Saturday we headed toward Swanson's Lakes, southeast of
Creston, WA.
It was overcast when we left, but it turned out sunny and
nice. We saw a few
birds that we have not seen since last year.

The lake had a variety of ducks and a few shore birds. We have
been seeing
a lot of CINNAMON TEALS this year. The shore birds were
WILSON'S PHALAROPES, BLACK-NECKED STILTS, AMERICAN AVOCET, and
about 54 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS. On the road that runs through
the lake there were WESTERN SANDPIPERS, AMERICAN PIPETS and
one SEMIPALMATED PLOVER. A BONAPARTE'S GULL stood on the side
of the road to get his picture taken.There were several EARED
GREBES and are they ever gorgeous now.

The scab lands around the lake always has an assortment of
sparrows. We
spotted two SAGE THRASHER, also.

After leaving the lake area, we tried to go home a different
route. The Delorme
and the road signs do not agree. Zig zagging our way out, we
found a pair of
SWAINSON'S HAWKS. There was a nest close by with a little head
poking up.
Don't know if it was theirs or not. Is it to early for their
eggs to be hatched?

It was a great birding day. We love spring!

--

Sandy and Jerry Converse
Grand Coulee, WA

Never be afraid to try something new.
Remember, amateurs built the Ark and
Professionals built the Titanic.