Maureen Ellis asks:

>Has anyone else noticed teal wintering patterns in the south, central
>Puget Sound beach areas?

We see variable numbers of teal each winter down here along the
Nisqually Reach. They appear to be more selective in their habitat
choice than wigeons; they seem to prefer brackish, sheltered lagoons
rather than the open beach areas. McAllister Creek in the Nisqually
Refuge and Big Lagoon in Tolmie State Park consistently have winter
teal flocks.

The hunting forecasts predict a big year for ducks; anyone seeing
greater than usual numbers so far?

Eric Kraig
Olympia
kraig at wln.com