On Friday, 25 May at 8:00 AM, I joined 9 brave Trilogy Birders at Stillwater to walk the Snoqualmie Valley Trail. We were not disappointed.
Ann, Joel, Walt, Maggie, Graham, Jack, Kris, Jim and Grant. Phil took photo.
Red-winged Blackbirds were singing as soon as we left the car. Barn Swallows were flying low to pick up insects near the parking lot. Upon entering the trail, we saw a Cedar Waxwing at her nest.
Cedar Waxwing at Nest. Photo Joel Haas
We heard a Spotted Towhee and a Black-headed Grosbeak singing. In fact, we heard Black-headed Grosbeaks sing for almost the entire walk. Later, we got a very good view of a male.
Presently, a female Western Tanager appeared. Later, what may have been her mate flew by for a quick peek. Robins were singing incessantly. Grant heard the first of several Wilson’s Warblers. A Red-Tailed Hawk soared overhead. Then a female Downy Woodpecker appeared foraging in the trees. The first of several Song Sparrows sang. Later, we saw several feeding on the side of the road. We heard a Brown Creeper chatter overhead. Then he appeared giving us a very good view.
Brown Creeper. Photo Joel Haas
Grant heard the call of a Western Wood-Pewee. Unfortunately, we never saw him. Violet-green Swallows flew high overhead. A Yellow Warbler was heard. Then a male and female Common Yellow-throat were spotted in a nearby bush. The little birds were stunning in their breeding plumage.
Black-headed Grosbeak. Photo Joel Haas
American Gold Finches tweeted as they raced by our heads. A Tree Swallow perched close to the trail.
Finally, on the way back, our favorite singer, the Swainson’s Thrush performed his solo.
It was a great day for bird songs.