I had planned to meet Mike Denny and his Audubon field trip at Washtucna today but believe I know why they hadn't arrived by 12:30. I left Othello at 6 am and, after finding a few interesting migrants at a spot on the way, stopped at Hatton Coulee Rest Area (SR 26 x US 395). The first two birds I saw were HOUSE WREN and WINTER WREN. I knew something was up. Both kinglets, juncos, lots of Wilson's Warblers. I decided to stop at the Sand Hills area and was there until after 9 am. Three vireos, 3 empids including LEAST FLYCATCHER, 5 warblers, RB Nuthatch, and I knew I was missing great birds at Washtucna. With an arrival at Washtucna after 9:30 things had slowed down, but the Sullivans and Alan Richards got me up to date on the weekend and that morning's birds. I'll let them describe their findings (most of which I didn't see), but a similar situation with nuthatches, kinglets, flycatchers and warblers at the Sand Hills. At 10:40 (after others had left for Hooper) I found a BLACKPOLL WARBLER in the fir trees at the north end of Bassett Park. I immediately tried for a photo without success and lost track of it. I relocated the blackpoll at 11:36 with a better view and as much frustration with the camera. The view at 12 noon was within 15', and it was still seen as late as 12:10. If the Denny group ever got past all the hot spots on the way to Washtucna I hope they found the warbler.

Randy Hill
Othello