Hi Tweets

A belated report from Ruth Sullivan's WOS trip to Okanogan County this last weekend. On Sunday, February 17th the trip spotted a single white bird perched on a telephone line on the Timentwa Flats along Cameron Lake Rd. The bird was located in approximately C5 of page 101 of the old DeLorme.

It was observed between approximately 3:40 and 3:50 in the afternoon. The bird was facing west, the sky was completely clear and the sun was behind us in the west giving great light. The bird was first seen by Bob Schmidt at a distance of about 100 yards. The rest of the 14 people on the trip quickly got on the bird, and we had several scopes on it.

The bird was all white with indications of some dark and white markings to the rear. When it tipped its head a orangey-brown wash could be seen. Two narrow, orangey-brown lines could be seen below the throat. The bird had a tiny yellow bill. After about 5 plus minutes of observation the bird turned around and faced away from us. The back was clearly seen to be all white from approximately the nape to the upper-tail coverts (pure white with no dark markings). This feature was seen by at least three observers. The dark seen earlier was seen to be blackish-brown and white markings/specklings on the wings - coverts and flight feathers. The bird then flew down to the snowy ground (all the uplands are heavily snow covered). It was seen briefly on the ground and then was lost. A snowshoe walk out to the area could not relocate the bird.

A detailed report will be submitted by the observers.

Good Birding!

Brian H. Bell
Woodinville Wa
mail to bell asoc at isomedia dot com