Winter waterfowl decline, swan influx in local parks

I have had many informal talks with people who have enjoyed winter waterfowl in Juanita Bay Park for years. Many note a decline in the number of diving ducks wintering here, and that previously common ones, such as ruddy and golden-eye, are now quite scarce. Usually we speculate that total numbers may be down, or milder winters enable them to winter further north. However, this year we have had an unusual influx of swans in the Bay. A single bird was here only a few days around Thanksgiving (a scout for a new wintering ground?), but since the Christmas week, up to 20 swans are seen regularly. While reading up on swans, a section on swan feeding behavior unearthed the fact that they are very shallow water feeders, as are the coots, green-wing teal, and gadwalls that are increasing in winter numbers in the Bay. I would be interested in data on siltation into the Bay over the last 10 years, as a possible factor in our changing mix of waterfowl. I did a quick survey of Kirkland’s other waterfront parks New Year’s weekend, finding that the deeper waters off these parks had predominantly diving ducks such as common goldeneye.

By Janice Johnson • January 13, 2009 3:30 am

I have had many informal talks with people who have enjoyed winter waterfowl in Juanita Bay Park for years. Many note a decline in the number of diving ducks wintering here, and that previously common ones, such as ruddy and golden-eye, are now quite scarce. Usually we speculate that total numbers may be down, or milder winters enable them to winter further north. However, this year we have had an unusual influx of swans in the Bay. A single bird was here only a few days around Thanksgiving (a scout for a new wintering ground?), but since the Christmas week, up to 20 swans are seen regularly. While reading up on swans, a section on swan feeding behavior unearthed the fact that they are very shallow water feeders, as are the coots, green-wing teal, and gadwalls that are increasing in winter numbers in the Bay. I would be interested in data on siltation into the Bay over the last 10 years, as a possible factor in our changing mix of waterfowl. I did a quick survey of Kirkland’s other waterfront parks New Year’s weekend, finding that the deeper waters off these parks had predominantly diving ducks such as common goldeneye.

Green Building

On Tuesday, Jan. 20 Sustainable Kirkland Community (www.sustainablekirkland.org) sponsors a public presentation by Jon Alexander, a building contractor and a local pioneer in green building construction. The program is at Wild Rover on Central Way at 7 p.m. His presentation will focus on home remodeling using non-toxic, sustainable materials and “green” techniques, followed by questions. Jon is working on the new American Lung Association Healthy Home program for this region, is a long-standing member of the executive committee for the Built Green program of the King-Snohomish Counties Master Builder Association, and is a founder of the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild.

Green Calendar

Jan. 11: 2-5 p.m. “For the Love of Water,” a movie, explores Washington’s water future (legislation, litigation, climate change). Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, 1625 118th Ave SE, Bellevue. www.pacificsciencecenter.org/slough/

Jan. 14: 7 p.m., The Sustainable Futures Book Club meets in Redmond Regional Library’s small conference room. January selection: Any book by John DeGroot and/or David Wann. Feb. 11, William Strauss, The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy.

Jan. 17: Kirkland Watershed Park nature walk, 2-3 hours. Meet at 110th Avenue NE and NE 45th Street entrance at 9 a.m. Free, no pre-registration required.

Jan. 19: Join the United Way, the UW Restoration Ecology Program and the Highlands Neighborhood for Martin Luther King Day of Service at Cotton Hill Park from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a volunteer opportunity to participate in a forest restoration event, organized by UW students and Cotton Hill Park neighbors in coordination with Kirkland Parks. Email: karen@tinyisland.com to RSVP.

Jan. 20: Third Tuesday bird walk, 9-12, Juanita Bay Park. Meet at the kiosk by the parking lot. Free, no pre-registration. Eastside Audubon Society, www.eastsideaudubon.org/

Jan. 20: Tuesday, 7 p.m., The Wilde Rover on Central Way. A free public program on “green” remodeling sponsored by Sustainable Kirkland Community, a local citizens’ group. Visit www.sustainablekirkland.org