Last Sunday I counted 80 species on the Tonasket Breeding Bird Survey, a few
more than usual. There weren't any surprise new or unusual species but more
of them than usual put in an appearance. A few usual species were absent
and several had lower numbers than usual. Swallows were in really low
numbers despite calm, warm, sunny weather and I missed Bank Swallow entirely
for the first time in about 15 years of doing the survey. Bluebirds were
also low on the count but seemed around like usual elsewhere. I missed
Redheads at the one spot that usually has them and didn't see any elsewhere
except up at Molson. Grasshopper and Savannah Sparrows were down, in part
probably because one of the major field areas was mostly bare instead of
covered in lush grass like usual.



The Bobolinks at the corner of Aeneas Valley Rd and Hwy 20 seemed to be
doing well despite one of the main fields plowed/cut bare. There were also
some where Siwash Creek Rd meets Havilah Rd northeast of Tonasket.



One of the weekend's most interesting sightings were 8 White Pelican at
Molson on Saturday when we were out and around driving about in the rain. I
don't think I've seen them in the Okanogan in June before.



The other sort of unusual sighting was a Wood Duck at Dulley Lake in the
little pond by the Cliff Swallow colony. It seemed strange to see one in
such open country.







Ed Swan



Guide

Birding Vashon Island and Beyond

206.463.7976

mailto:edswan at centurytel.net







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