Judith Roan and Sue Stewart conduct a bird survey every month and document the huge variety of birds that visit our park in through the different seasons. Here are some photos of birds that were recently documented in Luther Burbank Park. All photos are from Judy Roan.
 Last July, a group of island volunteers, with permission from the city, converted the 3 abandoned tennis courts to pickleball to offer an outdoor option during the pandemic. They weeded, painted lines, filled in cracks, cleared leaves, and made the space playable. Since then, players of all ages and fitness levels have made use of the courts on a daily basis. Everyone learned that outdoor pickleball was possible during even the colder winter months, with a few more layers and a hat. The Seattle Metro Pickleball Association generously gifted a commercial-grade squeegee to easily dry the courts after a rain.
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country, and Mercer Island is no exception. The courts typically attract about 20 players each weekday morning, with more in the evenings, and even more on the weekends. The game is more egalitarian and social than tennis; and much easier to learn and enjoy. With such a beautiful space in the park, the three old tennis courts can easily be converted to 8 or even 10 permanent pickleball courts. This would serve many more in the community, and finally offer a proper pickleball venue on the island. (For reference, there are 14 other public tennis courts on the island, which are rarely fully in use.) Offering pickleball at Luther Burbank fits well with Friends’ mission to keep the park free of new uses as it will utilize the existing footprint; and at the same time increases usage and enjoyment of the park to a wider and more diverse audience. As the PROS Plan nears completion and a new parks survey comes out in August, we encourage everyone to take the survey and vote for permanent pickleball at the park. The surface needs to be redone anyway; it was in the last PROS plan for 2024. Let’s prioritize this project and enhance Luther Burbank with the addition of permanent pickleball. Bird nesting season is in full swing. In my yard we have nesting Steller’s Jay, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, and Bewick’s Wren. I can also see where the Chestnut- back Chickadees are excavating a cavity nest. The Bald Eagles have been on their eggs for some time now. Last years fledgling came back to join the family. I frequently seen the trio circling above. The yard is a flurry of activity from feeding to gathering nesting material. Normally Pine Siskins migrate back north and nest in the regions of northern Canada or higher. This year two pairs have decided to stay. I observed one wrestling a clump of dog hair (I strew dog hair in the yard for this purpose) that was bigger then itself. It wrestled the clump to a manageable size and flew off some distance away to a Doug Fir tree. I don’t own a dog, but a devoted friend sends me packets of her dogs hair every year. The nuthatches have chosen a cavity in a fir stump next to the living room window. My husband has enjoyed photographing the process of the excavation and the installation of nesting material. Among other items, we watched the birds strip tiny pieces of redwood bark and insert the strips into the cavity. They bring in bits of straw-like material, as well as, fluff. And it is interesting that they finish the outside hole with daubs of pitch. From the photo below, look closely at the head color of the two birds. the male nuthatch has a black cap while the female a lighter gray color. Yesterday, April 12th, the birds stopped the building of their nest and settled down to deliver their first egg. Most likely, the female will lay her eggs one day at a time until the clutch is complete. Then she will start the incubation process. We will keep you posted as to when the eggs hatch and the feeding begins.  With our very mild winter and early spring, the bird life is taking advantage of the situation by singing, staking out territories, and even building nests. Yesterday at Luther Burbank Park, Sue Stewart and I observed a pair of Bushtits in the early stages of building their nest. We were in the wetlands doing our monthly bird survey. The Bushtits were constructing their nest in a bare leafed Red-twig Dogwood bush. Sphagnum moss was the first layer of “Brick” to their developing sock-like house. Ron Reeder was with us, and provides the photo below. Notice the yellow eyes on the female Bushtit. We also were fortunate to see an Anna’s Hummingbird gathering the soft material in the Cattail sausage-like casing. The Anna’s flew off with a huge wad that will provide the soft interior of its lichen nest. The entire park was alive with birds singing, bathing, gathering seeds and insects. A large flock of Pine Siskins were gleaning the cones of Alder trees. There are still signs of winter birds that have not yet moved on. Fox Sparrows, Golden-crowned Sparrows, Purple Finches, and Ring-necked Ducks were still basking in our mild weather. These species do not nest in our area, but will move either east or north to their nesting grounds. It is time to put out, or clean up your bird boxes. And if you can, treat yourself to a bird cam that fits easily inside a bird box. No one can resist watching baby birds hatch and being fed. Judith Roan 
