Subject: High Altitude Birding
Date: Aug 25 20:39:40 2001
From: Jpsdiver at aol.com - Jpsdiver at aol.com


The day was spent above Sunrise on the trails up to Burroughs Mountain
(second Peak). In the vicinity of Sunrise there were Clarks Nutcrackers, Gray
Jays, Dark-eyed Juncos and Robins. The sounds of Red-Breasted "Nuttyhatches"
were heard but not seen.
Soaring over the meadows, well beyond my capabilities of identification
were several raptors. These high fliers were well over a 1/2 mile from any of
my viewpoints, but there were many. On the high tundra of Burroughs Mtn.
there was one bird, a female Horned Lark. She was hopping along the tundra
picking at the vegetation in close vicinity of a very large marmot, at least
20 pounds.
On the way down from the Mtn. on the west side of Sunrise were soaring Ravens
and 14 mountain goats. Although the number of birds was limited, my family
and I enjoyed yet another fabulous day in the great northwest. Happy Birding!!
Jeff Smith
jpsdiver at aol.com
Tacoma