All -

Birded Padilla Bay (Bay View SP) and Skagit Flats today.
Weather cool (mid-40's) and breezy with light overcast. Wind
frm the south to southwest.

Padilla Bay was relatively quiet, few gulls, 20 or so
Buffleheads and a Loon far out in the Bay, towards the
Heronry. Stayed until the picnickers (even in this weather)
and their dogs showed up.

Headed towards Fir Island by way of La Conner. On the
Bay View-Edison Rd (Delorme pg 95, A5) there's a small
Skagit County Park along the northern dike of a small
slough. Stopped to watch a GBH having lunch. Saw two fish
taken. Again more people and dogs arrived and the Heron said
"See ya later..."

However, on Wylie Road on Fir Island (going frm La
Conner to Conway, past the fruit stand and just around the
next bend in Fir Island Road to the south) came upon an
extremely large gathering of Ross' Geese. A very large
number covering probably an entire acre of land. Some
feeding, some sleeping, some just doing. Many banded. Many
folks stopping to look and take pictures which seemed to not
disturb the geese at all. All ages, including many immature,
brownish stripes.

Never saw anything like this before, except maybe salmon
returning up river.

Peter

The Sullins Family
In The Village of Silver Firs
Everett, WA
mail to: TheSullinsFamily at earthlink.net