The 115th annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count was held on Mercer Island December 27th. Thirteen participants divided into four groups to count the water and land birds. Weather conditions were excellent and unusually warm for the count. The weather for the day turned out to be 48 degrees, no rain but windy. The lake was choppy and made it difficult to see water foul. The count tallied 58 species of bird and had a total of 2,624 individual birds. Not surprising, the most number of species were found at the north end around Luther Burbank Park. That group, headed by Linda Anchondo, found 43 species of birds. One nice sighting was of the resident Peregrine Falcon under the east channel bridge. The data from this count is added to Seattle Audubon’s larger compilation for the area. Ron Reeder took the photo below of the Peregrine on the East Channel Bridge. We were able to watch the pair swooping over the water just under the bridge. One caught a small bird and proceeded to eat it on the light standard. You can find them perched in nearby trees by the boat launch. Click to see Bird Tally  Lots of bird activity in my back yard lately. Migrants surprise me daily. A quick look at a White-breasted Nuthatch was photographed by my husband through the window as seen below. The next day a Mountain Chickadee made a brief pass through the yard. And at least 100 Cedar Waxwings have gathered and were caught bathing several days in a row. The Varied Thrush made its appearance, and was heard singing its flute-like notes. The Dark-eyed Juncos have decided to make my backyard their home year round. They have chosen a brushpile that is slightly smaller then the Song Sparrow and Towhees prefer. I recently “fluffed” up both piles so they can duck into the branches during winter storms. Today, a Red-tailed Hawk was sitting in the Doug Fir surveying his kingdom. Later I found a pile of American Robin feathers on the compost heap. I will never know if it was the Red-tailed Hawk or a Cooper’s Hawk that made his meal of the robin. Sue and I did our October LBP bird survey, dodging rain drops. It was unusually quiet birdwise at the park. Not many species were seen, but we did find our trusty Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, and Anna’s Hummingbird. One Red-winged Blackbird was still singing. Ruby-crowned Kinglets were abundant giving their low raspy call. For the November bird survey, we failed to locate either the Bald Eagle, or the Great Blue Heron. But we did find the first winter Western Grebe and Horned Grebe. 
The hummingbird feed is fresh with syrup, and the warmer is in place so that the sugar water does not freeze. Other unusual sightings from friends near Island Crest School have a Scrub Jay in their yard. These birds have been reported on the Island before, but none seem to be nesting. The Audubon Christmas Bird Count will take place December 27th this year. Mercer Island has participated in this count since the early 1970’s. Over forty years of birding data! Good birding to you all! Judith Roan October 2014 Fall is descending upon us and we see it in the migration habits of many bird species. In my yard, the first Varied Thrush appeared and was still singing its flute-like notes. Also, over 100 Cedar Waxwings, mature and immature, came to my water feature to drink and bathe. It seems a mystery to me how birds manage to find each other to flock together for their migrations. But we see this phenomenon in many species including the European Starling or Red-winged Blackbird. On a recent trip to Yellowstone, my husband and I marveled at the vast herds of Bison, Antelope and Elk within the park. These animals don’t migrate, but do wander from one section of the park to another seeking grass. Yellowstone offers a perfect opportunity to see and photograph animals in a natural setting. The park rangers have a difficult job of keeping the many tourists safe from the seemingly benign Bison and Elk. Having the opportunity to connect with nature is important to people. But it is