Pacific Northwest Trip: Northern Blues – Washington State’s Forgotten Counties with Stefan Schlick
Discover a lesser known part of the Pacific Northwest on this 5-day birding adventure with Stefan Schlick. The Northern Blue Mountains, east of Walla Walla, have breathtaking canyons and cliffs at their higher elevations and riparian areas are a mecca for migrating birds at the lower elevations. Possible avian highlights include White-throated Swift, Canyon Wren, Green-tailed Towhee, Gray Catbird and White-headed Woodpecker.
At the beginning of the trip, we will look for migrant birds along the Snake River. Palouse State Park is a scenic little stop where White-throated Swift and Peregrine Falcon breed. Canyon and Rock Wren as well as Chukar can be found in the cliffs along the Snake River.
We will then bird the most iconic roads in Washington State: Biscuit Ridge and Coppei Creek. This is the only area in Washington State where Green-tailed Towhee occurs. With lots of luck you can run into a Great Gray Owl in this area. The lower elevations will be fabulously birdy at the end of May, as all the birds are setting up shop for the breeding cycle and will sing non-stop. Gray Catbird, Veery, Yellow-breasted Chat and Lazuli Bunting will have just arrived.
We will try for Grasshopper and Brewer’s Sparrow in the Peola area, then we will head uphill until we are stopped by snow. In the Ponderosa Pines near Forest Boundary CG, we will search for White-headed Woodpecker, Cassin’s Finch, Pygmy Nuthatch. There is always a chance for Northern Goshawk in the higher elevations.
*This is a self-guided tour. Lodging (book ahead of time), meals, transportation, and park entrance fees are your responsibility. Stefan will send out details about where the group will meet-up, and then guide you through the wonders of birding in Washington State.
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- Classes and Field Trip Cancellation Policy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- COVID-safe Spotting Scope Policy
This outdoor program will follow all physical distancing and safety protocols dictated by the Oregon Health Administration. Masks required. Please feel free to bring your own spotting scope if you have one. Scroll down for details.
