It has been a long winter of muted colors in northern Minnesota, but during my trip to meet my latest granddaughter, I found color! Over the past 24 hours I have enjoyed birding hikes in two Seattle area parks, Marymoor and Yellow Lake Park. Better yet I have been able to wear shorts and a light sweater.

This morning’s sunrise expedition was in search of one very specific bird species (Red-Breasted Sapsucker), which is always dangerous as success has a low probability potential. However, Red came through for me. While the females have not returned north, the males were actively trying to pick and defend territories. I found four individual sapsuckers att Marymoor Park.

Given the cool morning and the lack of a bug hatch, I was surprised to find two male Tree Swallows. However, the best territory goes to the earliest returning guys who were having a stretch on a cool morning.

Over at Yellow Lake the local males were busy trying to impress the ladies.

Ring-Necked Ducks

Wood Duck (male)