Birding was good in the central Okanogan this last weekend. I didn't see any
rarities but it was easy to see a wide variety of birds. A forty-five minute
quick run through the Colville Plateau produced forty species without getting
of the truck even with the wind and occasional rain showers. A Loggerhead
Shrike was on its usual stretch on the Cameron Lake Road just up from Monse and
Dulley Lake and the other plateau ponds and lakes had a good amount of
waterfowl. A couple of pairs of Lesser Scaup, Black Terns and some Wilson's
Phalerope were all close to the road at Dulley Lake.

On my BBS route Sunday, Siwash Creek and Havilah Roads were very productive for
sparrows (Song, Chippy, Grasshopper, Savannah, Vesper, Brewer's and Lark) and
many Lazuli Bunting. Saw nothing rare again but totalled seventy-five species
despite heavy winds for the last ten stops. Fortunately some of the stops
leant themselves for more visual rather than auditiory observation and the
birds were very active despite the wind. These areas were where I usually get
Red-naped Sapsuckers which I usually pin down by ear but they flew by at three
separate stops. Also had a Ruffed Grouse drumming, which seemed a bit late.

Hope those going on the WOS convention field trips have good luck and less
wind.

Ed Swan
Vashon Island