Since I could not bolt to see the Whooper Swan, I satisfied myself with an
hour along the Columbia in the SW edge of Ridgefield NWR. Swans numbers
have been building somewhat; today there were about 40 Tundras (I had
reported Trumpeters a couple of weeks ago and am sure now I erred in ID).
Lots of geese, particularly Cacklers: had 4 neck-banded birds and 1
Greater White-fronted Goose in with the flocks. Could not find any banded
Duskies today.

I was out this way twice over the weekend as well (up River Road passed
Vancouver Lake). The Red-necked Grebe was still at Vancouver lake on
Saturday and a Peregrine was just north of Fazio Bros. sandpits. I've
seen a Cooper's Hawk adult in the western section of Vancouver on both
days, and Great Egrets continue to be conspicuous (6 Thursday, 3 Saturday,
1 today).

All these birds can be seen along the road without entering the refuge
which is well posted. If you go up this way, also realize that people
are kind of wary--be sure to be friendly and courteous to them (I've ahd
cops pull me over to check to see if I was a prowler).

RK

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ray Korpi "Television doesn't allow much depth."
Portland, OR/Vancouver, WA --Dan Rather, interviewed by
rkorpi at clark.edu Don Imus, 11/6/97
Compiler, Portland, OR CBC, January 3, 1998
President, Oregon Field Ornithologists
--New members always welcome--