Subject: [Tweeters] Swans over Alki
Date: Jan 25 12:53:27 2009
From: Gary Smith - g_smith1 at comcast.net


Hello, Tweeters,



A short while ago I was startled to see seven swans flying northeasterly
above the beach moving from the proximity of the Alki Lighthouse toward the
city. Perhaps someone else saw them as well as they flew along Alki Beach.
They were all adults and seemed all the same size. Although they were very
close and almost eye-level from where I was on our second story, by the time
I ran to the window and grabbed magnification they were largely past me and
I was not able to scrutinize their bills. Through the spotting scope,
however, I did observe distinct streaks of color on the head and neck I'd
call "light rusty-yellow" or perhaps "dingy yellow." The coloring appeared
not as a wash but rather as lines.



Anyone care to hazard an opinion as to species? Thanks.



By the way, just for fun I'll also report that earlier this week (the 20th)
we had one of those moments on salt water where a congregation of baitfish
near the surface seems to cause birds to just "materialize." In the space
of about one minute we saw appear out of nowhere an immature Bald Eagle, a
Red-throated Loon, a Pacific Loon, a Brandt's Cormorant, and a Rhino Auklet,
(along with the customary gulls, Double-crested Cormorants, Red-breasted
Mergansers.)



Good birding to you all.



--g



Gary T. Smith

Alki Point