[obol] W. Bluebirds Columbia County

[John Gatchet]

I birded in the highlands of Columbia County yesterday afternoon and
found a family of WESTERN BLUEBIRDS.  They were moving about a clear-cut
foraging for food.  The location is between Mist and Clatskanie off
Highway 47.  The birds were first seen below Windy Mountain (Delorme
Atlas p. 71, D-8)  I had three TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE on the north side of
Windy Mountain.  The WESTERN BLUEBIRDS were later seen at the top of the
clear-cut and there was one TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE in the same area.  
 
Just below Windy Mountain there was a flock of 95 BAND-TAILED PIGEON.
They were feeding on Red Elderberries and something may have spooked
them into the air.  Other birds of interest in the area were PURPLE
MARTIN (one male), WILLOW FLYCATCHER (2), HOUSE WREN (9), MCGILLIVRAY'S
(14), PURPLE FINCH, and RED CROSSBILL.
 
In the morning I birded from Clear Creek Road to Rocky Point.  Delorme
Atlas p. 65, B-6.  I walked through a clear-cut and on logging roads and
found 6 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS.  I encountered a grouse family with chicks,
but did not identify the species.  I had two BANK SWALLOW fly directly
over me while in the clear-cut.  They seemed very much out of place.
There were BAND-TAILED PIGEONS flying almost constantly in this area.  
 
A young fawn with spots jumped up and ran as I walked through the
clear-cut.  Later I say it below me as it ran and hid in a grassy area.
I walked down to the area, but it was well hidden and I could not locate
it.  I saw 6 deer as I walked over 12 miles on a beautiful summer day.
 
The bluebirds were new for my county year list.  I am at 192 species.  
 
John F. Gatchet
Gresham, OR
 
 
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