Tweeters,

I expect to be in the Seattle area this Saturday. I was wondering if
the Ross' Goose and Emperor Goose were still around? As well, exactly
where is the Emperor, I could not find Graveyard Spit on any maps. I
would also like to know how to get to the place where the Slaty-backed
Gull was in Tacoma as I would like to do some gull watching, I assume
that is the best place in the area for gulls. Are there any other spots
that are good to check in the area, note that I have never birded in the
Seattle area. Finally, are there any tweeters that would be out that day
who may be interested in joining up forces, the more eyes the better!

Al Jaramillo
jaramill at sfu.ca


There are tons
of good


There are lots of good birding places in the Seattle Area -- Discovery Park is a
great place to look for different species -- it goes from forested areas to
beach areas and places in between. It's a beautiful park to bird in. Also, the
Montlake Fill area near Huskey Stadium (UW campus area) is a good place (look
for the Center for Urban Horticulture). A great place to look for gulls and
ducks is the Everett Sewage Treatment Ponds. You can get a permit and walk the
perimeter trail -- there are brushy areas too with other types of birds. If you
can go to Skagit Flats (north about 1-1/2 hours) -- you can see raptors, snow
geese, trumpeter swans -- lots of eagles and hawks. This should give you a
start for places.

Sorry, I can't help you with the Tacoma bird, but as far as I know the other
ones are still around.

Oh, the Reifel Refuge across the Canadian border is great -- there are lots of
species there -- saw-whet owls for one..... I think that it is a great place to
bird.