The still-roaming guinea fowl, growing-up goslings, and other West Seattle birds

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Photo sent by Kayano)

Almost every day, someone sends us a new photo of the still-roaming West Seattle Guinea Fowl, some still mistaking them for turkeys. So we’re opening this gallery of WSB readers’ bird photos with another mention of them.

(Photo sent by Lorenzo)

They’re not lost – we’ve been told they have a home, from which they are allowed to roam – most often seen in and near The Triangle, including in the street:

(Photo by Lisa Wallace)

As we reported earlier this spring, the Seattle Animal Shelter has tried, unsuccessfully, to corral them (they reiterated that to another reader just today) … Also often seen this spring, Canada Geese and their goslings. David Hutchinson sent this photo, observing that they’re growing up:

Here’s a view of a goose family earlier in the spring, by Angela Gunn:

Also on the shore, James Tilley photographed a Caspian Tern and Crow facing off:

In a more placid moment, this Great Blue Heron caught Benjamin Evans‘s attention:

Jerry Simmons photographed this Steller’s Jay taking time for self-care:

And here’s a Wilson’s Warbler photographed at Lincoln Park by Mark MacDonald:

Thanks to everyone who shares photos – birds, wildlife, breaking news, more – westseattleblog@gmail.com – also note that between galleries like this, we do feature bird photos with some of our daily event lists, so they’re worth a look if you don’t routinely read them!

waikikigirl June 9, 2024 (5:18 pm)

Don’t we just have the most beautiful birds and all wildlife anywhere?!!! ❤️ and thank you to all the photographers for sending the pics in!

James W Nice June 9, 2024 (5:34 pm)

Nice pictures. Hate to tell you, but the “bird scientists ” want to “change the names” of all birds named after a person. So now, it’ll have to show the new name followed by” formerly called.” Ain’t that special?

WSB June 9, 2024 (5:52 pm)

Yes, we’re aware of that. Moving very slowly, nothing’s taken effect yet, and they’re only planning for starters on a pilot project with six species (none featured in this roundup). You can scroll through this for the status:
https://americanornithology.org/aos-pilot-project-to-change-harmful-english-common-bird-names
Bruh shut up June 9, 2024 (6:17 pm)

Just because people want to move forward from slave owners being honored with buildings, parks and birds in their names doesn’t mean they’re the woke left. The fact that you had to quote bird scientists. L.
KBear June 9, 2024 (8:02 pm)

I’m sure the birds would prefer not to be named after enslavers, racists, killers of birds, and other unscrupulous people. What exactly is your gripe, Mr “Nice”?
- Wseattleite June 9, 2024 (11:13 pm)
  
  The birds don’t care what we call them.
  - KBear June 10, 2024 (7:35 pm)
    
    True. And the birds also won’t mind if we rename them. But names matter to people.

Reid June 9, 2024 (5:52 pm)

Great post! I love hearing about the exploits of the guinea fowl whenever they pop-up.

Kersti Muul June 9, 2024 (6:01 pm)

David’s photo of the goslings beautifully illustrates their pin feathers and why at this stage they cannot fly yet.

justme June 9, 2024 (9:14 pm)

oh, I thought they were giant Quail Park mascots!

A.D. June 9, 2024 (10:34 pm)

I saw that pair of Guinea fowl on Dakota a block north of Holy Rosary on Tuesday! Sounds like a they have a pretty wide range.

anonyme June 10, 2024 (6:01 am)

It is irresponsible for any pet (or domestic livestock) to be allowed to roam the streets. In their native habitat, yes. In a non-native urban environment, no.

Jethro Marx June 10, 2024 (10:52 am)

Yes, and you are probably within your rights to shoot them, but if you wait long enough some people from Vashon will come birdnap them.
- anonyme June 10, 2024 (3:26 pm)
  
  I am not in the least bit interested in shooting anything, nor is it legal within city limits. Besides, it’s not the fault of the animals that the humans who “own” them are idiots.

Shelley June 10, 2024 (11:41 pm)

Getting a check up and a dust bath outside of zoom care a few weeks back.

Erin June 23, 2024 (3:22 pm)

Juvenile guinea fowl on our roof, 38th & Dawson

Kathleen Fueger June 24, 2024 (7:23 am)

Spotted the beautiful guinea fowl this morning on 42nd across from the QFC parking entrance.

Antoine Smith June 26, 2024 (10:05 am)

On my run to the gym this morning I saw the Guinea Fowl duo running up Alaska near Petco and QFC. I hadn’t heard about them before so it was quite a surprise.

Sorry, comment time is over.