Now that the Columbia Cup Races are over, we can hope to have some mud and
shorebirds at the Yakima River Delta off and on.

Yesterday, August 3, was a bit disappointing as birds other than an
American Goldfinch and a few crows had not yet found the mud. Just
kidding. Besides the two mentioned, there were 6 Long-billed Dowitchers,
several Greater Yellowlegs and the almost-always-present Killdeer.

Today August 4, there were a few more arrivals. Bob Woodley and I found at
least 60 Killdeer, 2 juv Wilson's Phalaropes, 2 Solitary Sandpipers, 3
Long-billed Dowitchers, 2 Spotted Sandpipers and both Greater and Lesser
Yellowlegs. There was a distinct absence of peeps. Other interesting
birds included 2 bathing Osprey, a Great Egret, and 3 Yellow
Warblers. Bob also had a lone Semipalmated Plover.

(PS There were still 2 Northern Mockingbirds at Horn Rapids County Park on
Monday August 1.)

Directions to the Delta are in the Birder's Guide to Washington. There is
abundant road construction in the area especially at the west end of the
delta.

Nancy

Bill & Nancy LaFramboise
wlafra at owt.com
Richland, WA