Yes, the Barnacle Goose was a gorgeous bird, though not?so easy to find for
those of us who couldn't quite get there at eight...? Thanks to everyone in the
cell phone chain for passing the new location on to me.
Also of interest at the refuge were Northern Shrikes near the Visitor Center and
at marker #11, at least EIGHTEEN Wilson's Snipe in the flooded field at marker
#5, a Merlin perched on the lonely cottonwood right by the visitor's center, and
a few birds I didn't expect to see in February:
Cinnamon Teal, a bright drake, in the first pond on the left along the loop road
Swallows.? Not just the oft-early Tree Swallows, but at least two Barn Swallows
and a single Violet-green Swallow were coursing over the southernmost pond.?
Also at this pond, one of the Northern Shrikes and a very eye-catching albino
nutria, complete with bright pink tail.
Great Egret along the home stretch of the loop road.
Jeff Bryant
Seattle
jbryant_68ATyahoo