Subject: Species on Whidbey question
Date: Apr 15 09:30:27 2003
From: Ken Steffenson - ksteffenson at watoxics.org


Hello-

I'm editing a story for the next issue of Washington Toxics Coalitions'
newsletter, and I came across a statistic that seems potentially inaccurate.
I didn't know where else to turn but to the experts out there in
Tweeterland.

The article discusses the Lake Hancock Marsh on Whidbey Island, and states
"... with its four ecosystems: saltwater marsh, brackish marsh, freshwater
marsh, and adjacent grasslands ... is prime breeding ground and nursery for
150 species of waterfowl."

I don't doubt the four ecosystems, but the "150 species" seems high.
Maybe 150 species of ALL types of birds? I haven't gotten hold of
the author to find out where this number came from.

Can anyone provide a science-based, accurate number (or at least a
knowledgeable estimate) for this location? I'd appreciate any assistance.
Thanks.

Ken Steffenson
Communications Director
Washington Toxics Coalition
4649 Sunnyside Ave N Suite 540
Seattle, WA 98103

206-632-1545 ext. 17
ksteffenson at watoxics.org
http://www.watoxics.org