equally important to not disturb animals; observe them from a safe distance. We are fortunate on Mercer Island to have our own parks that provide habitat for many birds and animals. It would be easy for someone to track weekly the birds and animals they see in a particular park, or even one’s own back yard. Or visit the Peapatch, part of Luther Burbank Park, above the community center. This time of year, the patch provides seeds from sunflowers that Black-capped Chickadees enjoy. The Anna’s Hummingbird will remain at the patch during the winter gleaning small insects and sipping nectar from flowering plants. American Goldfinch, House Finch, Golden-crowned Sparrow are some of the species that you can find there during the winter. Red-tailed Hawk and Bald Eagles seem ever present. The crows will tell you when they are near. The photo below is of a flock of Sandhill Cranes taken in Yellowstone. But these birds may occasionally be seen flying over Mercer Island.  August Bird Blog: August is our hottest and driest month of the year. You may have noticed fewer birds in your back yard or at your feeder. August is a month of transition. Birds begin their migration process. Many, but not all of our northwest birds migrate to southern climes, and those birds north of us may come to spend the winter. The American Robin that you have in your winter yard is not the same American Robin that nested during the summer. We do find many birds that stay the winter. My Black-capped Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Northern Flicker, Steller’s Jay, Pileated Woodpecker all seem to overwinter—-or I like to think they do. My Steller’s Jay has his upper mandible broken off—a good marker for me to see. He/she has been in the yard three years now and has successful nests in our bamboo. The young Bald Eagles have flown to winter grounds leaving their parents behind. I like to anthropomorphize and believe that the parents took their young up to the Skagit where the ducks and salmon are plentiful. In the spring, the young return—-a joyous reunion with the parents who are by then on another set of eggs. You might be lucky to see the mature and young eagles vocalizing, flying in circles, clasping talons—-something to look forward to. Late August and September is a good time to go to the coast to view migrating shorebirds. Thousands of Western Sandpipers group up on their way south. On a recent trip to Ocean Shores we saw a pair of rare Stilt Sandpipers among the dowitchers, and yellowlegs. Stilt Sandpipers are more common on the East coast. Birding is exciting! 
Things to do in your yard to help wintering birds might include fluffing up your brush pile, adding suet to
their diet, and providing water. At Luther Burbank Park this August , Sue Stewart and I found Hammond’s Flycatcher, Black-headed Grosbeak, American Goldfinch, among the usual Bushtit, Black-capped Chickadee, Anna’s Hummingbird, Cedar Waxwing, and American Robin. Good Birding! Judith Roan Last month my husband and I had the thrill of watching (via our birdcam) four Bewick’s Wrens develop and fledge. June 23rd between 7 and 7:30pm, the four fledglings jumped from the box, still unable to fly, were escorted by their doting parents to the nearest Doug Fir tree. There they climbed up the tree and were tucked into small holes made by Northern Flicker’s. Safe for the night. The next morning they will be taken to the brushiest part of the yard where they will remain invisible from my eyes for a couple of weeks. They are fed by their parents and learn to fly during that time. I have seen this process repeated several times in my yard over the years, and have never read or heard about fledglings being tucked in a hole just the size for one little wren. Also, it is common to see fledglings leave the confines of their warm cozy nest just at dusk. Sue Stewart and I surveyed the Luther Burbank Park wetlands this month. The Red-winged Blackbirds have fledged and were not seen. Violet-green Swallows swooped overhead, Yellow Warblers sang their “sweet sweet sweet, I’m so sweet”, and the Bald Eagle flew by chased by crows. The north pond is still higher then normal—getting out to our hydrology point tests the tops of our Wellington boots. Usually by now, the ground is relatively dry. Lots of deer scat were seen. Sue and I had the pleasure of observing a flock (14) Bushtits bathing, then drying out in the bushes above the puddle. My own backyard is host to the new Black-capped Chickadees. Parents bring their young to the seed tray where they learn the art of cracking open the black oil sunflower seed. They are also shown the best bathing spot in the watercourse. I set up my camera and wait. American Robin 
