This morning (1/21/96) we observed the Red-shouldered Hawk reported
yesterday by Mike Denny to Tri-Cities birders. It was at the top of a birch
at the corner of Maple and S. Lake. This location is at McNary NWR refuge
headquarters. (Humorist, Route 12, Maple and S Lake form a block) The bird
flew to several other locations around the block but returned to the birch
and stayed there.

After McNary NWR, we ventured to Moses Lake to check out the Snowy Owls
reported to the Lower Columbia Basin RBA by Randy Hill. The owls were
exactly where Randy reported but instead of 2, we found 4. We observed 3
east of L-NE and 1 west of L-NE all on irrigation lines. One was perched on
a white box that was part of the irrigator. Another was next to a white box
on the lee side for protection from the wind and snow. For those who have
never seen a Snowy Owl, you'd be amazed how really camouflaged such a big,
white bird can be. Without binoculars, one can easily miss these birds.

We did observe the remains of another Snowy Owl along I-90, east of the exit
to Quincy.

Not much farther along I-90 we also saw a Prairie Falcon.


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