The Snowy Owl continues (at least as of Friday afternoon April 4) on its little rock island, about two thirds of the way to the east end of the dam. Easy to park and walk back for close views. Also, two Caspian Terns were cruising overhead.

Tom Mansfield, Seattle.

________________________________

From: tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu [mailto:tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Grace and Ollie Oliver
Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2008 8:33 PM
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Subject: [Tweeters] Snowy Owl seen from O'Sullivan Dam, Grant Co.



Tweeters,

Today as Ollie and I were birding our way home from attending our 1st Othello Sandhill Crane Festival; which by the way was an outstanding festival from our perspective; at 60 mph heading East on hwy 262 crossing the O'Sullivan Dam (Grant Co.), I spotted a large white lump on a small grouping of rocks that is surrounded by water such that only their tops are out of water. Ollie found a pull off, we used spotting scope to determine that 'my goodness - that's a Snowy Owl', and then we walked back at least ? mile to get close to this small group of rocks for better photo op. There is a large island further out that the gulls populate. This small group of rocks is much closer to the dam. Finding a Snowy Owl surrounded by water and perched on rock was quite a surprise to us. Owl was observed by us for 30-45 minutes (approx. 10:45-11:30am) and it stayed there and had not flown or moved significantly when we left. It was actively looking around. It was not flushed by a boat that went by at one point. I have no idea what food items it may be looking for out there; unless it might be gulls? No other birds were sharing these rocks. There were no ducks or lemmings seen in the area. This snowy owl is moderately marked with black markings. So it is not a full adult male; since it's not white enough. But it is not an obvious 1st year owl since it is not really heavily marked.



Then we found 2 Eurasian Collared Doves east of the dam; between the dam and hwy 17.



Interesting weather this weekend; with the sun and snow and rain coming and going. Wind was consistent and strong.

Grace and Ollie Oliver

Redmond, WA

This electronic message contains information from the law firm of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP. The contents may be privileged and confidential and are intended for the use of the intended addressee(s) only. If you are not an intended addressee, note that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of this message is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please contact me at tom.mansfield at klgates.com.