Did some birding on the wahluke slope and vantage today. On the slope and
reach, not much in the way of waterbirds, yet good numbers of passerines.
The riparian area just south of Hwy.24 in the slope yielded had large flocks
of finches, robins and sparrows. Among the highlights were:

1 male PURPLE FINCH
1 MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE
1 HARRIS SPARROW
2 AMERICAN TREE SPARROW

The are around Vantage was mostly quite, however just north of I-90 in the
middle of the river there was:

2 LONG-TAILED DUCK
1 PACIFIC LOON
Also 20-25 Rosy-finches just south of Wanapum Dam, likely same birds as have
been reported before.

Just east of Ellensburg this afternoon at intersection of No.81 rd and
snodgrass there was a large flock of Blackbirds, and Starlings. There were 3
Brown-headed Cowbirds in the flock and most notably a RUSTY BLACKBIRD.

All in all a decent day with no fog and even a few sunbreaks.

Scott Downes
downess at charter.net
Yakima WA