Hi Tweets,

While doing water quality sampling on a blustery Lake Sammamish this
Wednesday afternoon, I was pleased to see a gorgeous common loon near the
mouth of Eden Creek, on the NE side of the lake. It was surprisingly
tolerant of us in our whaler, and only dove a couple of times in the several
minutes that we bumpily watched from just 150 feet away. If I were greedy I
would have expected to hear its call, but as it was this was an exceptional
look for such an urban setting.

Further south near Pine Lake Creek, a pair of bald eagles came down low to
check us out as we pulled anchor; I got the impression that perhaps they
thought we may have been releasing a fish, an easy meal (perhaps a
kokanee?). After a few low circles they lost interest in us, and could later
be seen soaring high over the eastern shore.

Tree and violet green swallows were prevalent, and a few great blue herons
were among the dozen or so nests that we could conveniently see from the
water; had there been more time I would have stopped for further scrutiny of
that area just west of the boat launch, within the state park.

These were the highlights of a day that was actually plagued with equipment
problems and delays. I'm hoping that in upcoming weeks we might be treated
to the sight of some purple martins up at the north end. That would cure
even the worst headaches on the job!

Kevin Li
Seattle, WA
e-mail: kevin.li at metrokc.gov