What's New in Our Backyards
Birding Highlights
March 26 - April 25, 2013
Mara Price - Sightings Coordinator
I hope you had a chance to get out and enjoy International Migratory Bird Day on May 11. I joined a group at Spencer Island led by Virginia Clark. You not only enjoy the sightings of the different birds, but you also learn how to identify the different bird species.
Carol and Larry Beason were away part of the month visiting the Grand Canyon and the Southwest. They saw many birds they have never seen before such as Cardinals, Western Bluebirds, Golden Eagles, Mexican Junco and Green Towhees. They total species count of 38 from their home a Lake Bosworth included 7 Brewer's Blackbirds, 24 Band-Tailed Pigeons, a Common Loon on the lake, 10 Evening Grosbeaks, 15 Pine Siskin, 3 Purple Finch, a RedBreasted Sapsucker, 2 RingNecked Ducks, 2 Varied Thrush, 20+ Violet-Green Swallows and a Turkey Vulture overhead.
An American Goldfinch finally arrived at the feeders at Hilkka Egtvedt's home in Mukilteo, the only one so far. The SharpShinned Hawk is still hanging around, but is not affecting her bird count. Her total species count of 27 included 13- BandTailed Pigeons, 2 California Quail, 7 Dark-Eyed Junco, 5 European Starlings, 4 Golden-Crowned Sparrows, 35 Pine Siskin, 2 Red-Breasted Nuthatch, a Townsend's Warbler, 2 VioletGreen Swallows and 2 White-Crowned Sparrows.
Reporting from Everett, Kriss Erickson listed 4 American Robins, 19 Bushtit, 6 American Crows, a Northern Flicker, 3 Anna's Hummingbirds, 3 Mallards, 16 Black-Capped Chickadees, 6 Mourning Doves, a female Hairy Woodpecker, 6 Dark-Eyed Junco, 12 Band-Tailed Pigeons and 3 Steller's Jays for a total species count of 15.
On the 30th of March, Julie O'Donald spotted a Western Screech Owl in the trees in the Green Belt near her home in Brier. On April 9th the Barred Owl arrived and apparently chased off the Screech Owl. Her total species count of 28 also included 20 American Crows, a GoldenCrowned Kinglet, 2 Golden-Crowned Sparrows, a Pileated Woodpecker, 2 Pacific Wrens, 20 Pine Siskin, a RedBreasted Nuthatch, a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, 2 VioletGreen Swallows and a Cooper's Hawk.
Mary Sinker reported 2 American Goldfinch at her feeders at her home in Stanwood. She also listed 6 Tree Swallows, along with 25 American Robins, 2 Bewick's Wrens, 10 Black-Capped Chickadees, a Brown Creeper, 11 Dark-Eyed Junco, a GreatBlue Heron at the creek, 17 Mourning Doves, 2 Pileated Woodpeckers at the feeders, 2 Red-Breasted Nuthatch, a RedBreasted Sapsucker, 9 RedWinged Blackbirds, 7 Rufous Hummingbirds, 5 Song Sparrows and 2 Pacific Wrens for a total species count of 34.
I now have 2 California Quail in my yard. My little male found a mate. The Evening Grosbeaks finally returned toward the end of the month. My total species count of 20 included 2 Evening Grosbeaks, 20+ American Crows
in the field, a Bald Eagle, 7 Dark-Eyed Junco, 7 House Finches, a House Sparrow, 3 Mourning Doves, 22 Pine Siskin, 3 Spotted Towhee, 3 Steller's Jays, 2 Rufous Hummingbirds and 2 Downey Woodpeckers.
If you have any suggestions or questions, please contact me at pricemara@clearwire.net or call my cell at 425.750.8125.
Birding Highlights
February 26 - March 25, 2013
Mara Price - Sightings Coordinator
Carol and Larry Beason got a very pleasant surprise this month. It is the first year they have seen the male Anna's Hummingbird. The male is much more colorful with his red throat and crown. They also reported 30 Evening Grosbeaks from their home near Lake Bosworth. I have only seen 2 this season. Their total species count of 45 included a Bald Eagle on the dock, 3 Brewer's Blackbirds, 11 Bufflehead near the shore, 16 Canada Goose on the lake, 3 Fox Sparrows, a Hutton's Viero, a Merlin flying through the yard, 100+ Pine Siskins in the trees and at the feeders, 4 Purple Finch, a Red-Breasted Sapsucker, 24 Red-Winged Blackbirds, 2 Varied Thrush and 6 VioletGreen Swallows.
