Hi Tweets,

Heather and I spent Saturday exploring the area along the Grand Coulee in Grant county. The non-birding highlight was our first trip to Northrup Canyon Natural Area - part of the state park. There is a stunning hike to the old homestead (3 miles round trip), up a basalt cliff lined canyon. Throw in the Aspens at their peak of golden leaves and a sunny day and it was magic. You can take a longer hike to Northrup Lake (7 miles round trip).

A few trip bird highlights:

Blue Lake - White-winged Scoter, adult male

Lake Lenore on the southern end - Surf Scoter, adult female, Barrows and Common Goldeneye females

Banks Lake, MP2 on southern end - 5 Am. White Pelican, 5 Tundra Swans

Mansfield on Waterville Plateau - Hermit Thrush on Walnut Street in the lilac hedge
Along Hwy 172 we had 12 N Harriers, with 8 of them being adult males. East of Mansfield we saw our first 2 Rough-legged Hawks of the year.

Good Birding,

Marcus Roening,
Tacoma. WA
Marcus.d.roening at gsk.com