Article and photos by Janet Bauer, Winthrop.

On Saturday morning February 19th, a group of 12 enthusiastic birders gathered in Pateros to spend the day birding with Mark Johnston and Richard Scranton leading the tour. We first birded along the banks of the Columbia River and were treated to a nice variety of water birds. Close-up views of Common Loons, Common Goldeneye, and Horned Grebes were had by all. 

We then drove along the Columbia towards Bridgeport and at one stop above the river, we had great looks at a singing Bewick’s Wren. The group proceeded to walk through the Bridgeport Bar area where Stellar’s Jays were calling at the parking lot and a Red-tailed Hawk and Bald Eagle flew above us as we walked out to the river. Looking out across the Columbia, Trumpeter Swans and Northern Pintails were seen in our scopes. A Varied Thrush was seen on the return to the parking lot. By the Wells Wildlife area, we spotted our first Rough-legged Hawk of the day. Other highlights were a bathing Cooper’s Hawk and a pair of young Hooded Mergansers. 

Our tour finished at Bridgeport State Park where we walked around the snow-covered campsites looking for Northern Saw-Whet Owls roosting in the dense conifers. Thanks to Bob, a keen spotter in our group, we were treated to good views of two owls each tucked away in its own tree. Our final highlight was watching a large flock of Bohemian Waxwings flying in and out from tall trees catching insects. 

By the end of the trip, we had tallied 46 different species of birds. It was a wonderful way to spend a warm February day. Many thanks to Mark and Richard for leading the trip!

Total = 46 species