Hi Tweeters,

I just got back from a trip to the Okanagon with Ken
Brown's Tahoma Audubon Society Intermediate Winter
Birding Class.

Many great birds but what was outstanding was the
Northern Pygmy Owls in the north part of the Okanogan
in Chesaw (Delorme p.115, 8A) on Bolster Road. 3 owls
were observed there. I saw two at this location and
got great scope looks, as well a great view of one in
flight. The flight pattern is undulating. I missed
seeing one of this bunch chase a Magpie. We were
literally hounded by 5 overly friendly pooches, and
might have stayed longer but they were a bit much.
They must have followed us 2 miles down the road.
Then our group headed west towards Oroville. (I
believe we were on the Oroville-Toroda Rd). On this
road we saw two more owls on top of telephone poles.
Near a road called This A Way Road we got to watch one
make two dives from the pole down into the snow.
Presumably the owl had driven birds to ground and was
trying to catch one. No luck for the owl but
fascinating to watch. If anyone is interested to go
up this way 4 wheel drive would be strongly
recommended. All but one of our 5 vehicles was
equipped with 4 wheel drive and we decided to
consolidate for the north country into the 4 wheel
drives and I am not sure we would have made it
otherwise. The roads were not terrible but compact
snow and ice on hilly roads makes for some interesting
driving.

I never dreamed I would have a 4 Northern Pygmy Owl
day. Wow! They overshadowed my two lifers, Gray
Partridge and Bohemian Waxwings (absolutely lovely
birds). I want to thank Ken on Tweeters for such a
great class. Thanks.

Kathy

Kathy Andrich
Roosting in Kent
chukarbird at yahoo.com

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