Hi Tweeters,

We are bicycle birders who enjoy bicycle-birding between Marymoor Park
and Log Boom Park, and regularly stop at the stormwater retention pond one
mile north of Redmond City Hall. This time of year, we leave Marymoor
between 7:45 and 8:00 a.m. to get to the pond before 8:30 a.m.
This past week we were there on Monday, 31 December, and saw
approximately 300 Cackling Geese fly up from the pond, and were all gone by
8:40. The waterfowl that remained included Green-winged Teal, American
Wigeon, one Eurasian Wigeon, Shoverlers, and a few Mallards. The Cacklers,
when they lifted off in waves, made their distinctive cackle, almost
deafening.
On Saturday, January 5, we arrived at the pond about 8:15 a.m., the
Cacklers were apparently grounded by the wind, as they stayed put on the
surface of the pond. Upon our return along the trail at about 11:30 a.m.,
the Cacklers had left the pond for parts unknown. Perhaps they are using the
pond only for overnight stays.
The strong winds on Saturday had the surface of Lake Washington in
whitecaps by the pier near Log Boom Park, and the rain stung our faces. Only
a few Coots huddled along the shoreline, so we did not spend much time
there--never put up the spotting scope. We will hope for better weather next
time we visit.

Erin and Bill Woods
Woods Tree Farm
Redmond, Washington