Matt Bartels noted in his synopsis of the Seattle CBC:
"Notable misses: Ruddy Duck (continuing a long-running decline)....."

It was likewise a low count for Ruddy Ducks on the Eastside CBC and remain
tough to find in most areas. However, one flock apparently missed (or
undercounted) were those currently wintering on Phantom Lake (Lake Hills
Greenbelt - Bellevue) which has been gradually growing and always dependable,
usually in a sleeping raft it seems, just south of the west end observation
deck (156th Ave SE parking lot) and now numbers an even 40. Ruddy Ducks
have been there on Phantom Lake all along since early October.

Richard Rowlett
Bellevue (Eastgate), WA