Tweeters,

A small flock of REDPOLLS was (with great luck) found on Foster's Island, a
bit east of where Gene Hunn located them for the Seattle CBC. We started out
at the western entrance, at Marsh Island, and carefully worked out way east,
encountering nothing smaller than PIED-BILLED GREBES on our way. My brand
new knee told me it was time to get back to the car before we got to
Foster's Island, but my wife reminded me of the benches at the end of the
trail. We walked another hundred feet or so and, lo, the birds were straight
ahead of us, in the top branches of a birch, with a bright blue 2 p.m.
(who's complaining?) sky making identification next to impossible without a
scope. At last they flew down and closer to us, leaving no doubt that they
were REDPOLLS, but certainly not close enough for us to see whether or not
there appeared to be a HOARY among them. Even my knee forgave me for the
extra hike, and agreed it was a wonderful treat to end the year.

Happy New Year to you all,

David Chelimer
Seattle
chelimer at qwest.net