I conducted the monthly census at the Steigerwald Lake N.W.R., in
Clark County, on Monday, Dec.12th. Despite the strong East winds blowing
down the Columbia River Gorge I managed to pick up forty species, which
is low for this refuge. Most of the smaller birds were unseen as they
burrowed deep into the blackberry tangles. The best birds were two
WHITE-TAILED KITES and a ROSS' GOOSE. One of the kites was visible from
the paved road that enters the refuge at milepost 18 on Highway 14, just
east of Gibbons Creek. The other was visible from the historical sign
pulloff at milepost 19, this is also where the Ross' Goose was in with a
flock of "Cackling" Canada Geese. The kites have been present in this
location for about two months now.

Wilson Cady
Washougal, WA
gorgebirds at juno.com