I had a opportunity to take a airboat ride at Potholes Res. as part of a Magazine TV production. When I was asked I had visions of finding al sorts of shorebirds, more sharp-tails a jeager or two. Well it did not happen that way, there were not many birds BUT what I did find was great. 48 surf scoters! in two groups (40 in one and 8 in the other), 4 snow geese and 20 Bonapartes gulls(not as impressive as the other two). I saw about 20 common loons as well.

Levi Meseberg who's family operates Mardon Resort is beginning a birding tour venture using airboats. I imagine when the shorebirds are really in this will be a great trip to take back into the mudflats of north potholes.

Bob Flores
Othello, WA
rflores at cbnn.net