Eight of us ventured into the Columbia River Gorge birding not knowing how bad the wind and the rain was going to be for the day. Most times it is nasty and tough to bird, but today was no wind and most of the time not bad on the rain end of things. We started the day with Anna's Hummingbirds for those who wanted to see them at Vancouver and off to see the Mute Swan near Steigerwald NWR along with some Great Egrets.

Places visited in Skamania County were:
1. Saint Cloud Rec. Area--flock of Ceder Waxwings and a Pileated Woodpecker
2. Franz Lake NWR--Tundra Swans, Wood Ducks, Canvasbacks, Bald Eagle
3. Skamania Landing--Bewick's Wren
4. Bass Lake--The weirdest duck that any of us had ever seen (poss. cross of Common Goldeneye and Hooded Merganser.)
5. Hamilton Island--few gulls, lots of fishermen and D-c Cormorants
6. Below Bonneville Dam--1 Bonaparte's Gull
7. Above the dam--Western Grebe flock with a Canvasback mixed in
8. Rock Cove near Stevenson--2 Greater White-fronted Geese, 1 Cackling Goose
9. Home Valley--raining hard while viewing scaup flocks mainly Lesser Scaup
10. Little White Salmon Hatchery--Eurasian Wigeon, Barrow's Goldeneye
11. Spring Creek Hatchery--Brown Creeper, tons of Golden-crowned Kinglets, Tundra Swans
12. Underwood--large flock of Dark-eyed Juncos with too much rain to get out and dig anything good out
13. Willard--Dipper
14. Wind River mouth--our first Killdeer and Kingfishers
15. Stevenson Water front--walked out on the pier, a Thayer's Gull adult, scaup flocks

Ended the day with 60 species in Skamania County plue 8 others in Clark County getting to Skamania.

A very good day considering what it could have been,

Ken Knittle

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October 21, 2006 — Brad Waggoner led a trip in Kitsap County covering areas from Bainbridge Island to Point No Point.

Eight of us enjoyed a terrific day of birding over here in Kitsap County. With a beautiful sunny day and enthusiastic participants, it was an easy task for this rookie leader. We started off the morning hours in the northern part of Kitsap County visiting such places as Foulweather Bluff Nature Preserve, Driftwood Keys (a big hit!), Point no Point, Buck Lake, and Eglon. In the afternoon we visited a few spots on Bainbridge Island.

Although we didn't come across any major rarities, we tallied some 92 species for the day and managed some terrific looks at some "Kitsap County targets". Oh yes, the fact that most of the participating birders were looking to add new county birds to their lists made my "job" easier. Highlights for the day included:

Orcas - At Eglon (3 miles south of Point no Point) we enjoyed watching a pod of Orcas. With numerous jumping Chum salmon they must be enjoying a feast in Puget Sound at this time; Eared Grebe - One at Manzanita Bay on Bainbridge Island gave us some nice close looks and a good comparison to nearby Horned Grebes; California Quail - Amazingly not an easy bird to see in Kitsap County. A whole covey (10+) perched-up in a blackberry patch in Driftwood Keys; Merlin - One attacking a flock of Starlings at Driftwood Keys at very close range. Quite a site! The only thing that would have made it better is if it would have been successful; Thayer's Gull - A highlight for me anyway. One seen at the pilings at the end of Twin Spits Road was a new county year-bird for me; Northern Shrike - One in the fading daylight at our last stop along Lovgreen Road on Bainbridge Island. This was actually a "staked-out" bird, but given the time of day I had given up hope of re-finding it. A nice find by Matt Dufort in a shrub quite close to the road while the rest of us are starting to say our good -bys. A nice way to end the day.

We were fortunate to see all of the expected woodpeckers including a cooperative Red-breasted Sapsucker that we could almost touch. Both expected accipiters, all three species of cormorants and scoters, and great looks at both Wood Duck and Harlequin Duck were included in the day's fun.

Brad Waggoner Bainbridge Island, WA mailto:wagtail@sounddsl.com

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October 7, 2006 — Matthew Moskwik led a trip to high elevation areas of Pend Oreille County

This last Saturday Matthew Moskwik lead a trip for WOS to higher elevations of Pend Oreille County. On our way over on Friday we hit a number of places for birds.

We were at Vantage on Friday, and at Getty's Cove we saw Mallards, Green-winged Teal, an Eared Grebe, lots of coots, some American Wigeon, Killdeer, a couple of Horned Grebe out on the river and a single Ring-billed Gull.

At Soap Lake we had Ring-billed Gull, two Peregrine Falcons, lots of Ruddy Ducks, Northern Shovelers, Eared Grebes and a couple of Common Ravens. At Lenore Lake we had the same, plus Western Grebe and Canada Goose. At Blue Lake we added Canvasback, Western Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Greater Scaup, Pied-billed Grebe and Common Loon.

A stop at the Davenport Cemetery gave us Yellow-rumped Warbler, Varied Thrush, Northern Flicker. We ran into a local birder who told us that several Eurasian-collared Doves were around the grain towers. In town we saw Rock Pigeon, House Sparrow, Mourning Dove, American Robin and Brewer's Blackbird. Finally, between the westernmost grain tower and the cattle yard we had several doves in a dead tree. Included were at least four Eurasian-collerad Doves, a new bird for me.

Loads of ducks on Reardon Ponds including Mallard, American Wigeon, Ruddy Duck and American Coot, Canada Goose and House Finches.

Saturday morning we arrived at our meeting spot early, and drove down the road a ways. In the old cemetery we had a Cooper's Hawk fly over. We met Matthew at 8 AM and started out for our first stop - Bunchgrass Meadow in Pend Oreille County. Along the way on SR211 we had a Ruffed Grouse by the side of the road, and several Black-billed Magpies and Common Ravens.

Along Forest Road 1935 we made several stops once we got into the habitat for boreal species. At our first stop we had several Common Ravens circling, but otherwise is was quiet. The other cars had started up when I spotted a Golden Eagle. We caught up with the others and found a second Golden in a tree on the skyline. It took off and circled and was joined by the first one. At the next stop we had a small flock of Mountain Chickadees, and two Boreal Chickadees (unfortunately the Boreals were buried in the foliage and we didn't get good views). We had several other Mountain Chickadee flocks, but no more Boreals. In general it was very quiet. No activity at Bunchgrass Meadow, with the exception of a Pileated Woodpecker as we first pulled in. Up top, at our lunch stop we had a couple of Gray Jays and rapid Merlin fly thru. On our way back down we had brief looks at a Pine Grosbeak, heard a Northern Pygmy-owl calling, saw a soaring Red-tailed Hawk and had Varied Thrush on the ground where we had left a couple of cars. On the way up to Metaline Falls we had a Ring-necked Duck on Sullivan Lake.

