Subject: Bald Eagles Killing Ducks
Date: Mar 8 11:34:51 2000
From: Kelly Mcallister - mcallkrm at dfw.wa.gov


> I want to apologize wholeheartedly to the person I advised
> about going on a bike ride out to Centralia Steam Plant--east of
> Centralia off Exit 82.

Despite the existence of the coal mine and the power plant, I still think
of the Hanaford Valley as a marvelous wildlife-watching area. The wetlands
are extensive and the area is so open that many birds can be easily viewed,
a great place to take a spotting scope and do some visual exploration. I have
never found to roads in the area to be that trecherously busy but maybe I
have missed the "rush" periods. This is also one of the more reliable places
to see elk. I have recently counted 98 elk along Big Hanaford Road. These
elk are actually causing significant damage to fences and hay crops in the
area but they are a sight to see.

So, despite the legitimate warnings about hazards on the road and
the less-than-pleasing views of power production in action, I recommend
a visit.

Look for Canada geese with neck collars and report numbers please!


Kelly McAllister
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife