I took advantage of the beautiful day Sunday and
journeyed to Central Washington. Prompted by
Julie Reynold's earlier post about the Long Eared
and Burrowing Owls, I first went to Wanapum
Campground in Vantage and had wonderful looks at
both male and female Long Eared Owls. Decided not
to go off to find the Burrowing Owls and instead
headed back to Ellensburg and then over to Wenas.
I noted that there have been posts about the gate
to Wenas being closed. It is now open. The Creek
is high and may have flooded the road earlier
which may have been why it was closed. The
weather was great and the birding was good but not
spectacular. I have a shoulder issue right now
that makes it impossible to scan foliage
comfortably and that did not help matters. For
example only a single woodpecker the entire day
... BUT it was a great look at a White Headed at
the Wenas Campground. Other pleasantries: at
least 8 Kestrels, a very protective Red Tail on
Nest with young - on I-90 just east of I-82 (saw
several other Red Tail nests with young), a very
cooperative Swainson's Hawk on Wenas Road, and at
least 3 dozen (probably more) blue birds on the
way to Wenas - perhaps 60% Western and 40%
Mountain. All told around 55 species - only two
warblers - a single Orange Crowned and MANY Yellow
Rumped. Only flycatcher seen was a Western Kingbird.