Subject: [Tweeters] Winter birding in Spokane
Date: Dec 30 12:19:35 2014
From: kelsberg at u.washington.edu - kelsberg at u.washington.edu


Sarah, Bill, M'Lou Safranek and I helped with the Spokane CBC for half a day on Sunday, Dec 28. Our highlights were: Wild Turkeys, lots of California Quail, and good looks at Red Crossbills feeding on Ponderosa cones.
Kim Thorburn ( kthorburn at msn dot com ) organized the CBC and found Pine Grosbeaks, a Northern Goshawk, and a Snowy Owl, so birders looking in Spokane in winter might contact her for advice.

We visit Spokane regularly and I suggest visiting the Little Spokane for a pleasant walk and a (slight) opportunity to see mammals. Winter is cold and snowy, and the environment is dry, so bird numbers aren't huge, but this area combines habitats with a riparian walk within and beside Ponderosa forests, under granite cliffs and emerging onto prairie areas. There are also pictographs to see, and occasionally moose, elk, and beaver. Easy to get to and a generally level walk, suitable for families with children.

Gary Kelsberg
Seattle
kelsberg at u dot washington dot edu