Tina and I birded the Sinlahekin WLA up through Palmer Lake last Saturday
and then Sunday came back via Conconully to Loup Loup and back over Rt 20.
The Sinlahekin WLA was great. It had been years since we've been there. It
was very birdy and the refuge manager has been very active in taking care of
non-game wildlife. He has put up a lot of bluebird nest boxes, wood duck
boxes, and bat boxes. Everything was well maintained and well signed. We
didn't find any rarities; but, ended up with 117 species for the weekend.
Pretty nice!



Good birding!



Rick



Rick Taylor

Everett, WA



From: tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu
[mailto:tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Doug
Schurman
Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2012 8:51 PM
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Subject: [Tweeters] Okanogan Trip Planning Help needed



Hello All,



At the end of June my wife, daughter, dog and myself plan to take a quick
trip through the Okanogan area for birding. We will probably drove over the
mountains from Seattle on Friday night and plan to get back to Seattle by 6
or 7pm on Sunday.



I could use help on coming up with a good route to find a bunch of birds.



Since I will have my dog I would like to be in areas mid day where it is not
too hot. Also, while birding the dog will remain in the car so I would
prefer not to hike far away from the car.



I have been in the Okanogan area once before visiting Washburn Island,
Cameron Lakes Rd, Conconully, Sinlahekin, Loomis and Palmer Lake. I was
thinking if we could get to Chelan or Brewster on Friday night we could make
an early start.



Some initial thoughts were



Day 1

Washburn Island

Cameron Lakes Rd

Loop Highway 20 to Bonaparte Lake and back down Havillah Rd



Day 2

Fish Lake

Conconully

Soap Lake

Drive back to Seattle



Would like to see Golden Eagle, other Raptors, Owls, Woodpeckers,
Black-chinned and Calliope Humming Birds, other Eastside Birds





I would love suggestions from others. Are there other routes you would
suggest? Are their place that are must stops?



I don't have much experience birding by car so I'm not sure how to know
where it is worthwhile to stop and when it is not. Instincts tell me to look
for attractive habitat area and stop and look and listen. Otherwise I would
also be driving along and just be on the lookout for what seems like good
bird activity in an area. Any tips for car birding would also be greatly
appreciated.



Thanks

Doug Schurman

NE Seattle