Sunday, late, the HARRIS' SPARROW was still coming to the 'chum station'
behind the concrete blocks NEAR the main entrance to the CLOSED Evergreen
Aluminum plant on Old Lower River Road, west of Vancouver. (This lightly
traveled road is just off State Route 501, a dead end spur that accesses the
'industrial area' along the Columbia River just west of Vancouver, WA. The
location is to the south of a very active garbage-reprocessing operation
just to the north on Old Lower River Road.) Seems to be plenty of feed
there, and it - the HARRIS' SPARROW - should be in that area for some time.
Somewhere I'd read that Harris' Sparrows are quite attached to their
wintering locations. A VERY STRIKING BIRD! Thanks for reporting this bird.

The 'chum station' was also visited by Fox, Song, Golden-crowned, and at
least two other sparrow species. Has anyone ID-ed the slender, stripped
sparrow - very crisply marked - that has the short, white eyebrow just above
the area called the lores? ________ (ANSWER)

The RESTROOMS at nearby Vancouver Lake park were closed. The handicapped,
'flushy' facilities at the Frenchman's Bar Park, a bit further out the road,
were open (7 to dusk). But be warned that they are frequented by outdoor
people who seem to forget they are in a confined space, shared with others.
(My guess is there is too much attention to the grass!)

On previous evenings we had great views of SANDHILL CRANES further out the
Lower River Road, toward the south end of Ridgefield NWR. Didn't get out
that far Sunday evening to verify they were still using that roadside area.
(This is NOT the access to the auto tour loop at the Refuge's River 'S' Unit
!) Oh, and with a little time exploring the lowland, there are all kinds of
other viewing opportunities - A large bird on nest, far to the west, a
nearby hawk, doing the same. There are Great Egrets and flocks of Geese all
about. Ducks on the water and Herons afoot, in the air and everywhere.
Yes, Heron in trees, the rookeries in view. And, from fall-disked fields,
the roadside brushes fill with flushed White- and Golden-crowned sparrows;
disturbed from their 'chickweed' feed. All these birds to sort through, and
the hours are few, seeking that new bird, a stranger to meet. But the best
part our day, - is time spent afield with friends, - searching, and
learning, and sharing. Nature's spell? Yes, we're in awe!

---John & Loraine
Hockinson, Clark Co., Washington