Hi Birders:

I just returned from a five day trip to Northeast Washington. Vital
Statistics: 137 species, 15 State birds, 7 new counties.

I found two target birds, TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD at Wilson Creek, and BOREAL
CHICKADEE cleaning up a nest hole on Bangs Mountain Road. Aside from the
chickadee, the best birds I saw were a SPRUCE GROUSE hen and her chicks at
the Cottonwood Campground in Little Pend Oreille NWR.

Although I have an all-wheel drive car, I found a few places I was unwilling
to venture; the road to Inchelium from WA 20, the "short-cut" from Chewelah
to Little Pend Oreille NWR, and Dry Canyon RD in Pend Oreille CO. A couple
of areas, were inaccessible; the Kettle Crest/Sherman Pass area trails were
still covered in snow. As was FR 2200 to Salmo Pass at about 10 miles.
Also, the Sewage ponds at Chewelah seem to be defunct, or I misread the
instructions.

The best part of blitz birding like this is that it leaves big gaps in your
list, requiring a return trip in the future.

Pete Fahey
Issaquah, WA