The Ruff seen last week never did turn up again. This morning there was a
Short-billed Dowitcher at the potato ponds among about 25 long-billed. On
Columbia NWR near Upper Hampton Lake a Golden Eagle was a bit of a surprise.
Migraine Lake had a gull that I first assumed was a Franklin's Gull due to
the partial hood, but evidence of black on the throat, small dark bill and
pale back indicated a Bonaparte's Gull coming out of alternate plumage. I
would like to get a closer look. I also looked for the possible Lark
Bunting but did not see any likely subjects in the area. Anyone crossing
O'Sullivan Dam should drop down into the refuge and check out these areas.



Randy Hill

Othello