This morning very early I ventured out into the hills to the south of Elma near Minot Peak. I spotted a small bird in front of my car on one of the logging roads (G-600). As I drove closer to it, it would fly about 10 yards down the road each time. I got fairly close and immediately noticed the black "sideburns" on each side of its head and the black chest patch. I couldn't believe I was looking at a Horned Lark. I'm used to seeing them only in the dunes on the coastal beaches. I know they occur at high elevations too, but this patch of hills I was in today is definitely not high elevation. It just seems unusual to me.

I also "tooted" in a Northern Pygmy Owl today. It came pretty close to me within about 35 yards. I got to hear its slow "toot" and also a very quick paced "toot" as well. My Stokes CD set doesn't have the quick paced "tooting" so it was a surprise to hear it.

I heard several Varied Thrush around in the hills and Golden-crowned Sparrows appear to be back in full force now.

Good birding,

Tim O'Brien
Elma, WA
mailto: kertim7179 at yahoo.com



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