Tweeters:

I don't often chase for the same reasons Mike Patterson hinted at a while
back, but was down in Portland on business yesterday and had just enough
time in the late afternoon to stop by the Julia Butler Hansen NWR (4:15-45
pm) near Cathlamet. The BLACK PHOEBE was not visible from the Visitor's
Center; however, after about five minutes, I could hear it calling to the
right in the blackberry thickets, closer to Hwy 4 and near a small stand of
Red Alder. It took about 10 minutes to finally spot the bird from when I
first heard it.

The bird was active near the water's edge. The sparrow action was good here
also, and another notable bird was found--a RED (EASTERN) FOX SPARROW, which
was in the company of several Sooty Fox and Song Sparrows, there was a
Lincoln's near here, too. Then, perched near the top of a tall tree visible
from here on the north side of Hwy 4, there was a HARLAN'S (RT) HAWK, a very
black individual with a few white spots visible on the upper breast, looking
about as dark as I've ever seen one.

I'd never been in this part of wWA and was impressed not only by the birding
potential of the area but also by its geographical beauty. Given my good
fortune with the Phoebe, I find myself actually considering trying for the
Lesser BB Gull in Tri-Cities, since I have yet to try.

Scott Atkinson
Lake Stevens
email: scottratkinson at hotmail.com

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