Subject: [Tweeters] Black-throated Green Warbler & Saw-whet Owl
Date: Nov 14 19:47:39 2004
From: gina sheridan - gsherida8502 at yahoo.com


After receiving a call from Michael Woodruff this
morning (11/14/04), I dashed over to his place on Elk
Mountain (several miles southeast of the Spokane city
limits). A SAW-WHET OWL was roosting in a young Doug
Fir tree and afforded us crippling views. On a branch
adjacent to this adorable little owl, was a dead vole
(probably a Montane Vole). Obviously, the Saw-Whet is
an adept little hunter.

As I walked around a bit with Michael and Roger
Woodruff, we saw six PIne Grosbeaks flying around. The
Pine Grosbeak calls sounded much like the phrases of a
speeded-up vireo.

After departing the Woodruffs, I picked up Matthew
Moskwik and we headed down to Washtucna for the
Black-throated Green Warbler. Upon our arrival at
Bassett Park (1:15 PM), we saw a MERLIN standing
along the creek. Initially, there was virtually no
passerines in evidence.

While we probed into the willows on the north end of
the park, we saw some juncos and several VARIED
THRUSHEs. The Sullivans pulled and showed us where the
warbler was most frequently seen. After the Sullivans
left, the Dennys and several other birders drove in.

Finally, around 2:00 PM, we were all enjoying
excellent views the BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER as
it foraged in a Russian Olive tree located on the
corner of the lane that intersects the main entrance
road. It actively fed alone and it was the only the
warbler that we saw today. While we watched the
warbler, three RED CROSSBILLs flew in to a nearby pine
tree.

On the rocky escarpment above the park, were several
calling CANYON WRENs. In the brambles south of the
park, were plenty of White-crowned Sparrows, a
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (brief glimpse), and a PINE
SISKIN flyover.

A few blocks north of Bassett (along C Street and
south of Canal Street), we observed MOUNTAIN
CHICKADEE, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, and we saw six
BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS fly over. Although we heard Blue
Jays call a couple of times, we couldn't obtain a
visual on them.

Some ten miles north of Washtucna, we saw a
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK. This was the first of the season
for me.

Gina Sheridan
Spokane, WA



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