Yesterday, March 10, Julia Lippert and I saw a flock of 12 PINE GROSBEAKS at
Reflection Lake, Lewis Co., Mount Rainier National Park. It's still winter
up there in the subalpine parkland, though snowpack appears to be about 1/3
of normal. It sure was exciting to hear their calls float down from above
and watch them fly down into the branches of the firs from the north. They
foraged eagerly in the subalpine firs, though could not tell on what, for
about 15 minutes before their flight took them out of sight. Every once in
a while cross-country skiing pays off for the birder, though not very often!

Also, a couple belated reports:
March 4, Julia and I saw about 30 VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS and 40 TREE SWALLOWS
at the Chehalis State Wildlife Area off Schouweiler Road, Grays Harbor Co.
Also, 4 female BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS with Red-wings near Brady, and lots of
both species of swan in the area.

Feb 27, saw a flock of about 15 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE at the Palix
River along Highway 101, Pacific Co.

Chris Chappell
cchappell at thurston.com
Olympia, WA