Hi Tweeters and Birding Friends:
Today a few of us visited Coulon Park because a lady who lives near there
said there were scads of ducks. There sure were, and other birds as well.
But first... HOW ABOUT THOSE COUGARS! I can wear my sweatshirt w/ pride
(for a change). Now back to the birds...
Coulon Park is on the south end of Lake Washington in Renton, WA. Take exit
5 from I-405. We met at 9am at the far left side of Coulon on the lake.
There was an immediate fight right there between an imm Cooper's Hawk and
several crows. In front of us at the swim beach were 11 Greater
White-fronted Geese, several Canvasback pairs, and a male REDHEAD. There
were several pairs of Lesser Scaup, and Ring-necked Ducks. Walking out on
Duck Island allowed us to see rafts of ducks, where there was one immature
Ruddy Duck. There were Gl-winged, Ring-billed, and Mew Gulls. There were
about 50 Western Grebes in the area (look toward the middle of the lake
to see most of them) and a few Horned Grebes.
Then we drove south down Park Ave, turning west (right) on 6th St, and going
over to
the park along the Cedar River. We stopped at the restrooms, and walked
along the river. On the river were several pair of courting Barrow's
Goldeneyes, a few Common Goldeneyes, a few Hooded Merganser pairs, one
Common Merganser female, and some Buffleheads. The gate to the Kayak Center
opens from 11-4 Thurs thru Sun, and the gate was open when we got there.
Looking from their dock we saw many gulls, lots of big dead salmon, and two
flying BARN SWALLOWS. I scanned the gulls for Herring or Thayer's Gulls,
but came up empty. Lots of Glaucous-winged, and Gl-wXWestern Hybrids of
course and a few Ring-billed Gulls. I may have seen one Thayer's first
year. (Ick, I guess I must review my gulls.)
The day was bright and cold, but there was no wind. I had a wonderful time,
especially since I had brought a thermos of hot coffee.
Yours, Carol Schulz
DesMoines
linusq at att.net