Later in the afternoon we made our way up to Salmo Pass and killed a short time waiting for it to get dark. It was clear, cold, full moon and windless. Matthew filled us in on what were we going to be doing in searching for Boreal Owl, and said that he would try at the parking spot, but that he hadn't had much luck at that spot. Famous last words! We heard a Boreal Owl up the hill, and when Matthew played a tape the bird came right in and gave several "skiew" calls. This turned out to be the most cooperative bird of the evening. It hung around, changed locations several times and obligingly called a number of times. We could never get it in our lights. We moved along the trail a ways and had a second Boreal come in and call. While looking, I had the bird fly by about 8 feet away. This was a Washington State bird for me. Again it called some more, but no visual sightings. Further on we had a third bird calling and circling us, but they wouldn't make an appearance for the lights. Out at the first bend we had a bird call and immediately move away from us calling two more times - last we heard of it. Further around we had a distant bird call once. We didn't know whether it made a difference but high cirrus moved in partially obscuring the moon, the wind came up slightly and the temperature rose. We worked the area over some more, but got no more contacts. We felt that five Boreal Owls was still quite successful. On the way back to the cars we heard a Barred Owl calling down in the canyon - don't know whether that made a difference.

The next morning, we had a Northern Pygmy-owl being mobbed by chickadees and nuthatches. It flew and perched at the top of a Douglas Fir and proceeded to call continuously for about 10 minutes. Some of us accompanied Matthew back down the valley. Along the river we had American Robins, Western Grebe on the river, Common Ravens and American Crows. At Riverbend Loop Road we had a Red-tailed Hawk perched in a tree, a couple of House Finches. At Flying Goose Ranch we had two calling Marsh Wrens, a Song Sparrow and an immature White-crowned Sparrow in the road. Out at the river we had Bald Eagle, Northern Flicker, American Wigeon, Mallard, Canada Goose, Common Merganser, Greater Scaup flyover, Double-crested Cormorant, Green-winged Teal, Pied-billed Grebe, and several "tons" of American Coots across the river. On River Road between Usk and Cusick we had American Wigeon, Mallards and Ring-necked Duck across the river, Double-crested Cormorant perched on pilings, and Black-capped Chickadees, House Finch, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-crowned Sparrow and Lincoln Sparrow all at one location. A Sharp-shinned Hawk flew over. At this point the rain started to move down into the valley and we had a long drive home ahead of us so we thanked Matthew and headed out.

Matthew is very knowledgeable of the area and was an excellent leader. It was a good trip, and we all had a good time. As Marv would say "It was a Good two days".

Brian H. Bell Woodinville WA bellasoc at isomedia dot com

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September 16, 2006 — Patrick and Ruth Sullivan led a trip to Bottle Beach and Tokeland

Today we led a nice WOS field trip to Bottle Beach and the Tokeland area with an overall great birding day! 12 of us enjoyed a good assortment of coastal species, as well as several highlights for the day with a total of 100 species. The weather was great with good birding conditions, although during the afternoon misty or hazy conditions prevailed during our visit to Midway Beach Rd. We had a good participation by everyone in the group with everyone being well equipped with spotting scopes, etc and very eager and energetic to most of the birds. The day went on a slow note as far as overall bird diversity, as well as shorebird abundance but towards the end of the day we really did well with many surprises, which made the a great ending to the long day!

Our main highlights of the day were as followed:

1 lingering juvenile WHITE-TAILED KITE observed well by everyone in our group during an evening visit to Foster Rd. (accessed along the Brady Loop Rd. complex) at 5:30pm. The bird remained perched atop a low bush east of Foster Rd., as it sat and moved around several times from it's perch allowing great angle views of the bird with good lighting too. We strongly believe this is the same bird than previously reported by us on the 31st of August, (as well as Hugh Jennings on the 26th of August) since the bird is a juvenile bird and in the same vicinity. It was a real treat for everyone!

7 SANDHILL CRANES along the southwestern portion of the Brady Loop Rd. complex. with 4 birds first detected flying along the western portion of the complex, then relocated with 3 additional birds in a large low grassy field surrounded by vast corn fields. The flock consisted of 2 adult birds and 5 juvenile birds,as the foraged nearly altogether in the field. It was nice surprise, although not entirely unexpected for this location!

2 juvenile PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVERS observed during incoming tide amongst a large flock of Black-bellied Plovers at Bottle Beach. The birds were both very crisp and bright and having good lighting contributed to great scoping looks at them from all in our group.

8 juvenile/immature SNOWY PLOVERS north of the end of Midway Beach Rd., where they remained close to debris fields along the upper beach. This was one of our main target birds for the day, so it was great to see them!

12 LONG-BILLED CURLEWS foraging along the exposed mudflats just south of Graveyard Spit at Tokeland (with many Marbled Godwits foraging nearby for good comparisons, specifically with their bills tucked away).

3 LAPLAND LONGSPURS at Midway Beach Rd.

***An itinerary of the day's main species follows below by selected locations and times***:

Johns River WRA, Grays Harbor Co. 8:45am: 4 Yellow Warblers

Bottle Beach, GH 9am-10:30am: 40 Common Loons, 2 Horned Grebes, 85+ Am. Wigeon, 5 White-winged Scoters, 3 Surf Scoters, 7 Turkey Vultures, 108 Black-bellied Plovers, 2 PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVERS, 16 Semipalmated Plovers, 15 Greater Yellowlegs, 32 Western Sandpipers, 1 Short-billed Dowitcher, 1 Caspian Tern, 1 Violet-green Swallow, 1 Orange-crowned Warbler, 1 Townsend's Warbler, 4 "Sooty" Fox Sparrows, 38+ Purple Finches

S.R.105 at Bay City(mouth of the Elk River), GH 10:35am: 10 Great Egrets (with these birds later noted feeding out along the Elk River with several Great Blue Herons), 1 Northern Harrier, 1 Peregrine Falcon

