Greetings Tweets,

I went back to Eastern Washington this past weekend in search of the
elusive White-headed Woodpecker. I did succeed in finding Wenas
campground where they were known to be actively nesting this season --
but alas, no Woodies. In fact, scarcely any birds at all. It is the
dog days of August after all, and the day's temperature reached 105 F,
so it's little wonder. But my trip was not lacking in the dramatically
unexpected -- On Friday the 15th I decided to drive the length of
Yakima canyon to try my luck. Birding was slow, but then I noticed
some peculiar shapes on the cliff faces across the river. Bighorn
Sheep, no less than 42 in all! Part of the herd was waiting out the
heat on a shaded flat by the river when all of a sudden they bolted
from their resting place and ran towards the cliffs. I immediately
scanned behind them to discover two enormous coyotes in fast pursuit
(they were so large, about the size of German Shepherds, that I though
for a moment they were wolves). The lead coyote grabbed one of the ewes
and tackled her to the ground while the other blocked her escape path
back to the herd. The ewe managed to rise again, but not able to shake
off the predator dragged herself to the water and attempted to swim
across with coyote still holding on! Finally he let go, but swam after
her. They both reached the other side, where she returned the lap to
the original side, again pursued by the hungry canine. Her return spot
was hidden behind a copse of cottonwoods, and the coyote was mere yards
behind her - neither her fate nor her possible escape observed.
Meanwhile 41 Bighorns stood in full and frozen alert with heads all
fixed and locked on the action. Only the Ram attempted an active
return and apparent assistance - but he was held at bay by the second
coyote. Quite the drama - all that was missing was David Attenborough
and a film crew!

Cheers,

Robert Pisano
Ravenna Neighborhood
Seattle