20 April

eBird data:  https://ebird.org/checklist/S85979735

Weather: 7 am 8C wind 5,  12m 15C wind NW 12

Tide:  9:30 am 3.5m, falling

Today I managed to get up in a timely fashion and get myself out my door with all my bits and pieces by 7:30.  It was a lovely morning, much like summer.   There was an interesting gathering preceding me on the path to the trailhead.

They seemed unconcerned by my presence.

As usual the path past the berry vines was chiming with sparrows and now blackbirds.  At the bridge leading into the Estuary, there was what is officially a "rare" bird--a Townsend's warbler.  I couldn't manage a photo.  They are described as "secretive," and indeed she disappeared into the shrubbery too quickly for a decent shot.  I'll  continue to monitor, although she'll likely move on.  

It was a bit of a mixed emotion, recording the sighting of the Townsend's.  They aren't that rare, but I remember that last April, there was one reported on Mt. Tolmie and for several days thereafter the hill was teeming with twitchers.  I hope no one takes my report that seriously.

There seems to be a joke among locals just now--it's so warm that people are suggesting it's like a week's holiday in Palm Springs.  Seems about right.  Dunno.  I've never been to Palm Springs.  Don't really want to go there.

Anyhow, it's very summery for the nonce, although the forecast is for rain and cloud and your basic coastal weather from the weekend on.  It's been nice.

A mid-tide this morning, and fairly ducky.  The Straits quite calm, and the light wonderful.

The river is still rising with snowmelt.  

I'm afraid I may lose the eagle nests in the emerging foliage.  They were both on their nests today--the downstream nest wasn't visible until an eagle landed on it.  The upstream nest is still quite visible, but I'm not sure it will remain so.

Headed homeward, another first of season bird--a female goldfinch in winter plumage.  

Home, hungry and needing a short nap.  Tomorrow is vaccination day in the afternoon, so I guess the last morning for a while.