Hello Tweets,

My mother and I relocated the male FALCATED DUCK from 1pm-1:20pm immediately
west of the dike accessed from the West 90 "ponds" parking lot in Padilla
Bay in Skagit Co. The bird was immediately observed upon hiking onto the
dike within a small flock of Am.Wigeon approximately 20 yards offshore
gradually swimming to the north,before flying off after 2 adult Bald Eagles
flew high over the dike flushing the duck. The Falcated Duck and the small
flock of Am.Wigeon flew to the north over Padilla Bay towards the base of
Samish Island,but the duck could not be relocated upon some searching of the
increased Am.Wigeon flocks, with 42+ Eurasian Wigeons, Northern Pintails,
Am.Green-winged Teal, and 1 adult male Common Teal were noted. All these
ducks were observed offshore immediately off of the dike, which continues
north to the Padilla Bay Greenhouse. We are disappointed that such little
communication was provided on Friday and Saturday upon prior knowledge by
other observer(s)that may have or did know that the Falcated Duck did fly
over the dike towards Padilla Bay and was not only seen in the open fields
off of Samish Island Rd. This information would have increased searching
along the dike bordering Padilla Bay west and north of the West 90
"ponds",and not just open,flooded fields and other areas away from the
associating saltwater areas. It is most likely the Falcated Duck will
remain.


Sincerely,

Ruth and Patrick Sullivan
GODWIT at worldnet.att.net