Subject: Eastern Washington Bohemian Waxwings
Date: Nov 23 21:08:46 2003
From: MEYER2J at aol.com - MEYER2J at aol.com


Hi Tweets:

Seattle Audubon's field trip to Eastern Washington on Sunday, November 23rd,
led by Dave Swayne, yielded most of the species that 8 people hoped for as
well as a few surprises. The weather was near-perfect with temperatures in the
mid-30s with little to no wind. The birding route took us from Hwy 970, Hwy
10, N. Thorpe Rd., to Killmore Rd., Robinson Canyon Rd, Cove Rd., on over to
Hungry Junction Rd. and ever onward to Reecer Canyon Rd. and back to Cle Elum.

Highlights include at least a dozen Rough-legged Hawks and all the Red-tailed
Hawks you'd want to see. Also seen were 3 adult Bald Eagles, 2 Great Horned
Owls, 1 Cooper's Hawk, and the 2 perched Sharp-shinned Hawks seen from Cedar
Cove Rd. Interestingly, one of the sharpies had no tail! Another sharpie was
seen on Hungry Junction Rd. There was one Prairie Falcon on Cove Rd. and
another near Reecer Canyon. Then there was the Merlin also on Cove Rd. A
Townsend's Solitaire was seen in the vicinity of Hanson and Cove roads.

A flock of Golden-crowned Sparrows worked the bushes along one of the Yakima
River's overlooks on Hwy 10. An immature Northern Shrike put on quite a show
when it hovered above the grassy hills near Reecer Canyon.

Near the end of the birding day, we encountered what we considered the "flock
of the day." On the approach road to Reecer Canyon waxwings filled the
trees. They were all Bohemian Waxwings. 100 plus. There were clouds of Bohemian
Waxwings. Perched, flying, and calling. There were smaller flocks in nearby
trees. It was a beautiful sight, indeed.

Joyce Meyer
Woodinville, WA