I started my annual waterfowl surveys yesterday with a rather unremarkable census of Black Lake in Thurston County. Today, Pattison Lake was more interesting. The highlight was two male Redheads in the cove next to the public boat launch. There were 9 Canvasbacks here as well, and a male Eurasian wigeon. Other waterbirds included Wilson's Snipe, American Wigeon, Gadwall, Shoveler, Coot, Ring-necked Duck, Eared Grebe, Western Grebe, Common Merganser, Hooded Merganser, Mallard, Ruddy Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Greater Scaup, and Double-crested Cormorant.

Strangely, I didn't see a single Canada Goose on the lake.

Unfortunately, the public boat launch is locked up now because the fishing season is closed on this lake.

Kelly McAllister
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Olympia, Washington
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