Dave Goeke called yesterday afternoon to report 3 CATTLE EGRETS flew through his back yard. With all of the sightings reported this fall on both sides of the state we had been watching but these are the first I know of this year for the central Columbia Basin. Dave lives on Sundance Loop south of Othello, where the Blue Jay has returned for the thrid year in a row.

My wife also called when I was out of the office to report at least 5 MOUNTAIN CHICKADEES at home, including one that stopped at a feeder, so maybe those birds will find the food they're looking for and stick around.

Monday I had a few AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS and both NORTHERN and LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES in Columbia NWR

Randy Hill
Othello