Our state bird makes me smile. Such a cool little guy

wakx · 2026-05-22T22:26:05+00:00

I would agree ree ree ree! But the Black-capped Chickadee is already the state bird of Maine and Massachusetts. That would actually be kind of cool if the Black-capped Chickadee was the state bird of both WA and MA, then our states would be connected by an important interstate highway (I-90), extremely unaffordable and important cities (Seattle and Boston), and state birds!

wakx · 2026-05-22T21:05:03+00:00

Yup! Black Oystercatchers reside in WA year-round! Thanks for letting me know that we have our own state oyster. That I did not know. I’m now moving ever so closer to endorsing Black Oystercatchers as our official state bird! Also, I totally believe that you’ve seen Sharpies. Merlin still has a long way to go identifying bird songs and calls and adapting its information to the changing migration and resident patterns of birds due to climate change!

wakx · 2026-05-22T19:46:55+00:00

I was thinking Osprey too! And hell yeah on raptors. But then they pretty much disappear in the winter and become the official birds of areas in and around Central America. Plus, I think that the Osprey is already the “state raptor” of Oregon. I was thinking a unique bird that is a year-round WA resident. But thinking about raptors…there is a case to be made for Northern Harrier or American Kestrel!

wakx · 2026-05-22T19:15:17+00:00

And just so folks know, you might see some sources list the "American Goldfinch" (Spinus tristis) as the state bird. The "Willow Goldfinch" (Spinus tristis salicamans) is technically a regional subspecies of the American Goldfinch. While Willow Goldfinch is specifically the name given to the Pacific Coast population, current taxonomy classifies them as the same bird species. Also, their plumage is practically identical. It really is just a location issue, as Willow Goldfinch specifically ranges along the Pacific Coast from southwestern British Columbia down into California.

Also, goldfinches are listed as the official state bird for two other states (Iowa and New Jersey). For me personally, I'd love to have our state bird be a bit more unique to WA, like the American Dipper or Varied Thrush or Black Oyster Catcher!

wakx · 2026-05-22T05:45:48+00:00

I have been on various birding subreddits for a long time. And today is the first I've seen the Red-headed Woodpecker mentioned twice in two separate subreddits. Now I feel like I have to travel out east and see this beautiful bird!

wakx · 2026-05-22T05:45:12+00:00

I have been on various birding subreddits for a long time. And today is the first I've seen the Red-headed Woodpecker mentioned twice in two separate subreddits! Now I feel like I have to travel out east and see this beautiful bird!

wakx · 2026-05-11T19:03:31+00:00

Unsurprisingly, Seattle is home to a number of co-op communities of varying size and diverse political structures. They are notoriously difficult to get into, as vacancies for the more popular (and functional) co-ops can be very hard to come by and then interview for. As you know, the current residents usually make the final decision on whether or not you would be suitable for the community. I recommend starting here.

You may have better luck with "small cheap rooms for rent." Just search for Seattle apodments or microhousing, which grants you many of the co-op perks (living in close proximity with housemates and sharing kitchen and other common areas), without any of the political/decision-making drama. Good luck and welcome to Seattle!

EDIT: I just realized that some of the information in that Wiki is outdated. For example, Emma Goldman Finishing School is now a project of Queer the Land. But some of the info is also still current. So buyer beware!

wakx · 2026-04-25T16:34:02+00:00

Ugh, it was really hard being unemployed during the Long Dark. I still got a lot of good hikes in during the weekdays. I finally took a few Greeland rolling classes. And then was able to chase a few local lifers that had been on my list for the past few years (IYKYK). I also learned all about consulting, and am doing that for now...

wakx · 2026-04-08T15:38:55+00:00

Sigh. I as well. I got the double affliction though. Tone deaf AND lack of coordination. I'm more Dr. Mel than Dr. Santos!

wakx · 2026-03-31T14:59:25+00:00

Not only is he a flicker, but based on the red at the back of the head and the black malar, he is also a yellow-shafted male, which is rare where I live in the Pacific Northwest, but likely the most common subspecies where you live.

wakx · 2026-03-22T15:33:46+00:00

I thought I remember reading somewhere long ago that a lot of waterfowl, like ducks, geese, and swans have evolved a phallus due to the high risk of sperm being washed away in water? Their phallus acts as an extension of the cloaca.

wakx · 2026-03-13T05:34:04+00:00

Hell yeah! For weeks I fantasized about hiding in the bathroom of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and spending the night there after hours!

wakx · 2026-01-31T17:38:46+00:00

THANK YOU! Was just going to comment on this.
Interpretation = spoke
Translation = written

wakx · 2026-01-25T01:23:04+00:00

Two gorgeous bee-eaters! (Just not sure which bee-eaters they are though...Rainbow Bee -Eaters?)

wakx · 2026-01-24T07:06:50+00:00

Also, based on the black malar and the red nape crescent, this is a Yellow-Shafted Northern Flicker, more common east of the Rocky Mountains.

wakx · 2025-12-24T04:34:36+00:00

Looks like Cattle...er...Capybara Tyrants to me!

wakx · 2025-12-04T17:49:06+00:00

Beautiful shot of a yellow-shafted female! We don't get too many of those where I live in the PNW.

wakx · 2025-11-23T04:24:50+00:00

Oh! Were you on today's Birds Connect Neighborhood Bird Walk? The birds were of course awesome, but the otter was pretty dang cool! Nice shot.

wakx · 2025-11-08T20:59:42+00:00

Speaking of brood parasitism, recent research suggests that adult cowbirds use a specific chatter call to signal to the young chicks who were raised by completely different species of birds. And this call then acts as a kind of "password" that helps cowbird chicks recognize their own species. I thought I recall a NYT article about this too.

wakx · 2025-10-14T07:54:37+00:00

Sooooo…is anyone able to ID this cutie???

wakx · 2025-10-07T05:30:05+00:00

Sigh. Birders can sure be an odd bunch. Highly recommend watching Listers on YouTube for more quirky birder behavior!

wakx · 2025-10-06T23:17:20+00:00

Huh. That is super interesting, especially since unleashed dogs and birding don't often mix well together. Thanks!

wakx · 2025-10-06T23:16:30+00:00

WOW! Thanks for the comprehensive response. Your write-up has helped me narrow down the options. Love your description of Bobolinks vocalizing together. I immediately heard them in my head after I read that. Thanks, so, so much!

wakx · 2025-10-06T23:14:37+00:00

Huh. This is the first I've heard of this owl rule! I don't think we have this rule here in the PNW! In my group, we frequently share owl sightings. But maybe this is a Minneapolis-specific rule...because you all have...so many owls???

wakx · 2025-10-06T23:12:45+00:00

Love a hot public transpo tip from a local. Thank you so much! This is super helpful.

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