With all of the reports of Surf Scoters in Eastern Washington, I headed to Vantage in hopes of finding some in Kittitas County and possibly other birds as well.
Well, I wasn't disappointed. Feeding along the shore below the Gingko overlook was 17 Surf Scoters.
Below I-90 to the Wanapum dam was an incredible concentration of waterfowl. I estimated between 45-50,000 birds. About 20,000 of these were American Coot, with many Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, American Wigeon, Mallard and Northern Pintail. Notable among the group was:
50-75 Bufflehead-the first I've noted this fall, mostly males.
1 male Eurasian wigeon and 1 possible female, the female was just a little too far out to get a really good look to be sure.
Just north of the bridge was 15 American White Pelicans.
All total, a good morning of birding.

Scott Downes
downess at cwu.edu
Ellensburg WA