Hi, Tweets

The following will be in the next WOSNews later this month, but for those
of you not members we would like to share the following and invite you to
join us in Yakima.

1999 Washington Ornithological Society Conference in Yakima:

The end of August and early September is the peak of migration for
Neotropical migrants in Washington and Yakima makes a great base for
viewing these migrants. The 11th Annual WOS Conference is scheduled for
August 27-29th at Cavanaugh's Yakima Center in Yakima.

You say it's hot in Yakima in August? True, but not as warm as July plus
we will be in air-conditioned vehicles and schedule our activities for
cooler hours as much as possible. Besides, there are the cool pools of
Cavanaugh's to look forward to on our return from the trips.

The following trips are envisioned to prime locations for migrants and
resident birds at this season:

1. Fort Simcoe - for the woodpecker spectacle in Washington state.
Nowhere else can you find such a large concentration of the colorful
Lewis' woodpecker. This is a trip that even non-birders can enjoy. A stop
will also be scheduled at the Toppenish NWR for the beginnings of the
waterfowl migration plus some possible early shorebird viewing.

2. Moxee Valley - for raptors and long-eared owls plus the Grandview
Sewage Lagoons where semipalmated sandpiper and stilt sandpiper are good
bets. (While especially good for shorebird aficionados, not so good for
non-birding spouses - the stench, mild as it is, doesn't make for brownie
points in a relationship!).

3. Wenas - for birds of the Ponderosa Pine Zone such as the white-headed
woodpecker and pygmy nuthatch, which should still be present, along with
nearby Wenas Lake for good shorebirding possibilities (depending on water
levels!).

4. Vantage - search for rarities and migrant waterbirds. This trip will
run hard and lean, targeting the riparian areas along the Columbia River.
The area has proven good for an oddball warbler or two, especially
blackpoll warbler at this time. With a bunch of binos focused on the Ginkgo
overloook trees and the horse farm, who knows what will be seen.
5. Yakima Canyon - for migrants and hiking (Umtanum Creek).

6. Chinook Pass - for hiking amidst the beautiful wildflower meadows.
Migrant songbirds and raptors, depending on the weather, and, of course,
great views!

7. Yakima Training Center - for migrant songbirds and raptors. Clearance
is anticipated to gain access to the upper Cold Creek migration site, a
proven concentration of migrant passerines.

8. Red Top Mountain near Blewett Pass - for raptors and mountain species.

This conference will also feature an exciting speaker for both the Friday
and Saturday night programs, Saturday presentation of papers, and a
Saturday evening banquet.

WOS is especially excited in announcing this as the perfect weekend for
couples with a non-birding spouse. Yakima is a superb and popular place for
winery tours and poolside relaxing. A Winery Tour will be offered as part
of the agenda! This could be easily coupled with the Fort Simcoe field trip.

Final information and the registration form will be in the next
WOSNewsletter. Please don't e-mail me for further information as I only
know what is in this announcement so far . . .

Cheers, Diann

Diann MacRae
WOSNews Editor
Bothell
tvulture at halcyon.com