Subject: [Tweeters] Skagit County geese, etc.
Date: Oct 19 21:26:47 2010
From: Wayne Weber - contopus at telus.net


Tweeters,



This afternoon between 5 and 6 PM, there were at least 5000 SNOW GEESE
feeding in the Hayton Reserve along Fir Island Road west of Conway, many of
them very close to the road, and there were up to 6 or 7 photographers along
the side road snapping pictures and enjoying the geese. (I snapped a few
too!) With the Snow Geese, some distance from the road, were at least 10
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and 15 CACKLING GEESE. Also seen was at least
one blue-phase Snow Goose ("BLUE GOOSE"), near the White-fronts and
Cacklers. There was no sign of the CROWNED CRANE.



The Jensen Access had rather few birds (mostly because 2 hunters were
present), but I did see my first NORTHERN SHRIKE of the fall and at least 15
BONAPARTE'S GULLS close to shore.



I stopped briefly at the Skagit WRA but did not check out the ponds because
the tide seemed much too high. Maybe the Sharp-tailed Sandpipers will stay
for a few more days-- still need one for my county list!



Good luck and good birding,





Wayne C. Weber

Delta, BC

contopus at telus.net