Tweets,

A trip to our property on Lake Keechelus turned up some good birds.

Just off of the Stampede pass exit at the ponds across the road from the Yakima River the Red-naped/Red-Breasted Sapsucker was seen again along with Barn Swallows.

At Roaring Creek and our property were Chestnut-backed Chckades and Evening Grosbeaks as well as Black-throated Gray, Yellow, Yellow-rumped, and Townsend's Warblers's. Also Western Tanager and Hermit Thrush (which were busily gathering beak fulls of bugs for the little ones).

My highlight of the day was sitting on the deck over Roaring Creek and watching the family of five Dippers. They are adorable! The babies were able to fly but were still actively begging for food and making quite a racket.

At Lake Keechelus were several pairs of Spotted Sandpipers still waiting for the lake to drop so that they can nest on the shore. This years snow pack has left the lake full to the brim. The lake is usually about half empty by now and the Killder and Sanpipers should have already been nesting. Maybe they have found some other way to do it.

At the dam were 4 Turkey vultures soaring over their usual spot.

Finally, on my way out the Common Nighthawks were actively feeding over the road. I counted 10.

Great day to get these birds while relaxing in the mountains!

Amy Schillinger
Renton, WA
schillingera at hotmail.com
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