Hi all,

I ventured out today and covered a small portion of both Lincoln and Adams counties. Highways are bare and wet, but side roads are mostly compact snow and ice. The town of Reardan has not been plowed so be sure to have 4-wheel drive if you decide to bird the towns.

With all the snow in the fields, I found several flocks of Gray Partridges. In Lincoln County, along Detour Road / Omans Road there were 3 separate flocks on the road edge. This road travels between Reardan and Davenport just south of the two towns. I found a few small flocks of Horned Larks, but nothing else besides Starlings with them.

On the Adams county side of Sprague Lake, I found a nice flock of six American Tree Sparrows in a marshy area. With them was a couple Dark-eyed Juncos and one White-crowned Sparrow.

Near Cheney on the way home, I got to watch an American Kestrel plop into the snow and retrieve a small rodent. When the Kestrel hit the snow, all I could see was its head and wings. I was lucky to be able to see this happen.

Lastly, the bird of the day was two Long-eared Owls. Please don't ask for the location as I don't want them disturbed. LEOW was #300 for my WA year list - the first time I have achieved that.

Good birding,

Tim O'Brien
Cheney - Spokane
mailto: kertim7179 at yahoo dot com