Scott,

Any snow or many downed trees on the way up? I'm thinking of trying that
trail, do you think it's too steep for me?

Andy
----- Original Message -----
From: S Ray <mryakima@...>
To: BirdYak <BirdYak@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 29, 2003 3:54 PM
Subject: [BirdYak] Mt Aix birds


> Saturday afternoon my son and I attempted to make it to the top of 7700
> ft Mt. Aix. Due to our late (noon) start, however, we only made it as
> high as Nelson Ridge at about 7100 ft.
>
> A new find for me was fledgling CLARK'S NUTCRACKERS being fed by adults
> at about 6500 feet.
>
> A few species seen included
>
>
> Calliope Hummingbird
> Pileated Woodpecker
> Pacific Slope Flycatcher
> Gray Jay
> Steller's Jay
> Clark's Nutcracker
> Mountain Chickadee
> Red-breasted Nuthatch
> Winter Wren
> Golden-crowned Kinglet
> Hermit Thrush
> Cassin's Vireo
> Nashville Warbler
> Yellow-rumped Warbler
> Townsend's Warbler
> Wilson's Warbler
> Western Tanager
> Dark-eyed Junco
> Pine Siskin
> Evening Grosbeak
>
> Also seen were 10 Mountain Goats including 5 adults, 3 current year
> kids, and 2  yearlings.
>
>
> Scott Ray
> East end of Mieras Rd
> Moxee, WA
> mryakima at nwinfo dot net
>
>
>
> Scott Ray
> East end of Mieras Rd
> Moxee, WA
> mryakima at nwinfo dot net
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> birdyak-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>

Mac,

Here's a preliminary list of butterflies we found on Saturday at Bethel
Ridge and lower Oak Creek. I will annotate this list more thoroughly as I
find the time.

BUTTERFLIES IN THE TIETON
28 JUNE 2003

Local butterfly expert Jim Christensen led an Audubon fieldtrip into the
Tieton River area to study these beautiful creatures. The first area we
visited was the edge of Bethel Ridge, an area of lithosol and steppe
vegetation, though at 6,000 feet. Next, the meadows and wet areas en route
to Timberwolf Mountain were checked, this habitat added five or so species.
Finally, low elevation riparian habitats along Oak Creek, yielded yet a
different array of species.

Common Branded Skipper - wet area in lower Oak Creek
Woodland Skipper - wet area in lower Oak Creek
Clodius Parnassian - Bethel Ridge
Anise Swallowtail - Bethel Ridge, Timberwolf Lookout
Indra Swallowtail - Bethel Ridge
Pale Tiger Swallowtail - Bethel Ridge
Becker's White - wet area in lower Oak Creek
Western White - Bethel Ridge
Sara's Orangetip - lower Oak Creek
Orange Sulphur - lower Oak Creek
Western Sulphur - Bethel Ridge
Blue Copper
Brown Elfin
Western Tailed Blue
Square-spotted Blue
Pacific Dotted Blue
Arrowhead Blue
Silvery Blue
Greenish Blue
Boisduval's Blue
Coronis Fritillary - widespread and common
Calippe Fritillary
Hydaspe Fritillary
Edith's Checkerspot - widespread and common
Satyr Anglewing
Zephyr Anglewing
Milbert's Tortoiseshell - Bethel Ridge
West Coast Lady
Lorquin's Admiral - lower Oak Creek
Common Ringlet
Small Wood Nymph

Andy Stepniewski
Wapato WA
Steppie@...

Some of the pictures from our recent butterfly trip are posted on my web site
at:

http://www.macknight.addr.com/Butterflies/butterflies.html

if you are interested in seeing them. Lots more to edit as I find time.

And thanks for the list, Andy and Ellen.

Mac Knight
http://www.macknight.addr.com


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Yakkers,

I spent a pleasant Sunday birding the upper North Fork of Ahtanum Creek in
Yakima County. Even though it's July, and past the prime birding time for
this area, it is still spring in the upper elevations with lots of
wildflowers, dragonflies, and butterflies to take up the slack.

I missed my target bird (Black-throated Gray Warbler), but enjoyed getting
out of the heat of the valley for a while. On my way back home I stopped at
the Osprey nest on Indian Church Rd. and observed the two adults trying to
shade the chicks in the nest, but not very succesfully. The chicks looked
like they're ready to fledge and were all over the nest, stretching their
wings and daring to stand on the edge of the nest.  Now that they are more
mobile I can see that there are three very healthy looking chicks in the
nest. Must be a good food source along this stretch of the Yakima River.

Birds seen (in taxonomic order):

American White Pelican 3 - along Yakima River at Parker Bottom
Turkey Vulture 2 - Tampico
Osprey  2 adults and 3 chicks at Indian Church Rd. Granger
Red-tailed Hawk
Ruffed Grouse 1 along road just west of Ahtanum Meadows CG.
California Quail
Killdeer
Rock Dove
Mourning Dove
Vaux's Swift
Calliope Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird
Lewis' Woodpecker 1 at Ahtanum Mission
Red-naped Sapsucker 2 adults feeding young in an Aspen Tree
Northern Flicker
Western Wood-Pewee
Pacific-slope Flycatcher
Western Kingbird
Warbling Vireo
Black-billed Magpie
Common Raven
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
Mountain Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Swainson's Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Varied Thrush - their hauntingly beautiful song was all over the upper
riparian zone
European Starling
Nashville Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Townsend's Warbler
MacGillivray's Warbler
Western Tanager
Chipping Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Black-headed Grosbeak
Red-winged Blackbird
Brewer's Blackbird
Cassin's Finch
Evening Grosbeak
House Sparrow

Total number of species seen: 45

Kerry Turley
Sunnyside

Chirp,

Inspired by the success of others of late, John H. and I, on a late Saturday
night whim, decided to strike out on Sunday morning in an attempt to track
down a few birds that have eluded us this year in Yakima County.

Without a planned itinerary, Hardy Canyon seemed like a good place to start
because of the reports of Red-eyed Vireo and Least Flycatcher surfacing there.
Despite our early arrival, things were pretty quite.  We used a recording of
the Vireo's song at a couple of locations near the aspens above the walk in
entrance without any luck.  Our last play was at the last stand of aspen before
the road breaks into the open meadow that continues up to the lone Ponderosa
Pine.  John detected a small commotion in the trees to the left of the trail.
The culprit proved to be the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher actively moving around in a
bit of a scolding mode.  We were then joined by a couple from Seattle on a
quest for the Gnatcatcher, who else?  As they had failed to locate him on a
Saturday afternoon search, they were quite pleased to accept an easy gift.

As they circled behind the trees to take advantage of the light, we headed
downhill and proceeded downstream in hopes of locating a Least Flycatcher.  We
went all the way to the elk fence and slowly worked our way back to the bridge.
  Jon heard a Veery; a Western Wood-Pewee raised our hopes briefly; a
Black-headed Grosbeak entertained with a song and a Bullock's Oriole responded
to our
CD but nary a Least or Red-eye was to be found.

We then tried the drive in entrance to Hardy Canyon and were greeted by a
Say's Phoebe that was needed by one person, who shall remain nameless as this is
perhaps the earliest migrant flycatcher to return to the valley each year.  On
the other hand, it is somewhat of an accomplishment to be able to avoid this
species until July.  In the willows near the second gate, we were lucky to
locate a Red-naped Sapsucker before swarming mosquitos threatened to close our
eyes to birding despite our best Jackie Chan Kung Foo swats.