Gail Dibernardo also spotted a couple of Varied Thrush in her yard. Its probably the last we will see of them until next winter. Her report from Brier also included 3 Brown Creeper, 3 Bald Eagles flying over, 17 Bushtit at the feeders and in the yard, 2 Pileated Woodpeckers, 2 Golden-Crowned Sparrows, 3 Anna's Hummingbirds, a Pacific Wren in the woodpile, 2 Bufflehead and 7 American Wigeon in the Brier Detention Pond, 28 Pine Siskin and a California Quail for a total species count of 27.
Reporting from Everett, Kris Erickson listed 6 Mallard Ducks in her yard, she also spotted a Bewick's Wren. Her total species count of 14 also included 4 Spotted Towhee, 16 Dark-Eyed Junco, 7 American Robins, 8 Northwest Crows, 12 Black-Capped Chickadees, 6 Golden-Crown Kinglets, 19 Bushtit, 7 House Finch, 4 Steller's Jays, a male Anna's Hummingbird, 1 Northern Flicker and 6 Western Gulls flying over.
Well, the Sharp-Shinned Hawk is still causing problems at Hilkka Egtvedt's yard in Mukilteo. She still managed to spot 24 species for the month despite the annoying hawk. She still has her Anna's Hummingbirds (1 male and 2 female), she also reported 9 Band-Tailed Pigeons, 2 California Quail (the only ones for months), 12 Dark-Eyed Junco, 2 Fox Sparrows, 2 Hairy Woodpeckers, 30 Pine Siskin, 2 Red-Breasted Nuthatch, 8 Steller's Jays, 2 Townsends Warblers and a lone Varied Thrush.
A couple of owls on Julie O'Donald's report from Brier. She reported a Barred Owl in the trees and a Western Screech Owl in the Greenbelt. She also reported 2 Bald Eagles perched on top of a tree, 2 Anna's Hummingbirds on the flowers, 2 Bewick's Wren, a Downey Woodpecker, a Fox Sparrow, 2 Great-Blue Heron in the trees and flying, 2 Golden-Crowned Kinglets, a Killdeer in the fields, 2 Mallards in the wetlands, a Purple Finch, 2 Red-Breasted Nuthatch, 2 Townsend's Warblers, 2 Varied Thrush and a Yellow-Rumped Warbler for a total species count of 31.
An extraordinary event occurred at Mary Sinker's home in Stanwood. For five days in a row 150-170 American Robins filled the grassy paddock and back lawn. It was quite a site. She also reported 9 Evening Grosbeaks. Her total species count of 32 also included 4 Bewick's Wrens, 2 Brown Creepers, 60 Dark-Eyed Junco, 17 Mourning Doves, 4 Red-Breasted Nuthatch, a Red-Breasted Sapsucker, 11 Red-Winged Black Birds, 6 Rufous Hummingbirds, 14 Steller's Jays, 3 Varied Thrush and 4 White-crowned Sparrows.
I only listed 19 species this month as I was not home very much. My report from Marysville listed 20+ American Crows in the fields, a lonely California Quail, 15 Dark-Eyed Junco, 5 Mallard at the pond, a Pileated Woodpecker, 10 Pine Siskin, a Red-Tailed Hawk flying over the fields, 2 Evening Grosbeaks, 2 Downey Woodpeckers, 2 Hairy Woodpeckers and 4 Western Gulls.
If you have any questions please contact me at pricemara@clearwire.net or call my cell at 425.750.8125.
Birding Highlights
January 26 - Febuary 25, 2013
Mara Price - Sightings Coordinator
The last message I received from Dick Vanderhoff was, "Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all." Dick Vanderhoff passed away on February 14, 2013 at his Warm Beach residence. I think Dick and his wife (who passed away in 2008) were two of our original reporters. Dick had to give up his house a couple of years ago and move to Warm Beach. He used to send wonderful reports from his home along Juniper Beach. May he rest in peace.
