I got a report about an emperor goose in Skagit County. It was off
Bradshaw Rd. at the south end, looking west into the winter wheat fields.
It was with a group of white fronted geese. This emperor goose is a
juvenile, its head not quite all white.
Report is from Mike Schwitters. For those with GPS 49 32.8N and 122
44.0W.

Also, the whooper was seen Sun and again on Monday away from all roads
between Marshland Rd. and the RR grade, closer to the RR grade at the north
side of the valley. It would be difficult to see from the road unless it
showed its head or was out of the swales.

And to add additional note about traffic: on Sunday when I was out, several
cars parked along the road at the turnout and were not even beyond the white
line at the edge of the pavement, meaning they were still in the lane of
traffic. Traffic on SR9 was having to seriously slow down for several
periods that day due to this problem. I passed the area several times
without stopping because it was not safe. If you cannot pull off without
being well off the highway, please come back at a later time. I did and was
rewarded with space to park well off the road. I am glad to hear that WSP
is now out helping keep this area safer. It will not be beneficial to any
of us if they close the area completely to any parking, but that is now
being considered by law enforcement. It has happened on Fir Island with the
snow goose areas, it could happen here.

Martha Jordan
www.swansociety.org