In a message dated 1/24/2005 4:03:10 PM Pacific Standard Time,
sellis at coup.wednet.edu writes:

> Sorry for this late report. My wife and I dropped by Lake Padden Park which
> is located in Whatcom County just south of Bellingham. We were pressed for
> time but found small numbers of both scaups, American Coot, Mallard,
> American Wigeon,and a Pied-billed Grebe. The highlight was a flock of 60 or
> so Common Mergansers, the biggest group I've ever seen in western
> Washington.
> There appears to be a nice trail around part of the lake that would take a
> birder through some good passerine habitat. Nasty weather and limited time
> kept us in the car. Whatcom County residents are to be commended for their
> nice park system. We'll be back!

Steve, et al,

Lake Padden Park is an integral part of the Bellingham City Parks system. The
trail goes completely around the lake (2.5 mi.) and actually has numerous
trails that branch off and rise above the lake into some great habitat for
nesting owls, woodpeckers, Swainson's Thrushes, etc. Above the lake are also nesting
Bald Eagles and Ospreys.
Previous sightings of large 'flotillas' of Common Mergansers have been
reported with some regularity in winter and spring.

Come back when you have more time. It's a great place to bird and explore.

Cheers,
Joe Meche
Editor, the Avalanche / Birding Programs Coordinator
North Cascades Audubon
Bellingham, WA