I was able to get up to the Okanogan Highlands on Monday. I was hoping to finally see my Great Gray Owls.

I started just outside Havillah looking for birds, but it was pretty quiet in that area.

I had more luck on Mary Ann Creek Rd. It was very birdy. I was able to get photos of 3 Teal species, Eastern Kingbird and Spotted Sandpiper. Nearly at the end of the road I turned around and headed back toward Chesaw. About 1 mile before the end of the road on the way back, there was a tree across the road. I suspected beaver activity. Sure enough, when I got out of the car, I heard an animal hit the water and the beaver was obviously felled by beaver. It was about 8 inches through at the base. I stayed there about a half hour. Three times there was a beaver slap on the surface, but I only saw one swimming - about 12 inches in length (not counting the tail).

There were also many deer seen including one fawn following its mother that was so small that at first I thought it was a small dog chasing the deer through the tall grass.

My last stop was the snow park. I saw a Wild Turkey there, but struck out on Great Gray Owls. I needed Khanh's Ivory Bill Woodpecker puppet for luck. :')

I'm way behind posting pictures, but I'll try to get caught up later.

Good birding to all,
Ron McCluskey
Cheney, WA
rmcclsky at mindspring dot com
http://canondigitalslrs.com