Very chilly this morning (33F) with frost and heavy fog, but no wind. The
fog didn't clear until about 10. Interestingly, the passerines were out in
big numbers but hardly any ducks near the lake shore.

Barn Owl - early, Seven Meadow
Wilson's Snipe - calling from same location, then two seen along brushy
shore of Entrance Pond
Cackling Goose - small flock floating off of docks at S end of park
Ring-necked Duck - several dozen in Promontory Pond; most abundant duck
today
Scaup - only 1 (!) each of Greater and Lesser
Common Goldeneye - flying N near swim beach; FOS
Common Loon - off NOAA
Varied Thrush - several calling; visible eating Madrona berries
Fox Sparrow - many, scattered, singing
Evening Grosbeak - fly-over, Promontory Pt
Pine Siskin - several flocks; a group of ~30 on the beach at the Sail
Pavilion

Best bird of the day .... while scoping the lake, a passing shape I
initially thought "just another GW Gull", but then noticed the shape and
the flapping was all wrong for a gull -- it was an owl! It was flying over
the water just inches above the surface, very steady flight. As I was
looking into the sun, could only tell that it was gray-brown and streaked.
Then, it turned inland and showed its face and the wrist bars on the
underside -- a Short-eared Owl!

For the morning, 55 species.
Scott Ramos
Seattle