Subject: Trip to WA from the UK - thanks!
Date: Sep 2 01:31:17 2003
From: Nick Brickle - nick at brickle.com


Dear All

Having asked for advice on visiting Washington from the UK a few weeks ago, I thought I'd let you know how I got on and thank everyone who offered me help!

I had an excellent two weeks in the state (that I had not previously visited). We spent a week in the Cascades (Snoqualmie Pass, Wenas, Oak Creek Canyon, Nile Creek, Chinook Pass, Mt Rainier) and then a week on the Olympic Peninsular with a superb pelagic trip with Westport Seabirds in between!

The birding was excellent as were the magnificent forests and coast. As with every previous trip to the US we met the most friendly and hospitable people everywhere we went.

Highlights for me included:
Ruffed Grouse at Wenas, Blue Grouse at Paradise and Hurricane Ridge, WT Ptarmigan at Panorama point (2 females each with young and a calling male), Vaux's Swift (Rainier), Lewis Woodpecker (Oak Creek Canyon - very easily!), White-headed Woodpecker (Wenas - again easily!), Varied Thrush (hopping round the campsite at Heart-o-the-Hills!), Townsend's Warbler (Paradise), 'Sooty' Fox Sparrow (nr Port Angeles), Evening Grosbeak (Chinook Pass) and Rosy Finch at Panorama point.

The Pelagic trip was excellent and I'd recommend anyone who hasn't been to go on one. The shear quantity of birds was a sight to see. Things that stick in my minds include excellent views of Bullers Shearwater, Fork-tailed storm-petrel, Long-tailed skua and South-Polar skua (one record form the UK - we just cant tell them apart from Great Skuas!). However best bird of the day was nearly beaten by the amazing sunfish that cruised around and under the boat!

If I can get around to typing up a full list I'll post to the web.

So once again thanks to everyone who helped me out beforehand or who I met on the way. I'd love to come back (for the things I missed!).

yours

Nick Brickle
Nottingham, UK

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