We retreated to the Elk Ridge store not so much for refreshments as for
insect repellent.  Thrashing over the day's possibilities, Nile lust set in as
we
could taste the Bird Alert's seductive tales of Spotted Owl, Least and
Olive-sided Flycatcher, tons of Townsend's Warblers and a Williamson's Sapsucker
in
every pot.  Saps and suckers, we succumbed.

At midmorning we arrived to find the promised land populated by horsemen and
their steeds forcing us to abandon hopes of searching the most desirable spot
for the Least.  A foraging flock of small birds brought us to a halt with
hopes of a Brown Creeper but it didn't pan out as they quickly dispersed.  A
distant woodpecker fanned our hopes for a Williamson's Sapsucker but it proved
to
be a Black-backed Woodpecker.  Oh, the golden crown was aglow and the mate
quickly turned up nearby but we had seen this species last week.  They weren't
on
the wish list.  A great bird loses luster to a lister lusting after lost
licks.

We pressed on stopping to flush a female Blue Grouse and one juvenile.  She
paused in a tree and clucked a diversion as the chick flew to the right.  As
John made eye contact with her, she flew to the left. Eventually we enjoyed the
majestic overlooks of Rattlesnake Creek but all too frequently songs of
"warblers" proved to be Chipping Sparrows and the tapping of woodpeckers were
merely
the work of Red-breasted Nuthatches.  A booming male Blue Grouse seemed to
proclaim that breeding season was still in session...at least in his territory.
On the way out, we dismounted to track a female Western Tanager only to be
distracted by the song of a Warbling Vireo.  Peering into the roadside brush, I
was startled by a sound akin to a Jamie Moyer breaking ball thrown with half
the horsehide hanging loose whizzing by my ear.  A pair of Evening Grosbeaks
pulled up to announce their displeasure with our presence.  I couldn't believe
that this same species is one of the most approachable migrants to visit my
backyard feeders.

For some reason (perhaps Peregrine fever), we then opted to check out Edgar
Rock.  Our trailhead directions were either outdated or misread because the
trail we chose soon became obscured by windfall and nonuse.  Nonetheless, we
pressed upward.  Birds were few and always too high in the canopy to identify.
Slowly we gained altitude as my attitude declined.  By the time we reached the
basalt cliffs, we knew we following game tracks rather than a trail.  My scope
and tripod had been shortened into a fifteen pound walking stick that was
finding lots of use in its new occupation as I struggled upward.

Thoroughly gassed, I sat down to rest.  A view of the river and Hwy 410
stretched endlessly to the west.  The hillside below my feet portrayed a tricky
decent.  I would be lucky to get down without some bodysurfing over brush, dirt
and basalt.  Bruises guaranteed and broken bones likely.  John had repeated
several times, "This is silly!"  I turned to tell him that I was beaten and
wanted to head down but he had moved further up and out of sight.  John is not a
quitter...I think he intended to peak this baby out Mountain Goat style.  I was
forced to go higher before stalling out again.

The climb was tough and as tedious as this message.  John popped back into
view and announced that there was a "freeway" just ahead.  Just then, I caught
sight of a bird obscured by pine branches.  I was sure of an eye stripe and
thought it might be a wish list Golden-crowned Kinglet.  A true coup de grace,
it
turned out to be what seemed to be the 99th Red-breasted Nuthatch of the day.

A few steps amid several grunts and I arrived at the freeway.  I sensed that
John was game to go to the top.  John sensed that if we did, he would be
carrying me down.  Faced with a sweaty overweight matted hairdo partner complete
with a second scope, he wisely decided that down was indeed the higher path.

As we drove through Lost Creek Village, hummingbirds were buzzing around the
many feeders provided at homes.  Yearning for a Black-chinned, I sized up each
feeder for an angle that would allow us a scope look without getting us
arrested for voyeurism.  Alas, there were none.  It was a day with a couple
great
birds, more than enough exercise and a grand total of one new species.  Cursed
are the listers!

On the other hand, that Pileated over on Mt. Aix should be a piece of cake.
Anyone game?

Later,
Rich
PS The Buchanan Lake Osprey nest had an adult sheltering two young today.
One chick raised its head to reveal a golden mane befitting a Golden Eagle.  A
quick afternoon trip to the Bank Swallow colony yielded thirty to forty
swallows active in the air.  These guys will probably be departing soon.  I'll
bet
the golden tones of some late afternoon light would produce an artistic pueblo
like photo op.  Also, near I-82 Exit 40 there were 6 to 8 American White
Pelicans on an island in the river.  At least I thought I saw at least one long
bill...if that Tweeter's report about 4 Snow Geese holds up I'll rue my lack of
braking for a better look.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Wow!  What a post!  I'm going to save it for trip ideas for whenever it is
I'll be able to head over your way (probably next spring/summer  :(  ).

Mary

Mary Klein
Seattle WA
CelloBird@...


