Subject: [Tweeters] Recent Kittitas & Yakima County birding
Date: Apr 14 11:13:47 2015
From: Doug Schurman - doug at bodyresults.com


I had a chance to bird Kittitas and Yakima counties a bit the last 2
weekends. It was nice to see some of the early migrants and some of the
regulars.



At the off-ramp to Ellensburg I found 4 Turkey Vultures roosting in a tree
right above which was a nice surprise. Along the Old Vantage Hwy got to see
most of the expected sage species. One of my favorite stops is the Selah
Rest Area on the south bound side. The rest area is adjacent to Selah Creek
Canyon which has some sheer rock faces that Prairie Falcons nest in. Canyon
Wrens can be heard here too. White-throated Swifts have recently returned
and this is a good place to see them. Since the rest area is on the top of
the canyon it can produce some eye level views of birds you often don't get.
I also hiked around the Snow Mountain Ranch trails and drove part of the
Wenas area.



I had some photos that came out well from the visits that I posted in an
album here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/seattlebirdman/sets/72157651502248997/





Also, about 2 weeks ago I had the good fortune to see the Bothell
Black-throated Blue Warbler. Through some patience and luck I had a couple
photos turn out well of this life bird. Here are 2 links:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/seattlebirdman/17014325091/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/seattlebirdman/16809092427



Happy birding!



Doug Schurman

Seattle