducklings Cooper's Hawk Male seen heading back towards nest with food Black Swift About 20 seen over the lake area Orange-crowned Warbler Rowing Club Townsend's Warbler Male just south of Dog Area, singing. Unusual location. Western Tanager As expected this time of year, male singing, female For the day, 62 species. Oh, and we saw a Long-tailed Weasel, and a Coyote cavorting near the park maintenance shop !?!? == Michael	Very blurry photo of the Townsend's Warbler
Willow Flycatcher and a male Rufous Hummingbird sharing a bush in the Dog Meadow. Photo by Ollie Oliver.	Ollie Oliver's photo of a male Common Yellowthroat
Coyote near the maintenance barn and the mansion	Ollie's photo of same
Tree Swallow nesting near windmill	This Brown Pelican spent a day on a dock along the northwest shore of Lake Sammamish, on a spot visible from the Marymoor lake platform. Ollie got a little closer to get this photo, however. 2008-06-01.

Report for June 7, 2007

Marymoor was certainly notable today - chilly (50F), mist, heavy mist, light rain, steady rain. We enjoyed one fifteen minute period when it wasn't precipitating. Slow bird activity, but continuous activity. Willow Flycatchers calling frequently, a couple of Black-headed Grosbeaks singing, Western Wood-Pewees were numerous, but not calling as frequently as recently. We wound up seeing lots of birds, but had to work for some of them. We only heard Swainson's Thrush and Purple Finch.

I had three Spotted Sandpipers at the retention pond near the new paved area, and we had one fly upriver past the rowing club and then back down. Mark spotted a Bullock's Oriole at the last minute from the rowing club. Of especial note were two Green Herons that flew into the rowing club pond, and then flew to the small pond. We cautiously investigated and I saw a new nest in the same tree where last years was, and there was one bird at it.

- Brian Bell

Check out Marc Hoffman's amazing photos of Lazuli Buntings copulating at the Compost Piles on May 25, 2007:

http://www.dartfrogmedia.com/birds/lazuliesMating070524Marymoor.jpg

Bird Sightings Week 23
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