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Rich712@... [mailto:Rich712@...]
> Sent: Monday, July 07, 2003 10:47 PM
> To: birdyak@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [BirdYak] Summer Slump?
>
>
> Chirp,
>
> Inspired by the success of others of late, John H. and I, on
> a late Saturday
> night whim, decided to strike out on Sunday morning in an
> attempt to track
> down a few birds that have eluded us this year in Yakima County.
>
> Without a planned itinerary, Hardy Canyon seemed like a good
> place to start
> because of the reports of Red-eyed Vireo and Least Flycatcher
> surfacing there.
> Despite our early arrival, things were pretty quite.  We used
> a recording of
> the Vireo's song at a couple of locations near the aspens
> above the walk in
> entrance without any luck.  Our last play was at the last
> stand of aspen before
> the road breaks into the open meadow that continues up to the
> lone Ponderosa
> Pine.  John detected a small commotion in the trees to the
> left of the trail.
> The culprit proved to be the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher actively
> moving around in a
> bit of a scolding mode.  We were then joined by a couple from
> Seattle on a
> quest for the Gnatcatcher, who else?  As they had failed to
> locate him on a
> Saturday afternoon search, they were quite pleased to accept
> an easy gift.
>
> As they circled behind the trees to take advantage of the
> light, we headed
> downhill and proceeded downstream in hopes of locating a
> Least Flycatcher.  We
> went all the way to the elk fence and slowly worked our way
> back to the bridge.
>  Jon heard a Veery; a Western Wood-Pewee raised our hopes briefly; a
> Black-headed Grosbeak entertained with a song and a Bullock's
> Oriole responded to our
> CD but nary a Least or Red-eye was to be found.
>
> We then tried the drive in entrance to Hardy Canyon and were
> greeted by a
> Say's Phoebe that was needed by one person, who shall remain
> nameless as this is
> perhaps the earliest migrant flycatcher to return to the
> valley each year.  On
> the other hand, it is somewhat of an accomplishment to be
> able to avoid this
> species until July.  In the willows near the second gate, we
> were lucky to
> locate a Red-naped Sapsucker before swarming mosquitos
> threatened to close our
> eyes to birding despite our best Jackie Chan Kung Foo swats.
>
> We retreated to the Elk Ridge store not so much for
> refreshments as for
> insect repellent.  Thrashing over the day's possibilities,
> Nile lust set in as we
> could taste the Bird Alert's seductive tales of Spotted Owl,
> Least and
> Olive-sided Flycatcher, tons of Townsend's Warblers and a
> Williamson's Sapsucker in
> every pot.  Saps and suckers, we succumbed.
>
> At midmorning we arrived to find the promised land populated
> by horsemen and
> their steeds forcing us to abandon hopes of searching the
> most desirable spot
> for the Least.  A foraging flock of small birds brought us to
> a halt with
> hopes of a Brown Creeper but it didn't pan out as they
> quickly dispersed.  A
> distant woodpecker fanned our hopes for a Williamson's
> Sapsucker but it proved to
> be a Black-backed Woodpecker.  Oh, the golden crown was aglow
> and the mate
> quickly turned up nearby but we had seen this species last
> week.  They weren't on
> the wish list.  A great bird loses luster to a lister lusting
> after lost
> licks.
>
> We pressed on stopping to flush a female Blue Grouse and one
> juvenile.  She
> paused in a tree and clucked a diversion as the chick flew to
> the right.  As
> John made eye contact with her, she flew to the left.
> Eventually we enjoyed the
> majestic overlooks of Rattlesnake Creek but all too
> frequently songs of
> "warblers" proved to be Chipping Sparrows and the tapping of
> woodpeckers were merely
> the work of Red-breasted Nuthatches.  A booming male Blue
> Grouse seemed to
> proclaim that breeding season was still in session...at least
> in his territory.
> On the way out, we dismounted to track a female Western
> Tanager only to be
> distracted by the song of a Warbling Vireo.  Peering into the
> roadside brush, I
> was startled by a sound akin to a Jamie Moyer breaking ball
> thrown with half
> the horsehide hanging loose whizzing by my ear.  A pair of
> Evening Grosbeaks
> pulled up to announce their displeasure with our presence.  I
> couldn't believe
> that this same species is one of the most approachable
> migrants to visit my
> backyard feeders.
>
> For some reason (perhaps Peregrine fever), we then opted to
> check out Edgar
> Rock.  Our trailhead directions were either outdated or
> misread because the
> trail we chose soon became obscured by windfall and nonuse.
> Nonetheless, we
> pressed upward.  Birds were few and always too high in the
> canopy to identify.
> Slowly we gained altitude as my attitude declined.  By the
> time we reached the
> basalt cliffs, we knew we following game tracks rather than a
> trail.  My scope
> and tripod had been shortened into a fifteen pound walking
> stick that was
> finding lots of use in its new occupation as I struggled upward.
>
> Thoroughly gassed, I sat down to rest.  A view of the river
> and Hwy 410
> stretched endlessly to the west.  The hillside below my feet
> portrayed a tricky
> decent.  I would be lucky to get down without some
> bodysurfing over brush, dirt
> and basalt.  Bruises guaranteed and broken bones likely.
> John had repeated
> several times, "This is silly!"  I turned to tell him that I
> was beaten and
> wanted to head down but he had moved further up and out of
> sight.  John is not a
> quitter...I think he intended to peak this baby out Mountain
> Goat style.  I was
> forced to go higher before stalling out again.
>
> The climb was tough and as tedious as this message.  John
> popped back into
> view and announced that there was a "freeway" just ahead.
> Just then, I caught
> sight of a bird obscured by pine branches.  I was sure of an
> eye stripe and
> thought it might be a wish list Golden-crowned Kinglet.  A
> true coup de grace, it
> turned out to be what seemed to be the 99th Red-breasted
> Nuthatch of the day.
>
> A few steps amid several grunts and I arrived at the freeway.
>  I sensed that
> John was game to go to the top.  John sensed that if we did,
> he would be
> carrying me down.  Faced with a sweaty overweight matted
> hairdo partner complete
> with a second scope, he wisely decided that down was indeed
> the higher path.
>
> As we drove through Lost Creek Village, hummingbirds were
> buzzing around the
> many feeders provided at homes.  Yearning for a
> Black-chinned, I sized up each
> feeder for an angle that would allow us a scope look without
> getting us
> arrested for voyeurism.  Alas, there were none.  It was a day
> with a couple great
> birds, more than enough exercise and a grand total of one new
> species.  Cursed
> are the listers!
>
> On the other hand, that Pileated over on Mt. Aix should be a
> piece of cake.
> Anyone game?
>
> Later,
> Rich
> PS The Buchanan Lake Osprey nest had an adult sheltering two
> young today.
> One chick raised its head to reveal a golden mane befitting a
> Golden Eagle.  A
> quick afternoon trip to the Bank Swallow colony yielded
> thirty to forty
> swallows active in the air.  These guys will probably be
> departing soon.  I'll bet
> the golden tones of some late afternoon light would produce
> an artistic pueblo
> like photo op.  Also, near I-82 Exit 40 there were 6 to 8
> American White
> Pelicans on an island in the river.  At least I thought I saw
> at least one long
> bill...if that Tweeter's report about 4 Snow Geese holds up
> I'll rue my lack of
> braking for a better look.
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
> ---------------------~--> Save up to 80% on top-quality
> inkjet cartridges and get your order fast! FREE shipping on
> orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. Shop at Myinks.com!
> http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511
>
http://us.click.yahoo.com/v2G7ND/KfUGAA/ySSFAA/70TolB/TM
---------------------------------------------------------------------~->

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
birdyak-unsubscribe@egroups.com



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Driving home on Monday, I saw what looked to be one, possibly two, Forster's
Terns along the closest lake to the Wapato Exit on the east side of I-82.  As
I was driving by at 74 mph (that isn't REALLY speeding, is it?) I saw two
birds flying along the lake near to the interstate.  The closest one to me was
gray in color, a long pointed beak, and had the tern like slender pointed
wings.  It was shaking itself off as if it had just plunged into the water.
It definitely wasn't an osprey and it was gull sized as Forster's are pretty
large terns.    The only thing I could think of was Forster's Tern, but I have
only seen them along the Columbia River near Vantage, never this far away from
the Columbia.  Is this uncommon, impossible?  I don't think they were Black
Terns as the bird I saw the best wasn't as dark as a black, nor that small.

Jeff


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Yakkers,

An Acorn Woodpecker has been found in southern Okanagan County, B.C.
recently.  It is possible that it came from the small group near Lyle.  It
might be time for someone to go out to Fort Simcoe and make a thorough check
for them there.  The only Acorn Woodpecker ever seen in Yakima County was at
Fort Simcoe March 25-28, 1979 ("The Birds of Yakima County, WA",
Stepniewski, 1999).

I talked to a guy today who lives on the South Fork Road west of Tampico.
He said there was a Western Scrub Jay at his house for several days around
July 1.  This is the same place where a Blue Jay spent the winter several
years ago.

Denny
* * * * * * * * * * *
*  Denny Granstrand  *
*       Yakima, WA     *
* osprey@... *
* * * * * * * * * * *

Chirp,

Woke up early this morning...antsy with anticipation.  It was Thursday-a
birder's equivalent of Christmas morning only better cuz it comes 52 times a
year.
  I gathered in the paper and poured a tall cup of coffee-extra sugar, extra
cream.  Tossing aside the front page and sports, I went straight for the
Outdoors section.  My eyes ignored Rob Phillips' smiling face and dove to the
promised land at the bottom of the page.  Triathlon??  I made eye contact with
Rob...right section, right day.  His smile seemed to broaden a little as my own
eyes asked, "What's Happening?"  Quickly to page two...yikes!  NO BIRD ALERT?

What a bummer.  Idly, I thought of reading Rob's column but...fishing?  I'd
rather cut bait.  As a consolation, I tried to console myself with the colorful
BiMart ad but there was nothing birdy about it ... not even an "incredible"
price on a duck call.  I missed Denny.  Even the coffee went cold and sour.
After an hour of moping, I decided I would be forced to scrap the day's chores
and find my own birding news.

