Hi Tweets,

I just finished up a very enjoyable scout trip with seven others for my
upcoming WOS Trip to the Waterville Plateau and Okanogan Highlands Saturday
February 15th through Monday February 17th with Ruth Sullivan and Fanter
Lane.

There was snow on the ground, and the temperatures were below freezing
during our visit.

The Waterville Plateua was rewarding with nice sightings of Gray Partridge,
Snow Bunting, Lapland Longspur, Long-eared Owl, Sharp-tailed Grouse and
many Rough-legged Hawks and Northern Shrike. Two subspecies of Horned Lark
were abundant.

Conconully was not as active but we had nice views of Golden Eagle and
Northern Goshawk.

The Feeders (Hungry-Hollow Rd, Grange Rd, and Nealy Rd) were abundant with
American Goldfinch. Only two Gray-crowned Rosy Finch were seen at the
Grange Rd feeder and have also been reported to visit the Nealy Rd feeder.
We left a bag of free seed to each home for our great appreciation of
these families feeding our wintering species.

Chesaw, Mary Anne Creek Road and vicinity were slow. Two nice views of
Northern Pygmy-Owl but no Common Redpoll or Pine Grosbeak were seen. The
Sno-Park had a male and female Great Horn Owl hooting, and again we
observed a number of Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk
and Great Horn Owl along the Havillah-Tonasket Road.

At McLaughlin Canyon, S. Janis Road, we observed approximately 1500
Bohemian Waxwing. We also observed small numbers of Bohemian Waxwing at
Central Ferry Canyon and Washburrn Island. However the big excitement on
Washburn Island were several American Tree Sparrow on the central road, and
dozens more along the path to the feeder east. We also had Bald Eagle,
Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Northern Harrier, Great Horn Owl and Merlin
making for lots of birdy activity.

Bridgeport Bar had many expected sparrows and waterfowl with a visit from a
Sharp-shinned Hawk. Very nice views of Common Loon, Canvas Back, Redhead
and others.

No Northern Saw-whet Owls at Bridgeport State Park, JUST a pair of Great
Horn Owls and many Varied Thrush.

The north end of Cameron Lake Road had American Tree Sparrows, the south
end more Snow Bunting and Horned Lark. Due to time constraints we elected
not to chase the Snowy Owl reported near Highway 2 and O Rd in the
southeast section of the Plateau.

Union Valley Loop north of Chelan had Northern Pygmy Owl, Hairy Woodpecker,
White-breasted Nuthatch, Mountain Chickadee, and Clark's Nutcracker.

Unfortunately we dipped on the Lesser Goldfinch reported in Cashmere on our
return home.

83 species seen with many enjoyable sightings. We felt very lucky
considering some of the earlier reports of birding from the region.
Although disappointing, we were not surprised that we were not able to
observe Common Redpoll, Pine Grosbeak and Pine Siskin as these nomadic
species have not been regularly reported in the immediate area.

Until next time, good birding!

Shep Thorp
sthorp at theaec.com
253-370-3742
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