Subject: White-tailed Ptarmigan on Mt. Rainier
Date: Jul 27 15:12:33 2004
From: Martin Muller - MartinMuller at msn.com


Dear all,

Took out-of-town (Singapore) family members on a hike on Mt. Rainier Monday. Ten-year-old niece had requested snow, so I figured I would combine that request with a chance to see the ptarmigans (after the recent posting mentioning them).
>From Paradise we set out on the Skyline Trail. After crossing the first small (remnant) snow field (< 30 minute walk from Paradise), just before starting the switch-backs we happened upon a female with four chicks, no more than 20 feet off the trail, moving across the boggy field. Great looks.
After the switchbacks, before reaching the first real snow field, a male and female posed no more than 10 feet off the trail.
Not a lifer bird, but certainly the best looks I've ever had!

Cheers,
Martin Muller, Seattle
martinmuller at msn.com