Yesterday the Central Basin Audubon Society had its annual field trip to
count Bald Eagles flying into the roost at Northrup Canyon, at the north end
of Grant County just south of Grand Coulee Dam. It was my first time on
this trip, and the weather was gorgeous, although maybe a little too sunny
for looking at birds on the water. A few highlights included more than 100
eagles coming into the roost, including at least 24 that landed on one snag.
We saw lots of waterfowl on the way up on Banks Lake and the Sun Lakes.
Moses Lake had a couple of dowitchers and more than 50 Dunlins. Also on the
Sun Lakes were a pair of Western Grebes, Common Loons, a Red-necked Grebe,
and one loon that was likely a Pacific Loon, although it could not be
relocated. Northern Shrike and Rough-legged Hawk were common along the
highway.

It was good to see a posting on the Snowy Owls in Moses Lake. Friday there
were two seen. We looked briefly along Road L around 11 am and did not see
one.

Four of us are heading across the mountains for a loop that will include
Tacoma's gulls, Sequim/Port Angeles bay birds, the Port Townsend ferry,
Whidbey Island, and the Skagit/Samish flats. We have room for one in the
van for certain segments, especially if you know your way around. Don't
know if we will start north or south, but it will begin around 9:30 or 10 am
Friday in Seattle. If interested in joining or tagging along, email me
directly.

Randy Hill
Othello
hill at cbnn.net