Westport, GH (including the Westport Marina and Westhaven State Park) 10:45am-1:15pm: 13 Common Loons, 3 Western Grebes, 1 Northern Harrier, 2 Peregrine Falcons, 6 Semipalmated Plovers, 154 Marbled Godwits, 2 Whimbrels, 7 Western Sandpipers, 1 Short-billed Dowitcher, 1 Long-billed Dowitcher, 3 Caspian Terns, 2 COMMON TERNS, 1 WESTERN SCRUB JAY (observed by only a few of our group members at the entrance to Westhaven State Park, but noteworthy only for this coastal location)

Tokeland, Pacific Co. 2pm-2:50pm: 14 Willets, 2 Whimbrels, 12 LONG-BILLED CURLEWS, 500+ Marbled Godwits, 3 Black Turnstones, 1 Sanderling, 1 Bonaparte's Gull, 2 Mew Gulls

Midway Beach Rd.,PA 3pm-4:30pm: 3 Red-throated Loons, 1 Northern Harrier, 1 Merlin, 8 SNOWY PLOVERS, 85 Sanderlings, 1 "Streaked"Horned Lark, 2 Golden-crowned Kinglets (with one or both birds giving a light chattering that was new to many of us, which at first had us very puzzled until we later detected the birds), 1 Am.Pipit, 3 LAPLAND LONGSPURS

Ocosta Third Street, GH 4:50pm-5pm: 3 Wood Ducks, 1 Ring-necked Duck

Brady Loop Rd complex to Foster Rd., GH 5:30pm-6:15pm: 5 Turkey Vultures, 1 Osprey (eating a large fish atop a telephone pole, then upon driving closer flew off with it's prey as it dangled in it's talons), 1 WHITE-TAILED KITE, 1 Am. Kestrel, 4 SANDHILL CRANES, 2 Violet-green Swallows

Schouweiler Rd. wetland, GH 6:30pm-7pm: 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 2 Am. Bitterns, 1 TRUMPETER SWAN (this is the same individual that oversummered at this location and previously reported by Tim O'Brien and other birders), 20 Wood Ducks, 1 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Osprey, 3 Virginia Rails (including 2 bird observed by most of our group and 1 additional bird heard only), 2 Wilson's Snipe

A really great day overall,despite no exceptionally rare species.......but it is not something you always expect!

Good birding, Ruth and Patrick Sullivan

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August 10, 2006 – Whidbey Island, Island County — Brian Bell

The WOS trip to Whidbey Island went well, although things were slow at times. As to be expected this time of year there was not much singing, but the birds were there.

The ferry ride over from Mukilteo started out slow, but we did have a few RHINOCEROS AUKLETS fly by going to the north. A rapid flyby by a RED-BREASTED MERGANSER was exciting. A couple of DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS at the Clinton side and a handful of GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS. The wetland along Ewing Rd has essentially dried up, but we got very nice looks at OSPREY on a natural nest at the top of a Douglas Fir. There were a good number of BARN and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS on the wires, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS along the road. As we left the area about 10 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS were in the tops of the trees.

Our next stop was at Deer Lagoon where we had distant looks at a GREATER YELLOWLEGS, some MALLARDS and a few peeps (probably WESTERN SANDPIPERS). Mixed in with the GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS were a few CALIFORNIA and RING-BILLED GULLS.

A brief stop at Earth Sanctuary, off Newman Road, gave us good views of some WOOD DUCKs and MALLARD, more BARN plus CLIFF and NORTHERN ROUGH-WING SWALLOWS. A GREAT BLUE HERON buried itself in a tree. We also had PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET and a BEWICK'S WREN.

Useless Bay at Double-Bluff was singularly empty with only a few very distant alcids, but an adult BALD EAGLE did fly thru. When we left Double-Bluff we made our way down to another access to a different part of Deer Lagoon. There were several hundred, maybe as many a a couple of thousand swallows working the marsh over, including BARN, CLIFF, and VIOLET-GREEN. As we walked along the dike it became obvious that a major hatch of tiny flying "critters" had occurred providing a vast buffet for the swallows. SAVANNAH SPARROWS kept flushing along the dike. We had a nice comparison between a GREATER and a LESSER YELLOWLEGS. The open water held MALLARDS, NORTHERN PINTAIL and an occasional shorebird - WESTERN SANDPIPERS. A small flock of about 20 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS flew over. An accipiter sped past us and kept going away giving us a great vent view but no other identifying features. A flock of 18 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS kept ahead of us on the dike. Several ROCK PIGEONS flew over. All during this early part of the trip we had intermittent, very light sprinkles - sure didn't seem like August.

At Crockett Lake we made our way out from the north side to find that the water levels were high enough that there was no exposed mud. In spite of this we had good looks at both Yellowlegs. A small flock of dowitchers worked the area over including a still breeding plumage LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER with the rusty running all the way down past the belly. Most of the rest of the birds were juveniles and all but one were LONG-BILLED with their dark tertials with thin buffy edges. The exception was a nice, brightly colored SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER with tertials and scapulars with buffy/rusty workings in their interiors and buffy edges. Several SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS were also present. A few peeps were there, but managed to conceal themselves mostly in the marsh growth. The quick looks showed us WESTERN and LEAST SANDPIPERS. A male NORTHERN HARRIER cruised by overhead. Over on the south side of the lake, where the mud was were a good number of peeps - guess we have to go over there. The thistles coming and going were crowded with AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, and the occasional SONG SPARROW popped up.

On the south side of Crockett Lake we spent another hour working along the roadside scanning the shorebirds. A few more dowitchers, a couple of yellowlegs and lots of peeps - probably two hundred or so. About half of them were WESTERN SANDPIPERS and the other half were LEAST SANDPIPERS. Mixed in with them were one BAIRD'S SANDPIPER who scurried about so quickly that it was difficult to follow it. One SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER also showed briefly, but the whole flock lifted off and when they touched down again the semipalm was nowhere to be seen. A large group of about 35 CASPIAN TERNS loafed along the south shore, and some more gulls.

At the Keystone Ferry terminal, there was a single DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT on the old platform joined by three PELAGIC CORMORANTS. Several PIGEON GUILLEMOTS hung around the platform, and several HEERMANN'S GULLS were just offshore.

