In addition to Charle's report on Mann Lake proper, we
picked up a number of species in route.
The hot weather certainly suppressed bird activity by
midday, but we managed a few additional birds of
interest.

In the early morning, we encountered a covey of some
twenty Chukars (adults with a large number of
juveniles)in Steptoe Canyon (Whitman Co.). Farther
along, we found several more adults calling while
scaling the steep canyon bank.

While winding our way down through Steptoe Canyon,
several Mule Deer watched us from rocky ledge. A dark
Cottontail Rabbit west of Colton appeared to be an
Eastern Cottontail. In addition, we had two Coyotes
along the 195 corridor and White-Tailed Deer around
Mann Lake.

We encountered a family of at least 10 Ring-Necked
Pheasants near the junction of Reservation Line Road
and Beaver Road. Near Lapwai on Bever Grade Road, we
saw Lazuli Buntings, Catbird, BH Grosbeaks, Cedar
Waxwings, Willow Flycatcher, House Wren, and a singing
Lark Sparrow among the more common fare.

On the Coyote Grade, there was over a thousand Bank
Swallows in their terraced clay and sand bank colony.
It was so hot at that point that we couldn't even coax
up a Rock Wren.

Per Terry Gray's suggestion, we drove out on Uniontown
road and found a lovely intermediate plumaged
Swainson's Hawk. This bird was quite striking looking
with a chocolate hood and back that contrasted with
its rusty colored belly.

Since we wanted to try for Swainson's Hawk in Spokane
County, we drove up Hwy 27 through the Palouse. Along
Marsh Road out of Latah, WA, we observed thousands of
Cliff Swallows (w/some Bank Swallows) covering power
lines and the surface of the road. This was a rather
amazing spectacle.

Although we didn't see any Spokane Co. Swainson's, we
did see a light colored adult Ferrugionous Hawk north
of Latah, WA and quarter mile south of MP 58 on Hwy 27
(DL Pg. 73 B7). This bird certainly made for a nice
trip finale.

Gina Sheridan
Spokane, WA

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