Kevin -

I used to spend a few days every November - in the mid-late 90s - boating
from Brownsville in Port Orchard (Kitsap Co.) through Agate Pass. I recall
that there was usually a flock of 40-50 Clangula hyemalis in that stretch.
On occasion, there were 80-100, or more. I haven't been there since about
1998, so can't give you any up-to-date info. I do remember how neat it was
to turn off the motor and just listen to them calling to each other across a
frosty, drizzly expanse of salt chuck.

Jon. Anderson
Olympia, Washington
festuca at olywa.net
****************************************
Subject: re: long-tailed ducks
From: "Li, Kevin" <Kevin.Li at METROKC.GOV>

I don't often run across many long-tailed ducks in WA, but it seems I recall
them often at Mystery Bay by Marrowstone Island; I would see and hear a few
dozen as I'm sea kayaking.
While hiking at Ebey's Landing on the west side of Whidbey Island I often
hear the cacophony of long-tailed ducks from the direction of Port Townsend;
usually they're quite far out, and barely discernible even with a scope.
I consider them to be a very special treat to observe.

Kevin Li
Ballard, WA
e-mail: kevin.li at metrokc.gov