[Tweeters] Skagit County Update and Correction ...

[jimbetz at jimbetz.com]

Hi all,

   First - let me acknowledge that my prior survey trip was 'less than stellar'
because I didn't get out of my car at either Hayton or Jensen.  Reports are
that the Snows -are- at Hayton.  Had I just gotten out and walked up onto
the dike I would have seen Snows and ducks galore - and probably even some
Swans.  Not to mention the other sightings available that day at those
locations.
   It was, however, a 'true' report of what I saw on Fir Island yesterday.
Typically there are large flocks of both Snows and Swans in the  
-fields- on Fir.
Thru most of the Winter (late Fall to early Spring).

   As to today's update ...

   We are seeing the first 'gatherings of any kind of numbers in the Butler
Flats' ... specifically - this morning there are groups of Trumpeters along
Daugherty Road.  The swans typically use this area 'all Winter long' and we
often see them thru our spotting scope - along Daugherty, Cook, Gardner,
District Line, etc. roads.  We also see the swans coming to that area from
the vicinities of Barney, Clear, and Big Lakes ... and going back in the
late evening.

   Wiley Slough update = no update.  Still closed with no indication of
when - or if - it will reopen this Winter.
                                                                    - Jim