Hello Birders,

We have just updated our website with many new photos taken over this past Memorial Day weekend,as well as several photos taken prior to that. It was enjoyable to take the photos we did,especially at Bassett Park. The Wild Turkeys there have greatly reduced in numbers at Washtucna with 2 different stories we heard from locals there. One story we heard is that a few birds were shot and the person was prosecuted and the other story we heard is that several birds weren't able to survive through the winter. Whatever the case the numbers of Wild Turkeys at Washtucna has gotten very low compared to last year and we also noticed that the birds seem much shyer and cautious than last year. We observed a total of 5 birds including 3 adult males and 2 females all from around Bassett Park and the males could often be heard calling several times during the day. Perhaps another theory is many of the bird wandered to other areas since we did have 2 adult females with 2 young at Lyons Ferry State Park,which have bee reported there in past years.

Bassett Park is an oasis for birds,but is probably best visited during migration. The main park has tall trees in a normal park setting,but the upper area has more dense shrubbery and trees that allow shelter and cover for many birds. You can also walk the many side streets that have potential habitat in search of more migrants without too much trouble. The nice creek going through the main park is really nice since it attracts so many birds,especially during a hot afternoon. It is definitely a great park to visit,but like any place else can have slow times. Of course searching for migrants is not for everyone since at times it can be very intense and somewhat fast pace and timing is nearly everything. It is just another aspect of birding for us away from the "regular" birding that we do! Other nearby parks near Washtucna such as Palouse Falls and Lyons Ferry State Parks are also nice to visit,but can be quite crowded,especially on the weekends and during hot weather. We visited both of these parks,but found them quite slow as far as passerine movements. We have visited both of these parks when activity is abound and can at times be comparable to Bassett Park.

During our trip we also were treated to great views of a few Burrowing Owls along S.R.26 east of Othello including one bird that was banded. It is always great to see these tiny owls here.especially since this species doesn't seem so reliable at other locations. We also have many other photos from other species,which can all be accessed from the following link:

http://www.pbase.com/godwit/memorial_weekend_photos_2007/


Sincerely,

Ruth and Patrick Sullivan
Fircrest,WA
godwit513 at msn.com