Hi Tweeters and Ruth,

A big thank you to Ruth Sullivan and Stefan Schlick
for an amazing trip to the Okanogan. I think Patrick
Sullivan, Ruth's son who passed away in September, was
with us in spirit by way of us finding the McKay's
Bunting. It is too bad the bird couldn't be
relocated. I was one of the lucky few who got to
see the white back. Bob Schmidt who first saw the
bird was three cars behind the lead car and how he saw
it is beyond me. Good job!

I have to agree with Jim Flynn's holy grail comment
about his trip to the Okanogan this weekend about the
Northern Goshawk in "downtown" Conconully. Wow, what
a bird! My first adult Northern Goshawk, beautiful.

I haven't seen Northern Pygmy Owl in a long time, one
I dipped on for the 2006 big year, so very nice to see
one (actually 2) again. Brian Bell was very funny
when he said, "That's not a chickadee!"

Thanks to a hot tip about Gray-crowned Rosy Finches at
a feeder, when we went Sunday morning direct to see
them we were very rewarded with the sun behind us
gazing at the birds. The property owner was very
gracious. Ruth should have some beautiful photo's to
share of these birds.

The American Raven, Snowy Owl interaction was
fascinating and a great finale to a great trip.

We had great company all together, intense birding at
times, slow at times, and some true excitement at
times. Tina Taylor probably saved Ruth's life as the
car was not in park and rolled with Ruth hanging on.
Tina jumped in the car and pulled the emergency brake.
That is when the moment is pure reaction. A very
scary moment, thankfully which turned out well. Thank
you for your fast thinking Tina.

Kathy (aka Shrike Meister)
Roosting in Kent, near Lake Meridian
(chukarbird at yahoo dot com)





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