Although I figured it might be a couple weeks past its prime as the cherries
have been picked, I settled on Cowiche Canyon and my old nemesis, the elusive
(for me) Canyon Wren.  In my eyes, the Canyon Wren is the trademark bird of
the trail.  Yet, I have never caught sight of him or heard his distinctive
spiraling song.  Yeah, yeah.  I'm aware that others claim he sings nonstop full
throttle at bridge # 8 day in and day out.  Its just that I've never been there
at the "right" time.  Always too early, too late, or too windy.  But if I
hurried today, I might Goldylocks him and hit it "just right."

I hit the parking lot just before 8:00 and started to gather myself for the
task at hand.  Put on blinders and hustle down the trail to ol' # 8.  Pause
only at promising rocky
cliffs and concentrate on listening carefully.  Cup your ear and use what
little hearing you have...make it work.

I was interrupted before I could take my last gulp of water before
dismounting.  An old timer had been fussing around a driveway and now was in the
parking
lot, stooping over to pick up a pop can.  He then headed towards my truck so
I opened the door to say good morning.  After just a few words, he asked if I
had any cans in the truck.  Ignoring my answer, he started eyeballing the
floorboards and even tugged at stuff below me under the seat.  I flashed back to
a
scene in one of the Star Wars movies.  Luke Skywalker crashes into a swamp
and a funny little creature (Yoda) starts to cannibalize his star cruiser.  I
figured anything aluminum in or on my truck was in serious danger of being
recycled on the spot.

The old guy ran stories out faster than the National Enquirer.  Basically, he
was collecting cans to fix his bike so he could get to the store or have
surgery on his back which he threw out pushing a pickup away from a gate at a
chicken farm where he worked part time when the gout in his feet permitted him
to
walk.  Either option, I figure he needs a lot of cans.  But then some guy
promised to bring him some cans but the SOB hasn't shown up.

He assured me that I wouldn't see nothing in the canyon cept maybe some
rattle snakes.  He, however, has seen a black bear fishing in the creek but it
hides in the caves most days.  The game department has also turned elk loose in
the canyon so he was curious about the scope I was hauling out.  "Is that a
gun?"  My explanation of its function translated into, "So you're goin' to take
pictures with it?"  I decided not to compound the matter by dragging Denny's
affliction into the discussion.  I did wonder if Conservancy Director Betsy
Franks knows about the elk and bear.


The morning air was still...a high soaring Turkey Vulture was rocking as
gently as a mother cradling a sleeping newborn.  The riparian area was gorged
with
enough new Red Robins to swamp our carnivorite fast food chain market and
drop the price of a gourmet burger to an affordable level.  Look out McDonalds!

I tried to stick with the game plan and move quickly but the Chat chorus was
a relentless temptation.  The canyon should be the stroll of choice for young
ladies willing to endure the gauntlet of whistles, hoots and jeers to boost
their egos.  Provided, of course, that they accept all this rowdy romance is
offered up by chauvinistic gray headed bespectacled males wearing a bright
splash
of mustard on their chest.  Ah yes, the Yellow-breasted Chat.  Not one for
shy serenading.  By bridge # 6, the fervor of whistling had me thinking perhaps
my smart new kaki shorts was showcasing my calfs!  The derisive laughter of
the Cliff Swallows cavorting past me at bridge # 8 snapped me back to reality.

Here, I ran into Betsy Frank's sister Cindy, who is visiting from San
Francisco.  An hour of so earlier, she had descended from the Uplands area of
the
trail and heard, then saw a Canyon Wren in the rocky area just ahead.  Despite
my
slovenly pace, I was on the verge of capturing the Canyon Wren.

I found a cool shady spot below the towering basalt cliffs and sat down.  I
waited. I watched.  I listened.  A bright pair of Bullock's Oriole.  A silent
Black-headed Grosbeak sleuthed through the canopy.  A flycatcher, most likely a
Western Wood-Pewee, landed on a nest directly above the trail and seemed to
settle in to incubate eggs.  However, when I scoped the nest the bird had moved
and was back to flycatching.  House Finches, today as thick as flies at a
barbecue, continued to tease me with their wren like movement high in the rocks.
I waited.  It got hotter and quieter.

Patience spent, I walked up the overlook trail pinning my waning hopes on a
change in altitude.  Barely had I reached a switchback above the lone Ponderosa
Pine when a small bird greeted me with a shuffle atop a basalt column.
Spinning into focus, I confidently made the call. In my own muffled exasperated
voice I heard, "Rock Wren?"  Oh, Canyon Wren...wherefore art thou?  Dagger,
anyone?  Another tragic drama in the canyon had ended.

But hey, things are picking up.  I wasn't really wrenless today.  Besides the
Rock Wren, I dinged a Bewick's Wren duet dueling with a Chat.  And I thought
I was frustrated!

Later,
Rich
PS The plan is laid...next time I strike from above-falcon style.  I'm
growing sideburns all ready.  Plus, if you have any empty cans, the Canyon
parking
lot will provide a loving home for them.  Sorry, Betsy F.  The devil made me
say that.









[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Rich, I just love your narratives...pricelessly funny and very entertaining! 
Keep up the
good writing, and sorry about the Canyon Wren...it took me six years to get a
Calliope
Hummingbird! LOL.

J

Rich712@... wrote:

