Greetings,
This morning I spent a couple of hours birding in southeastern Grays Harbor County. The best birds were RED-EYED VIREO (2) and LAZULI BUNTING (at least 6 males). I must admit I was quite surprised when Patrick Sullivan mentioned that the 2 buntings he found in that area earlier in the week were possibly new records for the county. However, that was enough incentive for me to go poke around some more (I had just been down there about a week earlier). These birds were found in areas around the lower end of the Black River where I suspect small numbers of both species occur with some regularity. The vireos were found along Howanut Road, 1.4 to 1.6 miles south and east of it's intersection with Elma Gate Road. They were in the large Oregon Ash trees with dense undergrowth, along a slough that parallels the road. It's the area between the 25 mph and 15 mph corners. These birds were quite vocal this morning. There were also at least 3 singing Lazuli Buntings on the other side of the road. Other birds in the vicinity included CALIFORNIA QUAIL, SCRUB JAY, and HOUSE WREN. Other singing buntings were along the Elma Gate Road, 0.3 to 0.4 miles east of Howanut Rd., and at Blockhouse Road were Patrick Sullivan had at least 2 buntings earlier.
I also have belated report from last weekend for MOUNTAIN QUAIL near Capitol Peak in what is becoming the regular location in Thurston County. At least 6 birds were present. The area is along the C4000 Road along the ridge from about Larch Mountain to the spur road leading to Capital Peak. They were also along the road leading west from the saddle between the two peaks (about 0.5). Due to active logging, it is probably not worth going up there during the week. Go on the weekend and try to be the first one up there. Good Luck...
Bill Shelmerdine, Olympia