Hello,

I am a Jaapnese birder, living temporaly in Texas.
I will be in Washinton State,
arriving at Seattle-Tacoma on 25 Jan., departing on 28 Jan.
Could you recommend good places for birds in the area ?
My key species are as follows:
Trumpeter Swan
Barrow's Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Rock Sandpiper
Theyer's Gull
Blue Grouse
Ruff Grouse
Fox Sparrow
Red Crosbill.

The present plan (not fixed) is around Seattle,
Skagit area, and Olympic pennynsula.
Any information (including that like "this species doesn't appear there")
is welcome for these species.
I am not familiar with Western birds,
although I have experiance for a several days in California.
So I would like info. about other interesting birds, especially owls.
General weather info. is also welcome.
Can we get to Hurricane Ridge in this season with a cheap rent-a-car ?
How many ferries depart from Keystone to Port Townsend daily ?

Thank you in advance !

Kenji Mochizuki
Austin, TX
mochi at astro.as.utexas.edu