Tweeters,

Six Empidonax flycatchers were seen in the Wenas this weekend.

Yesterday (27 May), a Least Flycatcher (1) was seen and heard in an aspen
copse on the north side of Maloy Road 1.0 mile west of the 3-way junction
(end of the pavement on North Wenas Road at Audubon Road, Maloy Rpad and
Umtanum Road). Unfortunately, the aspen clump is on private property, please
do not hop the fence and trespass. However, great views should be possible
with with a scope.

West on Maloy Road where a sign "State Land" is encountered, at least 10
Gray Flycatchers (2) were seen and heard in the open Ponderosa Pine woods,
as well as Pygmy Nuthatches. Farther west in Cow Canyon there were Dusky
Flycatchers (3) in the brushlands lining the creek. One Pacific-slope (4)
Flycatcher was noted there also, although this species is much easier to
find on the bridge across Wenas Creek at the Hardy Canyon area of the Oak
Creek Wildlife Area. Willow Flycatchers (5) were reported at Wilson Cady's
tally last night at the Wenas Campfire. Last, but not least, in the
campground this morning were singing Hammonds's Flycatchers (6) along the
creek (most readily identified by their "Peek!" call).

Today, I led a hike up Black Canyon, which leads steeply uphill 1,600' for
fabulous views of the entire region. From my notes a week ago:

SAGE THRASHERS IN UPPER BLACK CANYON IN THE WENAS
20 MAY 2000

I explored Black Canyon in the Wenas region in preparation for my guided
hike there this next Memorial Day Annual Audubon campout. This canyon is
part of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area and is accessed by taking the dirt track
north from near the Hardy Canyon area of this wildlife area. One can drive
to the base of the canyon to about 2,600'.

The initial steep sides of the canyon are rocky, grown to Serviceberries and
Bluebunch Wheatgrass, with many wildflowers, including a showy display of
Balsamroot. Here Chukar, Rock Wrens and Lazuli Buntings were common. The
canyon bottom is a very lush corridor, with an assortment of berry-producing
shrubs: Red-osier Dogwood, Wild Rose, Chokecherry, Mock Orange, and others.
After about a mile, nicer riparian zone begins - where the stream gradient
becomes less steep - with Trembling Aspen and Black Cottonwood, interspersed
with grassy glades. This habitat was full of migrant Orange-crowned and
Wilson's Warblers, Western Tanagers, and MacGillivray's Warblers, possibly
breeders here (though just as likely migrants).

A mile or so late, the canyon takes an easterly bend; here on the slopes a
modest Ponderosa Pine forest begins, with shrub-steppe habits always close
by, perfect for Blue Grouse. I bet I heard five booming males on this hike.
Not far up this, I took a track (4 WD or elk trail) leading uphill and south
and shortly was in Big Sagebrush/Threetip Sagebrush/Bitterbrush with a nice
cover of Bluebunch Wheatgrass and Idaho Fescue. I was surprised to note Sage
Thrashers here (T 16N R 17E Section 22); I noted about five singing birds in
this basin. The elevation here was from 3,700-4,000,' certainly the highest
thrashers I've encountered in Washington and the closest to the Cascades.
Brewer's and Vesper Sparrows were also common. Mule Deer were also
conspicuous here, snorting and bleating an odd call.

Ascending higher to the shallow-soiled lithosols on the ridgetops (complete
with Horned Lizards), with many buckwheats, a grand view unfolded: Mt.
Rainier to the west, the Stuart Range to the north, and the Kittitas Valley
directly below, east to the Yakima Training Center and south to the Horse
Heaven Hills.

I made my way down the Big Sagebrush-covered slopes back into the pines of
upper Black Canyon where I found White-headed and Hairy Woodpeckers,
Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warblers, many Chipping Sparrows, Red Crossbills
and Cassin's Finch.

In addition to the good exercise, fantastic views, lush and varied
plantlife, and interesting birdlife I encountered on the way up Black
Canyon, warming temperatures brought out many butterflies on my way back
down. The gravel roadbed seemed alive with a variety of these beautiful
creatures.

I returned very excited with the prospects of sharing this wonderful place
with fellow Auduboners.

Todays (28 May) notes:

The guided walk up Black Canyon today was every bit as memorable as my
scouting trip a week ago. Sage Thrashers were again noted, including adult
feeding young, so these birds are nesting here.
Some birds (presumably migrants) were missing from todays list: White-headed
Woodpecker, Orange-crowned and MacGillivray's Warblers, some were added:
Lewis's Woodpecker (carrying food), Clark's Nutcracker, Townsend's
Solitaire, Townsend's Warbler, Western Tanager, and Cassin's Finch.

In addition to birds, other highlights included 2 Horned Lizards on the
lithosols atop Umtanum Ridge, great views of Horned Larks amidst a
landscape alive with a colorful display of wildlowers was enjoyed by the
group.

Butterflies today were fewer than a week ago; it was coolor. We did
tentatively identify a small pale swallowtail fluttering about "Peak 4,225"
as Indra Swallowtail.

I highly recommend this hike for birders, naturalists, and anyone wishing to
get a great view of south-central Washington. I advertised it as "Moderate;"
arguably it might be a bit more than that with a 1,600' elevation gain.

Andy Stepniewski
Wapato WA
steppie at wolfenet.com