Marymoor Park Field Trip (4/24/06) Highlights

Our first bird of the morning was a Brown-headed Cowbird. Next was an Osprey near a cell tower nest and a little later a Cooper's Hawk was seen soaring and flapping overhead.

At the north end of the east meadow, a White-crowned Sparrow was singing and posing in the sunlight for good views and photos. Savannah Sparrows were numerous throughout the meadow area. Many Barn Swallows and a few Violet-green Swallows were flying back and forth hunting flying insects.

We heard Common Yellowthroat, but couldn't coax any into view. Marsh Wrens were calling along the boardwalk in the wetlands and at the viewing platform at Lake Sammamish, one was singing its heart out in full view of everyone. It was an excellent photo opportunity.

Red-winged Blackbirds were in the rushes along Sammamish River and a Great Blue Heron flew high overhead. A pair of bushtits acted like they had a nest nearby. The only waterfowl seen were Pied-billed Grebe, the always present Mallards, Canada Geese flying overhead and a lone American Coot. Also, a painted turtle was on a log soaking up some sun. Six birders and 25 species.