A group of four of us ventured from Yakima today to see the N. Hawk Owl. We got great views and great photos with great weather, excellent light, blue skies, and no wind. What a magical bird. We also counted 17 Eurasian Collared Doves in Mansfield and at least 10 White-winged Crossbills in Mansfield at the intersection of 1st and Walnut (thanks Khanh) in the cone-laden spruce trees. We also saw the Sharp-shinned Hawksothers saw and also found a Mountain Chickadee at the same location as the crossbills. We didn't see any Snowy Owls on H Rd and wished we would have known about the Gyrfalcon seen in the region today. Oh well. Can't get em' all! We then headed to Conconully Road for a chance at Sharp-tailed Grouse and found three in a willow along the creek visible from the overlook. Overall a good day for my first time up in this wonderful area....and two life birds to boot!

Jeff Kozma

Yakima