09/19/05

Observers:
Michael Guilfoyle
Andy Engilis Jr.
Sean Donalty
Ona Alminas
Ron Melcer

Yesterday we did some recreational birding in the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. Passerine migrants were thin, however we were able to gather nice looks at common birds such as Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Say's Pheobe, Savannah Sparrows and a lone Vesper Sparrow in the rocky outcroppings of the shrub step habitat.

Sandhill Cranes were moving overhead in decent numbers, and there were some birds foraging in the ag fields just west of the O'Sullivan Dam. White Pelicans and many Great Egrets were also moving overhead.

The most quality birding seemed to come in the form of shorebirds along the muddy flats along the waterways east of the O'Sullivan Dam. We were pleased to find 5 Baird's Sandpipers amongst groups of foraging dowitchers and Pectoral Sandpipers. The highlight of the day was observing an adult Stilt Sandpiper in basic plumage. Also present were a handful of Western and Least Sandpipers.

In Crab Creek Canyon, things were quite slow, however, we did have nice looks at Prairie Falcon, Osprey as well as many Red-tailed Hawks.

Good Birding-

Ron Melcer
Woodland, CA