My wife and I checked the Ridgefield NWR, in Clark County for the
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper that was reported yesterday with no luck in
finding that bird. We did see one RED-SHOULDERED HAWK and flocks of
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE both on the ground and passing overhead. In
the swarm of VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS and BARN SWALLOWS we picked out at
least one VAUX' SWIFT. In a half hour period we counted 152 TURKEY
VULTURES passing south over Ridgefield, some of the kettles had over
forty birds in them.
A godwit and a SURF SCOTER were reported from the River "S" Unit
today but we were unable to find either of these birds.
When we got home I looked out the kitchen window at about dusk
and was surprised to see a BOBCAT hiding behind a planting about ten feet
from the house. It made a futile attempt to pounce on one of the many
Cottontail Rabbits that feast on our garden and under the bird feeders
and then headed to the front of the house where it sat on our deck
watching for any prey under the bird feeders there for about five minutes
before wandering off in to the woods.

Wilson Cady
Washougal, WA