Things were very quiet at our lunch stop at Fort Casey (later than usual), but we did have very excellent looks at a GREAT HORNED OWL perched in a big Douglas Fir. This bird was notable for having one mostly missing ear tuft.

The tide was way out at Penn Cove, but down near the Kennedy Lagoon end was a nice flock of SURF SCOTERS, a RED-NECKED GREBE, some PIGEON GUILLEMOTS and a couple of RHINOCEROS AUKLETS.

At the Hasty Lake boat ramp area we had three BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS working the rocks over, disappearing when they lowered their heads and the bright orange bill was not visible. Offshore were SURF SCOTERS, PIGEON GUILLEMOTS, RHINOCEROS AUKLETS and a couple of COMMON LOONS.

In the Swantown area we stopped at the overlook of the eastern end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Their were lots of PIGEON GUILLEMOTS below the nesting cliff, further out were three COMMON LOONS, lots of RHINOCEROS AUKLETS, SURF SCOTERS, a couple of WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, and a couple of DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS. Across the road Bos Lake had just a few birds on it. At the far side were several NORTHERN PINTAIL, some MALLARDS, a small flock of peeps kept attempting a landing by the log crossing the channel. We crossed over and scanned the edges - we had several WESTERN and LEAST SANDPIPERS. A female NORTHERN HARRIER soared low over the marshy edges. Further down the lake the small area of mud had many peeps, but they all turned out to be Western and Least Sandpipers. About 5 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS lazed about.

Up at Joseph Whidbey SP we scanned the open water and turned up 3 PACIFIC LOONS. Along the way home we had a COOPER'S HAWK fly over the highway near Coupeville, and a RED-TAILED HAWK turned up farther along the route. Numerous HOUSE FINCHES were present during the day, and we did have one calling NORTHERN FLICKER.

All in all a nice day that resulted in seeing 73 species of birds.

Brian H. Bell, Woodinville WA, bellasoc at isomedia dot com

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July 1-4, 2006 – Blue Mountains — Ken Knittle

Friday night, everyone (Ned McGarry, Brian Bell, Julia Bent, Marv Breece, Anne Kahle, Carol Kohler, and myself) showed up at Boundary Campground south of Pomeroy, but we didn't know it until daylight the next morning. This left the fearless leader awake most of the night wondering when all would arrive. Main highlights include a Three-toed Woodpecker nest at eye level on July 3 in first burned area north of Sunset Point on the west side of FR 40, 2 different sightings of Black-backed Woodpeckers, both in Garfield Co. along FR 40, all three accipiters were seen, 1 Black-necked Stilt on Savage Pond north of Anatone along with a Green-winged Teal and a pair of Ring-necked Ducks on July 3, a Crow along the Grande Ronde River--Crows are tough in Asotin County, 6 Turkey Vultures south of Misery Springs in Asotin County along FR 40--possibly the largest group of vultures ever seen in this part of the state as they are very rare in the southeastern parts of Washington, a Green-tailed Towhee on the last day July 4 at Biscuit Ridge, Walla Walla Co., Pacific-slope Flycatchers at Hartsock Wildlife Unit in Garfield Co. on July 1, another one an hour later near Spring Lake in Columbia Co., and yet another one at high elevation in Garfield Co. west of Wenatchee Guard Station on July 2. These are 'County First' for both Columbia and Garfield Counties. On the last day we observed a Cordilleran Flycatcher along Dry Creek in Walla Walla County for comparison in breeding plumage and call. Below is a list of places visited by day in case someone would like to run their own trip.

July 1 Saturday - Boundary Campground; Blind Grade; Hartsock Wildlife Unit; Last Chance Resort for all 3 hummingbirds; Spring Lake; Rainbow Lake; Punjab Creek; Godman Springs; Tepee Trailhead east of Godman Springs-one of the highest places in Columbia Co. one can drive to Dayton; Marengo-a pair of Canyon Wrens looked like nesting in farmer's small shed with iron pipes on pipe rack; Poorwill spot east of Marengo near county line Boundary Campground.

July 2 Sunday - Boundary Campground; FR 40; Clearwater Lookout forest service cabins; Sunset Point--struck out on finding Green-tailed Towhees here; FR 4031 to trailhead to Diamond Peak-a super beautiful blue clematis in bloom; Wenatchee Guard Station--another miss for Green-tailed Towhees; Wickiup Wickiup Camp; FR 44 leading down into Asotin Creek--singing Grasshopper Sparrow and only Lark Sparrow of trip; Asotin Creek-close to 100 F and only Red-eyed Vireo of trip, no Cordilleran Flycatchers calling due to heat or possibly time of day; Lickfork Creek junction with Asotin Creek; Misery Springs Campground at 6200 feet a welcomed cool air place to sleep after cooking down along Asotin Creek.

July 3 Monday - Misery Springs Campground with nesting noisy Hairy Woodpeckers at top of dead snag 100 feet up; FR 40 north to Pomeroy to fix a flat, but found the Three-toed Woodpecker's nest on the way; Alpowa Creek mouth, Asotin County--4 Bufflehead, and a few Western Sandpipers; Swallow's Park-Caspian Terns, Glaucous-winged Gull; Savage Ponds just north of Anatone--high elevation for Black-necked Stilt; Field's Spring State Park-another Pacific-slope Flycatcher-have been noted at this location in passed years; Grande Ronde River where the asphalt was liquid everytime you put your foot down -- 103 F -- TOO HOT for Yellow-billed Cuckoos or at least for searching very hard for them; Grouse Flat - hot time of day not much; FR 40 leading north to Misery Springs Campound where the temp. was 71 F and very much welcomed for a second night of camping (no other campers in the campground).

July 4 Tuesday - (half-day of birding) left Misery Springs Campground before sun rise, temp. was 57 F headed straight to Biscuit Ridge for Green-tailed Towhees where we were rewarded with one singing across the steep slope. Dry Creek-our only Cordilleran Flycatcher Tom Lamb's with his many hummingbird feeders south of Dixie Bennington Lake--struck out on finding the reported Least Flycatcher

The trip covered the high points of different areas of the Blue Mountains and the plant life and scenery were appreciated by the group. The FR 40 leading south of Misery Springs down to Grouse Flats could have spent a whole day covering this stretch. This is where the only Hermit Warbler record of Asotin County comes from. Many Green-tailed Towhee type habitats were noted along this stretch. I know of those wishing to have joined this group, but were deterred by having to sleep on the ground in primitive campgrounds. I didn't hear any complaining from the group about having to sleep in this manner. This area is seldom birded and is one of the places many return to after having once been there.

