Birders, Today, Feb 21, we found at least 2 ROSS' GEESE mixed in
with over 300 SNOW GEESE on the Umatilla NWR, Whitcom Island
unit, DeLorme p28 B2. Snow Geese numbers have increased since
we first found 130 on Feb 5. Canada Geese numbers have dropped to
about 15,000.
It is fairly easy to find the Snow Geese flock, but very difficult to get
close enough to scope out the Ross'. It took us 2.5 hours of
sneaking up on them. We finally got within 150 feet and got a
positive ID. We only closely scoped about 100 Snow Geese so
there could be more Ross'. The geese are very flightly and are being
frequently harrassed by the 10+ Bald Eagles. I think the geese are
mostly anxious to migrate north. With a high of 56 today, who can
blame them.
The Snow Geese flock feeds in the Whitcom Island agricultural fields
until about 10am & then go south to the Columbia River (where we saw
them) for the rest of the day. To get to the river, get on island, take
first right & next left to a pumping station. You will drive by a farm
house. Also look for a couple of TREE SPARROWS by the pump
station. (not seen today) Two of the Snow Geese had red collars on
them.

For the doubters we have seen 1'000s of Ross' Geese at Malheur
NWR and Klamath Falls. These two birds had round heads and very
short bills with no grin patch. They were slightly smaller. They were
more active swimming (this is a good way to look for them) and flew
with a more agile style. (Also very cute)

Other good birds on the island were 1 FOX SPARROW (fuliginosa), 1
TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, 10 GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS,
5 HERMIT THRUSH, 4 VARIED THRUSH. Farther north we found 3
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS & 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE.

Nice Day! Good Birding, Craig

Craig Corder
Judy Stevens
Hermiston
Umatilla County in North-eastern/central Oregon
USA