Hi Tweeters -
Just wanted to pass along word that I failed in the Ptarmigan quest
today up at "the spot" above Paradise on Mt. Rainier. I was up in the
area from about 8:00 - 12:00, and didn't ever even hear an
encouraging grunt that might have been one. I guess they took the
morning off from their rigorous schedule of dust bathes -- Next time!
Despite the dip, and the lack of Rosey-finches [which I was hoping
for more than the Ptarmigan, actually], it was a beautiful morning in
the mountains.

And by the way - I'm back! After 6 weeks away in China, 3 of them
spent leading a tour and 3 spent birding on my own, I'm home again
and ready to see some of these local birds -- A China trip report may
follow eventually, but for now I just wanted to say hello again, and
offer up the word on a miss at Ptarmigan-ground-zero.

Matt Bartels
Seattle, WA


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