Spent yesterday morning birding the Quilomene WRA and Huntzinger Rd near Vantage. A few highlights.

Sage sparrows were back on territory-counted a total of 8 males singing both on the Vantage Hwy and near the John Wayne Trail access on Huntzinger Rd.

A single American Tree Sparrow in the riparian habitat along the Vantage highway, near the traditional Ash-throated Flycatcher spot.

Loons were in abundance along the river with a total of 25 Common Loon and 3 Pacific Loon seen, including one of the Pacifics right off shore below Wanapum Dam allowing for great close looks.

Canyon Wrens singing from their usual spot about a mile south of Wanapum Dam. This is one area that you can get within 50-100 feet of Canyon Wrens as they mix with Rock Wrens on the talus slopes right next to the road.

Also impressive were the total numbers of Common Goldeneye- 185. This is higher than I typically see in February here and flocks of 40-60 were noted.

Scott Downes
downess at charter.net
Yakima WA