Tweeters,

This year we wanted to do our after Christmas more distant birding
adventure without getting on an airplane. It ended up being a drive
down into the wind, rain, and snow of Northern California.

We made unsuccessful attempts both going and coming back after an
Emperor Goose that had been hanging out at the Creswell, Or sewage
ponds.

I demonstrated uncommon prudence and saved us a side trip to Klamath
N.W.R. by calling ahead to learn that Whooper Swan had been a single
isolated sighting. I'll bet that Sacramento N.W.R. is every bit as
exciting, with abundant waterfowl and raptors. You will like the auto
tour that starts at the visitor center. We were a little surprised to
find Common Moorhen, and Leora got her Yellow-billed Magpie 8 miles down

the road.

Just before sunset of this second day we were able to track down a flock

of about 100 Mountain Plovers 40 miles SW of Sacramento.

We found the Point Reyes area to be as advertised, but were a little
disappointed with their very general locations for Spotted Owl. Maybe
that's good for the owls and lucky for us we already "have" that one.

The fourth day's target was a Tufted Duck that had been seen on Lake
Mendocino near Ukiah. Again we weren't up to the challenge, and could
only stand 30 minutes of scoping a few thousand distant Greater Scalps
in a cold downpour, looking for the barely tufted male.

The Point Arena's Al the Laysan Albatross was a no show at 9 AM but we
came back an hour later and were able to find the bird with a little
effort. Al was about 500 yards out in the breakers off their little
harbor. The locals consider him to be family and one talked about Al
giving him a good bite on the thumb before laughing at him.

We agreed it was a fun time in spite of the nasty weather.

Good birding,

Larry and Leora Schwitters
Issaquah, WA