Subject: Virmilion Flycatcher
Date: Jan 3 16:40:30 1996
From: Harry Nehls - hnehls at teleport.com


Joe Engler and I checked out the VIRMILION FLYCATCHER today (Jan 3) in the
Carty Unit of Ridgefield Refuge. It was very active and more or less
cooperative all the time we were in the area. A friendly immature
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK is also in the area so you have something else to see
besides the flycatcher.

To reach the area drive through the town of Ridgefield. Turn right at the
light and drive to the north end of town where the Carty Unit is well
marked. Walk across the footbridge over the railroad tracks and walk down
the steep slope to the meadows. The bird was working the fenceline directly
in front of you. It seemed attached to the trees close to the bridge there.


It once flew up to the grassy area around the restrooms but soon returned
to the bridge area.

Its tough to decide over a trip to Newport to search out the Prairie
Warbler and the odd Myiarchus or go to Ridgefield for the Virmilion, or
forget them all and find your own good birds and look for the Gyrfalcon at
the South Jetty of the Columbia River. The Virmilion was as good a choice
as any I guess. The weather was warm and sunny and I got several good
photos - I hope.


Good Luck.


Harry Nehls, Portland, Or.
hnehls at teleport.com (503) 233-3976