I had been invited to talk about Bassett Park, habitat, etc to the city Council last Thursday. I did not know what I might experience with the group. They were very interested in what birders want and how to attract more birds and birders to the town. I spoke to them about water changes, blackberry destruction and need for more shrub type habitat. They were open to anything and listened well and asked very good questions. I pushed to have more water show up under the willows near the parkinglot but ran into the mosquito issue. That I already had guessed was the reason for the disappearance of water there. The area south of Bassett Park that I often write about now belongs to the city. They have committed to not damaging the blackberry vines there and returning the water that ran under them. They spoke of planting trees and shrubs there. I was happy with the meeting and can see some cooperative work ahead. They asked if there was a group nearby that could help them with the planning and planting of habitat around the area.

That night had several barn owls calling around the park and heard a single hoot note to the sw but could not ID or hear it again.

Bob Flores
Othello, WA