Every Spring my husband and I wait excitedly to discover where the nesting pairs are located in and around our yard. Telltale signs are Black-capped Chickadees carrying thin straw pieces in their bills, the Bewick’s Wren carrying a thicker branch, and the Red-breasted Nuthatch excavating a hole in a dead Doug fir tree. We have one box with a birdcam affixed to the top. Past years have brought Black-capped Chickadees, and Bewick’s Wrens to nest in the cambox. When the Pacific Wren chooses the cambox, we cannot see anything because the wren stuffs the box to the ceiling obscuring the nestlings. Currently, we are watching four Bewick’s Wren chicks mature at a fast rate. Feathers are developing where yesterday was bare skin. Both male and female adults are busy supplying bugs to the four chicks. At Luther Burbank Park alone, Sue Stewart and I have recorded over 90 species. In my own backyard, I have 86 species of birds that have landed, or flown by. On a typical Christmas Bird Count on Mercer Island, we find 66 species. Most people would be surprised to hear that I typically have 20 species of birds in my yard each week of the year. What does it take to lure birds into one’s own backyard? Well, the answer is quite simple. Supply food, water, and shelter---and a dose of safety from predators. Cats! I strongly feel that cats are an indoor domesticated animal. And that your cat does not belong in my yard. Having got that off my chest, I feel much better about telling you how to lure birds into your yard. Supply food. That means that you should plants trees, shrubs, and flowers that produce seed, berry, or nectar. Cherry trees, Service Berry trees, Indian Plum, Snow Berry, Crab Apples, and Madronna Trees are food sources. Red Elderberry and hawthorne are good berry sources. Salal, and mahonia produce berries. For nectar consider Flowering Current. Hummingbirds also love styrax, lilac, and hardy fuschias which last into the winter months. In addition to nectar, hummingbirds depend on small insects. Watch them gleaning evergreens, as well as, your hanging baskets. Supply water. It does not have to be a lot--a dish set in a safe place will do just fine. Keep the water shallow--about one half inch or less to entice bathing. Birds need to feel safe while bathing so select a site that has a nearby bush or low tree. From that site, birds can observe that it is safe to approach the water to drink and bathe. Once engaged in bathing, they seem to lose all track of what is going on as they splash and submerge their bellies in the water. Hummingbirds love to bathe. My husband and I see them in the coldest part of winter at our watercourse--water cascading over their backs as they cling to the lip of the rock. Supply shelter. Some species of birds will use homemade bird boxes if they are placed correctly. You may be surprised to learn that many species nest within six feet of the ground, or on the ground. Many of you have had the experience of finding a House Finch or Junco nesting in your hanging baskets. But, what do they do the rest of the year for shelter? In my yard the most attractive and safe shelter is a pile of clean sticks placed randomly about three feet high and six feet long. By clean I mean there are no leaves or debris--just bare branches. Birds approach the feeders by first landing on the woodpile, then when they feel safe, emerge from the pile out to the feeders. The pile of sticks should not be too dense, but have pockets for the birds to escape inside. Several times we have observed Cooper’s Hawk a top one of these piles, with the smaller birds safe inside. The piles provide shelter in inclement weather, too. 
And finally, mulch is not a nesting material. Do not be too neat with your leaf rakings. Leave twigs, straw-like material, dried leaves, and hair. My husband’s hair clippings all go into the yard. A friend yearly sends me her dog’s hair. When you examine the used nest boxes, you will find straw, twigs, hair, and feathers among the mass. Robins will line their nest with mud but finish it with soft grasses, hair, and such. They often will decorate the final nest with some piece of ribbon or straw material hanging down the side. Below is the list of birds that have frequented or flown through my yard in June. Northern Flicker Bewick’s Wren Black-capped Chickadee Chestnut-backed Chickadee Song Sparrow House FInch WIlson’s Warbler Olive-sided Flycatcher, Bald Eagle Common Crow Red-breasted Nuthatch Steller’s Jay Brown Creeper Golden-crowned Kinglet Pileated Woodpecker Dark-eyed Junco Band-tailed Pigeon Spotted Towhee Violet Green Swallow Glaucous-winged Gull Western Tanager Black-headed Grosbeak I would welcome your observations. Judith Roan [email protected] |