Birding Highlights
December 26, 2012 - January 25, 2013
Mara Price - Sightings Coordinator
Hilkka Egtvedt is having problems witha Sharp-Shinned Hawk that has taken up residence at her Mukilteo property. Many of the birds she usually sees did not show up in January. She actually saw the Hawk take out an injured Song Sparrow from under the feeders. She is hoping it will move on soon. Her total species count of 22 also included 200+ American Crows flying over, 14 Bushtit, 14 Band-Tailed Pigeons, 3 Fox Sparrow, 4 Golden-Crown Sparrow, a Pileated Woodpecker, 100+ Pine Siskin flying around the neighborhood, 5 Steller's Jays, 2 Townsend Warblers, a Varied Thrush and a Red-Tailed Hawk soaring overhead.
Carol and Larry Beason spotted 15 Evening Grosbeaks at their feeders this month near Lake Bosworth. This is the only place they have been reported. They also listed 20 Bufflehead, 18 Canada Goose, and 2 Ring-Necked Ducks on the lake, 48 Mallard flying over the lake, 100+ Pine Siskin in the trees, a Hudson's Vireo at the hanging basket, 3 Pied-billed Grebes near the shore, 2 Red-Breasted Nuthatch at the suet, 12 Spotted Towhee, a Varied Thrush on the patio and 2 Anna's Hummingbirds for a total species count of 40.
Kriss Erickson's report from Everett included 2 female American Goldfinch, 19 Bushtit in the yard, 17 Dark-Eyed Junco, 10 American Robins, 2 Northern Flickers, 2 Mallard Ducks, a Bewick's Wren, 12 Chestnut-Backed Chickadees, a Hairy Woodpecker, a Downy Woodpecker and 3 Steller's Jays for a total species count of 14.
Another Anna's Hummingbird spotted at Julie O'Donald's home in Brier. The Anna's are here all year round so it helps to keep the feeders out for them. She also listed a Yellow-Rumped Warbler at the suet all month. Her total species count of 20 also included 20 American Crows flying over, 8 Band-Tailed Pigeons, a Black-Throated Gray Warbler at the stream, 3 House Finch, 3 Northern Flickers, a Red-Breasted Nuthatch, 2 Song Sparrows, 2 Varied Thrush and a Cooper's Hawk near the feeders.
Mary Sinker also reported a Sharp-Shinned Hawk in her yard in Stanwood; it was near the feeders. She still reported a large number of species for the month. Her count of 26 included 22 American Robins, a Bald Eagle, 11 Black-Capped Chickadees, 53 Dark-Eyed Junco in the yard, 4 Downy Woodpeckers, a Great Blue Heron at the creek, 17 Mourning Doves, 2 Red-Breasted Nuthatch, 12 Steller's Jays, 2 Varied Thrush and 4 Pacific Wrens.
I was driving down 100th Street near my home in Marysville when I spotted 9 Trumpeter Swans in the grassy field next to the road; they actually stayed for several days. My total species count of 23 also included 6 Ring-Necked Ducks at the pond, 2 Great-Horned Owls, a Merlin, 3 Varied Thrush, 100+ Western Gulls in the fields, 4 Spotted Towhee, a California Quail, 8 Mallard in the field and a Pileated Woodpecker.
As you can see we only have six regular reporters now. I would like to invite anyone interested in becoming a reporter to contact me and I will send you the information needed. I can be reached at 425.750.8125 or email at pricemara@clearwire.net.
Birding Highlights
November 26 - December 25, 2012
Mara Price - Sightings Coordinator
After a year of reporting from Forest Park in Everett, John Davis will now be volunteering for the Forester of Everett Parks Project. This will be his last report on the bird species spotted on his walks through the park. His total species count of 35 included 48 American Robins, 2 Brown Creepers, a Fox Sparrow, a Great Blue Heron overhead, 5 Golden-Crowned Kinglets, 2 Golden-Crowned Sparrows, a Hutton's Vireo, a Merlin harassing a crow, 4 Northern Flickers, 5 Pacific Wrens, over 100 Pine Siskin in the trees, 12 Red Crossbills, 5 Song Sparrows and 7 Varied Thrush. I will miss his reports and hope that he will resume them some day.
