At least 3 male TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS were at an unnamed pond/wetland near Sylvan Lake/Odessa, Lincoln. Co. today. Tricolored's were also seen near this location in 2004. The area drains into Wilson Creek, the oldest Tricolored breeding colony in the state about 25 miles to the West. Also in the area was a GREAT EGRET, 37 WHITE PELICANS, 1 male WOOD DUCK (thanks to Dan Waggoner who discovered this bird), 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 2 LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES, and a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW. 2 Sandhill Cranes were reported in this location about 10 days ago but I was unable to relocate them. The location is on Laney Brothers Road approximately 8 miles East of Odessa several hundred yards past the East end of Sylvan Lake. Note: Sylvan Lake and all the property around it up to Laney Brothers Road is private so unfortunately scoping from the road is the only option.

In Reardan were 5 GREATER YELLOWLEGS and 1 female RED-NECKED PHALAROPE. I believe this same bird has been around for about 3 weeks since the last flock left the area. It's now beginning to molt out of breeding plumage.

Good birding,
Jon Isacoff, Spokane