Subject: [Tweeters] Barnacle Geese continue near Brady
Date: Mar 28 20:06:08 2007
From: Ruth and/or Patrick Sullivan - godwit513 at msn.com


Hello Tweets,

We failed to mention in addition to other highlights we encountered today we observed 6 Greater White-fronted Geese along Wenzel Slough Rd.


Sincerely,

Ruth and Patrick Sullivan


----- Original Message -----
From: Ruth and/or Patrick Sullivan
To: Tweeters at u.washington.edu
Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2007 8:01 PM
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Barnacle Geese continue near Brady



----- Original Message -----
From: Ruth and/or Patrick Sullivan
To: Tweeters at u.washington.edu
Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2007 6:55 PM
Subject: [Tweeters] Barnacle Geese continue near Brady


Hello Tweets,

Today we enjoyed a nice early spring day in the Elma-Brady area. Our primary goal was of course to try and relocate the 2 Barnacle Geese reported and found yesterday afternoon along Brady Loop Rd. by Tim O'Brien. We arrived along Brady Loop Rd. at 9:30am,where we first checked along Foster Rd. and located only a flock of 20 "Dusky"Canada Geese in a partially flooded area immediately south of this road along Brady Loop Rd. We then drove and scanned fields along the western portion of Brady Loop Rd.,where we located additional flocks of Canada Geese(including more "Dusky"Canada Geese)along with small numbers of Cackling Geese. By 10am we backtracked and checked open areas along the eastern portion of Brady Loop Rd. We immediately located a flock of Snow Geese and scattered flocks of Canada/Cackling Geese in rolling fields,as we scanned looking to the north. We continued further along Brady Loop Rd. to attempt to gain better views of the geese flocks. We were able to get good views of most of the geese flocks by parking along small wide areas along the road just north of Willis Street. From this location the geese flocks were all located west of Brady Loop Rd.,as they foraged in corn stubble fields with extensive flooded areas nearby. We scoped the geese flocks as they continued to foraged and move behind trees and bushes that at times obstructed our views. We were able to tally 8 Snow Geese,which all appeared to be adult birds ten at 10:30am we located the 2 BARNACLE GEESE!

The 2 Barnacle Geese were amongst the geese flocks and never strayed far from eachother and more or less intermingled amongst the other geese. The 2 Barnacle Geese were quite active by walking around in the fields pecking for food,but also ventured down to the water's edge of flooded areas to drink water before walking back into good feeding areas. The distance during all observations was quite far for photographed,but ample for scope views. While watching both Barnacle Geese we noticed that their head's were more of a creamy white rather than pure white,as depicted in several guides,but otherwise their plumage appeared crisp. We continued watching the Barnacle Geese for an hour until we went separate ways and decided to check a few other areas along Brady Loop Rd. before returning back to the location at around 12pm.

We watched the two spectacular geese again for awhile,as the birds foraged and rested in the corn stubble fields. We then drove to other areas along Brady Loop Rd. and upon working our way back in search of the Barnacle Geese observed a large scattered flock of geese flying around over the eastern portion of Brady Loop Rd. By scanning through these flocks we soon detected the 8 Snow Geese,then the 2 Barnacle Geese. The time now was around 2pm,as a portion of the geese flock landed down in a low flooded area east of Foster Rd. We were able to get great scope views of the 2 Barnacle Geese,as they swam around in the water,but eventually wandered to the land where they began to feed with the other geese. At this time were able to get ample photos of the 2 Barnacle Geese,as they began to lift up into the air and was the opportunity we had been waiting for! During all observations,as well as in most of our photos no leg bands are/were visible. During the day we ran into 8 birders that all enjoyed the 2 Barnacle Geese no matter what their origin is! A great sighting for Tim O'Brien and hopefully more birders will get to see the 2 Barnacle Geese,as they continue!

We have placed 7 photos of the Barnacle Geese in flight taken this afternoon along Brady Loop Rd.,which an be viewed at the following link: http://www.pbase.com/godwit/barnacle_goose_photos/ In addition we have kept the 3 original photos taken yesterday by Tim O'Brien on this same page below our photos.


We also wish to list a few other species of note observed during the day while birding in the immediate Brady-Elma area.

Brady Loop Rd. complex

1 breeding plumaged Horned Grebe(observed in the flooded area immediately west of Willis Street). A noteworthy species for this inland location.
1 pair of Eurasian Wigeon(Foster Rd.)
3 Turkey Vultures
1 pair of Ospreys(observed visiting a tall cut-off evergreen tree along the western portion of Brady Loop Rd.)
1 Sharp-shinned Hawk
1 adult Cooper's Hawk
1 Peregrine Falcon
2 male Ring-necked Pheasants
40+ Greater Yellowlegs
9 Dunlin
8 Long-billed Dowitchers
1 first winter plumaged GLAUCOUS GULL
1 adult Western Gull
2 male Rufous Hummingbirds
1 Western Scrub Jay
5 Varied Thrushes
3 Am.Pipits
1 Western Meadowlark
3 Purple Finches


Wenzel Slough Rd.

2 lingering Trumpeter Swans
1 male Eurasian Wigeon
5 Greater Yellowlegs
1 pair of REDHEADS continuing at the eastern most pond at Vance Creek Co. Park


We have placed 3 additional photos from other highlights taken during the day,which can be viewed at the following link: http://www.pbase.com/godwit/recent_photos/
These photos include the pair Redheads and 1 of 3 Am.Pipits photographed in several bushes.


Good birding,

Ruth and Patrick Sullivan
Fircrest,WA
godwit513 at msn.com







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