This morning I enjoyed the clear, cold conditions by taking a stroll around the Vance Creek county park area here in Elma. I started my walk just after daybreak and ended at 9:30am. Trumpeter and Tundra Swans were present on southernmost pond closest to the airport until about 9:30am. The neck-collared family group of Tundras (YC4, YC6,YC7) were present again this morning as well. Also, I spotted my first Northern Shrike of the season while walking along the grassy trail on the north side of the pond nearest the restrooms. The shrike flew across the pond and perched in a small tree allowing a nice scope view. While walking across the small foot bridge that accesses the paved trail around the main pond, I caught a glimpse of small bird down on the rocks along the edge of the creek there. It disappeared quickly and I was distracted by a gentleman who asked what I was looking for so I didn't get a chance to investigate much. This might be a good spot to look for a dippe!
r with
the fast moving water and rocks around.

I also took a short look around the Elma airport area with the hopes of possibly finding a White-tailed Kite since they have been seen in the same area in the past few years. No kites were to be found, but I did get a nice look at a Red-tailed Hawk.

Later in the day, the family and I headed to Hoquiam to talk a walk out on the Sandpiper Trail at Bowerman Basin. My main target here was the Red-shouldered Hawk. No luck with it when we first arrived, but on the way home we drove down Paulson Rd. again and found it! What a spectacular bird! I enjoyed seeing it in flight as well as being perched in some good light. That's a lifer for me! Out on the boardwalk, we were treated to a great show of two Northern Harriers scaring up the loads of wintering shorebirds. The "balls" of shorebirds were fun to watch. We even got to watch a Peregrine Falcon dive onto one the balls and come up with a prize. Also, the lone Snow Goose is still present near the STP. The New Year is off to a great start!

Good birding,

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



---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Jazz up your holiday email with celebrity designs. Learn more.