This morning I was able to relocate the EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES found yesterday by Bob Sundstrom near the corner of Thorp Hwy. and E. Taneum road near the town of Thorp, just west of Ellensburg. One bird was sitting on a wire in front of a chain-link fence gate just east of the intersection. While obtaining decent views of this bird a second bird was calling back in the trees. Finally the first bird headed the direction of the calling birds and both were gone from sight. This was about 8:30 am. Further up E. Taneum rd 2 singing GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS were located in the grass fields on the right before crossing the interstate.

I decided to spend the rest of the morning by heading up Umptanum Rd on the way back to Yakima. Lots of Orioles, Pewees, Warblers, Tanagers etc.. (the usual suspects along this road). The only really notable sighting was a singing AMERICAN REDSTART along the creek just west of the parking lot for Umptanum Falls. The bird was at the spot were there is a pull in and a campfire pit. Only a couple of quick looks at the male, but it was singing almost non-stop. By the time I hit Umptanum Pass the rain had started and forced me to call it an early day back to Yakima.

Good birding.

Scott Downes
downess at charter.net
Yakima WA