Subject: [Tweeters] Fort Simcoe SP, Toppenish NWR
Date: May 20 21:54:40 2012
From: Marvin S Hoekstra - marvin.hoekstra at frontier.com


Tweeters:



On Friday I birded Ft Simcoe SP and Toppenish NWR. When I arrived at Ft
Simcoe in mid-morning a vocal group of Bullock's Orioles were scrambling
around in the trees at far end of the parking lot. There I also spotted
the first of many Lewis's Woodpeckers, which appeared in every part of the
park. In the woods and hills beyond the woods on the south end of the
property were multiple singing male Lazuli Buntings as well as a Western
Wood Pewee. On the power line along the hiking trail to the east of the
parking lot were Western Kingbirds. Also present was a Bewick's Wren. I
looked unsuccessfully in the park for Ash-throated Flycatchers. I would be
interested in hearing from anyone who has spotted these birds at Ft Simcoe.



I arrived at Toppenish NWR at about I pm. Around the refuge headquarters
were Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Tree Swallow, Western Kingbirds,
Black-Billed Magpies and other usual suspects. More noteworthy was a pair
of Townsend's Warblers in the row of trees along the HQ driveway. Heading
down Pumphouse Road I spotted a California Quail on the road, a single
Black-Necked Stilt in the Marsh, three Turkey Vultures, one Northern
Shoveler, a Great Egret, Barn Swallows and an Osprey carrying a fish in its
talons.



Marvin S. Hoekstra

marvin.hoekstra AT frontier.com