Once again, the wind was a big factor in hampering
birding today (4/23/06). Despite the strong
northeasterly winds, the Cottets and I managed to see
some interesting birds in Adams, Grant, and Lincoln
Counties.

As we sped past Sprague Lake via I-90l, we saw a
couple of WHITE PELICANS and a SWAINSON'S HAWK. Upon
arrival at Rocky Coulee (northwestern Adams County),
we saw pair of amorous LOGGERHEAD SHRIKEs, several
BREWER'S SPARROWs, and an over-subscribed quantity of
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWs.

As the wind velocity increased, passerine activity
correspondingly decreased. We were unable to pick out
any Sage Thrashers or Sage Sparrows from the hordes of
White-crowns.

On the Para Ponds, we enjoyed views of CINNAMON TEAL,
GREAT EGRET, RUDDY DUCK, NO. SHOVELER, YELLOW-HEADED
BLACKBIRDs, and a SNOW GOOSE. The Snow Goose flew up
with a small flock of Canada Geese and then dropped
back down behind some grassy berms north of the Para
Ponds.

In Grant County, we had a PRAIRIE FALCON at Corfu, and
a LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE on Lower Crab Creek Road. The
County Line Ponds held PINTAIL, NO. SHOVELER,
GREEN-WINGED TEAL, AMERICAN WIGEON, AMERICAN AVOCET
-7, BLACK-NECKED STILT - 18, DUNLIN 30+, and GREATER
YELLOWLEGS.

As we had lunch among the sagebrush and greasewood,
our state endemic, Washington Ground Squirrels
scurried around and kept us entertained. Coyotes,
marmots, and Mule Deer contributed to the mammal day
list.

On the Adams County side of Sprague Lake, there was a
COMMON LOON, EARED GREBE, and Lesser Scaup. In Lincoln
County, our final good bird of the day was a solo
VAUX'S SWIFT that flew low and northward into the city
limits of Sprague.

Gina Sheridan
Spokane, WA

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