Subject: [Tweeters] 6 finches - Waxwings - Tr SwansHello,
Date: Jan 17 12:39:09 2009
From: Terry Little - terry at crossoverchurch.info


Hello,

I had a really nice morning in Spokane County.

Wandermere Lake had eight species of ducks including the now 8 Redheads that have been there for a month now. I relocated the flock of nine Barrow's Goldeneyes in the nearby Little Spokane River that Michael Woodruff found on the CBC.

The Fish Hatchery and adjacent St George's road were particularly rewarding. In the hour or so I was in the area I had to have seen at least 500 Bohemian Waxwings (with a few cedars) flying over and feeding in the trees (espcially just west of the Fish Hatchery properrty). Up to six Bald Eagles played and entertained with all their antics. Other birds were all three nuthatches, a Sharp Shinned Hawk, Pileated and Hairy Woodpeckers and nine species of ducks.

The highlight at the fish hatchery was a flock of finches I noticed feeding in the birches at the west end of the hatchery. (behnd the green building). There were about 60 birds in the flock which was about 75% Pine Siskins and some Am Goldfinches. Though they were difficult to pick out because of the light, I did find three COMMON REDPOLLS in the flock. Perhaps there were more. While watching this flock of birds, 2 House Finches came in and began to feed with them. A flock of Red Crossbills flew over and not long after, I soon recognized the distinct call of two PINE GROSBEAKS flying over as well. 6 species of finches from standng in one place.

As far as I was concerned, my good day was over, but there was more. As I drove along Rutter Pkwy, I was blessed to find 6 TRUMPETER SWANS i(1 adult, 5 juveniles) In one of the now open oxbows of the Little Spokane River.

A little more about birding the Fish Hatchery: Guy Campbell, the manager of the hatchery is one of my church members and a great guy. I talked to him this morning and he mentoned that he had noticed more birders in the hatchery lately which he is happy about. That being said, if you are birding in hatchery and want to explore beyond the area around the parking lot, it might be a good idea to let Guy or one of the employees know what you are doing. They have had some recent breakins in the hatchery, so they are understandably concerned about strangers - and birders can be strange. And please be careful not to get too close to the private residences that are on the property. There are some really nice large pools of water behind the tanks which are great for waterfowl and the many birches are excellent for the finches I mentioned eariier. Add to that the close proximity of the mature pine foerest and it makes a really nice habitat for good birding. Don't forget to check the creek for the dipper, though he has been very inconsistent this year.

A fun morning.

Blessings
Terry Little
Mead, Wa


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