Hi, Bill,
Last year, when the marshes were drained, there was a Wilson's Snipe on the south side of
the Coville Rd. parking area, "the narrows", that I think was breeding there.
The bird was there making soft chirping sounds (don't remember exactly what it sounded
like) and out in the open watching me watching it (probably photographing, too (me not
it)).
I never saw young, but the behavior seemed like nest protection and lasted
several days.
Frank
On 6/11/2020 1:36 PM, Bill Tice wrote:
Hi All,UNSUBSCRIBE: www.freelists.org/list/obol
I decided to avoid chores (again) and head to the refuge. There were no Purple
Martins around, and hardly any swallows. I decided to walk along the road that
intersects the east marsh from the main marsh, the one that goes to the HQs
from Colville Rd. In getting to the lower, flat area of the road, I heard the
winnowing of snipe. After about 5 minutes I finally saw 2 of them, higher up
than I expected one to be. So not sure if this was a pair or 2 males vying for
territory. (have any ever bred on the west side of the Cascades?) Also
present were some 25 Ruddy Ducks, 8 of which were babies. A pair of Lesser
Scaup, 2 male wigeon and 1 male GW Teal and one female BW Teal with ducklings.
They began spraying the field between me and my car, so I felt it best to wait
until they were done. That worked out well because a Bank Swallow came by,
and, I was now able to count 6 Black Terns. Probably a new record of sorts for
the county. It would seem like breeding will take place, and I saw what may
have been some copulation, but, guess they needed their privacy and I could not
verify such.
I then headed over to Morgan Lake where there were both a Clark's and Western
Grebe, which appear to be paired. It would be interesting to see how long they
stay.
--
Bill Tice
:
Birding - The best excuse for getting outdoors, and, for avoiding chores