> Chirp,
>
> Woke up early this morning...antsy with anticipation.  It was Thursday-a
> birder's equivalent of Christmas morning only better cuz it comes 52 times a
year.
>  I gathered in the paper and poured a tall cup of coffee-extra sugar, extra
> cream.  Tossing aside the front page and sports, I went straight for the
> Outdoors section.  My eyes ignored Rob Phillips' smiling face and dove to the
> promised land at the bottom of the page.  Triathlon??  I made eye contact with
> Rob...right section, right day.  His smile seemed to broaden a little as my
own
> eyes asked, "What's Happening?"  Quickly to page two...yikes!  NO BIRD ALERT?
>
> What a bummer.  Idly, I thought of reading Rob's column but...fishing?  I'd
> rather cut bait.  As a consolation, I tried to console myself with the
colorful
> BiMart ad but there was nothing birdy about it ... not even an "incredible"
> price on a duck call.  I missed Denny.  Even the coffee went cold and sour.
> After an hour of moping, I decided I would be forced to scrap the day's chores
> and find my own birding news.
>
> Although I figured it might be a couple weeks past its prime as the cherries
> have been picked, I settled on Cowiche Canyon and my old nemesis, the elusive
> (for me) Canyon Wren.  In my eyes, the Canyon Wren is the trademark bird of
> the trail.  Yet, I have never caught sight of him or heard his distinctive
> spiraling song.  Yeah, yeah.  I'm aware that others claim he sings nonstop
full
> throttle at bridge # 8 day in and day out.  Its just that I've never been
there
> at the "right" time.  Always too early, too late, or too windy.  But if I
> hurried today, I might Goldylocks him and hit it "just right."
>
> I hit the parking lot just before 8:00 and started to gather myself for the
> task at hand.  Put on blinders and hustle down the trail to ol' # 8.  Pause
> only at promising rocky
> cliffs and concentrate on listening carefully.  Cup your ear and use what
> little hearing you have...make it work.
>
> I was interrupted before I could take my last gulp of water before
> dismounting.  An old timer had been fussing around a driveway and now was in
the parking
> lot, stooping over to pick up a pop can.  He then headed towards my truck so
> I opened the door to say good morning.  After just a few words, he asked if I
> had any cans in the truck.  Ignoring my answer, he started eyeballing the
> floorboards and even tugged at stuff below me under the seat.  I flashed back
to a
> scene in one of the Star Wars movies.  Luke Skywalker crashes into a swamp
> and a funny little creature (Yoda) starts to cannibalize his star cruiser.  I
> figured anything aluminum in or on my truck was in serious danger of being
> recycled on the spot.
>
> The old guy ran stories out faster than the National Enquirer.  Basically, he
> was collecting cans to fix his bike so he could get to the store or have
> surgery on his back which he threw out pushing a pickup away from a gate at a
> chicken farm where he worked part time when the gout in his feet permitted him
to
> walk.  Either option, I figure he needs a lot of cans.  But then some guy
> promised to bring him some cans but the SOB hasn't shown up.
>
> He assured me that I wouldn't see nothing in the canyon cept maybe some
> rattle snakes.  He, however, has seen a black bear fishing in the creek but it
> hides in the caves most days.  The game department has also turned elk loose
in
> the canyon so he was curious about the scope I was hauling out.  "Is that a
> gun?"  My explanation of its function translated into, "So you're goin' to
take
> pictures with it?"  I decided not to compound the matter by dragging Denny's
> affliction into the discussion.  I did wonder if Conservancy Director Betsy
> Franks knows about the elk and bear.
>
> The morning air was still...a high soaring Turkey Vulture was rocking as
> gently as a mother cradling a sleeping newborn.  The riparian area was gorged
with
> enough new Red Robins to swamp our carnivorite fast food chain market and
> drop the price of a gourmet burger to an affordable level.  Look out
McDonalds!
>
> I tried to stick with the game plan and move quickly but the Chat chorus was
> a relentless temptation.  The canyon should be the stroll of choice for young
> ladies willing to endure the gauntlet of whistles, hoots and jeers to boost
> their egos.  Provided, of course, that they accept all this rowdy romance is
> offered up by chauvinistic gray headed bespectacled males wearing a bright
splash
> of mustard on their chest.  Ah yes, the Yellow-breasted Chat.  Not one for
> shy serenading.  By bridge # 6, the fervor of whistling had me thinking
perhaps
> my smart new kaki shorts was showcasing my calfs!  The derisive laughter of
> the Cliff Swallows cavorting past me at bridge # 8 snapped me back to reality.
>
> Here, I ran into Betsy Frank's sister Cindy, who is visiting from San
> Francisco.  An hour of so earlier, she had descended from the Uplands area of
the
> trail and heard, then saw a Canyon Wren in the rocky area just ahead.  Despite
my
> slovenly pace, I was on the verge of capturing the Canyon Wren.
>
> I found a cool shady spot below the towering basalt cliffs and sat down.  I
> waited. I watched.  I listened.  A bright pair of Bullock's Oriole.  A silent
> Black-headed Grosbeak sleuthed through the canopy.  A flycatcher, most likely
a
> Western Wood-Pewee, landed on a nest directly above the trail and seemed to
> settle in to incubate eggs.  However, when I scoped the nest the bird had
moved
> and was back to flycatching.  House Finches, today as thick as flies at a
> barbecue, continued to tease me with their wren like movement high in the
rocks.
> I waited.  It got hotter and quieter.
>
> Patience spent, I walked up the overlook trail pinning my waning hopes on a
> change in altitude.  Barely had I reached a switchback above the lone
Ponderosa
> Pine when a small bird greeted me with a shuffle atop a basalt column.
> Spinning into focus, I confidently made the call. In my own muffled
exasperated
> voice I heard, "Rock Wren?"  Oh, Canyon Wren...wherefore art thou?  Dagger,
> anyone?  Another tragic drama in the canyon had ended.
>
> But hey, things are picking up.  I wasn't really wrenless today.  Besides the
> Rock Wren, I dinged a Bewick's Wren duet dueling with a Chat.  And I thought
> I was frustrated!
>
> Later,
> Rich
> PS The plan is laid...next time I strike from above-falcon style.  I'm
> growing sideburns all ready.  Plus, if you have any empty cans, the Canyon
parking
> lot will provide a loving home for them.  Sorry, Betsy F.  The devil made me
> say that.
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> birdyak-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

--
Jeff Kozma
TFW Wildlife Biologist
Yakama Nation
509-865-6262 ext. 6657



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

During a walk at the southern end of the Greenway on Friday, July 11, I was
astounded to hear a whole covey of Bobwhites in the brush.   A female wandered
out on the pathway and got within 2 feet of us as she wandered along making a
plaintiff cry, unlike the characteristic call that several unseen males were
making in the brush.   The site was at the first major turn on the path, going
north from the parking lot near the Valley Mall exit off 82.  It's the place
where there is an information station on the wetland and the little short bridge
across the runlet.

Have the Bobwhites been at the Greenway for some time, and I just missed them? 
A runner who passed by said he had heard them for several mornings . . .  
Kathleen

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Yakkers,
Saturday morning (7-12) there were 6-8 Vesper Sparrows and 2-3 Brewers
Sparrows in the sage brush behind our pond.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
     Debie Brown
     Konnowac Pass
     Moxee, WA
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

FORT SIMCOE
13 JULY 2003

Marc Breunniger and I spent an hour or so at Fort Simcoe this morning.
Pacific air was pouring over the Cascade crest, bringing a welcome drop in
temperature, but the winds made birding difficult.

In the mature Garry Oaks, we studied recently fledged Lewis's Woodpeckers,
noticeably "blander" in appearance than their smartly patterned parents.
Most noticeable was their mostly brownish head and grayish belly, with only
a hint of the beautiful salmon-colored patch that will soon appear. Overall,
we counted only a few of these imposing woodpeckers, certainly they weren't
the most conspicuous bird.

At the lush riparian-lined rivulet south of the fort, we spished in recently
fledged, but still recognizable Yellow-breasted Chats, two or three of them.
It was my first encounter with juvenile chats.  In the same thickets, we
studied fairly brightly-hued Orange-crowned Warblers, presumabl;y of the
"Pacific" race. I strongly doubt these birds nest at Fort Simcoe, so this is
an indication (along with a number of shorebirds), that the "fall" migration
is underway.

With effort, we located a couple Ash-throated Flycatchers. One had an
especially bright rufous tail, which would seem to indicate a recently
fledged juvenile. Fort Simcoe is a northern (regular site, anyways) outpost
of this "southern" species.

Other species we tallied included American Kestrel, California Quail,
American Crow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock's Oriole, and American
Goldfinch.

Andy Stepniewski
Wapato WA
Steppie@...

TIETON NATURE TRAIL
12 JULY 2003

Ellen, her friend Tom and wife Sheree, and myself hiked upstream on the
Tieton Nature Trail for about an hour (9-10 am). From the trail access,
about 1 mile west of the entrance of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area elk feeding
area, walk through the burned area a few hundred yard to the suspension
bridge over the Tieton River. Once across the bridge, head right (upstream)
into interesting habitats with brush, Ponderosa Pine, and Douglas-fir that
escaped the fir several years ago. In another few hundred yards, riparian
habitats are reached. Though heat and the timing of our visit (the end of
the breeding season) probably accounted for our low species diversity and
numbers, I was amazed at the lushness and extent of this  riparian
vegetation. I was surprised I've missed this inviting area for all these
years. It certainly deserves further study!

We recorded the following.

