Subject: Washinton Birding RFI
Date: Jan 26 11:42:24 2001
From: Ryan Shaw - rtshaw80 at home.com


I thought i would get back to a real bird discussion and away from the
threads that really give tweeters a bad name. At least we can't be called
"Catters" anymore, but will be known as the Sturnus vulgaris listserv. I
know I'm proud to me a member right now....

>Washington Birders,
> I plan to visit Washingon from Feb. 28th through
>Mar. 7th. I have been
>studying the books on places to visit, but am writing
>This RFI to get advice
>from locals on specific species and locations. The
>birds I am most concerned
>with are:

Any Alcids - You can get 5 species of Alcids relatively easy this time of
year. And any ferry in the puget sound area are likely to get you good
looks at all 5, MARBLED MURRELET (Mukilteo ferry terminal usually has some
close in, and the Olympic Peninsula is full of them, John Wayne Marina off
Hwy 101 in Sequim, Dungeness NWR, any coastal location should yield some.
RHINOCEROUS AUKLET (should be fairly easy from the ferrys, especially the
Whidbey Isl. - Port Townsend route). Also without difficulty from shore in
many puget sound locations, Port of Tacoma, Port of Olympia, etc). The
Ocean Shores Jetty is good for them aswell. PIGEON GUILLEMOTS are usually
seen close to shore throughout the puget sound and coast region. COMMON
MURRE (Ocean Shores Jetty, any ferry in the puget sound area, Olympic
Peninsula. ANCIENT MURRELET will probably be the most difficult, but there
are several good spots along the shore that have produced them including the
Edmond's fishing pier, Point Wilson(Delorme Pg 94), Point No Point(Delorme
Pg 78), Diamond Point(Delorme Pg 94). CASSIN'S AUKLET, a 6th possible
species, is also a high possibility on the Port Angeles-Victoria, BC Ferry
route.

Rock Sandpiper- Easiest and most reliable spot is the Ocean Shores Jetty
(Point Brown Jetty)Delorme pge 58. Also across the way on the Westport
Jetty, is pretty reliable. Check for the Pribilof race bird aswell, at the
Ocean Shores Jetty, a very cool bird indeed.

American Dipper - I have had them relatively easy at Tumwater Falls below
the Miller Brewery in Thurston County this time of year. (From the north on
Interstate 5, take Exit 103 (2nd Avenue), stay in the left lane on the
offramp, and take a left on Custer Way. Take your first right as you
approach the Brewery, you will wind down over a bridge. Take a left and
proceed down the park and walk the trails by the falls. There is usually a
breeding pair hanging around even this time of year.

Blue Grouse - My most reliable spot that I see this bird is Mount Ranier at
Paradise (South side). But this time of year, they are as likely in the
Capitol Forest of Thurston County. Delorme pg61, off Hwy 8...Rock Candy
Mountain Road (south side of the hwy). The forest roads around here are
prone to logging, so watch out for trucks. But I have had Blue Grouse
several times up here just driving the roads.

Gray Partridge - Should be all over the Waterville Plateau from Waterville
east. Hwy 2 towards Atkin's Lake (Delorme 83-85) Also a good area for SNOW
BUNTINGS.

Chukar - Dry Falls Interpretive Center - Delorme 85. Also check the fields
on the east side of Hwy 17 north of the Junction of Hwy 2.

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch - My most reliable spots in the winter time are just
north of the Town of Havillah (delorme 115) Tonasket-Havillah Road, there is
a feedstorage place on the north side of the road, and the GCRF are usually
on the building and hanging on the Telephone wires. Also have had luck with
them along Hwy 20 east of Twisp in farmers fields.

> On one final note, what roads, if any, may be
>closed through the mountains this time of year.

The pass on Hwy 20, Hwy 410 (Chinook Pass) are closed this time of year.
Snoqualmie Pass (Interstate 90 is the most reliable and usually the least
trecherous of the mountain passes from Western to Eastern Washington.
Stevens Pass (Hwy 2) and Blewett Pass Hwy 97 can be a bit
nerve-racking...just a warning.
>I plan on visiting most, if not all, areas of
>Wsahington during my visit.
> Thanks in advance for any info that can be provided.
>Greg Cook Dallas, Tx
>mailto: gcooktsn at hotmail.com

If you have any other questions/need more info, feel free to e-mail me.
Cheers and Good Birding

Ryan Shaw
Lacey, Washington
rtshaw80 at home.com