Subject: [Tweeters] Tricolored Blackbirds and White-faced Ibis- Kahlotus Lake, Franklin Co.
Date: Thu Jul 26 14:13:07 PDT 2018
From: Jason Fidorra - jfidorra at gmail.com

A wet depression east of Kahlotus, WA is currently flooded and a great spot
to find TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS. A newly found colony is near and I include
viewing information below. This morning an adult WHITE-FACED IBIS was
present with several other species of SHOREBIRDS.
https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S47461958

To view the "lake" (or mud hole, currently) drive HWY 260 for 2.45 miles
west of Kahlotus and the HWY 263 intersection. The safest parking is along
the gravel rd/driveway here on the left (46.651, -118.5026). DO NOT PARK IN
ANY VEGETATION! Your car will catch on fire!! Cross the Hwy and near the
start of the guardrail you'll see my foot trail over a downed barbwire
fence to an overlook. This is DNR property, don't worry. A scope from here
will be needed. You technically can also hike down and up the steep,
lose rocky slope to the old railroad bed but this is very treacherous and
not recommended! 10-40 tricolored blackbirds have been on the mud foraging
with tails cocked up along with shorebirds and cows.

If you are just coming for the blackbirds, the best viewing is at the house
up the driveway where birds are coming to feeders in her chicken coop.
https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S47462007 The coop and home are on private
property, but the owner is bird friendly. Folks are welcome to stop by to
see the birds but 1) Must not let car touch grass/veg. Park on gravel
only! 2) Watch for rattlesnakes! She is very worried someone will be bitten
by the numerous rattlers around her yard. This is likely the best spot to
see Tricolored Blackbirds at close range in WA currently. Respect this
property.

Kahlotus Lake used to host breeding pelicans and fishermen! The water
disappeared in the 1990s. Interesting place. Be sure to stop by the
Farmer's Daughter Café for a snack in tiny Kahlotus and tell them you're
here for the birds!

Jason Fidorra
Pasco, WA
jfidorra at gmail dot you know the rest.
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