Hello Everyone.

Although I've been reading this list for a while now, this is my first
posting. I thought folks might be interested in an occasional note about
what birds we have down here in Federal Way. There are a number of sites
within walking distance of my house: Dash Point State Park, Dumas Bay
Wildlife Preserve and the Visitation Retreat Center.

This morning I spent about an hour at low tide in the chilly winds at Dumas
Bay and saw the following:

Blue Heron 1
Kingfisher 1
Cormorants 6
American Wigeon 30+
Surf Scoters 30+
Canada Geese 9
Barrow's Goldeneye 3
Killdeer 2
Sanderlings 6
Grebes 2 (couldn't make out what kind at the distance)
Assorted gulls (which, I admit, I'm just learning to distinguish one from
another)

I really enjoy reading everyone's messages which I find both entertaining
and educational. Tweeters is a great place for newcomers like myself to
expand their knowledge. Thanks to all.
Steven Kimball
Federal Way, Washington
USA
kimball at halcyon.com