Michael Woodruff already mentioned the Washtucna stop. After we parted in
opposite directions I headed up to Sprague Lake, with a stop at Cow Lake on
the way. Cow Lake was loaded with waterfowl and coots, but also has some
nice exposed shoreline that shorebirds seems to enjoy. Both species of
yellowlegs, LB Dowitchers, Western and a dozen Pectoral Sandpipers, and 7
Black-bellied Plovers were working the area near the metal cutout Cow Lake
sign. Three Blue-winged Teal were hanging on upstream at Hallin Lake.
Sprague Lake also was covered with waterfowl, coots, 4 species of grebes
(including one Horned and dozens of Eared), pelicans, cormorants, 25+
dowitchers, 7 RN Phalaropes, and very few gulls. Buffleheads, goldeneyes
(at least 3 were COGO), and a single Gr. White-fronted Goose. The Sprague
WTP had a Hooded Merganser among many waterfowl.



Randy Hill

Othello