Greetings All

The Bewick's Swan from last year (identical bill pattern) was along Skagit
City Rd just N of Polson today (on Fir Island). It was with several hundred
Whistling Swans and a few Trumps (and one minima Cackling Goose).

Several Whistlers have a fair bit of yellow on the bill. The Bewick's, when
viewed directly from the side, seems to have the basal third or so of the bill
completely yellow. When it faces you, there is a narrow strip of black a top
the culmen. If you get a very good look, there are a couple small yellow spots
in that strip. Also, the bird is a bit stouter necked than the majority of the
Whistlers.

No sign of the Rusty, though I looked but briefly.

Cheers
Steven Mlodinow
Everett WA