[Tweeters] Samish Flats - Christmas Report

[Jim Betz via Tweeters]

Hi all,

   Here are -my- impressions of the status of birding on the Samish Flats.


   1) There are as many - or more Bald Eagles on the Samish Flats, 
Skagit Flats, and

       Butler Flats as in prior years.  It's pretty hard to go out and 
not see at least one

       and usually several pairs.  We see them soaring, perching, and 
actively hunting.

   2) The Trumpeter and Tundra Swan numbers are at least as high as they 
were last year.

        Lots of birds and in lots of locations.

   3) I have not seen many Snow Geese this year - but reports of them on 
Fir Island are normal.

   4) The Short-Eared Owls and Northern Harriers continue to delight.  
Particularly at the

       East 90 and after about 2 in the afternoon.  Pretty much 
guaranteed every day.  The

       new parking lot is nice ... but hasn't really reduced the number 
of cars along the road

       in any significant/noticeable way.

   5) I have not seen - yet - any Rough-legged Hawks or other less 
frequently seen raptors - but

       the number of Red-tailed Hawks is as high or higher than usual.

   6) There are lots more ducks (of all species) this year than last - 
feels more like the

        years before last year.  Flooded fields always bring them!

   7) The flocks of blackbirds (all types) seems normal.


   As I started out with ... these are -my- observations/comparisons ... 
Cheers!  - Jim