Golden Eagle - 1 adult
Mourning Dove - 2
White-throated Swift - 2
Lewis's Woodpecker - 3
Downy Woodpecker - 1
Northern Flicker - 1
Western Wood Pewee - 5
Steller's Jay - 2
American Crow - 3
Violet-green Swallow - 5
Black-capped Chickadee - 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1
Nashville Warbler - 1
Western Tanager - 5, including recently fledged young
Spotted Towhee - 5+
Black-headed Grosbeak - 3
Lazuli Bunting - 2
Bullock's Oriole - 2

Undoubtedly, many other species reside in this beautiful stretch of river. I
bet a regular census of the Tieton Nature Trail would reveal an impressive
list of birds.

Andy Stepniewski
Wapato WA
steppie@...

Yakkers,

I explored some new areas of Yakima County today. Mostly  along Mt. Adams
Hwy., north of Glenwood. This is a neat area that I hope to bird more often.

The wind made birding tough, but it was considerably cooler. I've also
listed below the birds seen as I flew through Klickitat Co., including some
early migrating shorebirds.

Mammal of the day - I had a black bear cross the road at milepost 9 on the
Mt. Adams Hwy.

Yakima County birds seen (in taxonomic order):

American White Pelican - 5 at Granger Pond
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture - along Hwy 223 west of Indian Church Rd.
Osprey - Nest site on Indian Church Rd. 2 adults and one chick visible
Northern Harrier
American Kestrel
Blue Grouse - 1 hen along Mt. Adams Hwy. north of Glennwood
American Coot
Killdeer
Rock Dove
Mourning Dove
Calliope Hummingbird - Mt. Adams Hwy. north of Glennwood
Downy Woodpecker
Dusky Flycatcher
Western Kingbird
Black-billed Magpie
American Crow
Horned Lark
Bank Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Chestnut-backed Chickadee - Mt. Adams Hwy., north of Glennwood
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Mountain Bluebird
Swainson's Thrush - 1 adult feeding some unseen but very vocal young
American Robin
European Starling
Nashville Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
MacGillivray's Warbler
Western Tanager
Dark-eyed Junco
Black-headed Grosbeak
Red-winged Blackbird
Brewer's Blackbird
House Finch
Evening Grosbeak
House Sparrow

Klickitat Co. birds seen (in taxonomic order):

Great Blue Heron - 2 at Conboy Lake NWR
Turkey Vulture - 2 at Conboy Lake NWR and 2 at Goldendale
Mallard
Common Merganser - Klickitat River
Osprey  - Glennwood
Northern Harrier
American Kestrel
California Quail
American Coot
Killdeer
Greater Yellowlegs - 1 on farm pond along the Glenwood/Goldendale Rd.
Spotted Sandpiper - Klickitat River
Western Sandpiper - 3 on farm pond along the Glenwood/Goldendale Rd.
Common Snipe - 1 on farm pond along the Glenwood/Goldendale Rd.
Ring-billed Gull - 1 in Goldendale
Mourning Dove
Vaux's Swift
Belted Kingfisher Klickitat River
Lewis' Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Western Wood-Pewee - Glennwood
Western Kingbird
Eastern Kingbird - 1 at Conboy Lake NWR
Steller's Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Western Bluebird
Mountain Bluebird
American Robin
European Starling
Western Tanager
Red-winged Blackbird
Western Meadowlark
Brewer's Blackbird


Kerry Turley
304 E. Woodin Rd.
Sunnyside, WA 98944

Chirp,

On Saturday, a YVAS field trip probed several locations on the lower end of
FR 1600 before heading up to the famous Nile Burn.  We started at the Clover
Springs Road home of Doris and Larry Robinson (we were fortunate to have Larry
in charge of leading the trip) where we enjoyed a number species at close
range.  The combination of Larry's home made feeders and Doris' fragrant organic
flower garden attracts a delectable array of "yard" birds that leaves most of us
a little envious.

On the porch, Hummingbirds arrive and depart as frequently as jetliners at
JFK at distances that challenge or exceed binocular close focus capabilities.
The quiet country surroundings allowed Don Cheseboro to distinguish between the
competing Calliope and Rufous hummers by wing buzz alone.  Siskins and
Finches also clamored among well stocked feeders hung along the porch rail while
a
couple of House Wrens cavorted along a trellis.  Further out squirrels competed
with Black-headed Grosbeaks and Steller's Jays.  In the back, Violet-green
Swallows were spaced along an overhead wire appearing as large colorfully
painted wooden clothespins with a few Northern Rough-winged, Tree and Barn
Swallows
providing variety and contrast.  Under the low garage eaves, a Barn Swallow
nest with three big-eyed juveniles peering over the edge provided one of the
highlights of the day.  Not that they are that exotic, but their cuteness had
most of us reverting to baby talk...'cept Larry of course.

Next up were two stops on private land that Larry received permission for us
to visit.  The "promised" White-headed Woodpecker flew quickly into and then
out of sight providing us with the briefest of views.  Two Red-naped Sapsuckers
were far more generous with their time posing for us and defending their sap
holes from a thirsty hummer.  A Belted Kingfisher flew over Nile Creek and a
while later, a Spotted Sandpiper teetered down its rocky banks.  In between, I
(always on my game) tried to convince the group that a gregarious juvenal was
a Spotted Towhee until Don corrected me with his call of a Townsend's
Solitaire.  Sheez, at least I had juvenal right.

FR 1611 is hosting what has proved to be an active Black-backed Woodpecker
nest that John Hebert and I first happened upon on July.  Saturday, after a
short wait, both adults entered the nest to quiet the begging calls of
nestlings.
Although I have neither the experience or ornithological background to base
my "feelings," I postulate that the nestlings are in the raucous "teenage"
stage and may be close to fledging.  Stokes lists the fledging period to be 22
to
26 days.  Directions to the site are posted below for those who may be able to
shake free for a look in the near future.  The male peered out of the hole
sizing us up affording us ample time for nice scope views.

The next site visited was just a couple hundred yards downhill on the other
side of the same road. Andy reported a singing Least Flycatcher here in his
June 30 BirdYak posting along with Nashville, Yellow and MacGillivray's
Warblers.
  We observed one of at least 3 singing Swainson's Thrushes despite our
midmorning arrival.  Notable here also was a Townsend's Warbler that Don (he was
having a good day) tracked down in the tree tops.

Touring the same site on Friday with Denny's sister Sue and her husband
Warren along with Debie Brown, we bumped into John Hebert.  He had arrived
earlier
and added Warbling Vireo to the warblers Andy had seen.  He and Debie pointed
me in the direction of a singing Veery.  I had to move thirty yards closer and
cup my ears before I was able to pick it up well enough to identify.  They
were somewhat animated as I moved back to rejoin them...the Veery moved to a
visible location on some bare branches doubling our pleasure Wrigley style.

There is also a very visible flycatcher nest complete with incubating female
at the location.  We had the good fortune to flag down Andy on Saturday as we
were leaving.  He was pressed for time but was generous enough to take a quick
scope look from 80 yards at the nest.  Given the habitat and nest location,
he favored Western Wood-Pewee but with the lack of a call, stopped short of
being definite.  If I was betting with my own money, I would go with his call.
However, as my own opinion and reputation are spendably cheap, I would say that
the round head shape and gray color might point to Dusky Flycatcher even
though Andy felt the habitat was borderline for such a choice.  Bear in mind
that
I can't differentiate between gray and olive brown on a paint chart so why
persist when others also saw a slight crest where I found only a round head.
From his observation location, Andy also heard Pacific-slope and, I believe,
Hammond's Flycatchers calling.

For mid July, this area is amazingly alive with songs and sightings...by far
the most productive area I've been in lately.  I'm tempted to get there early
with a lawn chair and just bask...maybe an occasional stroll up the road to
check for BBWO.

