Bryan
Beyond what I have seen in the three years since I moved here my main
authority is the Olympic Wildlife checklist published by the Olympic NP. The
bird portion at least was written by Fred Sharpe and appears quite good. The
list was published in 1992 and copies should be available at the main
Visitors Center.
Ptarmigan and Spruce Grouse are not on the list. Blue Grouse though are
fairly common.
Chestnut-backed Chickadees are fairly regular at that elevation. Mountain
Chickadees (MTCH) are listed as rare in the winter. There have been no
reports of MTCH that I know of in the past three years. If the person
reporting the MTCH is sure of the ID, I think a rare bird report should be
submitted.
I see Chipping Sparrow has a question by it. It is listed as a breeder of
the "Prairie and Oak Savannah", but I have not been able to find any during
nesting season and only a few in migration. I would be interested in the
location and how well it was seen.
I congratulate you on the pelagic species seen. I have had total failure
on seeing Cassin's Auklets or Fulmars from the "Coho" on the obligatory trip
to Victoria with visiting nonbirding family members and friends
We had first one and then two young male Purple Martins at Dungeness Bay
for about 10 days at a spot where Jack Fletcher had put up boxes. We saw no
evidence of nesting and presumed they might be from your colony as the
location is in sight of Victoria.
I would be glad to help with your field trip next year if you give me
advance notification. Can't do it Sunday as it is off to San Diego.
Bob Norton, Joyce (near Port Angeles) WA, Norton360