Wonderful day bobbing around Lake Lenice (Lower Crab Creek) in a float tube
with a flyrod in one hand and a camera in the other, trying to get pictures
to remember a truly remarkable day.

Hundreds of male Yellow-headed Blackbirds on the reeds in the middle of the
lake and around the edges, mostly chasing each other away from anywhere.
The sounds were wonderful. I was curious about one phenomenon: groups of a
dozen or so in full color plumage occupying the same bush in apparent
harmony. I was also surprized that there were no Red-wings around the lake,
although they were all along the road along Crab Creek.

Two very noisy and agitated Marsh Wrens. As I tried to paddle within camera
range, they really got worked up.

For several hours I watched five male Ruddy Ducks trying to mate with one
very upset female. They spent more time fighting each other than chasing
her. Every time one seemed to get serious, the other four chased him off.
Their colors were wonderful to watch.

Many Greater Scaup on the lake. One Northern Harrier keeping the Rock Doves
on the cliffs stirred up.

As I read the postings tonight and saw the enquiry about why we bird, I
thought of this experience. What more can I add?


Grant Hendrickson "I go to Nature to be soothed and healed,and
Redmond, WA to have my senses put in tune once more."

e-mail: grant at brigadoon.com John Burroughs

Home phone: (206) 558-4008
Work phone: (205) 557-7002