Ian Paulsen wrote:
> HI:
> I was wondering if anyone has noticed any patterns to migration fallouts
> here in WA? Are they weather related?
>
>
Last fall (late October?) I was in the area of the Kitsap County Fair
grounds looking for a particular BDOW (Barred Owl). I had occasion to
check near some softball fields, one of which with lights on. It was
night time and a weather front was just beginning to make itself known.
The clouds were lowering to the point that the top of a nearby radio
tower were obscured by fog and a heavy mist was starting. I noted 50
or 75 American Wigeon in the middle of the illuminated field. I
continued my search for the lowl and about 30 minutes later went past
the same field. I noted there were considerably more wigeon then I
realized it was literally raining ducks. This went on for a good 10
minutes before I had to secure for the night. I would estimate there
was close to 2,000 ducks on the field when I departed. As Ian asks, was
this a fall out and was it weather related?

Doug Hudson
Bremerton, WA
dhudson at silverlink.net