Hi Birders:

The East Lake Washington Audubon Birdathon to eastern Washington on May 17th
turned out to not only be hot but also to be an exceptional day of birding.
We saw 103 bird species in 13 hours. There was no attempt to see a record
number of species as time was spent in several areas to enjoy the birds. We
had 10 warbler species, most at the Golf Course/Hundley Rd. riparian area,
which included MacGillivray's, Yellow, Nashville, Wilson's, Black-throated Gray,
Orange-crowned, Townsend's and Yellow-rumped Warbler. A Ruffed Grouse was
scared up, a Pileated Woodpecker was heard, an immature Bald Eagle flew over
the flooded river, and a Hairy Woodpecker flew to a log at our feet. Along
the Old Vantage Hwy we had good looks at a Brewer's Sparrow, Sage Thrasher,
Rock Wren, Calif. Quail, Western Kingbird, and Say's Phoebe. A Sora was seen at
Ringer's Loop pond while a Virginia Rail was heard. At the Umtanum Bridge
Recreation area, when temps were reaching 98 degrees, a Yellow-breasted Chat
stayed on territory while House Wrens sang and a Prairie Falcon flew overhead.
Once in the air-conditioned cars, we headed for the Swainson's Hawks on Old
Vantage Hwy. and were not disappointed. The pair were perched on a power
pole near their nest, with the classic male facing the group. Along the route,
we found a family of Great Horned Owls, 2 adults and 3 youngsters that
entertained us with their branching antics. A swing through farmlands helped the
group find Long-billed Curlew and Wilson's Snipe. On the final leg toward
home through Swauk Prairie Rd., we had good looks at both Western and Mountain
Bluebird. The trip was lead by Mike West and me with 10 eager and observant
participants. It was nice to bird without wind and rain, albeit it was
rather warm.

Joyce Meyer
_meyer2j at aol.com_ (mailto:meyer2j at aol.com)




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