Subject: [Tweeters] Duck Dip
Date: Jan 8 17:56:04 2005
From: Marv Breece - mbreece at earthlink.net


Dipped on the duck today. Tried at 8AM and at 4PM for the TUFTED DUCK at
Phantom Lake in Bellevue. Other birders I spoke with had not seen it
either. I tried the end of 17th a few times to no avail.

Between 8 and 4 I visited Skagit Game Range. It seemed that PURPLE FINCHES
were everywhere. I don't remember seeing so many at this location. Also,
8 EVENING GROSBEAKS were in the trees along the dike trail not far from the
first parking lot.

Halfway along the dike loop, a large flock of GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS flew
from the woods and began to feed on the trail. A LINCOLN'S SPARROW came
into view. A couple of SONG SPARROWS joined the group. Then all of a
sudden a SWAMP SPARROW landed in the open in full view and began to feed
with the group.

On the way out of the game range, I stopped to check out the blackbird
flock that was in the field adjacent to the game range, where I saw the
RUSTY BLACKBIRD. Most likely the same bird that Ryan Merrill reported on
1/1/05.

It was a good day.

Marv Breece
Seattle, WA