Since I am off work today and Michael's classes were scheduled to start a
few hours later than usual, we decided to search for migrants out at Sprague
for a few hours. With temperatures in the 40's and lightly gusting winds,
this felt like the first day of fall! Arriving at the Lincoln Co. boat
launch on Sprague Lake at first morning light, we found moderate bird
movement through the willows and low scrub and many sparrows feeding in the
open areas. Some species of interest included: Wilson's Warbler-2, Common
Yellowthroat-1, Warbling Vireo-2, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Marsh Wren-2,
House Wren-1, Gray Catbird-1, Hermit Thrush-1, and American Goldfinch-1
flying over. Also in the area were several Ring-necked Pheasants and
California Quail and low over the lake was a large flock entirely composed
of Barn Swallows. As we worked through a group of White-crowned Sparrows
(mostly juv.) moving out of the willows to feed on the ground, we found a
juv. GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW.



At the Sprague Lake Resort, winds were increasing and migrant movement was
slow. A Merlin literally swooped between us as we started searching the
grounds and was later seen again, a fact which might explain less bird
activity. However, we did find a modest flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers,
Wilson's Warbler- 2, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, White-crowned Sparrows, another
Hermit Thrush, and Spotted Towhee-2 males, in the hedgerow. At the north
end of the resort Michael spotted a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, a Lincoln's
Sparrow, and a Song Sparrow. About this time, Ruth and Patrick Sullivan
arrived and also were able to see the sparrows. An adult Bald Eagle,
Red-tailed Hawk, and assorted Ducks flew over. We then searched with the
Sullivan's for other rarities which unfortunately eluded us-especially the
BLACKPOLL WARBLER found yesterday by Patrick and observed by several (see
last night's post by Gina Sheridan).



We dipped on any of the Eurasian Collared Doves found at the resort or in
Sprague yesterday. A quick side-trip down to Sheep Lake turned up Eared
Grebes-4 and Horned Grebe-1 as well as a few ducks and the flock of Hooded
Mergansers, but the Tundra Swan and Cackling Goose were no longer present.



All in all we had a great birding start to the day, a fair sampling of
migrants, and lots of fun.



Happy Migration,



Roger and Michael Woodruff

Spokane, WA