Ken Knittle, Washington Birder newsletter, 2604 NE 80th Street Vancouver, WA 98665 washingtonbirder@hotmail.com

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May 26-27, 2006 — Doug Schonewald will lead a two-day trip in eastern Washington

Six birders braved the unseasonably cool and showery day in Grant County. While no rarities were located we had a very good day of birding with 104 species tallied for the first day. Highlights included:

Three species of hummingbirds, Black-throated, Rufous, and Calliope. All hummingbirds were located at either Northrup Canyon (Calliope) or Northrup Point (Black-chinned and Rufous). The Calliopes seemed to prefer the wild rose found at the mouth of Northrup Canyon, while the Rufous and Black-chinned were feeding heavily on the blooming Black Locust at the picnic area of Northrup Point.

Both species of bluebird seen on the new bluebird trail along SR-155. The Western Bluebird was a female, while both male and female Mountain Bluebird were observed.

Osprey was seen at Sun Lakes State Park; also at Sun Lakes State Park was a nice Peregrine Falcon. A second Peregrine was seen at Northrup Canyon; Red-necked Grebes were observed at Alkali Lake as is becoming customary for this new breeder to the area; Seven species of flycatcher were observed including Olive-sided Flycatcher at Northrup Canyon, Dusky Flycatchers (6-7 total at several locations), and Willow Flycatcher at Hartline; Swainson's Thrush were seen at several locations and the six normally seen swallows were present in good numbers; Red-necked Phalaropes were numerous at the Coulee City STP with at least a dozen, along with a couple of Wilson's Phalarope.

The second day consisted of birding migrant traps of Adams, Franklin, and Whitman Counties, with some time spent in Lincoln County in the Sprague Lake area. An underestimation of time/distance left us with little time to bird some areas of Whitman County other than driving time through this difficult and large county. Birding was generally slow with the best birding in Washtucna at Bassett Park, and again late in the day at Sprague Lake. In spite of the relatively slow birding we managed to find 97 species during our 275 mile odyssey. 21 species were added to the list from Friday for a weekend total of 125 species. Notable birds included:

Clark's Grebe - 1 Sprague Lake (Lincoln County); Wild Turkey - 3 Bassett Park; Dunlin - 1 at a small wetland along SR-23 (Lincoln County); Eurasian Collard-Dove - 3 Bassett Park (a local resident told us there were 4 and a nest was located in their spruce tree); Townsend's Warbler hybrid - 1 Bassett Park (an unusual bird that appeared to be a hybrid though with what is uncertain)

Common birds offering great views:

Common Nighthawk - 1 Palouse Falls State Park (perched on a limb in plain view and preened and offered obliging photo opportunities); Grasshopper Sparrow - many along SR-261 perched on fences; Barn Owl - several at Hooper offering nice flight views and scope views; Burrowing Owl - Brief but nice view near LaCrosse; Black Tern - many hawking over Sprague Lake; Hammond's Flycatcher - 2 Bassett Park very cooperative individuals at close range allowing opportunity for descriptive ID characteristics.

Doug Schonewald, Moses Lake, WA

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May 6-7, 2006 — Ken Knittle led a trip for rare shorebirds and migrant passerines beginning in southeaster Washington.

All participants met at a predetermined spot Friday night for a breezy night of sleeping under the stars. Little did we know that the wind was only going to get much stronger to where at one point walking and opening our car doors wasn't easy. The worst wind was Sunday morning on the western rim of the Tucannon River where many new wind generating machines now grace the green wheat fields. Below is just a short blurp of places visited and highlights at those places. A total of 139 plus species, perhaps some that I didn't get written down, was much lower than past years due to the windy conditions and this spring being much cooler and wetter making it later than normal. For instance hummingbirds arrived last year at Last Chance Store (Tucannon River) on April 17 and this year 7 days later on April 24.

Friday May 5, Anne Kahle and I took off traveling over White Pass where Barrow's Goldeneyes were on their normal places and a Gray Jay met us as we stopped to stretch our legs on the pass. Below Rimrock Lake along the Tieton River a male Harlequin Duck looked supreme standing on a rock near the edge of the fast moving water. American White Pelicans were nice to see north of Yakima along the Yakima River. A side jaunt to Potholes Dam revealed a Common Loon, Clark's and Western Grebes, and a Prairie Falcon. We then headed for Liberty Lake area and the Great-tailed Grackle. After much searching we did not see it so checked out the state park where Sora and Virginia Rails were calling. A new hole in the freshly sawn-off limb appeared to be the new home of a Red-breasted Nuthatch. The dry pine hillsides were very quiet. Again we checked for the Grackle and finally saw it on the grass quite a ways out. Anne got to see it 10 seconds before it flew towards the houses. We checked out West Medical Lake with not much due to high water and fishermen keeping the ducks hidden in the north cove. Reardan produced high water with a Virginia Rail calling. The Davenport Cemetery was crawling with migrants such as Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Hermit Thrushes, White-crowned Sparrows, Townsend's Warblers, a Lincoln's Sparrow, a Dusky Flycatcher and the normal. One last stop before sundown produced Wild Turkeys and down below Hawk Creek Falls 2 Dippers and 1 Greater Yellowlegs--the only one we saw all weekend.

Saturday May 6 a House Wren and several Vesper Sparrows were calling before dawn as we all got up shortly after 4 am. Swanson Lakes were high, but we did find a few shorebirds. We had Wilson's Phalarope upon arriving and while scoping the water a Least Sandpiper flew by calling and a Semipalmated Plover landed close for good looks. A single Long-billed Dowitcher called and headed west. A couple of Avocets were spotted on the eastern shore. 4 Ring-necked Ducks took off going west from the western most lake. South of Swanson Lakes we found our only Canvasbacks on a small lake--wondered if they were there to breed or not. Also another stop produced Sage Thrashers, and 3 Loggerhead Shrikes along with winnowing Wilson's Snipe and Brewer's Sparrows.

