Since we figured we weren't going to be able to make the trip Mary is
planning, we took a two day trip (traveled Friday and birded Saturday) and
went to explore the area as best we could.

>From Omak, we went along Forest Road 37 and things were quiet (our best bird
was a porcupine!!) We turned on Forest Road 39 and stopped to walk the
Freezeout Ridge trail. We walked as far as the open area and birded the
margins of the trees/meadow. There were many Mountain Bluebirds, an
Olive-sided Flycatcher, Townsend's and Yellow-rumped Warblers, and 2
Kestrels. Bill was able to "pish out" a Goshawk (or at least one flew out
as Bill pished).

On the way back out (within 2 minutes of the car) we saw a male Spruce Grouse.

Farther along FR 39, in the burn area we found 2 Three-toed Woodpeckers.

As we descended toward Loomis we were startled to see a Great Gray Owl on a
stump on the side of the road. (near MP 34) We got great looks at this bird,
our first in WA.

All in all a wonderful day of birding and scenery. Hope this helps
encourage you to visit!


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