Subject: Tri Cities
Date: Aug 8 19:19:58 1998
From: "Andrew McClelland" - mcclell at wwics.com


Eric Henriksen asked about the Tri Cities and although I am no expert on
the area can offer a little in the way of good spots to check out. In the
area I usually get to the McNary NWR area south of you. Coming from yur
direction you will cross the Snake River bridge and come to a stop light
right on Hwy 12. Turn left and turn left again just past the convenience
store. There is a parking lot to your right just before you cross the
causeway. You will see RUDDY DUCK, PIED-BILLED GREBE, DC CORMORANT,
YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD, MARSH WREN, etc. There is a blind just north of
the road also.

Back to Hwy 12 going south there numerous parts of the NWR that are
excellent. Today there were about 150 white pelicans around and although
common for the area are always a treat for me. At times the duck population
at McNary pool and the delta where the Walla Walla river enters the
Columbia is 20,000 and more. There are generally Caspian Tern by the dozen
in the area. Plus AMERICAN AVOCETS, BLACK-NECKED STILT, SPOTTED SANDPIPER.
Today there were plenty of peeps, sandpipers, etc. but the scope I have
won't reach them. :(

Along the highway just a couple of hundred yards north of the pulp mill is
an area where they dump offal from a local beef plant. There are usually
plenty of gulls, crows, ravens and I've seen three bald eagles at one time
there in the winter.

Farther south on Hwy 12 there are several turn offs that are worthwhile.
The ones to the right, on the river side, are tricky so watch closely and
you will be able to overlook the Walla Walla and Columbia confluence. Take
your scope.

Even farther south, where Hwys 12 and 730 meet, you will hit a atop sign
there, turn left towards Walla Walla and go a quarter mile (?) and there
will be a little road going to an overlook that is definitely worthwhile. A
scope is needed here too.

Hope this helps you and anyone else who may not be familiar with the area.
Let's get together and do the area some time, okay?

Andy McClelland
Walla Walla