Trip to Bickleton Sunday afternoon 12 Feb 2006 - Weather: Clear, Calm and
Cool. Snow on the ground around Cleveland and the rodeo grounds, otherwise
the ground was wet and pavement dry. Many of the ungravelled side roads
were impassably muddy - nothing unusual there!
Traveled from SR 14 by way of Old Hwy 8 and Dot Road up Old Lady Gulch to
the uplands. Notable, and as-expected, in the gulch were lots of White
Crowned Sparrows. On 'topping-out' into the wheat land stubble of the
uplands we encountered one obvious migrant flock of 100 Horned Larks.
Thereafter they were scattered small groups and individuals. Migrant flocks
of Am. Robins were encountered across the uplands. Western Meadowlarks were
scattered across the uplands, likely establishing breeding territory. On
the drive north to the Goldendale-Bickleton Hwy we had one Rough-legged
Hawk, two pairs of R-t Hawks, a couple of American Kestrels and a PAIR OF
MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS.
Driving a loop out to the east of Bickleton we found several pairs of
Red-tailed Hawks. (No Gyr & No Peregrines! - Perhaps the season is too far
advanced?) We had a briefer visit than other years in the immediate
Bickleton area. All facilities were closed on this Sunday at mid-afternoon!
We left earlier in the afternoon than we'd have liked if given the
opportunity to refresh ones-self.
Took the East Road south to SR 14 at Roosevelt. (By mistake, wanted the
Middle Rd.) Several pairs of MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS at widely scattered
locations. Some close to Bickleton and others nearer the top of the
down-grade. One medium-sized Falcon near Sixprong Road Intersection. It
was quartering away to our rear as we passed a farmhouse and was glimpsed
ever so briefly. Had a look at the tail shape and the color seemed to be
more brown than gray, and in size a bit smaller than I'd expect for a
Peregrine, so listed it as a probable Prairie Falcon. Several more pairs of
R-t Hawks and a couple of American Kestrels.
No Shrikes noted on the reported segments of the drive.
As noted by others, the MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS are in the Bickleton area.
They have returned earlier than the February 14th date that seems to be the
historical pattern. Possibly further confirmation of the unusually warm
winter this year!
**** ************ ****
John Allinger
< nhojregnilla at hotmail.com >