Here's a quick summary of our trip to the Walla Walla area that ended
yesterday (4/06/05). Since it wasn't a "birding trip" most of our
observations were done on the fly yet the birding was terrific. It's so
difficult to ride in a vehicle being driven by a non-birder!!
Highlights:
* Just about every conceivable waterfowl species made an appearance at the
McNary National Wildlife Refuge. We particularly enjoyed the Wood Ducks,
Cinnamon Teal, and a big flock of Greater-white Fronted Geese.
* We got great looks at a Ferruginous Hawk at the entrance to Palouse State
Park. This was a very accommodating bird that perched for awhile then flew
to a rock within 40 yards of our car. The bird was a state lifer for me.
Also at the park were White-throated Swifts sharing airspace over the falls
and canyon with Violet-green Swallows. A Canyon Wren was singing for awhile
but we never were able to spot it.
* We slowly drove by a Great-horned Owl perched on a power pole near the
town of Dayton. Another flew over as we headed into Walla Walla.
*Hanford Reach Area: Long-billed Curlew, Horned Lark
Mammals: Coyote with rabbit at the Whitman Mission; several Mule Deer; a
gray squirrel in College Place
Butterflies: Mourning Cloak & Milbert's Tortoiseshell at the Whitman Mission
(also unidentified swallowtail; Madame Dorian State Park had a Becker's
White (a lifer for me) and a sulphur that left unidentified
It was a great trip with 73 species seen from Whidbey Island to Walla Walla
and back.
MANY thanks to all Tweeters who offered birding suggestions for the trip.
My advice would be to go there and be prepared for some excellent birding!
Steve Ellis
Coupeville,Wa
sellis at coup.wednet.edu