Seattle Part I: Reliable Redpolls
A couple of weeks ago, Jen invited me on a birding day trip to Seattle with her and her pups. How could I resist those faces?! To sweeten the deal, there were life-birds up for grabs. A flock of Common Redpolls was reportedly (reliably) camped out in the birch trees near Green Lake. Redpolls typically…
Happy New Year!
I managed to squeeze in a few more birds at the end of 2015. On Christmas Day I went to Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve. I hadn’t visited since June and what a difference record winter rains make. The trails were completely flooded with water, but looking around the upland part of the park I still saw many…
Christmas Bird Count 2015
Last weekend I participated in the 115th annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. What a treat! Originally I was hesitant because of my beginner skill level, but was assured all skill levels are welcome and I’m happy I participated. I was shocked when I learned the history of the census. The holiday tradition started in response to…