This morning I checked out the parking area on the north side of Silver Star
Mt., Skamania Co. There were lots of flowers blooming and also lots of
hummingbirds. One that did sit still long enough for ID was a nice Calliope
Hummingbird. 2 Olive-sided Flycatchers were calling below the western side
of the parking area. Also an on territory Dusky Flycatcher called from many
small fir tree tops. The most vocal birds were Lazuli Buntings singing
everywhere. Other birds in the area were: Warbling Vireos, MacGillivray's
Warblers, Fox Sparrows, Varied Thrush, Dark-eyed Juncos, Orange-crowned
Warblers and House Wren. The trail heading off to the west said 2.5 miles
to the summit. This is very beautiful county with Bear Grass blooming along
with Indian Paintbrush and many other colorful flowers mixed in with the
Vine Maple and small fir trees.

On the way back down to Dole Valley Rd. I stopped at a clear cut where there
were lots of Dusky Flycatchers calling with 1 Olive-sided Flycatcher, and
White-crowned Sparrows. Looked good for either Blue or Ruffed Grouse, but
didn't hear any.

Here is how I got up there. From Battle Ground go north on 503. Turn east
to Moulton Falls. Just past Moulton Falls turn right on Sunset Falls Rd. A
few miles up the road I turned onto Dole Valley Rd. At 2.35 miles up this
road I turned left onto a gravel road which had a wooden sign saying Tarbell
Picnic Area. The clearcut wasn't far up this road. At the 1'st main
intersection the main road continues east. If you turn south it dead ends
and also is a trail head for Hidden Falls. But going east to FR 4109 where
you turn south and up the hill to the parking area just north of Silver Star
Mt. Silver Star Mt. is just barely in Skamania Co. with the western flanks
of the mountain in Clark Co. There is lots of exploring and hiking
potential up here and not enough birders.

Ken Knittle, Vancouver, WA
washingtonbirder at hotmail.com



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