Evening Grosbeaks and Pine Siskins topped Carole and Larry Beason's report this month. They reported 30 Evening Grosbeaks and 100+ Pine Siskins from their home on Lake Bosworth. They also reported 18 Bufflehead and 5 Common Mergansers on the lake. Their total species count of 34 also included 50+ American Crows flying over, 2 Canada Goose, 24 Dark-Eyed Junco, a Hutton's Vireo, 41 Mallard flying over the lake, 3 Purple Finch at the feeders, 9 Lesser Scaup on the lake, 7 Song Sparrows, 14 Spotted Towhee, 4 Varied Thrush and a Great Horned Owl.
Reporting from Brier, Gail Dibernardo listed 21 species. Her total count included a Bewick's Wren, 2 Golden-Crowned Sparrows, 12 Dark-Eyed Junco, 20+ Pine Siskin, 10 American Robins in her yard, 5 Spotted Towhee, a Red-Breasted Sapsucker, 2 Pileated Woodpeckers at the feeders, 6 Steller's Jays, 6 Chestnut-Backed Chickadees and 25 Band-Tailed Pigeons at the feeders. What a sight that must have been.
More Pine Siskins and Dark-Eyed Juncos at Hilkka Egtvedt's home in Mukilteo. Her report included 17 Band-Tailed Pigeons, 23 Dark-Eyed Junco, 50+ Pine Siskin, 2 Anna's Hummingbirds, 12 Bushtit, 3 California Quail, 3 Fox Sparrows, 4 Golden-Crowned Sparrows, 2 Pileated Woodpeckers, 5 Steller's Jays, a Townsends Warbler and a Varied Thrush for a total species count of 27.
There are a lot of Chickadees and European Starlings at Kriss Erickson's place in Everett. She reported 17 Black-Capped Chickadees and 11 Chestnut-Backed Chickadees at the feeders. Her total species count of 18 also included 72 European Starlings in her yard, also 4 Hermit Thrush, a Bewick's Wren, a Red-Breasted Nuthatch, 16 Bushtit, 13 Western Gulls, 4 American Goldfinch, 7 American Robins and 23 Dark-Eyed Junco.
A Cooper's Hawk has been busy at Julie O'Donalds home in Brier. It took one of the Band-Tailed Pigeons from her yard. She reported 7 Band-Tailed Pigeons in the yard along with 3 Golden-Crowned Sparrows, 4 Northern Flickers at the suet, a Red-Breasted Nuthatch, 2 Steller's Jays, a Varied Thrush, a Black-Throated Gray Warbler at the stream, a Barred Owl and 40 American Crows flying over for a total species count of 21.
Mary Sinker's yard in Stanwood was very busy again with 63 Dark-Eyed Junco, 14 Steller's Jays, 11 Black-Capped Chickadees, 12 American Robins, 17 Mourning Doves, 2 Bald Eagles, 8 Kinglet Species, 5 Evening Grosbeaks, 5 Bushtit, 11 Pine Siskin, 2 Pileated Woodpeckers, 4 Pacific Wren and 4 Varied Thrush for a total species count of 28.
My little California Quail is hanging in there. He has been all alone since he lost his mate earlier in the year. My total species count of 25 from Marysville also included 20+ American Crows, 16 Dark-Eyed Junco, 4 Downy Woodpeckers, a Common Raven, 4 Brewers Blackbirds along I-5, 15 Pine Siskin at the feeders, 2 Mourning Doves, a Red-Tailed Hawk, a Merlin on the wires near the fields, 20+ American Widgeon and 120+ Western Gulls in the flooded fields, 8 Ring-Necked Ducks at the pond and a Red-Crossbill at the feeder.
Birding Highlights
October 26 - November 25, 2012
Mara Price - Sightings Coordinator
Carole and Larry Beason were very excited this month to see 3 Trumpeter Swans on Lake Bosworth. They said it was the first time in years. They also reported 90 Pine Siskin in the trees and flying all around, 8 Evening Grosbeaks at the feeder, 4 Barrow's Goldeneye, 21 Bufflehead, 16 Common Merganser, 8 Ring-Necked Ducks and 13 Hooded Merganser on the lake, a Belted Kingfisher on the dock, a Merlin on the patio, 7 Steller's Jays, 4 Varied Thrush, 10 Song Sparrows (which is extraordinary) and a Red-Breasted Sapsucker for a total species count of 45.
