Subject: Mandarins
Date: May 3 09:11:45 2002
From: LDavey at aol.com - LDavey at aol.com


Good morning all,

Life on the Woods tree farm in Redmond sounds very similar to ours on Pine
Lake with regard to wildlife. While we haven't had any Mandarins to my
knowledge, we did have five pairs of Wood Ducks this winter. They liked to
hang out in our yard most of the day, it was so fun to have them here. The
first pair appeared in early December. They stayed around for several months,
then all but one pair left. We still see the pair every now and again, but we
see the male alone more often. I hope we too will see baby woodies soon.

So far this year we have seen one Mallard with her brood, originally seven,
now five. They appeared 4/2, and as of last Sunday, the mother has either
abandoned them, or has been injured. The males are relentless in chasing the
females, so it's possible she was injured. This forced copulation business is
downright brutal. In any event, she's gone, but despite this, the babies are
doing well.

By this time last year we had two families of Canada Geese, and several
Mallard broods. Things seem a bit slow (or late) this year. We do have a
red-breasted sap sucker nesting nearby, and there is a pair of Pileated
Woodpeckers in the area, but we don't know where they are nesting.

In comparing this year to last, I have some observations: first, the
Buffleheads, Scaups, and Goldeneyes seem to be staying around longer this
year. Their numbers have diminished, but there are still plenty around.
Second, the number of raptors seems to have increased significantly. At just
about any given time there is a Bald Eagle (or two or six) soaring above.
There are also numerous Great Blue Herons, more than last year it seems to
me. Of course, the lake was just stocked with fish, so that certainly brought
them all around. Two days ago while out on the lake, we watched a Bald Eagle
dive, snag a fish and soar right over our heads. Amazing! As for other
wildlife, I fear humans have done away with the four raccoons we usually see
hanging around. They've been missing for a while now.

Linda Davey
Sammamish, WA
LDavey at aol.com