Tweets,
David and I just returned from a run up to Boundary Bay in B.C. to try for a Snowy Owl. We succeeded, thanks to a local birder who directed us to an owl that remained perched on a log to the right (West?) of 72nd even after its mate was scared off by some beach walkers. This was about 1 p.m. under sunny skies, and the owl was fairly close to the water line--it was a great view. The kind local birder reported that there are 2, possibly 3 pairs of Snowy Owls in that area of Boundary Bay, another pair being frequently seen East of 72nd (towards the higher numbered streets.) We also saw a Northern Shrike E of 72nd and a Short-eared Owl. Towards the end of the day we walked from 104th to 112th and encountered a flock of over 300 Black-bellied Plovers, probably 20 Western Sandpipers, and 1 Marbled Godwit. At the foot of 112th there were 7 Gr. Yellowlegs. Lots of Harriers and GBHs, of course, but few waterfowl except for DC Cormorants and 1 pr. of Pintails.

On the way up, we were "lured" off I-5 at the Conway Exit by some swans, our first of the winter. A sweet, young couple pulled over and told us to come near their house, because the Trumpeters "lived" there in a nearby field and literally come up to their porch. We followed them--I mention this b/c it would be great for photographers, as the swans are so close to the road where there is no parking, but virtually no traffic. Take the Conway Frontage Rd (Old 99, I think) north to the Skagit Garden Center. Turn left, go over the RR tracks, and the field is full of both Trumps and Tundras. The really fun part was letting the young couple look through the scope and explaining the difference btwn the 2 species--they had always assumed these were all Trumpeters. The swans were so close that the yellow "teardrop" was easily visible on the Tundras. The couple was pretty excited and said they should get a book. I am tempted to take one up and leave it on their porch!!

Penny Koyama, Bothell
plkoyama at verizon.net