Being a sometimes Saturday afternoon birder of the fill, Union Bay, and
the roof of Hec Ed (lots of gulls) from the upper (south) deck of Husky
stadium (especially when the action on the field is slow), I am pleased to
learn that what appeared to be big white birds with long necks were indeed
mute swans...thanks Dennis for the confirmation. One birds where and when
one can. Think the ushers would allow me to set up a scope instead of my
trusty 7X35s??? Maybe we could ask for a special tweeters section.

Roger Olstad
Univ. of Washington, Seattle

On Wed, 11 Oct 1995, Dennis Paulson wrote:

> >Mute swans seem to be once again invading our shores. I am requesting reports
> >of mute swans that may be found in the wild.
> >
> >I confirmed one (likely female or a subadult male) off the Three Crabs Road at
> >Dungeness on 10/8. Has anyone else reported this bird as it has been there for
> >at least the past 8 days. Some birds are likely migrating from the Vancouver
> >Island area and others are escapees from captivity.
> >
> >Any sightings of these pesky critters will be appreciated. They are
> >classified
> >as "Deleterious wildlife" under Washington law.
> >
> >Martha Jordan
>
> The pair of swans in Union Bay, between the UW campus and Laurelhurst, had
> 4 young when I was kayaking in their usual haunts in August. I've wondered
> if someone is "controlling" them, as that population hasn't increased in
> all these years, even though they breed annually.
>
> Dennis Paulson, Director phone: (206) 756-3798
> Slater Museum of Natural History fax: (206) 756-3352
> University of Puget Sound e-mail: dpaulson at ups.edu
> Tacoma, WA 98416
>
>
>