Birders,

On the afternoon of February 17, I spent about an hour birding at Tennant
Lake near Ferndale. I observed about 10 TREE SWALLOWS there -- my first of
the year. They weren't there the whole time; they appeared suddenly, circled
around for 3-4 minutes, then disappeared to the north.

This seems a few days earlier than average, but by next week, there should
be dozens of both Tree Swallows and Violet-greens about.

There was nothing else exciting at Tennant Lake-- the usual scattering of
waterfowl. However, for anyone planning to bird Tennant Lake, be forewarned;
as usual at this time of year, there are a few inches of water over parts of
the trail to the lake, so rubber boots are advised. Alternatively, you can
look from the viewing tower near the parking area, but it isn't close to the
lake edge, and a scope is definitely needed there.

Good luck and good birding,

Wayne C. Weber
Delta, BC
contopus at telus.net