.O. at DSw3#
T
[rLBp~ at
xHi Tweets,

I spent the entire day (Sunday 25 June) on the south slopes of Mt. Adams, all
in Yakima County. Observed Black-throated Gray Warblers in the same area (Mt,
Adams Hwy north of Glenwood) as on 31 May, as well as about 50 other species.

Most unusual were Nashville Warblers widespread in conifers, especially in
regenerating lodgepole pine, but also grand fir, as well as the expected
willow, aspen and deerbrush thickets. I birded here several years ago in early
July and never detected any Nashville Warblers in any habitat but the expected
deciduous or brushy patches. I wonder if an insect outbreak might cause this
species to temporarily colonize different habitats? Curson et al. in *Warblers
of the Americas* state: "breeds in sparse, young deciduous and mixed woods,
especially in areas of aspen and birch; also second-growth clearings and spruce
bogs."
The regenerating lodgepole pine woods were very dense, 12-20 m in height with
no deciduous cover, none anywhere near! The density of Nashville Warblers in
this habitat was exceptional - I could always hear 5-7 at any one point. They
were less numerous in other forest types such as grand fir and subalpine fir,
but seemingly always present. T7N R12E SW had the highest density in pure
conifer habitats, 2nd was T7N R11E SE in lodgepoles. Snowplow Mtn (T7N R11E NE
had plenty also. Perhaps...coincidentally, Evening Grosbeaks were as numerous
or more so than Nashville Warblers in these areas - as well as everywhere else
where I birded.

Really wonderful country, sparsely peopled...not well signed...know how to read
your maps! Great views of Mt Hood and Adams. Wonderful, big trees still exist
there.

Also observed a pronounced movement of adult California Gulls heading west at
about 1,600 m elevation right over the south slopes of Mt Adams! Probably 30
birds in all, some at midday, others at 1530. Seemed to be soaring west, or at
least using the winds. Seemed to be flycatching also...is that possible?

I'd be very interested if anyone out there can explain what seemed to me to be
extraordinary with these Nashville's!

Andy Stepniewski
Wapato, WA