John Davis's walk through Forest Park yielded 36 species this month. He reported 80 American Crows and 24 American Robins at the forest edge, a Belted Kingfisher at the forest edge bay, a Black-Throated Gray Warbler, 10 Dark-Eyed Junco, a Fox Sparrow, 3 Golden-Crowned Kinglets, a Merlin in the trees, 6 Pacific Wren, at least 100 Pine Siskin at the forest edge and in the trees, a Townsend's Warbler, 2 Pileated Woodpeckers and 5 Varied Thrush for a total species count of 36.
Gail Debernardo reported 25 Band-Tailed Pigeons at the feeders and in her yard in Brier. She also listed 2 Pileated Woodpeckers, 5 American Goldfinch early in the month, Varied Thrush, 15 Dark-Eyed Junco, 9 Canada Goose and a Great Blue Heron flying over, 3 Red-Breasted Nuthatch, 4 Spotted Towhee, a Bewick's Wren, 5 Steller's Jay and 7 Black-Capped Chickadees, for a total species count of 22.
Hilkka Egtvedt is happy to report that the little Golden-Crowned Kinglet is back in her yard on Mukilteo. Her total species count of 22 also included 2 Anna's Hummingbirds, 4 California Quail, 34 Dark-eyed Junco, 3 Evening Grosbeaks, 2 Fox Sparrows, 4 Golden-Crowned Sparrows, 4 Northern Flickers, 40+ Pine Siskin, 2 Song Sparrows, 6 Steller's Jays and a Townsend's Warbler.
Kriss Erickson's report from Everett listed 150 European Starlings in her yard. Must have been really noisy. She also reported 19 American Robins, 12 Dark-Eyed Junco, a Red-Breasted Nuthatch, 7 Golden-Crowned Kinglets, 3 Northern Flickers, 72 Bushtit, an Anna's Hummingbird, a Bewick's Wren, 7 American Crows, 6 Western Gulls, 2 Mallard Ducks and a Hairy Woodpecker, for a total species count of 13.
Fifty+ Pine Siskin descended on Julie O'Donald's yard in Brier along with 12 American Crows, 2 Bald Eagles, a Barred Owl, 8 Bushtits, 2 Bewick's Wren, 2 Golden-Crowned Kinglets, 7 Band-Tailed Pigeons, a Pileated Woodpecker, 2 Northern Flickers, a Townsend's Warbler, 2 Red-Breasted Nuthatch and a Varied Thrush, for a total species count of 23.
More Dark-Eyed Juncos at Mary Sinkers place in Stanwood. She reported 45 at her feeders and in her yard. She also listed 11 American Robins, a Bald Eagle, 2 Brown Creepers, a Great Blue Heron at the creek, 11 Mourning Doves, 8 Spotted Towhees, 12 Steller's Jays, 2 Varied Thrush, 4 White-Crowned Sparrows, 11 Black-Capped Chickadees and 4 Pacific Wren, for a total species count of 28.
Dick Vanderhoff's report from Warm Beach includes a Red-Tailed Hawk, 300+ Tundra Swans, 1000+ Snow Goose along Marine Drive, a Mourning Dove in the yard, a Great Blue Heron flying over, 3 Steller's Jays and an Owl species, for a total species count of 7.
When it rains a lot, the fields near my home in Marysville get flooded and then the Gulls and Ducks fly in. I spotted over 100 Western Gulls in the fields this month. My total species count of 23 also included 12 American Crows in the fields, a California Quail, 12 Mallards, a Common Raven, a Pileated Woodpecker (we see him almost every day now), 2 Varied Thrush, 6 Brewer's Blackbirds in Costco parking lot, 4 Northern Flickers, 18 Rock Doves and 8 Chestnut-Backed Chickadees.
A special thanks to all of my bird sighters. I really appreciate their input. Comments and suggestions are always welcome. Please email me at pricemara@clearwire.net or leave a message at 425-750-8125.
