Scott (and other interested Tweeters)
Brewer's Sparrows, Sage Sparrows and Sage Thrashers are all present and
singing on the Old Vantage Highway. From I-90, exit at Kittitas, past
Ellensburg, head north (any through road going north will do, but Rd. 81 is
easiest). I know two spots where they are almost a sure thing. The first is
near a small white structure seen on the right (once you get into sagebrush
country heading for the Columbia) - sort of a power station or something -
small, with no windows. Brewers, Vesper, and Sage Thrasher were there this
week - and Sage Sparrow can be found across the road. Another excellent spot
is to continue on toward Vantage, watching for a dirt road leading to a corral
on your right (has a 'For Sale' sign on it - anybody with some extra cash?)
In this area, and across the Vantage Highway a bit farther on where a dirt
road and sign indicate access into the Quilomene, you can locate all three
species.
Sage Grouse - much more difficult and I don't have any suggestions...
Brenda Senturia