Tweeters and Whatcom Birders,





Yesterday, March 6th, I went looking for swallows at Tennant Lake near
Ferndale. I was not disappointed. The trail and boardwalk through the
wetlands, which had been closed for repairs, is open again, and was busy
with families enjoying nature. (The parking area at Tennant Lake was almost
full when I arrived about 3 PM.)



Looking from the viewing platform at the edge of the lake, the sky was full
of swallows! I estimated at least 200 to 250 swallows. Looking through the
scope at both flying and perched birds (up to 30 were perched in a dead tree
at one point), every one I could see was a TREE SWALLOW. Never mind-the
Violet-greens should be here in a few days if they aren't here now.



I suspect that these swallows have just arrived in the last 2-3 days. This
is a week to 10 days later than the usual mass arrival--- but better late
than never!



The usual scattering of waterfowl was on the lake-- RING-NECKED DUCKS,
LESSER SCAUP, BUFFLEHEADS, CANADA GEESE, and a PIED-BILLED GREBE, but the
highlight was definitely my first swallows of 2011.



Wayne C. Weber

Delta, BC

contopus at telus.net