All,

We witnessed an unexpected and uncommon treat yesterday as we paddled the
perimeter of Lake Padden, southeast of Bellingham.

On the far shore -- the side of the lake that's still in a relatively natural
state -- I first saw and then heard a Belted Kingfisher, and then I heard
another, and another, and then two more! We had apparently encountered a pair of
adults with three recently fledged young birds, out on a training run in a
quiet cove. The three fledglings watched from the trees as the adults flew out
over the water and showed the kids how to catch fish. One adult took a sharp
dive just off the bow of our canoe and came up with a small fish which he fed to
one of the excited youngsters. Their distinctive chatter filled the little
cove.

It was even more of a treat because our soon-to-be-six-year-old granddaughter
(future birder?) was also onboard and had a front row seat. We watched the
activity for about 15 minutes before the family departed and flew up the lake
for more 'lessons.'

On a beautiful day and with this experience, combined with the awe-inspiring
capture of a large garter snake the day before, we just about sealed her fate
as a future naturalist.

Cheers,
Joe Meche
Bellingham