Hello Tweeters, I birded a few areas around Elma today. The main highlight
of the day being the Loggerhead Shrike that is continuing on Wenzel Slough
Rd.. I had great views of the shrike with Ruth and Patrick today. And then
again tonight just before dark I spotted it again in the same area. It
definitely is a very striking bird compared to the duller grays of a
Northern Shrike.

In the early morning just after sunrise, I attempted to avoid the lowland
fog by heading up into the foothills north of Elma via Newman Creek Rd.. I
was very lucky to get to see my first Northern Pygmy Owl in a stand of fir
trees. I heard the owl calling from a distance so I played a few calls on
my car's stereo and the owl moved in closer. I spotted the owl on top of a
dead snag tree. I got good views of its spotted head and the black patches
on the back of its head.

Also, today I added my first Turkey Vulture for the year, which I saw along
Wenzel Slough Rd. while watching the shrike. I also walked out into the
Chehalis Wildlife area at the end of Schouweiler Rd., where I spotted my
first Osprey of the year too. It was on the nest snag that lies in the
western portion of the wildlife area.

Good birding,

Tim O'Brien
Elma, WA
mailto:kertim7179 at centurytel.net