After running errands on this beautiful Saturday, I rewarded myself by
stopping at a few favorite places.
- First stop was Pillings Pond (On the north side of 90th about six blocks
east of Aurora) to observe the ducks and geese, and had a nice chat with
Chuck Pillings who is nearly ninety and has been raising and breeding ducks
since he was 12. He said a few years ago he lost dozens of ducks to an oil
spill in the Licton Springs creek that feeds his ponds. Before that, he said,
he used to have five species of Eider. We talked a bit about what might
happen to the ponds and ducks when he can no longer care for them.
- Then to the pond between the North Seattle Community College parking lot
and I-5. Saw a beautiful male wood duck (which is a redundant phrase). in
the north section of the pond. Also saw a spotted towhee and several
mergansers.
- Then to Pipers Creek in Carkeek Park with the intention of seeing chum
salmon, but not really expecting any. It's been a meager run this year, and
it's late in the season. But did see an American Dipper in the creek again.
This is the second time I have seen one there. I had seen one earlier this
year in Longfellow Creek. I heard the Dipper before I saw it. It was in the
creek, just southwest of where the tree has been felled in the lawn and
picnic/table area. It was very near the spot where a black barrel is chained
to a tree along the creek.

My best Christmas gift, by far, is the Sibley guide. I am still hoping to
receive a second copy - one for home and one for the car....

What a beautiful day it was!
Didi Anstett
Seattle