Hi Tweets

Today at about 9 AM MaryFrances Mathis and I saw the female Tufted Duck at Lake Erie in Skagit Co. It took some searching as most of the ducks were across the lake. We started out scanning the large group of Ring-necked Ducks at the north end of the lake. They were clustering together so closely that it was difficult to see individual birds easily. Then MaryFrances said "I think I have it". It turned out that the bird was hanging out with a much smaller group of scaup (all Lesser Scaup). It was fairly obvious as it was much darker, the sides were differently textured, the head was nicely rounded with much white at the base of the bill, and the small tuft was visible. Very nice bird.

Later in the day we stopped by Marches Point and found the female Black Scoter. It was with a group of Surf Scoters and was taking advantage of the relative protection of the pipeline pier (the north wind was blowing strongly).

For the day lots of chickadees, Pine Siskins, tons of Mallards, Gadwall, Northern Pintail and American Wigeon - even two Eurasian Wigeon. Smaller numbers of Bufflehead, and Common Goldeneye.

Lots of Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, Rough-legged Hawks, plus a nice Merlin, a Peregrine Falcon, and an American Kestrel.

It was a gooood day!

Brian H. Bell
Woodinville WA
mail to bell asoc at isomedia dot com