It was a cool, misty morning in Auburn as 20+ birders gathered for their annual trek through Adventist Academy and Flaming Geyser North and SP. Steve Johnson, accompanied by several scope-toters and camera experts, helped the group find over 57 species of birds. The crowd-pleaser, Lazuli Bunting, was found at the Adventist Academy (by the airstrip field), and paused for its closeup pose several times.

The Metzler Park on SE Green Valley Road was the site of the close-to-the-trail Bushtit nests, and Black Throated Gray Warblers, Western Wood Peewee, Black Headed Grosbeak and Swainson’s Thrush. Then on to the most productive site of the day, Flaming Geyser North, where all new birders are sworn to secrecy of its location (SE 354th Street, Discover Pass required!).

Over 35 species were seen/heard there, including secretive wetlands species, 4 types of swallows (including Purple Martin), and several types of flycatchers. We witnessed a stabbing of a bullfrog by a hungry Great Blue Heron.

At the Flaming Geyser SP bridge, 3 American Dippers (The only true aquatic songbird in North America) were observed and the brilliant Bullock’s Oriole teased us from behind, from atop of the trees. As we all probably know, birding while observing species in breeding plumage is the most rewarding!

All agreed it was a very productive birding trip on May 23rd .