A noonish swing through the windy burn produced Chipping Sparrow, Western
Bluebird, Turkey Vulture, Evening Grosbeak, Red-breasted and White-breasted
Nuthatches, Pine Siskins and only one woodpecker...a Northern Flicker.  Well, a
Flicker and one flying black and white one that I thought could have been a
White-headed Woodpecker.  The right size and the flying bird flashed three
patches
of white.  But, reviewing guides at home later, I started thinking the white
wing patches were larger and more centrally located than on the White-headed.
And that third patch...I couldn't remember fore or aft...large or small.  May
have been a male Williamson's Sapsucker.  I can see John groaning now...he's
been hunting for a Joe Willie Sap for weeks.  Will he brave the washboard road
(too many visiting westsiders?) one more time?  The woody was flying across
the road in the middle of the burn very close to FR 1600 John.  What's another
four hour search?

For the day we had close to 40 species.

Later,
Rich
PS Directions for Black-backed.  FR 1601 is approx 3.5 miles above the Nile
Road on FR 1600.  The nest is located on FR 1611 exactly .4 mile from the
junction with FR 1601.  Going in, it is on the right hand side of the road.  We
placed 6 or 7 small stones (none larger than a football) on the right side of
the
road and placed a 8 ft long burned branch 2" in diameter in the lower
branches of a tree on the left side of the road.  The area is the site of a
controlled burn or a burn that did not do much damage.  The nest tree is in a
group of
5 or 6 trees marked with a spray paint orange slash.  It is the most ragged
tree of the group and has two holes about 4 feet off the ground.  The nest hole
faces back towards FR 1601.  If you are visiting in the morning, take
advantage of the sun at your back by parking below the nest site and walking
up...there is a small pull off 80 yards or so below the nest area.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Chirp,

I haven't seen a hummingbird in my yard since May but on Thursday one made a
brief inspection of an empty plastic seed feeder that might resemble a large
hummingbird feeder in general shape if not in size.  As he/she hovered in front
of it, I could almost sense the bird's momentary exhilaration at finally
having its order "super sized!"

Thursday evening around 9:00 PM, I went out to change the water and was
treated to the low flying and sometimes erratic aviation of two Barn Swallows,
another scarce visitor to my yard.  One bird made several slow hesitant stall
out
passes below the porch overhang before gently setting down on a cluster of
rose blossoms.  After my initial surprise, I slowly moved closer, eventually
moving to within four feet of the swallow.  It appeared to be a juvenal with
very
alert black eyes.  After 5 minutes, it settled deeper into the petals pausing
once to glean an insect from a leaf.  I took my nieces out for a look 15
minutes later and it was still part of the bouquet.

Late Friday evening, I stepped out the door and was immediately brushed back
by what I first took to be a passing accipiter.  The narrow sharply bent wings
bearing a single white stripe quickly transported me back in time 50 years
when flocks Common Nighthawks flew over my old neighborhood near 14th Avenue and
Mead.  I've only seen them here (near 38th and Nob Hill Blvd) twice before an
d both times they were high in the air.  One time there may have been three
birds and the other was a single bird. This guy filled me with nostalgia with
agile loops and turns at altitudes as low as four feet.  In less than a
lifetime, flocks of dozens have dwindled to a single bird.  I couldn't help but
think,
with a heavy heart, that I might be witnessing a farewell performance of a
childhood icon.  Will my grandchildren be able to revel in such marvels of
nature in another 50 years?  A short four or five minute show, but I remained
standing in awe for another five minutes as darkness dimmed the cool night air.

Later,
Rich
PS I think Bobwhites in Yakima County are (or considered to be) domestic
escapees.  I've not seen them on the Greenway...but it gives me hope to know
that
I might see them there someday.  With Kathleen's heads up, I might not have to
resort to my usual "Whut's dat?"


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Okay this is not a joke.  My yard, this evening, eating seed on the ground
from the feeders, drinking out of the bird bath and roosting for a nap in my
juniper trees out front.  It then decided to roost for a while on the back of my
pickup bed and then flew in to the big Pine tree right next to my fence.  It
hung around for a good two hours.  I think it is roosting the night in the
pine.  Is this a first or just a first for me?  What the heck would this dove be
doing so far West?  I do have a witness as my roommate was the first to see it.
  I thought at first that it was just a regular dove until I realized I had
never seen a dove quite that pinkish color with only the black ring around the
back of its neck.  Really friendly bird and did not seem to care about me
trying to get closer to it.  I had no film for my camera but am purchasing some
tomorrow so just in case its back I can get a photo.
Bobbi Alseth
65 West Prasch


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I went by the park at the end of the Greenway (Poppoff?), but did
not see the Ross's (a little YAK humor) Bobwhite. However, I did
hear and see a pair of raucous Gray catbirds.

John J. Hebert
Yakima, WA
jhebert@...

Bobbi and Yakkers,

My first thought was Ringed Turtle-Dove, but all things are possible when
dealing with birds, they don't read the books that tell us where thay are
and aren't.

According to the "Sibley Guide to Birds" some Ringed Turtle-Doves show a
natural color that is very similar to Eurasian Collared-Dove. If you get
another look,  try to check the undertail coverts and tail pattern. The
Eurasian Collared-Dove will have gray undertail coverts with dark outer web,
while the Ringed Turtle-Dove will have white undertail coverts and white
outer web.

Let us know if this bird hangs around, it could well be worth chasing down.

Kerry Turley
Sunnyside
kdturley@...


----- Original Message -----
From: <Bobbinlisa@...>
To: <birdyak@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2003 9:19 PM
Subject: [BirdYak] Eurasian Collared Dove


> Okay this is not a joke.  My yard, this evening, eating seed on the ground
> from the feeders, drinking out of the bird bath and roosting for a nap in
my
> juniper trees out front.  It then decided to roost for a while on the back
of my
> pickup bed and then flew in to the big Pine tree right next to my fence.
It
> hung around for a good two hours.  I think it is roosting the night in the
> pine.  Is this a first or just a first for me?  What the heck would this
dove be
> doing so far West?  I do have a witness as my roommate was the first to
see it.
>  I thought at first that it was just a regular dove until I realized I had
> never seen a dove quite that pinkish color with only the black ring around
the
> back of its neck.  Really friendly bird and did not seem to care about me
> trying to get closer to it.  I had no film for my camera but am purchasing
some
> tomorrow so just in case its back I can get a photo.
> Bobbi Alseth
> 65 West Prasch
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> birdyak-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>

It could also be an escaped caged pet bird.  This could explain its
friendliness.

