I also noticed the yellow stripe on the underside of the Whooper Swan's
bill. The only reference I could find to this marking was in Roberson's
"Rare Birds of the West Coast". According to Roberson, it is present in
Bewick's Swan as well, but it is absent in the nominate race of Tundra
Swan.

A reminder: I have heard from at least one birder who will be coming
from out of state to see the Whooper Swan, and others continue to come
from other parts of Washington. Please call the BirdBox with your
updates so that people without access to Tweeters get the word. 206
281-9172

Rachel Lawson
Seattle
RachelWL at msn.com



-----Original Message-----
From: tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu
[mailto:tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of
Geopandion at aol.com
Sent: Thursday, December 28, 2006 8:15 PM
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Subject: [Tweeters] Whooper Swan and two (?) Emperor Geese today 12/28



........We were observing the swan from about 300 yards, through some
heat waves, but we did make out a "tongue" of bright yellow on the
underside of the lower bill. Perhaps others have seen that also, but
none of the guides I have consulted mention that feature.........

George Gerdts
Bainbridge Island, WA
geopandion at aol.com