Hello Tweeters.,
This was my fourth Year I be doing Patrick's Winter Trip to the Okanagon
Highlands and the Waterville Plateau.
Since I been birdying every Wednesday in Nisqually I met Shep Thorp,who is
one of the leaders, and find out that he have so many
things in common characteristic with my Son Patrick.I would not had ask
him,since I know he is so busy with his emergency
Veterinarian Clinic and working many weekends.But he ask me if I need help
with this BIG WINTER TRIP.I was so elated that he offered this to me,
because I feel there going to be the time come,some one have to
take over,Shep would be the one
who is Young and energetic and smart ,working right now on his
Master birdying Certification with Dennis Paulson.So I feel fortune
that some one who got the character who will cary on the tradition of
Patrick's great Winter trip.

Even so we did miss some of the target birds as the Common Redpoll, Snowy
Owl, Sharp tailed Grouse, we had a great birds with many species in high
count as the many Rough legged Hawks 5 Golden Eagle,and well seen.
We had 17 birders on this trip with 2 on a waiting list.We hit ALL Places,
and a group of birders who so much participated using our phones to call
birds out.I MUST THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH PARTICIPATION and mention this
fabulous
Country side,as we also had Sunshine the mountain glitcern in the sun as
CRYSTAL Glass, Spectacular Landscape!!!!!!!
Every one also enjoyed the groups of SNOW Bunting,it was a must see
bird.Also the pair of Saw-whet Owls in Bridgeport State
Park,but the worry is the nearby Great horned Owl. We had also on the same
places always,where the owner greeted us to see the Rosy Finches close.The
Long-tailed Duck was fairly close to watch on Lake Pateros who is going in
to breeding plumage,rare to see on the East Side,We ended with 86 species
what is pretty good,since it is long driving all day between the spots we
visiting.
Thank you folks for being such great participant!!!!!!!
To next Year,I will close with also thank Shep to being such a good Leader,

Cheers Ruth Sullivan
Tacoma, Godwit513 at msn.net