J

Kerry Turley wrote:

> Bobbi and Yakkers,
>
> My first thought was Ringed Turtle-Dove, but all things are possible when
> dealing with birds, they don't read the books that tell us where thay are
> and aren't.
>
> According to the "Sibley Guide to Birds" some Ringed Turtle-Doves show a
> natural color that is very similar to Eurasian Collared-Dove. If you get
> another look,  try to check the undertail coverts and tail pattern. The
> Eurasian Collared-Dove will have gray undertail coverts with dark outer web,
> while the Ringed Turtle-Dove will have white undertail coverts and white
> outer web.
>
> Let us know if this bird hangs around, it could well be worth chasing down.
>
> Kerry Turley
> Sunnyside
> kdturley@...
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <Bobbinlisa@...>
> To: <birdyak@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Monday, July 14, 2003 9:19 PM
> Subject: [BirdYak] Eurasian Collared Dove
>
> > Okay this is not a joke.  My yard, this evening, eating seed on the ground
> > from the feeders, drinking out of the bird bath and roosting for a nap in
> my
> > juniper trees out front.  It then decided to roost for a while on the back
> of my
> > pickup bed and then flew in to the big Pine tree right next to my fence.
> It
> > hung around for a good two hours.  I think it is roosting the night in the
> > pine.  Is this a first or just a first for me?  What the heck would this
> dove be
> > doing so far West?  I do have a witness as my roommate was the first to
> see it.
> >  I thought at first that it was just a regular dove until I realized I had
> > never seen a dove quite that pinkish color with only the black ring around
> the
> > back of its neck.  Really friendly bird and did not seem to care about me
> > trying to get closer to it.  I had no film for my camera but am purchasing
> some
> > tomorrow so just in case its back I can get a photo.
> > Bobbi Alseth
> > 65 West Prasch
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > birdyak-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> >
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> birdyak-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

--
Jeff Kozma
TFW Wildlife Biologist
Yakama Nation
509-865-6262 ext. 6657



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Bobbi and Yakkers,

I just received a phone call from Denny Granstrand.  On his way to work this
morning, he swung through the neighborhood of the reported possible Eurasian
Collared Dove.  He felt he had good looks at the dove and decided that the
undertail coverts were white...there also appeared to be little contrast in the
primaries compared to the wing as a whole.  His opinion is that it is a
Ringed-turtle Dove.

He also managed to get some pictures...I'm guessing it will be this evening
before he is able to post them to the BirdYak website or analyze them
thoroughly as he was en route to work.  On the subject of BirdYak photos, I have
been
unable to access them lately...even using my Yahoo ID and password.  Are others
still able to view the photos?

But congratulations to Bobbi for recognizing that she didn't have an ordinary
pigeon...okay, Rock Dove.  Putting the Eurasian name on it was a feat in
itself as the bird is not depicted in all field guides.  As the Eurasian and
Ringed are so similar, it was a worthy post and fanned the hopes of finding one
of
these fast spreading species in the valley.  One was documented in the
Wenatchee area last year so stay alert.  Our time is coming.

While the Ringed Turtle-Dove is considered a domestic escapee, it is
nonetheless a very striking bird.  I may cruise by hoping to catch a glimpse of
this
beauty.  It may help prepare me for an encounter with the Eurasian someday.

Thanks again for posting promptly Bobbi.  While you may be a bit disappointed
if it proves to be the Ringed Turtle Dove, you should rejoice in its beauty
and the excitement of discovery that it created.

Later,
Rich

Also, both birds are v


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Yakkers,

I put two photos of the Ringed Turtle-Dove on the BirdYak website this
evening.  Neither photo is really good but they do show the field marks
(white undertail coverts and pale primaries) that separate it from Eurasian
Collared-Dove.

         http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BirdYak/

Click on "photos" on the left side of the screen.

For those of you who aren't registered with Yahoo, or who are registered but
are ignored by Yahoo, I also put them on my photo website, which is still
under construction:

         http://www.nwinfo.net/~osprey/gallery/albums.php

I would like to second Richard's comments and thank Bobbie for sending her
e-mail to BirdYak last night.  This is just what BirdYak is for -
publicizing rare bird sightings and giving other people a chance to find the
birds.

Denny

Denny
* * * * * * * * * * *
*  Denny Granstrand  *
*       Yakima, WA     *
* osprey@... *
* * * * * * * * * * *

This report was mailed for John Hebert by http://birdnotes.net

Date: July 15, 2003
Location: Byron Wildlife Area, Yakima County, Washington

Low temperature: 90 degrees fahrenheit High temperature: 90 degrees
fahrenheit
Wind direction: Variable
Prevailing wind speed: < 1 km/h gusting to: < 1 km/h
Percentage of sky covered by clouds: 0%
Precipitation: none

I spent a few hours at the Grandview Sewage Lagoons and Byron Ponds
today. Given the fact that I was there in the middle of the day and
the temp. was in the 90s, I am lucky that I saw anything. The
highlights include: White Pelicans (50+) in the air and on Byron
Ponds, Lesser yellowlegs, pair of Bitterns and a Black-crowned
Night-heron in the air at the same time, Black-necked Stilt (15+),
and numerous peeps.

Birds seen (in taxonomic order):

Pied-billed Grebe
American White Pelican
American Bittern
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Ruddy Duck
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel
American Coot
Killdeer
Black-necked Stilt
American Avocet
Lesser Yellowlegs
Spotted Sandpiper
Western Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Loggerhead Shrike
Black-billed Magpie
American Crow

Total number of species seen: 20

Does it count as a yard bird if you just see it overhead? If so I
have a new one- the White Pelican! I just went out at the right time
to move a sprinkler on the lawn and I saw a flock of 8 or 9 right
above me. I was so suprised that I didn't get the exact number. They
came from towards Prosser and circled back that way and disappeared.
I have seen a small bunch near Prosser on the river and flying
several times this summer so it's probably the same ones out for a
morning site-seeing tour. (Don't think they found much to excite them
around here!!)
   Have had a Barn Owl occasionally spending the day in the yard
trees, but I don't see how it gets any rest as the resident Robins
harass it VERY LOUDLY right up until dark. I certainly know when
there's an 'outsider' in the vicinity.
  Phyllis - east of Grandview

Phyllis,

You can count any bird seen from your yard, even if it took strong optics to
see it. Good yard bird.

Kerry
Sunnyside


----- Original Message -----
From: "moonax52" <pai@...>
To: <BirdYak@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2003 12:12 PM
Subject: [BirdYak] yard birds


>   Does it count as a yard bird if you just see it overhead? If so I
> have a new one- the White Pelican! I just went out at the right time
> to move a sprinkler on the lawn and I saw a flock of 8 or 9 right
> above me. I was so suprised that I didn't get the exact number. They
> came from towards Prosser and circled back that way and disappeared.
> I have seen a small bunch near Prosser on the river and flying
> several times this summer so it's probably the same ones out for a
> morning site-seeing tour. (Don't think they found much to excite them
> around here!!)
>   Have had a Barn Owl occasionally spending the day in the yard
> trees, but I don't see how it gets any rest as the resident Robins
> harass it VERY LOUDLY right up until dark. I certainly know when
> there's an 'outsider' in the vicinity.
>  Phyllis - east of Grandview
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> birdyak-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>

Sorry for the delay, havent had access to email since the sighting and now. On
Sunday afternoon about 3:00 PM, I spotted a Scrub Jay sitting in Trees on the
right about a 1/4 mile before the US 12 exit off of I-82. The bird was right
next to the highway and despite my very quick view was hard to mistake it.

Thanks.

Scott Downes
downess@...
Ellensburg WA

Scott,

Were you headed north or south when you saw the Western Scrub Jay?  Not
really a big difference in distance but for a Greenway walker, 1/4 mile before
one
exit is close to Harlan Landing and the other south of Rotary Lake.

Rich


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Headed south. I exit at the hwy. 12 exit to see my gf and it was just before
this and past those last ponds on the right. It was right next to the highway,
if I had been able to stop could have probably hit the tree. Sorry not to
mention sooner, I know its a good bird for the county.

Scott

Scott Downes
Department of Biology 7537
Central Washington University
400 E8th Ave
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7474
downess@...
>>> Rich712@... 07/17/03 10:14 PM >>>
Scott,

Were you headed north or south when you saw the Western Scrub Jay?  Not
really a big difference in distance but for a Greenway walker, 1/4 mile before
one
exit is close to Harlan Landing and the other south of Rotary Lake.

Rich


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
birdyak-unsubscribe@egroups.com



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/