As has been the pattern elsewhere, alcids have been very rare around Vashon
Island this winter. One Common Murre was seen in the count week for the CBC
and no Rhino Auklets. We usually see a number of both in winter. Western
Grebe numbers continue to decline in Quartermaster Harbor, down to 180 or so
from 272 last year and 5000 a decade ago. Otherwise, duck, cormorant, other
grebe and loon numbers seem about usual.

Ed Swan
Vashon Island
www.theswancompany.com
edswan at centurytel.net