We seldom see anything but common shorebirds and a few other ordinary
urbanites in our NE Seattle wildlife area. But recently a new family has
moved in, and the neighbors are finding it fascinating to watch as they
build their evergrowing home.

The largest has been named "Ward" and he is usually visible on most
visits. He is larger than I expected, quite a bit larger than most of his
relatives I have seen in wilderness areas. Ward seems to ignore humans
even when they are just a few feet from his home. "June" and "Wally" seem
a bit more timid, and it takes a bit of patience to see them both at the
same time. (I've yet to hear any of their regular observers claim an easy
method to tell which is which.) They seem to spend most of their time in
their home (listen carefully) or just below the water surface. Only a few
claim to have observed the fourth family member; one would almost have to
see him at the same time as the other three to absolutely confirm his
presence.

Fortunately for the family, the media has thus far not invaded the
family's privacy with cameras and reporters; it is frightening to think
of how quickly and easily vandals could destroy their home and even its
occupants. I'll be glad to provide easy driving/Metro directions for
Tweeters; dawn and dusk seem to be optimum viewing hours but I've yet to
be skunked during any visit the past few weeks. If you do go, plan to
bring some kids, even if you have to borrow them; the younger folks seem
particularly fascinated.

John Northeast Seattle
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