The morning started off pretty wet, thought the rain did mostly subside
before noon. But, the temps stayed cool and a breeze picked up, keeping the
discomfort level a little high. Typical winter time distribution of species
and numbers, with a couple surprises.

On the swim platform, several California and Ring-billed Gulls plus 2
Herring Gulls. Several Common Mergansers foraging near shore and a large
flock floating in the middle of the lake. To the north of NOAA were seen
two small flocks of Red-breasted Mergansers. Dozens of Western Grebes but
only a single Horned and Pied-billed Grebe. NO shorebirds.

The scaup flock was too far out to distinguish but there were hundreds. In
the wetlands, however, there were very few ducks. The large wigeon flock,
including 2 male Eurasian Wigeons, was feeding on the lawns near the lake.
The Snow Goose and 5 Greater White-fronted Geese continue, seen today on
the playfields.

Only a single Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), and very low numbers of
Pine Siskins. But, a calling Red Crossbill was flying low enough at the
south end to see that it was a male.

Raptors included Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk and 3 Cooper's Hawks, one
adult, a male, with blue and metallic leg bands. Finally, the best surprise
was a Peregrine Falcon that flew into the trees on Promontory Point and
remained perched for more than 10 minutes.

For the day, 58 species.
Scott Ramos
Seattle