Saturday and Sunday (today) I searched for White-winged Crossbills near the Japanese Garden on the Central Wash Univ (CWU) campus in Ellensburg. No luck for me. I heard 2 second hand reports of success on Saturday. It was fun watching a flock of about 15 RED CROSSBILLS feed in trees within the garden, dropping to the small stream to drink and to bathe, while I stood a few feet away. In good light, these birds were stunning!


Also on Saturday I came upon a flock of 20 COMMON REDPOLLS south of CWU in 2 small birch trees at 6th and Sampson. A WESTERN SCRUB-JAY was easy to find at the previously reported location of 2nd and Poplar. Also on Saturday, a TURKEY VULTURE flew around the campus.


At Sorensen Pond south of Ellensburg, a perched adult PEREGRINE FALCON was eyeing an assortment of ducks. Just east of town, a MERLIN was perched on a post with prey.


Marv Breece
Tukwila, WA
marvbreece at q.com

PARKS ARE FOR EVERYONE