Spent some time out at the Columbian White Tailed Deer Refuge this
morning birding and enjoying big game as well. In the same field with a
large flock of Canada Geese, including a yellow neck-banded Cackling
Goose, were two magnificent bull elk, both with six points on each side
of the antlers. In the same field were six White-tailed deer, four bucks
and two doe. The elk were a couple of hundred yards from the preserve
boundary. They are either smart or lucky! For those who have not visited
this spot, the deer are there and easily visible all year, particularly
morning and evening. The elk are there throughout the winter months. The
preserve has ponds, swamp, open fields, forrest, and is bounded on two
sides by the Elochoman River and the Columbia River

One delightful highlight was sitting in the car with the window rolled down
being serenaded by a song sparrow sitting just about five feet from us.

Also seen this morning:

Ring Billed Ducks
Kestral
Northern Shovelers
Mallards
Large flock of robins
Common Mergansers
Great Blue Herons
Double Crested Cormorants
Flickers
Green Winged Teal