I have been a resident of Montlake since 1987. After 38+ years, I recently retired from the Bird Department at Woodland Park Zoo. I plan on doing short bird walks around South Portage Bay and the Montlake Playfields every Wednesday. If you would like to join me, let’s meet in the parking lot of the Montlake Community Center at 9AM (times will change as spring approaches). Beginners and all are welcome. Walks will be about 1 hour. The first bird walk will take place on Wednesday, March 15. Please bring binoculars and weather appropriate clothing. Let’s make this into the beginning of something fun! If you have any questions, you can contact me at cassidix2005@gmail.com. Thank you, Eric Kowalczyk
Eric Kowalczyk says
We have continued with our weekly survey of South Portage Bay/Montlake Playfield on Wednesday mornings. Waterfowl are decreasing and spring migrants (mostly Yellow-rumped warblers, so far) arriving.(54 species so far for the year)
Eric Kowalczyk says
Have been continuing the weekly bird walks at 9 AM at Montlake. Today we had terrific views of our “first of the year” Osprey (51 species for the year so far). Most of the waterfowl have left….but now we are seeing the start of spring migration for the Neotropical migrants (warblers, etc.) See you there next Wednesday, the 19th!
Eric Kowalczyk says
Rain and morning fog did not deter 6 neighbors to join me at the weekly bird walk. We saw as a group 27 species (which makes 48 for the monthly total). I will be there next Wednesday, 5 April at 9 AM.
Eric Kowalczyk says
15 March 2017: despite the continuous rain this morning, I was met by 5 adventurous birders who wanted to check out this area. We walked back and forth from 0900 hrs. to 1045 hrs. and saw 21 species of birds. Considering the weather, I was real impressed with everyone who showed up. They all had great questions, some of which I was unable to answer. Let’s hope for sunnier days ahead! I sent them lists of birds seen today. I will be there next week, 22 March 2017. (overall total for the year, 41 species).
Eric Kowalczyk says
22 March 2017: It was great to have some sunshine and nice lighting this morning for our weekly walk along South Portage Bay. I was joined by 9 interested birders who took the time to observe the birds (and not just “list”). Many good questions arose from our observations. And each question would usually lead to another question! We saw a total of 25 species. I will be there next Wednesday, 29 March at 9 AM. (overall total for the year: 43 species).
Susan Kunimatsu says
Thank you Eric. I will not be able to make the first walk, but hope you will continue to post the dates and times in the Flyer.
Eric Kowalczyk says
Paula, thanks for showing interest. Hope to see you later this spring. First of all, I would like to mention that I do not pretend to be the “resident Montlake bird expert”. The more one knows, the more one knows what they do not know! I hope we all learn together.
I am very grateful for the volunteer work done by the “Friends of South Portage Bay (SPB)”. They have done an excellent job in habitat restoration and improvement of the area. In regards the avifauna species diversity, I have seen 39 different species just last week. This has led me to want to check this location frequently and document the seasonal changes in the birdlife (e.g. as spring comes, many of the ducks will migrate north and many passerines species will arrive from the south etc.). Furthermore, it is a real treat to be able to just walk down to SPB from my home, in contrast to driving somewhere more distant. And lastly, perhaps by keeping records, we can document what effect(s) the up-coming 520 construction will have on the fauna of the area. I can post monthly bird lists seen/heard here in the Montlake Flyer. Thank you.
Paula Oppermann says
Thank you so much for doing this. We will love to come on a walk with you but Tony is in a “no weight bearing cast” for 6 weeks. We will watch for your announcements 6 weeks from now!