On Thursday afternoon, March 13th, we visited the site (see below) and
found both the HARRIS'S and LINCOLN'S SPARROWS are still present at the
'chum' station. We added our feed to the dwindling offering and waited
behind the concrete blocks near the entrance to the Evergreen Aluminum plant
main gate. Within two hours in the afternoon we'd seen many Lincoln's or
many appearances by one or more Lincoln's Sparrows. The Harris's Sparrow
was only seen once. Experience indicates the Harris's is a very cautious
sparrow and the last to enter or appear in the open. It was a bit less wary
last weekend, however. Lots of other sparrows/birds to view while one
awaits the appearance of the 'less common' sparrows.

A STRANGE SPARROW was sighted there last weekend. If you happen to visit,
and see it, and can help identify it, please let me know.

DIRECTIONS: Take SR 501 westerly from Vancouver to the signed location on
your left, just beyond a large BPA substation complex. As the aluminum
plant is closed there is little traffic on this section of Old Lower River
Road leading back into the plant and it is possible to park off the edge of
the lane and view the birds coming to the feed from a vehicle. Binoculars
are necessary for adequate views and identification.

RESTROOMS:
Frenchman's Bar Park is on out the road a couple of miles and the
handicapped access restrooms are open there - 7am 'til dusk. The restrooms
at the closer Vancouver Lake Park seem to be closed. No fee is being
charged yet.

PS:
Swamp Sparrows were reported in the wetlands back toward SR 501 along the
short interconnecting road with "Old Lower River Road."

John & Loraine Allinger
Hockinson, Clark Co., Washington
jonymike at pacifier.com