Hello All,

This morning MerryLynn and I drove out and birded the remaining Tyson pond.
After about 5 min. an adult Great-tailed Grackle flew in and foraged in the
mud in front of us. About 10 min. later a second adult male also flew across
in front of us. This bird is missing a couple of primaries from its right
wing. Both birds were seen well and are the first documented Walla Walla
County records of this species. I was able to take a number of photos. Both
birds were feeding on insects. They appeared to be searching for dragon and
damselflies in the weeds along the edge of the pond. Most flying insects
were taking shelter as the wind was blowing at a good clip. At one moment
one of these great-taileds was competing with an adult magpie for an insect
filled tumbleweed. It pays to get out in the field. Hope others get to see
these two long tailed birds!
Later Mike

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Mike & MerryLynn Denny
1354 S. E. Central Ave.
College Place, WA 99324
509.529.0080 (h)

IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN BIRDING, YOU HAVEN'T LIVED!
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