I'll Try this again.
Just returned from Mt. Rainier. Spent yesterday, mon., 4th going to previous
ptarmigan spot 150yds east of Panorama Point, stayed about 2.5 hours (12
noon to 2:30pm) but no ptarmigan this time. Nice views of gray-crowned Rosy
Finch, up to 6 in view at one time, and American Pipit, about the same.1
Mountain Chickadee, 1 Pileated Woodpecker, 1Hoary Marmot and 3 Pipits on way
up west side. Butterflies, wildflowers and 1 Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel
on way down east side via golden gate trail. A couple of juncos near the
inn. What I'm trying to say is, it was slower than last week.
This morning I spent a couple hours around Longmire. A small number like 12
would easily cover the Juncos, hummingbirds (rufous) and small wren types I
saw. However there were two adult Virginia Rails with 3 young chicks on the
mineral flat. Also about 12-15 Band-tailed Pigeons flying back and forth
from flat to trees.
I left the park about 10 o'clock due to the weather turning cloudy.
It will be interesting to hear if others see the ptarmigan again or if they
have moved.
A couple of photos from last week; http://photos.yahoo.com/jvhigbee
look in July folder. If anything from this trip, I will put in August folder
soon.

Joe Higbee
Puyallup,Wa.
Mailto: jvhigbee at hotmail.com