Following up on Bob Schmidt's request for a ride to the Toppenish CBC, I would like to further expand a solicit for this count. This count is an excellent area centered on Toppenish NWR, however it has mostly gotten only local attention for quite a while now. With this count being back to back with Yakima Audubon, it has been difficult to gather support for this count last two years. If I have the numbers correct, both 2007 and 2008 were done with less than 15 total people in 7 sectors. That's pretty scarce coverage. It's amazing the dedicated hardy souls who have pressed on. There was even some discussion of canceling this year due to lack of support. If you have interest in birding Central Washington next weekend, please consider coming over for the Toppenish CBC on Sunday December 20 and perhaps can coordinate with Bob if coming from the greater Seattle area.

Please contact Denny Granstrand at dgranstrand at charter.net if you want to join in the fun. Many of the routes have wonderful eastern Washington winter habitats. Come on over and get your fix of cold crisp eastern Washington winter air!

Scott Downes
downess at charter.net
Yakima WA