To all,

Sorry for the late post, but I was not at my work email this weekend. I have
not seen this previously posted, but if I missed it, sorry for the repeat.
My son (Peter) and his friend (Nathan Saad) came in from a hike up on Cougar
Mountain in the Lakemont area with tales and photos of a Snowy Owl (in the
Snow!) in the Clay Pit area. As my son knows I have chased across the West
for my bird photography habit to get Snowy Owl shots. Anyway, Peter and
Nathan went hiking in the driving rain/snow on Sat afternoon. In the
mud/snow of the Clay Pit they found a very cooperative Owl in very poor
visibility, sitting in the snow on one of the hills of dirt/clay. They are
both learning photography and had dozens of nice photos (although from a
distance).

Yesterday (Sunday) I went up in the AM prior to the heavy rain and found TWO
Snowy Owls in the Clay Pit area. Unfortunately the snow on the ground was
gone by the am. This is after a rather muddy but easy 1 mile hike from the
Anti-aircraft Radar Trailhead into the Cougar Mountain Wildlife Park. Both
Owls were easily visible from the edge of the Clay pit area. Nice to see
right here in the Bellview/Issaquah area. I would warn all that if you go
down into the Pit, the mud is VERY slippery and fairly deep (trust me,
personal experience here). I did get some very nice photos of the two Owls
(which I will add to my office wall), despite the low light and poor
weather. The trail is well marked (to Clay Pit). Just be sure to remember
all of the turns you take so that you can get back out.

David Maloney
dmaloney AT FHCRC.org