Hi Tweeters,

Connie urged me to report sightings from our frequent Washington Park
Arboretum walks - so here goes:

Late this afternoon Duck Bay, amongst the many American Wigeons, we
saw at least two male Northern Shovelers (don't know about females).

A male Hooded Merganser was very active with courtship displays,
aimed apparently at various male and female Wood Ducks. There was no
female Hooded in sight.

One Pied Billed Grebe was spotted, and a beaver.

Saw at least one, possibly 2 Green Winged Teal and some male and
female Buffleheads.

Sitting up on a high branch of a bare tree near the road (after
crossing from the Visitors Center), was what seems to me to be a
falcon. I would have thought Peregrine, except the location didn't
fit seem to fit. It was heavily streaked below, very dark top of
head, had at least one verticle stripe (moustache) and I could see
one light band on it's long tail. Seemed too large for a Kestrel.
Has anyone seen this in this area?

Also, spotted (after hearing), what I guess is a wren - winter or
house? (The call sounded like winter wren) in the shrubbery along
the right side of the way to the Bay from the visitors center.

If anyone can straighten us out on what likely Wren this was, and
Falcon, we'd appreciate it; also, any insight on the Hooded
Merganser seemingly thinking he's a Wood Duck, or going for them in
the absence of a female of his "own" kind?

Thanks,
Bob & Elizabeth
Seattle