[Tweeters] Dates for Samish SEOW? ... and the Skagit White Birds of Winter

[Jim Betz via Tweeters]

Mike,

   The SEOWs at the East 90 are definitely present and you can see them 
"every day" with
the hours from 2:00pm to sunset being the best.  I live in Skagit County 
and visit the East 90
several times a week.  Today was no exception.
   They are here "pretty much from Mid-December to about the 1st of 
April" but are not
usually seen at other times of the year.

   The recent floods in Skagit County were no where near the East 90 and 
had very little
effect.  The rains this year have left lots of puddles in the fields in 
Skagit - such as the
Samish Flats, Butler Flats, and Skagit Flats - that dry up and then get 
'refreshed' in the
next rain.  Those puddles have resulted in lots of ducks (mostly 
Mallards which is typical).

   There are -lots- of Trumpeter Swans this year - probably 20% more 
than in the recent
past.  We are not seeing large flocks of Snow Geese here in Skagit 
County this year -
however they may still gather/rest here in prep for the move North.

   There are increased numbers of both Northern Harrier and Great Blue 
Herons.  Other
notables such as Rough-legged Hawks, Sharpies and such are down this year.
   There are lots of Bald Eagles this year and most nests have pairs 
that are hanging out
near the nest but they haven't started to "sit" ... yet.  And there are 
some new BAEA
nests.  And lots of juvenile BAEA (usually without either white patch).

   There is snow forecast for Monday and beyond - so if you get up here 
before that
it would be better.  BTW - there have been close to 20 photographers at 
the East 90
every week day and at least twice as many on the weekends - just look 
for the line of
cars and trucks parked along the road.
                                                         - Jim in Skagit