Hi All

Jon and I just returned from a conference and birding at and around the
Skagit Flats..it was a wet, rainy, nasty five days.but we had a great time.
The most awesome thing was 4-5000 snow geese..up close and very noisy.

The first time we saw the flock they were so close to the road that we got
within about 25 feet of them. The second time we were above them and
looking down we actually got to see five of the Blue Geese mixed in with the
flock.a lifer for both of us.we were really excited.



We saw Eagles everywhere, Red Tailed Hawks most places. Saw male and female
Harriers, the Rough Legged Hawk was in its normal spot on Eide Road.in the
distance.but identifiable with a scope. We had gotten permission to go out
onto the dike at the Susan Bay Preserve and had a wonderful walk between
raindrops.

Saw hundreds of swans out in the water and with the scope and groups of 5-20
everywhere else. Saw Flickers, Juncos, Varied Thrushes, Kestrels, Song
Sparrows, Golden crowned Sparrows, Robins, Kildeers and about 20 Yellowlegs.
We went out early and late a couple of times hoping to see the Short Eared
Owls but were never in the right place at the right time. It was fun to
hear the frogs croaking and the birds singing and see the Indian Plum
blooming and the daffodils and crocus starting to peek out.



Finally last night we took the dogs for a walk down at Ediz Hook and there
were at least 75-100 Brandt Geese, several Buffleheads, Harlequins, Surf
Scoters, Cormorants and the two resident Oystercatchers but we didn't see
any other shorebirds last night. All in all a very nice pre-spring week.

Happy Birding

Sherrie and Jon