Thanks to Dennis, Bob Norton and Roger Hoffman (whose direct note I have
taken the liberty to attach) for the follow-up on my Juan de Fuca/Hurricane
Ridge report.

Regarding the possible Mountain Chickadee at Hurricane, I'll question the
woman who reported to our group that she saw it, white eyebrow and all. I
have mixed emotions about doing this, though...she was one of my birding
students. (Can a student's error be blamed on the instructor?)

The same applies to the Chipping Sparrow reported along the Hurricane
Trail. It was reported to me with a fair, but not definitive description.
I did get a glimpse of a sparrow-like bird in the area, but could not confirm
its identity.

And thanks to Bob for his offer to assist us next year. We'll be back and we
may descend upon you, Bob!
_______________
Roger Hoffman wrote:

<I saw your request for information regarding birds at Hurricane Ridge on
<Saturday, by that time I figured you were on your way. Here are some
<thoughts for next weekend's trip.

<I am unaware of any really good observations of ptarmigan in the park
<(a couple of unconfirmed reports exist - most likely mistaken blue grouse?)

<At this time of the year, the rosy finches are seen in the higher areas of
<the park nearer to glaciers such as around Mt. Olympus and Mt. Anderson and
<perhaps other such areas. They have been seen at Hurricane but mostly in
<early spring (April).

<As far as the Mt. Chickadees that were reported to you. I strongly suspect
<Chestnut-Backed. Those and Black Capped are the only species regularly
<encountered in the park.

<I don't think I've ever seen a chipping sparrow in the park (nor seen other
<records). However, the juvenile juncos around the Hurricane area have
<mislead me once in a while.
<Otherwise, your list for last weekend sounds right on. As for what other
<birds
<I would expect, american pipits and horned larks should be around in the
<meadows. Also watch and listen for Olive sided flycathers and siskins in the
<tree tops. Townsend's solitaire might be seen/heard along the road to
<Obstruction point. Blue Grouse should be easy to find (hear) in the tree
<clumps especially around the picnic areas. The ocassional raven and golden
<eagle may be seen overhead. It might not be too early to look for Baird's
<Sandpiper which shows up in the Obstruction Point area at some of the ponds
<during their fall migration. Also seen in the last few years both at
<Hurricane Hill and Obstruction Point have been rock wrens. If you see/hear
<these I would appreciate a report.

<If time permits, it might be worth a stop at the Heart of the Hills area to
>look for Varied Thrush and other birds of the lowlands (of course you guys
<probably have all of those same birds over in Victoria...).

<Hope this helps, enjoy your trip!

<Roger_Hoffman at nps.gov
<GIS Specialist
<Olympic National Park


Bryan Gates, Victoria bgates at assessment.env.gov.bc.ca