I also hit Washtucna hoping for the Black-throated Green Warbler. No warblers of any type. It was odd I didn't see any other birders. Had 1 Blue Jay fly from the northern part of the park over across Main Street. I arrived around 11am and birded most of the town. At the intersection of "D" and May Streets there was 1 Black-capped Chickadee and just east of there a Mountain Chickadee, and 2 Red Crossbills flew over while adding up my birds at the same intersection. Goldfinches and Pine Siskins were the only other birds I could find in town. Figure the warbler has headed for warmer climes. That could either mean in the belly of a raptor or south towards California.

On the way home I hit Whitcomb Island and found Golden-crowned Sparrows mixed in with the White-crowned, 1 Spotted Towhee, several Yellow-rumped Warblers, and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

Next stopped at Crow Butte. About 2000 geese, with both Cackling and Canada species. A Marsh Wren was calling from the swampy area, but no Swamp Sparrows. There was a large flock of Brewer's Blackbirds. I couldn't find a Rusty mixed in--just was hoping.

Ken Knittle
Washington Birder newsletter
2604 NE 80th Street
Vancouver, WA 98665
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