Todays hike was up to Gothic Basin, out of the Monte Cristo area. Steep
trail, 2600 feet elevation gain upto a 5,000 foot tarn and glacially carved
alpine setting. Not a trail for sissies (But what in the world I was doing
on it beats me) At the basin while my partner napped, I chased butterflies
and heard a bird of prey call. It was very odd, because the sound would echo
around the rock walls making it very difficult to pinpoint a location. The
sound seemed to come from all directions. Very cosmic. Finally caught the
motion of a stooping falcon of some sort. Its target was a spotted sandpiper
who zigzagged very effectively out of the way, then ran into some tall
rocks. The falcon swooped and called, then dissapeared out of view. I never
was able to ID it other than it was surely a falcon. There were a bazillion
junco's everywhere in the area. I watched one chase and grab and eat one of
the grasshoppers that were boinging around. I wondered if the juncos were
hanging up in these granite gardens just for these hoppity snacks? We
climbed up to a barren rock overlook and I was surprised how many
grasshoppers were here so far from any substantial vegetation or hiding
place.

Later the sandpiper was seen along the lakeshore but very spooked, it would
suddenly and randomly dart into the vegetation. I guess almost being killed
and eaten does that to you.

Rob Sandelin (With very sore legs and tired feet)
Naturalist, Writer, Teacher
Maltby, WA


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