Eric Heisey and I spent the day birding the Columbia around Vantage, both above and below Wanapum Dam. The most notable birds were 3 female BLACK SCOTER viewed about 75-100 yards off of the Vantage Boat Launch this morning.

Other notables were:

--Surf Scoter--3 at Ginkgo Overlook State Park (1 adult female, 2 immature); 4 at Wanapum State Park Boat Launch (all immature)
--Hybrid male EurasianXAmerican Wigeon at Getty's Cove. Possibly same bird as was there last fall. Bird has obvious rufous head yet had distinct green stripe through head and flanks were more rusty than even a first year Eurasian male should have.
--Bonaparte's Gull-1 at each of Railroad birdge south of Wanapum Dam; Wanapum State Park and Ginkgo Overlook State Park

Lingering American white pelicans, several red-necked grebe in various spots rounded out the notables.

In Ellensburg there was a common loon on Sorenson Pond. No unusual geese on that pond today, only Canadas.

Scott Downes
downess at charter.net
Yakima WA