Subject: swallows and cranes at Columbia NWR
Date: Mar 16 21:16:20 2003
From: hill - hill at cbnn.net


I forgot to mention that Friday, in addition to at least 15 violet-green
swallows, I had on n. rough-winged swallow. Also had some tree swallows
today.

We have a bit of a sensitive situation with cranes roosting in the refuge.
One roost has developed over the last couple of years and is sensitive to
disturbance. The area is not closed to the public, but we may need to do
that if we have too many people trying to walk right into the roost. As
with grouse at a lek, please do not try to approach cranes at a roost.
Feeding areas are not quite as sensitive, but should be approached with
sensitivity to the birds' needs in mind. If they do not feel secure they
will abandon the area.

Randy Hill
Othello