Hi Tweeters,
I braved the scorching heat and drove from Ellensburg (81ºF) to Wanapum
State Park (96ºF!) this afternoon to check out the low Wanapum pool levels.
I was not disappointed as the low pool level and exposed mudflats revealed
a relative bonanza for shorebird-poor Kittitas County. I had a total of 22
shorebirds near the Wanapum State Park boat ramp (if you count Killdeer).
The best of the immediately identifiable birds would have to be the lone
Western Sandpiper and the four Baird's Sandpipers.
I took many photos of the fidgety shorebird flock, and posted them here (
https://photos.app.goo.gl/23rgYqNM31J8B57QA), comments on identification
are invited. I've added some id's to the photo info already. Some of the
yellow-legged Calidris sp. individuals seemed larger than the obvious Least
Sandpipers in the group and were often off alone. None of them look streaky
enough to Pectorals though.
The stop was rounded out by a lone breeding plumage Red-necked Grebe.
Earlier in the day, I had a single juvenile Bonaparte's Gull as well as an
adult Mew Gull (sadly no photos of the later) at the Ginkgo State Park boat
ramp.

Also, the lovely Coreopsis along the shore is host to some great
butterflies right now, including Sulphurs, Hairstreaks, Skippers, and
Whites. Be sure to keep an eye open as you look for birds!

Cheers,
Walter Szeliga
Ellensburg, WA
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