After reading tantalizing reports of Great Gray Owl,
Caribou, etc. in Pend Oreille County, Fran Haywood and
I ventured up there on Tuesday (7/31/07).
Weatherwise, we had nearly perfect conditions. The
temps were cool (45-75) and rather pre-autumnish,
skies were crystal clear, and breezes were light and
refreshing.

In Cusick, we saw three species of hummingbirds
(Rufous, Calliope, & Black-chinned) that were
enjoying residential feeders. DC CORMORANTs, OSPREY,
CALIFORNIA & RING-BILLED GULLs, GREAT BLUE HERONs were
some of the other notables.

Following up on reports of BBWO and Canyon Wren around
a burn about a mile and half off Cee Cee Ah Road, we
decided to prioritze this site. Within a few minutes,
we were viewing a pair of BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERs
that were vigorously drumming and pecking on charred
timber. After enjoying these impressive woodpeckers,
we coaxed a responsive CANYON WREN to sing and to
show itself on the steep cliff face. Canyon Wren has
traditionally been a very tough species to find in
P.O. County, and I was quite pleased to finally add it
to my county life list.

At Flying Goose Ranch, we noted LEAST SANDPIPER - 2,
GREATER YELLOWLEGS - 9, KILLDEER, SPOTTED SANDPIPER,
YELLOW WARBLER, AME. REDSTART, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT,
and EASTERN KINGBIRD. Swallows at the Goose, included
Barn, Cliff, Bank, Tree, Violet-green.

Rounding things out, we saw ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW
upriver at River Bend Estates. Farther along Leclerc
Road, we saw COOPER'S HAWK and BALD EAGLE.

The Salmo Pass area was quite birdy and active from
the last hairpin turn up to the parking lot/trailhead.
The Sitka Alder thickets and subalpine forest seemed
to be alive with CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE, MT.
CHICKADEE, BOREAL CHICKADEE - 10!, ORANGE-CROWNED
WARBLER, TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER,
WILSON'S WARBLER, FOX SPARROW, CLARK'S NUTCRACKER,
PINE GROSBEAK, RED CROSSBILL, CASSIN'S FINCH, GC & RC
KINGLETs, HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER, HERMIT THRUSH, and RB
NUTHATCH. Mammalwise, we saw the range-restricted
RED-TAILED CHIPMUNK and COLUMBIAN GROUND SQUIRREL.

Harvey Creek Grade up to Bunchgrass Meadows had it's
share of interesting birds too. Some of our finds
included AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER, STELLER'S
JAY, GRAY JAY, VAUX'S SWIFT, LINCOLN'S SPARROW,
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, BROWN CREEPER, RED CROSSBILL,
PINE SISKIN, SONG SPARROW, VARIED THRUSH, SWAINSON'S
THRUSH, HERMIT THRUSH, COOPER'S HAWK, BOREAL CHICKADEE
- 4, and a Porcupine.

In the evening, a highly agitated OLIVE-SIDED
FLYCATCHER was calling incessantly. Thinking that
there might be an owl around, I gave a few Pygmy Owl
toots. Almost immediately, a NORTHERN PYGMY OWL flew
in and landed on the top of a spruce tree.

Although we worked for a previously reported Poorwill
at MP 8.2 and below, we had no response. The habitat
appeared so marginal for this species that I think
that the Poorwill that was recorded back in June may
have only been a transient.

Finally, our last attempt for owls at Locke Cutoff
produced a BARRED OWL that delivered it's standard
call only once. While trying to coax it in, I did
catch a glimpse of the Barred Owl gliding through the
dense canopy in the moonlight, but I couldn't ever
catch it in the torchlight.

Despite on dipping on Spruce Grouse, Poorwill, and WW
Crossbills, we had wonderful day. In particular, we
were thrilled with crippling views of elusive species
such as Boreal Chickadees, Black-backed Woodpeckers,
and Three-toed Woodpecker. While we didn't have the
time to search for Great Gray Owl this time, I suspect
that this bird is a breeder and could be refound.

Seeing fourteen Boreal Chickadees in one day is
unprecedented for me. In addition, other observors
have recently reported White-winged Crossbills, Spruce
Grouse, and Boreal Chickadee in good numbers and in
various locations. Both Three-toed and Black-backed
Woodpeckers seem to be more frequently seen too.
Considering these recent positive reports, I would
venture to say that this year seems to be shaping up
as an especially good one for boreal specialites.

Gina Sheridan
Spokane, WA



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