Hi Tweeters
Seven Oregon birders (Bend Bird Club ) accompanied by a Brit friend,
birded for several days around Harts Pass. We thought the area was
outstanding for birds, scenic beauty and good hikes.

Here is a highlight of the birds seen.
WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN - A female and 3 young seen just past
the trailhead heading north from Slate Peak.
SPRUCE GROUSE - a female seen off the trail just above the horse
park area trailhead and below the first hairpin curve parking lot above
it on the way to Slate Peak. Interestingly, a BLUE GROUSE female
was very near the Spruce Grouse in that area. Just across the road
another Blue Grouse female had 2 chicks out walking with her.
PINE GROSBEAK - a pair seen in campsite 3 at Meadows campground
near Harts Pass. The male sang and showed off his beautiful plumage
as the female checked out the space under the picnic table. The next day
we heard more than one along the road to Chancellor at about mile 1.5
from the Harts Pass ranger station. The next day we drove the same road
and did not find them.

We did NOT find Boreal Chickadees, Rosy Finches or White-winged
Crossbills although we scouted along several trails etc. Other enjoyable
birding experiences were finding AMERICAN PIPIT on the snow fields and
nesting on the heather, mixed flocks up high including Townsend's Warbler,
Hermit Thrush, Varied Thrush, Pine Siskens and of course Black-headed
Juncos, Mountain Chickadees. We saw so many family groups of birds.

Thanks to the Tweeters who helped us with information to find our target
birds.
Judy Meredith
jmeredit at bendnet.com
Bend, Oregon
1-541-389-4039