I saw an alternate-plumaged GREATER YELLOWLEGS at the Winchester Wasteway
on Dodson Rd. on 10 June, and, as it wasn't there on 5 June, I am assuming
it is an early fall migrant. Individuals of this species typically move
into Washington from the north in the last few weeks of June, so why not?
There were lots of ducks there, including Redheads and Wood Ducks, avocets,
and all 3 of the breeding terns of eastern WA--Caspian, Forster's and
Black. More shorebirds are surely to come!

For an easily observed BANK SWALLOW colony, there is one about 4 miles E of
the Dodson Rd. (mile 164) exit, on the frontage road on the S side of I-90.
It is a sand bank on the S side of the road, facing E (so you'll have to
see it as you pass it, and morning would be a good time). It is a good
place to look at the details of the holes, to see how readily they
collapse, and to see the layer of 1980 Mt. St. Helens ash at the top of the
bank. The birds will leave their burrows as you stand there, but none
returned to them in the few minutes we spent, so don't stay at the bank too
long. See if you can determine the optimal distance so the birds will
return while you are present.

GREAT EGRETS continue to increase at the breeding colony to the NW of the
Potholes Reservoir; they are all over the place. Also, there are CLARK'S
GREBES with the Westerns where you can drive down to Crab Creek at the N
end of the reservoir. A kayak or canoe would be a great way to immerse
yourself (not literally) in the marsh life there. Huge carps lie at the
surface, and the big swirls they make as you pass increases the excitement
of the place.

Dennis Paulson