We took a 50-mile bicycle tour of the valleys of Bunker Creek, Lincoln
Creek, Independence Creek and the Chehalis River in Lewis County on that
glorious sunny day, Tuesday, 25 Sept, when the daytime temperatures got up
into the sixties. Along Bunker Creek Road, Violet-green Swallows filled
the air with their happy chatter, while the farms in the Chehalis Valley
along Scheuber Road remained silent, just waiting for the Barn Swallows to
arrive.
Red-tailed Hawks enjoyed the thermal updrafts as thy soared over
the small, narrow valleys of Bunker Creek, Lincoln Creek and Independence
Creek. One Turkey Vulture teetered along the edge of Michigan Hill.
Climbing up Ingalls Road provided a rare opportunity to observe
different habitat and hear and see the different birds that were using the
dense forest on one side of the road (Winter Wrens in full song), while
Bewick's Wrens and Song sparrows sang from the brush in the reforested,
three-year-old clearcut on the other side of the road. Spotted Towhees
enjoyed both sides of the roadside vegetation as they poured forth their
welcome to spring.
Along Prather Road, about four pairs of Ring-necked Ducks inhabited a
pond that resembled a Florida cypress swamp, with trees growing in the
water. (It probably dries up in the summer, but the Ring-necks seemed to
be enjoying it now.)
In the many flooded swales along the Chehalis River valley, Mallards,
a few Northern Pintails, American Wigeon and Buffleheads, along with some
Canada Geese, found much to their liking. Steller's Jays shouted their
presence from many forested glades, while American Robins perused every
pasture and lawn. Brewer's Blackbirds circled many of the small farms,
while Red-winged Blackbirds sang from every swampy-Cattail spot.
Our most unusual bird sighting was the three Scrub Jays at the house at
the top of the hill along Twin Oaks Road. They were the first Scrub Jays
we have seen or definitely heard in Washington State, although we
understand they have been seen as far north as Olympia. Very beautiful
birds with typical boisterous Jay personalities.

Sure, and it was a glorious day of Birding and Bicyling.

Bill and Erin Woods Woods Tree Farm Redmond, WA U.S.A.
<wwwbike at halcyon.com>