I just returned from the Pratt Lake area (a few miles west of
Snoqualmie pass). While there I heard a call which I
have not heard since my summer in Alaska.
It was the grating rattle of a White-winged Crossbill. A small
flock of them alighted in a tree top and I got good looks at
them. One bright red male and the rest all females/Juvs.

Also present were Red crossbills, A lone Barred Owl,
Vaux's Swifts, etc. If any tweeters haven't been there,
the 2-3 hour hike is well worth it. A magnificent place !

Neil J. Fergusson ******************
1405 1/2 NE 56th St. * Baffins *
Seattle, WA 98105 * or *
(206) 517-5466 * bust *
cccc at u.washington.edu ******************