One day wonder it seems to have been, NO Long-tailed Duck at Phantom Lake
this morning (0730-1000hrs), despite a few other hopeful birders in
attendance during that time frame, but no big surprise either. The LTDU did last
until at least sunset yesterday and I was pleased to hear that the few who
managed to get there in time during the afternoon, some pushing it right up
to last light, were justly rewarded. One might offer some conjecture that
the flyover 4 Pacific Loons on Sunday and Long-tailed Duck on Monday may
have been thanks to a little push as a result of Saturday's big all-day
wind event.

Otherwise, best consolation and today's 'bird of the day' for Hugh
Jennings and me as we did the loop walk together despite the untimely and annoying
soaking drizzle all the way around was a very accommodating and tame Hairy
Woodpecker NE of Larsen Lake, a species seen only occasionally at best in
the LHG.

Richard Rowlett
Bellevue (Eastgate), WA