The town of Harington was full of migrants with many at a feeder west of the park. Here we had our only Western Wood-Pewee of the trip. Evening Grosbeaks, Orange-crowned and Townsend's Warblers with Gray Partridge and Red-breasted Nuthatches up at the cemetery on the hill.

Our next places to bird were Sprague sewer ponds and then on to the lake. The sewer ponds had a Bald Eagle, Spotted Sandpipers, Black Terns, Swainson's Hawk, Wilson's Phalaropes and the wetlands below and west of the sewer ponds had Dunlin, Lesser Yellowlegs and other shorebirds not easily seen in the tall grass. Around Sprague Lake we had Barn Owls, hundreds of Black Terns, Bonaparte's Gulls, and American White Pelicans.

Sheep and Crooked Knee Lakes were not very productive due to high water. Texas Lake wasn't either, but just west of the lake we found Rock Wren, Townsend's Solitaire, a Hermit Thrush keeping company with a Slate-colored Fox Sparrow, Great Horned Owls, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Below Texas Lake heading south we found both Hammond's and Dusky Flycatchers close by for comparisons. Burrowing Owls were the toughest I've had in finding them. This may be due to the high grass from a wet winter and spring. Long-billed Curlews were quiet as well.

Washtucna sounded promising since Harrington was so good. The main highlight here was the two Eurasian Collared-Doves. Not much yet. We tried a couple of spots for Grasshopper Sparrows near the Palouse Falls. Due to a late migration and winds we could not hear any.

Lyon's Ferry was however very good. We did not have much time to cover it well, but we did find Gray Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Fox Sparrow, Nashville Warbler, our only Bullock's Oriole, 2 Osprey. The Gray Flycatcher hasn't been seen that often in Franklin County as it is only passing through here. Same for the Fox Sparrow. Dark time fell as we entered Pomeroy and our normal eating place was out-of-business. Not knowing the town we tried the bar across the street and found it well lit and nice clean tables for tabulating our lists and getting something warm to eat. Much better than the original eating spot for this trip as voiced by many at the table.

We camped in the wind at Boundary Campground with many of us sleeping on the ground and during the night rain forced some of us into relocating to drier places. Hard-core birders will sleep through anything though. A few birds were calling such as Hairy Woodpecker, Red Crossbills, both Dusky and Hammond's Flycatchers, Cassin's Finches, a nest hole for Red-breasted Nuthatch, before we headed down the ridge to less windy destinations.

Mountain Bluebirds graced the fences and braved the wind as we headed down Blind Grade and stopped at the Hartsock Unit Wildlife Management area. A hen Turkey jumped started Kraig Kemper which burst into flight under his feet without any previous warning of it being there. A Cassin's Vireo, Bewick's Wren and Yellow Warblers were along the creek just inside the Garfield County line. A stop at Last Chance Resort to checkout their hummingbird feeders we found one female Black-chinned and many Rufous Hummingbirds. A flock of Wild Turkeys were feeding on the hillside across the Tucannon River. Vaux's Swifts were flying up the river. We could not locate any rails in the marshy areas like Spring Lake, but we did get Western Tanager, Warbling Vireo, Tree Swallow, and Golden Eagle. Going down the river we found a flock of Common Mergansers, another Tree Swallow, Dippers, and a lone Gray Partridge along the wheat field above the Tucannon River in strong wind.

The north fork of Coppei Creek produced MacGillivray's Warbler, Fox Sparrows, Sharp-shinned Hawk, as the main high lights. 9-mile Canyon had Grasshopper Sparrows playing hard to hear, a Rock Wren, a Loggerhead Shrike, and Vesper Sparrows were calling. We circled around the back way from 9-mile to Dodd Road and checked the ponds for shorebirds which included: Semipalmated Plover, Western and Least Sandpipers, Long-billed Dowitchers, Avocets, Black-necked Stilts, Dunlin, Wilson's Phalaropes, Bonaparte's Gull, Caspian Terns, Barn Owls, and all normal swallow species including Tree. The last stop for us as a group was the Walla Walla River mouth at Wallula Jct. 4 Forster's Terns and American White Pelicans were all the high water would show us.

This was a fun trip and made for those who don't mind the elements and hard ground for camping. I realize many were on the waiting list and would have liked to participate in this fieldtrip. Close to 12 were on the waiting list. This year might have best been done in mid-May due to the late migration. So if any need additional information on the route you can still go on your own, email me with any questions.

Ken Knittle, Washington Birder newsletter, 2604 NE 80th Street Vancouver, WA 98665 washingtonbirder@hotmail.com

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April 22, 2006 — Michael Hobbs led a trip in Kittitas County.

I led a party of 8 on an extensive trip through Kittitas County, from Hyak to Vantage and back. The weather was great, the birds were great, and really the only disappointment was the lack of warblers.

The best highlight was a male, and maybe a glimpse of a female, WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER at a possible nest hole on Emerick Rd, just opposite a green metal gate for Hidden Valley something ("Heritage?"). The hole was about 2/3rds of the way up a fairly slender tree, only a little bit uphill from directly opposite the gate, easily visible from the road. Emerick Road is the uphill extention of Hidden Valley Rd., south of SR-970. (Actually, Hidden Valley Rd. turns 90 degrees to the left, and Emerick continues on straight.) We also had a HAIRY WOODPECKER just a bit further uphill.

Other Highlights: Gadwall - One at the ponds on Hundley Rd off I-90 @ Golf Course Rd; Gray Partridge - Two at Swauk Prairie (at the buffalo farm); Wilson's Snipe - Great show at dusk on Smithson Rd.; Caspian Tern - Vantage; Red-naped Sapsucker - Several sightings including Hundley Rd., and SR-10 Teanaway bridge; Rock Wren - One just below Wanapum dam on a pile of rocks; Canyon Wren - Heard at the usual pullout for GCRF below Wanapum; Loggerhead Shrike - MP 17 Old Vantage Highway, and Huntzinger Rd.; Bushtit - 970 Lambert Rd near Cle Elum; Hermit Thrush - South Cle Elum (Charter Rd), and Swauk Cemetery; Sage Thrasher - Singing and displaying around MP 17, Old Vantage Hwy; American Pipit - ~50, Hartman Rd (off Swauk Prairie Rd); Lincoln's Sparrow - 2 at SR-10 Teanaway bridge; Golden-crowned Sparrow - 970 Lambert Rd.; Yellow-headed Blackbird - 2+ males at pond at about 7900 Parke Creek Rd.

WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were ubiquitous to the point of being obnoxious. They were EVERYWHERE. Both bluebirds were plentiful from Swauk Prairie east.

For the day, we managed 97 species. It was great.

Michael Hobbs, Kirkland, WA, http://www.marymoor.org/birding.htm, birdmarymoor@verizon.net

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February 18, 2006 - Owls by Day, led by Mike and MerryLynn Denny.

The WOS Owls by Day trip started out very cold at 10 degrees though clear and sunny. MerryLynn and I checked on the Burrowing Owls just before the start at 7:30 AM and they were in view. After meeting at Hood park with all the 19 participants we headed out to get a look at the Burrowing Owls.....they stayed under in their burrow and would not show up. So with a rise in Temp to a warm 15 degrees we headed for Hood and McNary NWR HQ. What a great group to spend a beautiful day with. It did warm up to about 35 degrees with little to no wind most of the day. We found the following Owls:

Barn Owl - 10 birds; Long-eared Owls - 9 birds; Short-eared Owls - 2 birds; Great Horned Owl - 9 birds; Burrowing Owl - 2 birds; N. Saw-whet Owl - 0, where were these little beauties???

These are cumulative totals for the day and not all owls were seen by all participants. 62 total species of birds were seen. With 1 Merlin, 5 Bohemian Waxwing, 1 Orange-crowned Warbler to name some . This was a good trip and a fun group. Thank-you to all that drove the miles and came out in support of this WOS fieldtrip.

Mike & MerryLynn Denny, 1354 S. E. Central Ave., College Place, WA 99324. 509.529.0080 (h), m.denny@charter.net

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February 11-12, 2006 - Ruth and Patrick Sullivan led a two-day trip to the Waterville Plateau region.

We led a WOS field trip to the Waterville Plateau consisting of 14 participants and 80 species. We encountered most of all our target species away from Bohemian Waxwing and Am. Tree Sparrow and good participation was made by everyone! We all stayed together in Pateros, which helped a lot and enjoyed a nice dinner together Saturday evening at a local restaurant. Away from birding the panoramic views of the North Cascades was spectacular from our snowy landscape above Central Ferry Canyon Rd., as well as from other vantage points! The weather was superb and conditions couldn't be better both days with temperatures ranging into the mid 40's during he day and far cooler during the evening with mostly clear skies! Ground snow conditions were fairly substantial on the Waterville Plateau from the Mansfield area west to near Lamoine, as well as along the upper portion of Central Ferry Canyon Rd. While these areas were heavily covered in snow other areas showed far less snowy areas including the lower portion of Bridgeport Hill Rd. Our main target species of the trip was Sharp-tailed Grouse and we made special efforts searching from 2 locations both days along Bridgeport Hill Rd.

On the early morning of the 11th after spending the overnight in Pateros our group traveled over to Bridgeport Hill Rd. by arriving at our first location at 7am. We all sat alert and patient in our vehicles without getting out and walking around. With all of us looking carefully in somewhat different the last vehicle in our group were able to spot 1 lone SHARP-TAILED GROUSE quickly flying west to east overhead, as they called out in their FRS radios! The sighting was quick, but definite as the Spokane group led by Gina Sheridan and Cindy McCormick were all able to see the bird! We all waited a short time after this sighting hope and crossing our fingers for any other Sharp-tailed Grouse to arrive or fly over, but everything remained quite and still on this cool, crisp morning. We soon ascended up Bridgeport Hill to another locations that has produced Sharp-tailed Grouse, but our efforts continued unsuccessful. We assume we were somewhat too late in the season for seeing this species due to the relative lack of snow along this route that often drives the birds down into the stands of Water Birch for food. Along with this theory we noticed that the remaining buds on these trees seemed dry, which may have resulted in the birds to look for food elsewhere, but these are only theories. We checked both locations along Bridgeport Hill Rd. on Sunday, as well as other birders we ran into in the field, but were unable to locate any Sharp-tailed Grouse. Even if most of our group didn't see the bird we were happy at least one bird was seen by the sharp eyes of the Spokane group!

The remainder of our trip continued very good, as we were able to locate up to 7 GREATER SAGE GROUSE on the 11th at an active "lek" near Leahy, where ample scoping views where made by everyone! We were able to notice 3 males beginning to partially display, but were unable to locate any females. This location also offered great distant of breath-taking views of mountainous scenery, including views of the snowy top of Tunk Mountain in Okanogan Co. Our first Northern Shrike of the trip was also located near Leahy followed by 9 additional birds noted both days at other various location on the trip showing no shortage of these birds in this area.

Continuing on our way to Mansfield on the 11th we located 6 LONG-EARED OWLS at an undisclosed location that al offered good ,close views for everyone then in Mansfield up to 3 EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES were observed and photographed amongst a small group of Mourning Doves. These birds were all present in 2 separate trees near houses just west of the grain elevators along the road going to the Mansfield Cemetery, where they have been previously reported by other birders. It was great to see these birds and compare them with nearby Mourning Doves for our group, which by several was a life bird!

The remainder of our day was spent in the Bridgeport area beginning at Bridgeport State Park in Okanogan Co., where a single BARN OWL and NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL were located roosting at different locations within the park. The Northern Saw-whet Owl excited everyone, where it stood motionless in a small evergreen tree at very close range! With a good start of our trip with 3 species of owls at this point Great Horned Owl was soon added to our trip list by the evening of the 11th,as well as 2 locations on the 12th and our 6th species of owl included SNOWY OWL all noted west of the town of Withrow on the 12th. Our first Snowy Owl was noted along S.R.172 atop a rock outcropping immediately west of Division Rd. followed by our second bird being spotted on the ground further west along Hwy.172 just east of McNeil Canyon Rd. We continued south and westward toward Lamoine and a careful scan of snowy fields along Rd. 8 NW (Sprauer Rd.) yielded 3 additional Snowy Owls located west of the intersect of Rd. 8 NW and D NW! All the Snowy Owls were observed at a fair scoping distance, but we were able to get some photos of the 1st bird.

