Eastern Washington Field Trip (6/8/06) Highlights

Morning clouds, light drizzle, wind and finally sun challenged the birders as well as the birds.  However, the day started with the American Dipper at Tinkham.  At Snoqualmie Pass, a trail-walk gave way to singing Lincoln's and Fox Sparrow, Olive-sided Flycatcher, many Yellow Warblers, a couple of hard-to-find Townsend's Warblers, Wilson's Warbler, and fluting Swainson's and Hermit Thrush.  Near the turn-off to Elk Heights, a flock of about a dozen Red Crossbills actively fed in the conifer trees while a Western Bluebird guarded its nestbox. 

The Taneum Creek area was alive with singing but not to be seen Veery, several Black-headed Grosbeaks and Warbling Vireos, MacGillivray's Warbler, handsome Calliope Hummingbird, Red-naped as well as Red-breasted Sapsucker, Western Wood-pewee, and Western Tananger. 

Near Robinson Canyon a flock of 12-14 Long-billed Curlew were found feeding in a field, a rare and welcome sight in the ever-expanding Ellensburg area.  On Ringer Loop Road a presumed family of three Say's Phoebes seemingly used a yard as their territory.  Yellow-headed Blackbirds and a heard Virginia Rail graced the yellow iris growing in the nearby marsh. 

Along Yakima Canyon Road a Big-horned Sheep was spotted, as were several Eastern Kingbirds, Common Merganser and Belted Kingfisher.  Sun welcomed everyone at Umtanum Recreation Area where Lazuli Bunting were plentiful and Yellow-breasted Chat chattering filled the shrubs.  House and Rock Wren sang while two Prairie Falcons soared above the hills where 1 Chukar was sighted.  American Goldfinch and Cedar Waxwing were numerous while only a couple of Bullock's Orioles flew past. 

As with most field trips to Eastern Washington, the day was filled with the expected and the unexpected, making for another great day of birding.