On Mon. 9 Sept. Barry Levine wrote:

>... The fence that is about 1/2 way down the path was the
>only spot we could view the bird from. The main gate was closed on Sat.,
>so we couldn't get in to get a good look. It was in with a group of about
>15 Canadian Geese. Good luck.

For those who do not know, it is possible to bird inside the fence around
the ponds. First stop by the plant administration building during working
hours and sign a release/information form (stay out of the water, etc)
that the receptionist will give you. The form has a phone number to call
before you come out and the staff will open the gate, provided they are
not having some sort of emergency. The gate is normally open 9am to
3:30pm. You are supposed to have a copy of the release form with you when
you are in the pond area. I reduced mine and taped it into my bird field
guide. I have found the staff at the plant to be most helpful and they
always ask what I see on the ponds. The next couple of months will be
the best time of year to visit the ponds, in my opinion.

Ed Schulz
Everett, WA
eschulz at eldec.com