Hi,

My daughter is taking rowing classes through the Everett Parks and while
she is in class I have about two hours to bird on Spencer Island. Today
was more of a mammal day than a bird day. I joined two other people to
walk with and we saw a musrat swimming in the slough on our way onto the
Island. On the boardwalk near the barn, we were looking for rails when
a small mammal, I think a mink but I could use a good mammal field
guide, walked up the boardwalk towards us. I couldn't believe that he
just kept on coming until he was right at our feet. We stood very still
while this little creature walked all around us sniffing our feet and
checking us out. When he was satisfied, he walked to the edge of the
platform and jumped down into the cattails and disappeared. I wish I
had my camera!!!! We also saw a raccoon and two small brown rabbits.

We did get to see our Virginia Rail. One walked out onto the mudflats
plain as day and gave us a good look. I'm looking forward to my
daughter's next class. I'll be able to bird there three times a week
for the next month or so.

Yvonne Bombardier
Everett, Wa
ravenn at premier1.net