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March 20, 2004

Nine participants enjoyed the best that the Columbia Basin has to offer in weather and birds for late March. The following highlights were enjoyed by the entire group: Burrowing Owls - a pair on a nest burrow along SR-17 between the junction of SR-282 and SR-28; Long-billed Curlew - Up to six individuals along SR-17 just south of Soap Lake; Say's Phoebe - Plentiful and observed in many locations; Sage Thrasher - An early arriving single bird located on the Waterville Plateau near the sage grouse lek; Greater Sage-Grouse - At least 6 birds observed on and near the Leahy Junction lek; Prairie Falcon - At least 4 different birds scattered across the Waterville Plateau; Short-eared Owl - A nice specimen observed at the traditional Long-eared Owl spot along Heritage Road; Northern Shrike - A very nice adult bird along Heritage Road; Steller's Jay - A lost bird located in downtown Mansfield; Great Horned Owl - Mansfield Cemetery; Redhead (m), Canvasback (m & f), and Tundra Swan - small pond along SR-174 in Douglas County; Tree Swallow - A pair researching old bluebird boxes for nesting possibilities at the same pond; Turkey Vulture - A nice study in flight as the bird soared over us along SR-155 at close range; Bald Eagle - Observed in several locations; Golden Eagle - Single bird soaring over the cliffs above Blue Lake; Chukar - West of Lake Lenore along SR-17 offering far but good views.

The following birds were located by some of the group: White-throated Swift - Early arrivals at the Dry Falls Overview and North Dam Rest Area at Grand Coulee; 'Slate-colored' Junco - A single bird located in downtown Mansfield; Snow Bunting - Flushed from the side of the road along SR-172 just east of Mansfield; Cliff Swallow - Several birds soaring above the North Dam Rest Area at Grand Coulee.