Subject: [Tweeters] Toppenish NWR: Eastern Kingbirds
Date: Jul 15 19:15:51 2012
From: Craig Merkel - quetsal48 at comcast.net


My wife and I visited Toppenish NWR this morning and though it's the off
season and we arrived a little later than we had planned the birding was
good until the heat drove the birds and us to seek shade.

Saw about 6 Eastern Kingbirds. Some looked to be juvenal so maybe they're
nesting there too. Two Bobolink pairs. Bittern. Kestrel. Blue-Winged Teal.
Downey Woodpecker. More of couse.



It was a little bit out of the way to get there. AND the Google map
directions were of NO help whatsoever so if you're going there follow their
directions: go out Hwy 97. I definitely plan on going back in the spring.
It's closer than Malheur and there's still lots to explore over there.



There were pairs of Western Kingbirds on the wires outside the motel in
Toppenish!



Anyone who knows of birding spots in the area of the refuge please let me
know.



Thanks



Craig