Birding Highlights
September 26 - October 25, 2012
Mara Price - Sightings Coordinator
Good News. The Snowy Owls are back. Kelly Wallace spotted a Snowy Owl at the Pilchuck Tree Farm. We have had reports in the past from the Tree Farm. Also, a Northern Pygmy Owl was spotted east of Lake Stevens by Ethan Roberts. I appreciate receiving emails of special sightings.
Last month I reported that the Beasons spotted Swallows floating on Lake Bosworth. Actually, they were resting on a float on the lake. Carole and Larry Beason's report this month listed 46 species. Their count included 22 American Robins, a Belted Kingfisher, 12 Dark-Eyed Junco (that have arrived for the Winter), 2 Hutton's Vireo, 4 Golden-Crowned Kinglets, 10 Hooded Merganser on the lake, 6 Purple Finch, a Red-Tailed Hawk, 30 Red-Winged Blackbirds, 5 Golden-Crown Sparrows, 6 Lesser Scaup and 2 Anna's Hummingbirds.
John Davis reported over 60 Pine Siskin on his walk through Forest Park in Everett. He also listed 50 American Crows, a Belted Kingfisher, a Bewick's Wren in the brush, 5 Golden-Crowned Kinglets, a Hermit Thrush, a Hutton's Vireo, 2 Orange-Crowned Warblers, 4 Pacific Wren, 5 Ruby-Crowned Kinglets, 4 Vaux's Swifts at the Forest Edge, 3 Varied Thrush (we will be seeing more of these), 6 Yellow-Rumped Warblers and 2 male Western Tanagers.
Hilkka Egtvedt's report from Mukilteo included two unfortunate incidents with birds hitting the window. First a Golden-Crowned Kinglet and later in the month, a Varied Thrush. Neither survived. Her total species count of 30 included 4 American Goldfinch, 14 American Robins, 2 Bald Eagles, 4 California Quail. 13 Dark-Eyed Junco, 2 Fox Sparrows, 4 Golden-Crowned Sparrows, 2 Hairy Woodpeckers, 40+ Pine Siskin and a White-Crowned Sparrow.
Another Varied Thrush was reported by Kriss Erickson from her home in Everett. She also listed 77 European Starlings in her yard, 12 American Crows, a Bewick's Wren, 2 Anna's Hummingbirds, a Northern Flicker, 6 Dark-Eyed Junco, 9 American Robins, a Hairy Woodpecker and 12 Golden-Crown Kinglets for a total species count of 12.
Two more Varied Thrush at Julie O'Donalds in Brier. She also reported a Barred Owl in the trees. Her total species count of 27 included 40 Pine Siskin, a Brown Creeper, 5 Golden-Crowned Kinglets, a Killdeer, 3 Red-Breasted Nuthatch, a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, a Hairy Woodpecker, 2 Song Sparrows, a Townsend's Warbler and 2 Spotted Towhee.
The Dark-Junco have really arrived at Mary Sinkers home in Stanwood. She reported 63 in the yard and at the feeders. She also listed 2 Varied Thrush, 17 American Robins, 14 Black-Capped Chickadees, 2 Brown Creepers, 4 Cedar Waxwing, 11 Evening Grosbeaks, 11 Mourning Doves, 9 Pine Siskin, a Sharp-Shinned Hawk, 12 Steller's Jays and 4 Pacific Wren for a total species count of 31.
Dick Vanderhoff reported 6 species from his place at Warm Beach. He listed an American Goldfinch, 6 American Robins in the yard, a Bald Eagle in the trees, 5 House Sparrows in the ground, an American Crow and 3 Chestnut-Backed Chickadees in the bushes.
I spotted 2 Western Tanagers in winter mode at the feeders. It took me awhile to figure out what they were. My total species count of 25 included 4 Brewer's Blackbirds, a Bewick's Wren, 1 California Quail, 19 Evening Grosbeaks, 2 Great-Horned Owls in the woods and over the deck, 2 Common Ravens, 8 Mallard at the pond, an Anna's Hummingbird, 2 Red-Breasted Nuthatches and a Pileated Woodpecker.
Comments and suggestions are always welcome. Please email me at backyard@pilchuckaudubon.org or leave a message at (425) 750-8125. If you are interested in participating in our monthly bird counts, please let me know and I will send you a form with all the information.
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Tree Swallow ~ Rex Guichard