Further west along 8 NW we located our first SNOW BUNTINGS of the trip with a very large flock of 700+ birds noted atop telephone wires and in nearby snow-covered fields near F Rd. This was an impressive and fairly cooperative flock that allowed great views, especially in flight. When the birds lifted from the wires they formed a large tight flock a times and with the added reflection of the snowy ground looked like snowflakes in the pure blue sky above! The birds remained atop the wires for some time before moving into nearby fields. Small flocks of Snow Buntings were encountered from various locations along S.R.172 south of Withrow and along Hwy.2 to Atkins Lake. It was here the majority of our trip ended with one party that joined us to Vantage, where our day ended. On our way to this final destination we located a single CHUKAR along Hwy.17 at Lake Lenore in Grant Co. In Vantage highlights included a PRAIRIE FALCON pursuing 1 of 3 Rock Pigeons along Huntzinger Rd. just south of Wanapum Dam and a single LONG-TAILED DUCK near a large raft of Am. Coot (with Greater Scaup) immediately north of the I-90 bridge.

Other nice birds observed during our trip included the following from selected locations and dates:

Red-necked Grebe 1 at Pateros on the 11th; Eared Grebe 1 at Pateros on the 11th(with 2 there on the 12th); Cackling Goose 3 birds (with Canada Geese) along Hwy.97 on the Columbia River between Brewster and Pateros on the 12th; good assortment of waterfowl at Pateros on the morning of the 12th(including along the lower partially frozen portion of the Methow River). Relatively good numbers of Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-necked Ducks other waterfowl species were noted from these locations. 4 Barrow's Goldeneyes were also noted amongst large numbers of Common Goldeneyes; NORTHERN GOSHAWK 1 immature bird observed 3 separate times in a 10 minute period along the lower portion of Central Ferry Canyon on the 12th. This bird was fist observed perched atop a telephone pole before flying west then returned by flying over the road at close range then dropping down fast into an orchard. The bird returned with a presumed California Quail in it's talons as it flew westward before dropping down into thick cover. This bird made a nice, but brief showing, as well as making a 3 accipiter trip!; Golden Eagle 1 adult bird atop a rimrock cliff along Hwy.17 north of Leahy on the 11th; Merlin 1 bird observed along S.R.173 near Bridgeport in Douglas Co. both days with an additional bird noted at the south end of Brewster on the 12th in Okanogan Co.; Horned Lark relatively few at various locations on the Waterville Plateau both days with most birds in small flocks or as single birds along main roads and in open fields; Steller's Jay 1 along the upper portion of Central Ferry Canyon Rd. on the 12th; Clark's Nutcracker 1 bird along the upper portion of Central Ferry Canyon Rd. on the 12th; Pygmy Nuthatch small numbers observed along the upper portion of Central Ferry Canyon Rd. on the 12th(with several Red-breasted Nuthatches nearby and a few distant calling Mountain Chickadees); Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 bird along the lower portion of Central Ferry Canyon Rd. on the 12th; Townsend's Solitaire 1 near Leahy on the 11th 1 at he Mansfield Cemetery on the 11th; Yellow-rumped Warbler 2 at Bridgeport State Park on the 11th; Red Crossbill 12+ along the upper portion of Central Ferry Canyon Rd. on the 12th.

***Mammal highlights during the field trip***: Mule Deer (including one herd of 30 animals in a partially snow-covered field along S.R.172 on the 11th; Coyote (various locations on both days); Yellow-bellied Marmot 1 out from hibernation "sunning" atop a rock outcropping near Mansfield on the 11th; Mountain Cottontail 1 near Mansfield on the 11th River Otter 1 at Vantage on the 12th

***In addition we wish to add a few sightings we wish to include in this list for the 10th of February en route to Pateros with Jim Pruske***. Highlights for this date from selected areas included the following: 4 Eared Grebes along Hwy.17 at Soap Lake, Grant Co.; 125 Canvasbacks along Hwy.17 at the extreme north end of Lake Lenore, Grant Co.; 2 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS amongst a small scaup flock along Huntzinger Rd. just south of Wanapum State Park, Kittitas Co.; Rough-legged Hawk good numbers noted on the Waterville Plateau including 3 along Hwy.17 (just north of Hwy.2) followed by 20+ noted near Leahy, Douglas Co.; 2 Golden Eagles flying along a rimrock cliff side along Hwy.17 just west of Sun Lakes State Park, Grant Co. 2 additional Golden Eagles observed foraging with Common Ravens on a fresh Mule Deer carcass along Hwy.17 just south Bridgeport Hill Rd., DO; 1 Merlin at Soap Lake, GR; Great Horned Owl 1 along the lower portion of Bridgeport Hill Rd., DO; Clark's Nutcracker 1 along I-90 east of Cle Elum, Kittitas Co.; 2 Rock Wrens along Huntzinger Rd. south of Wanapum Dam; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 at Oasis Park at Ephrata,1Grant Co., 1 at Bridgeport Bar, Douglas Co.; Varied Thrush 3 at Oasis Park, GR 1 at Bridgeport Bar, DO; Lapland Longspur 4+ birds amongst a scattered flock of Horned Larks near Leahy, DO

Good birding, Ruth and Patrick Sullivan Fircrest, WA godwi513@msn.com

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January 28, 2006 - Ken Knittle led a field trip to the Woodland Bottoms, Ridgefield NWR, and surrounding area.

The rain had us birding from the car nearly all day with just an hour or so of sunlight Saturday afternoon. It knocked our total by a dozen birds or so with us finding only 60 species. Areas covered were Ridgefield (both units), Vancouver Lake and Lower River Road to Post Office Lake. Highlights of the day were 1 Greater White-fronted Goose, 1 odd Cackling Goose with a pure white chest, lots of Canvasbacks on Post Office Lake, many Great Egrets which is normal, but all were around Vancouver Lake with none on the refuge, 1 Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk, 30+ Sandhill Cranes, 2 Greater Yellowlegs, 1 Anna's Hummingbird, 1 Red-breasted Sapsucker, 2 White-breasted Nuthatches at the Carty Unit, 1 Hermit Thrush, 1 heard Swamp Sparrow at the Carty Unit across the water just past the new wooden building. Pishing was not close enough to be effective to talk the Swamp Sparrow into showing itself.

Lots of high water with less than normal waterfowl. Post Office Lake was the heaviest concentration of ducks.

Ken Knittle, Washington Birder, 2604 NE 80th Street Vancouver, WA 98665 360.574.2590, washingtonbirder@hotmail.com

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