I took a Forest Lands walk to look for wintering ducks. There were none
on Big Beaver Pond, and I forgot my purpose, watching a wary Hermit
Thrush flit away from me as I approached the lake. Listening to kinglets
and wrens, I didn't spot this flock of 150 to 200 Ring-neckeds and
Scaups (probably Lesser) until they had seen me, flushed, and swirled
around to come down in a distant spot. When I stayed still, they worked
their way back. The largest flock by far I've ever seen at this lake --
usually there are just a few -- and more were flying in to join them. I
was charmed to see a single female Hooded Merganser in among them.
Safety in numbers.

Hoping for just enough snow to transform things . . . and then to melt.

Good birding,

Kristi Hein
Anacortes

khc
at
picturesandwords.com
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