Tweeterites,

While all precincts have not reported in, a preliminary list of birds
observed in Yakima County May 10 is 162. This is considerably below our
usual high 160's (record is 174).

Deep snows in the upper elevations of the Cascades most probably account for
the shortfall. Despite advance scouting and perfect weather, owls were just
not to be found in the mountains. Both Spotted and Barred, usually easy,
were missed. Regarding Spotted Owls, biologists from three agencies in this
area: the Yakama Indian Nation, the Naches Ranger District, and the Cle Elum
District, all report virtually no nesting of this species this year. Adults
have visited their territories, but most have left, wandering about the
forests showing no breeding activity. Radio-tagged adults on the reservation
have documented this. Also missed were Flammulated and Northern Pygmy-owls.

Our team visited White Pass on May 10 to census the higher forests for the
Birdathon. We were amazed at the deep snows which still blanket these higher
elevations. No open ground was visible, except the asphalt of Hwy 12. We did
tally a few mountain species such as Gray Jay and Varied Thrush, but it
appeared the birds were delaying their arrival, waiting for the snow to
melt. When will this happen? Some of us guessed the snow will not go this
summer at White Pass. I believe it will, maybem by July 4! The negative
effects of a snowpack of this magnitude on breeding bird success can be
easily guessed.

Lower elevations were much more birdy, as expected. Satus Creek, the
Toppenish Refuge and the Wenas region were all very productive, as was
Priest Rapids along the eastern margin of the county. Missing, however, was
a fallout of migrants in the lowlands. Warm and stable weather might explain
this. It was a very pleasant day for people, however. Migrants were probably
easily flying north to their breeding grounds above valley bottom elevations
and not being forced to refuel in this region of south-central Washington.

Noteworthy birds included: Pacific Loon and Red-breasted Merganser on Priest
Rapids Lake, Red-necked Grebe and Red-breasted Merganser on Clear Lake (near
Rimrock Lake), and Ash-throated Flycatchers along Satus Creek south of
Toppenish. Burrowing Owls were also seen, a species becoming very rare in
Yakima County and possibly eslewhere in eastern Washington.

Thanks to Ken Bevis, Harold Porath and Donald Peterson for assistance in
organizing this event, which raises both money for the Yakima Valley Audubon
Society and awareness of the diversity of birdlife in eastern Washington.

Andy Stepniewski
Wapato, WA