>Hi Tweeters,
>
>I was planning on spending this weekend birding and jumping of sand dunes
>in the Frenchmens Cooly area north of Vantage. Just wondering what the
>weather has been like on the east side; are these moist fronts penetrating
>into the Columbia basin or can we expect a healthy hit of UV (read between
>the lines, should we bring hot toddies or budwiser?). Any birds to report
>from the cooly?
>
>Fred S.
>
>
>
Earlier in the week, before these recent fronts, it was quite warm in the
basin. The fronts have cooled temps into the 60s days, 40's nights, with
light (for here) wind and a few sprinkles.

Not sure exactly where you are going. But in the basin, look for the following:

sage birds (Vesper, Sage, and Brewer's Sparrows, Sage Thrasher, Say's Phoebe).
Sandhill Crane have been numerous.
Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, and Long-billed Curlew
Swainson's Hawks are statring to make an appearance
Ferruginous Hawk (two locations in Benton county)
waterfowl species



Bill and Nancy LaFramboise
Richland, WA
wlafra at oneworld.owt.com