[Tweeters] Paired Up ...

[Jim Betz via Tweeters]

Hi all,

   We have a pair of Bald Eagles that are showing up every day/almost 
every day

here.  They either soar or perch on the tree tops below us.  When they are

soaring - about every second or third day - there is often a second pair 
that joins

them and it seems to be an "I can go higher and faster than you can" 
competition.

   When they are perched they sit within a few feet of each other and almost

always facing the same direction - and even looking around "in unison".

When they leave they usually go around the South side of Burlington Hill.


    I am also seeing a slightly higher than previous years number of 
eagles out on

the Samish Flats.  Yesterday, I saw an eagle on the ground on the Butler 
Flats that

was very near some Trumpeters and with a large flock of dark-colored geese

stirred up and then re-settling to close to where they were before.  I 
was unable to

determine if they were Canada or Cackling but I suspect the latter.


   I've been out to the Samish Flats (East 90 and elsewhere) several 
times in the

past 10 days.  There have always been Harriers (and GBH and Crows) and often

SEOW (but not always and less numbers than 2 or 3 weeks ago.


   Even on weekdays there has always been at least 2 or 3 other birders 
at the

East 90.  On the weekends the numbers are high enough that the parking lot

is 'full' and there are still lots of cars on both sides of the road.  I 
have not

been able to determine whether or not the reason for the birds staying

further out/away from the road is related to the number of people ... they

seem to stay out even when there are very few cars along the road.

   There are frequently/almost always Bald Eagles, singles, in the 
vicinity of

the East 90.

   I have yet to see "large flocks of ducks in the flooded fields" in 
the flats

(any of the 3 flats) ... but this series of storms is starting to 
produce some

enduring flooding so I anticipate seeing the duck counts going up as well

as 'finding them everywhere'.

                                                                 - Jim