First, my apologies for the late posting.

Steve and I went up to Wilderness Gateway Campground on the Lochsa
last weekend. On the way we also stopped at Heart of the Monster
(both sites in Dumroese&Svingen).

We were searching for Gray Catbirds (lifer for both of us) at Heart
of the Monster, suprisingly easy, depending on who you talk to. I
found the first while Steve was still walking down the trail, it was
gone before he could see it. As we walked the trail, several more
flew by, Steve saw some dark tails disappearing into the bushes. My
best look yet was a bird that landed on a branch crossing the trail,
maybe 10 feet up. Steve was right behind me, but still couldn't find
the bird. Then it dropped down into the underbrush, Steve again
seeing only a tail. Another half dozen flew by as we walked back to
the car, and finally one bird was kind enough to land and let Steve
see a brief glimpse of it's head before flying on. He was greatly
cheered up though by the long look we had of a pair of Red-eyed
Vireos (lifer for both) feeding 3, maybe 4, young (mostly mouth)
still in the nest.

We headed on to Wilderness Gateway in hopes of seeing a Harlequin
Ducks (no luck!). Our campsite turned out to be the most profitable
site, with some more catbirds (Steve finally got a decent look!),
Yellow, MacGillivray's, & Nashville Warblers, Pileated Woodpecker,
and 1 female AM. REDSTART, among others. Unfortunately, Steve missed
it.

All in all it was a wonderful weekend, even if Steve isn't agreeing
yet. It's been a long time since I've been able to find 3 lifers in
one day so close to home.
jw
Jane Westervelt
Steve Kalloger
Moscow, ID