Thanks to all those who sent tips for places to bird on my recent three day
trip to Leavenworth. I got skunked on the Black-backed Woodpecker, I will
have to keep this one on my "nemesis bird" list. I did get very nice looks
at White-headed Woodpecker at the parking area for Icicle Ridge Trail, along
with Dusky and Olive-sided Flycatchcers. The highlight of the trip however
were the accipiters. I spent several hours with volunteers from Hawkwatch
International above Blewett Pass as they tallied migrating raptors. Most of
the birds we saw were Coopers and Sharp-shinned Hawks. I got lots of
practice at identification based on silhouette, flight pattern and body
proportions. After years of frustrating accipiter fly-bys, I can now tell
them apart in flight at least some of the time. As an added bonus, I got a
brief but very close view of a life bird; an immature Goshawk flew overhead
not 20 feet above where we were stationed! the Hawkwatch folks say he is a
resident bird that is now being seen with some regularity. Anyone interested
in directions please e-mail me. Bring a pad to sit on, water, sunscreen and
patience, you'll have a great time.

Jack Stephens
jsteph02 at sprynet.com
Edmonds, WA