The WOS field trip began at the headquarters of the Julia Butler Hansen NWR
just west of Cathlamet. The first bird was the very vocal Black Phoebe
hanging around the pond which is just south of the buildings. While
watching the Phoebe 3 White-tailed Kites, 1 Northern Harrier, and 1
Red-tailed Hawk were having an arial dispute over hunting rights. 2 of the
Kites ended up chasing the Red-tailed Hawk out of the prime hunting area.
We also visited the covered bridge along Loop Rd. on our way west to
Altoona.

Highlights seen were:

1 Pacific Loon Altoona
3 Horned Grebes Altoona
no Brown Pelicans
several Pelagic Cormorants Altoona
lots of White-winged and Surf Scoters Altoona
10+ White-tailed Kites (2 Kites observed southeast of the covered bridge)
1 Western Gull (3'rd year)
1 Mourning Dove
1 Black Phoebe
1 Brown Creeper
Total species seen and/or heard was 63.

** On the lighter side most of the birds seen were 3 year old females.

**Another good note was no Rock Doves or House Sparrows were seen.
Starlings (Sky Rats) made up for them though.

Thanks to those who participated in the field trip,

Ken Knittle, Vancouver, WA
washingtonbirder at hotmail.com





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