Yakima County Weekend. May 15-16.
The birding will start on Saturday at White Pass and we’ll spend the rest of Saturday covering the varied habitats of the east slope of The Cascades where an amazing variety of birds, including up to 10 species of woodpecker can be encountered! We’ll finish Saturday covering the Wenas Creek drainage before ending in Yakima. Sunday will have an early start to beat the heat and will head into the lower Yakima Valley covering areas like Toppenish NWR and Sunnyside Wildlife Area. The Lower Yakima Valley is often alive with birds of the marsh during May. The trip will end in early afternoon to allow time for people to travel home and beat at least some of the heat. The weekend trip should be a great exposure to the breeding birds of Yakima County and at least 120 species are expected over the weekend, likely more.
Participants should be prepared with lunch, water and snacks both days as we’ll be birding on the run. A scope will be helpful if you have it. Drivers should have the Discover Pass and Northwest Forest Pass. Weather can vary from needing layers at White Pass to bug spray and sunscreen in the Lower Valley. Expect to meet both days in Yakima at 6:00 am. Although the situation around COVID is evolving, please follow the current CDC recommendations, including wearing face masks, keeping 6 feet of social distance, etc. to limit potential exposure. Be prepared to drive on your own or with members of your own household. At your own risk and discretion, you may drive with others if all are vaccinated, face masks are worn, and it’s mutually agreed by the riders.
For questions or to sign up, contact Scott Downes at downess@charter.net NOTE: This trip is full.