Update from island bird expert Ed Swan:
Sunday, Kathryn True found nesting Downy Woodpecker and Common Bushtit in her yard.
Sharon Aukland in Dockton had a male Downy feeding a young bird at their suet feeder and Black-capped Chickadee using a nest box.
Bob Hawkins counted four Barn Owls at the usual location by the Wax Orchard runway.
Ezra and Harsi Parker have a nesting Pacific-slope Flycatcher at their place and saw a Bewick’s Wren using a cavity at Fisher Pond.
If you need a last minute Vashon-related Father’s Day gift idea, I’ve still got a few hundred The Birds of Vashon Island books to find a home for. If you already bought one book, I’ll give a 20% discount on your next purchase(s).
-Ed Swan
Nature writer and guide
www.theswancompany.com
edswan@centurytel.net
206.463.7976
Look at the photo above. Can you find the Bushtit nest? It’s a well-camouflaged, gourd-shaped hanging pocket of lichens, mosses, leaves, cocoons and grasses woven together with spider silk. This one was photographed by Kathryn True in her North-end yard. Be careful not to disturb nesting Bushtits–they are easily frightened into deserting their nests.