[obol] Jefferson and Deschutes Co this weekend

From: Stefan Schlick <greenfant@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: OBOL <obol@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sun, 20 Oct 2013 22:11:39 -0400
Yesterday, 10/19, I started the day before sunrise at Suttle Lake Resort. I 
only spent about 5min there, but quickly found an adult SURF SCOTER among 
plenty of waterfowl.
My next stop was Sisters where 2 White-headed Woodpeckers were on the south 
side of the Best Western along Barclays. I finally located a large mob of 
Pinyon Jays near the end of the gravel road (labeled McKinney Ranch Rd) just 
west of Fremont St (this is on the north side of McKinney Butte Rd).
Even though I spent about 2hr at the Pole Creek trailhead (off FR15), I could 
not relocate any Three-toed Woodpeckers. There were however about 6 
Black-backed Woodpeckers and lots of Hairys. Thanks to Steve Shunk for his 
report from last week.
Hatfield Lakes was very quiet in the early afternoon.
My final mission of the day was unsuccessful: I tried for about 2hrs for Boreal 
Owl at Tood Lake and off FR370, but didn't hear any responses from owls. FR370 
was eventually blocked by snow. Amazingly, a frog of unknown species was 
calling from the mostly snow-covered meadow about 1.5mi up from the Todd Lake 
parking lot. Temperature was 35F.
This morning, 10/20, I went to Haystack Reservoir early. Lots of Eared, Horned 
and Western Grebes. Highlight was a BONAPARTE'S GULL and a few Canvasback which 
proceeded to flee the gunshots.
The Cove Palisades State Park is a really scenic and underbirded area of 
Jefferson County. An adult WHITE-WINGED SCOTER could be seen from the 2nd 
overlook along Mountain View Dr. This is the road that takes you from the main 
access park road (Peck or Jordan) towards Pelton Dam.
The wildlife area between the re-regulating dam and Pelton Dam was pretty 
amazing. 2 SNOW GEESE and 12 Barrow's Goldeneye were the best finds there. 
Otherwise tons of waterfowl, 12+ Wilson's Snipe and a few gulls (California and 
Ring-billed). Well worth a visit when passing through Warm Springs along 26.
A quick check at Clear Lake only yielded Hooded Mergansers and Bufflehead.
A neat little trip and beautiful weather throughout, with Townsend's 
Solitaire's singing and calling at nearly every stop with junipers.
Stefan SchlickHillsboro, OR
[obol] Jefferson and Deschutes Co this weekend

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