Noon time Wednesday I observed the Bean Goose with a flock of many flavors of Canada Geese (at least 50 in all). It looked very much at home with its avian relatives.

Go to the east end of K Street cross over the railroad tracks and park next to the small power substation.

I lived for a dozen years on the hill above Bowerman Basin and became familiar with the local travels of the geese. This spot plus the end of the Bowerman airfield runway are the more likely spots to see the Canada Geese and therefore the Beaner. Experience says that these geese will be around all winter; let's hope our newcomer makes itself at home too.

What with Sandpiper Trail, built with the assistance of Grays Harbor Audubon (check it out it you've never traveled this boardwalk marvel) and the Hoquiam sewage lagoon (some would say it ranks (pardon the pun) in the top ten of national sewage treatment plants for avian variety, Hoquiam should always be a stop for out-of-town birders. Shop locally please, too.

Thanks.

David Beatty