Just back from two nights at Wenas and happy to report a worthwhile visit.
It takes about 5 hours to get to Ellensberg from Vancouver but the driving
was worth it. Maybe I was very lucky but on both nights I shared the
campsite with only one other couple! Its hard to imagine what kind of crowd
would go out there and damage all the facilities but it happens; there is
only on toilet left standing!

Highlights were three woodpecker species (Hairy, Red-naped and
White-headed) White-breasted and Pygmy Nuthatch, Red Crossbill, nesting
Orioles, Western Tanagers, Black-headed Grosbeak and Cedar Waxwings plus
femal Ruffed Grouse with young. First for me was a Common Nighthawk at
rest; walking on the slopes to the West early in the morning one came and
perched no more than 20 feet from me.

Grey Catbird found at Hardy Canyon, Sage Thrasher just as you descend on
Umptanum Road to the point where it becomes Wenas Road. Couldn't find
Lazuli Buntings or Chat!

I took a side trip to Othello; Yellow-headed Blackbird, Black-crowned Night
Heron (3), American Avocet (5+) and Black-necked Stilt (5+) all in ponds 10
miles west of Othello. Avocet and Stilt also in ponds just north of
Othello. Tried all over the area for White Pelican and Great Eagret to no
avail.


Eric Greenwood
Vancouver, B.C.
egreenw at IntraNet.bc.ca