Hello All:
I took a small group over Snoqualmie Pass this morning and we birded between
South Cle Elum and Vantage. In Cle Elum, we all had nice views of a Merlin,
large flocks of Evening Grosbeaks, and a few Cassin's Finches. One highlight
was having all three nuthatches in a single tree in one part of town. I'd
never had Pygmies in this area before. The town was loaded with Mountain
Chickadees, as well. Swauk Prairie had, surprisingly, our only Northern
Shrike for the day.
Driving the backroads north of Ellensburg and Kittitas, we had a plethora of
raptors but nothing particularly unusual. Two Gray Partridges were seen by
just one car. Along Brickmill Road there was a Ringed Turtle-Dove (obvious
escape) and a Barn Owl inside of a traditional barn.
At the end of the day, we had some good birds along the Columbia River at
Vantage. First there was a juv Pacific Loon in among some Commons just south
of the dam. Just north of the dam a flock of 45 Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches
flew over. Finally, at the Gingko Overlook, we had very good views of two
Long-tailed Ducks.

Cheers
Charlie Wright
Bonney Lake, Washington