Sorry for the late post, but Steve and I went out Saturday, 5/9 from
Moscow, down through Walla Walla, to Pasco, and back through
Washtucna birding. Thanks to the input from tweeters, we had
no trouble finding several nice spots.

We missed everything we went looking for, but saw some great birds
anyway. Highlights included a Black-crowned Night Heron along the
Walla Walla river, Short-billed Dowitcher (about 90% positive), and
Killdeer babies (so cute without their tail feathers!) at Madame
Dorian park, and 5 White Pelicans at the mouth of the Walla Walla.

Heading north, we took a side road to the east and found a nesting
colony of Cliff and Bank Swallows, with two Barn Owl nests in the
middle of everything (saw 3 young total).

A stop at Burbank Slough yielded a possible Red-necked Grebe,
difficult to id when you see little but a tail and feet disappearing
under water, Virginia Rail (many calling, one oblivious to us
standing within 5 feet), and close up views of a great Blue Heron.

Heading home we also found several flocks of Horned Larks, an Eastern
Kingbird, and a Loggerhead Shrike.

We saw a total of 53 species, not bad for a day that started with
pouring rain.

BTW, I'm not familiar with what is considered rare in eastern
Washington, or even Idaho, so if someone knows where I can get hold
of a checklist or something that lists seasonal occurence I'd
appreciate it.
jw
Jane Westervelt
Steve Kalloger
Moscow, ID