I arrived this morning in darkness as light approached I found large numbers of distant ducks mostly divers, widgeon and shovelers. Just after 8:00 many lifted off the water and I saw a bird in the mess of flocks with a white head and dark body. This was at a great distance through the scope and it was flying directly at me. I did not get a good look at all and lost it quickly. I know it is a bit early for long-tailed duck but having a year where I am finding a lot of early birds I would not be shocked. Anyhow if any of you bird Vancouver Lake and see a similar bird let me know. I am not stating it was a long-tailed duck for I just did not get a good look at it. I scanned the ducks still on the water not seeing anything close. I will be heading to LaFramboise to check the sewer ponds and Vancouver Lake and will report anything worthy from there.

Of note I was surprised by the numbers of ring-necked ducks on the lake, not use to that, also 5 greater yellowlegs, 19 American white pelican. I did not see the unidentified peeps or dowitchers I saw yesterday only yellowlegs.

Bob Flores
Ridgefield, WA