Great areas for birding depend on what you're looking for. Old-growth
forests of the NW are low in species number (compared to younger mixed
forests), and those species are often high in the canopy of very tall
trees, so it helps to know bird ID by ear. On the other hand, there are
species in old forests that are rare elsewhere. Rainier and Olympic NPs
have a lot of old forests, but they also have high elevation alpine areas
where the birds are more visible. Nice scenery, too. And LOTS of people
for company.

Kelly Cassidy
WA Coop. Fish&Wildlife Research Unit
Box 357980
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington, 98195
kelly at u.washington.edu

On Sat, 12 Apr 1997, Bob & Jackie wrote:

>
> I am coming to Seattle in June 1997. I will be in the area on June
> 10,11,12, and 13. Where are some great areas for birding? I am planning
> on a ferry boat trip to the Olympic Penninsula to Hurricane Ridge. Also
> planning a trip to Mt. St. Helens. Is Mount Ranier a good place for
> birding? Thanks for any info.
>
> Jackie Heyda
> Atlanta, Georgia
> GA-Heydas at worldnet.att.net
>
>
>