Hi Tweeters,

I did a compressed trip to E Wa this weekend. I left
a going away party for a good friend Sat afternoon,
over Stevens Pass. Vicky mentioned 2 Turkey Vultures
in Sultan. I also saw 2 TV in Sultan, one in Gold
Bar, and on Sun one near Sun Mountain. I tried for
Grasshopper Sparrow at the spot listed in the Birders
Guide near Waterville. I stupidly tromped through the
stickery grass with only bins, no notebook, no scope,
no guidebook. Geez, even one of those things might
have been helpful. Visually the sparrows I saw made
me think Savanah Sparrow, but they didn't sound like
them. I did not get the best looks. None of the bird
CD's I have carry Grasshopper Sparrow call notes.
Right now unless someone tells me different I am just
leaving them as un-id sparrow. Does Grasshopper
Sparrow breed here consistently? Lots of raptors
here, one each of Kestrel, Red-tail Hawk, N. Harrier
and nearly point blank flyover of Swainson's Hawk
(very nice:-). Gassing up in Waterville saw at least
12+ Nighthawks that must have been leaving their
roost.

Sun wanted to try for Spruce Grouse and Boreal
Chickadee but the road up to Freezeout pass was closed
due to the Spur Peak fire. A very informative post at
Conconully State Park said a finger of the fire was
near Tiffany Springs.

Plan B to Sun Mountain Lodge for "Blue" Grouse. I
have been 2 for 2 for them here so why not again. I
almost dipped on them though. Up the lodge road, walk
around the Beaver Pond, back up and down the lodge
road-no grouse. Then right off the road at Patterson
Lake saw a female and nearly full grown juvenile.
Who's your Daddy I said under my breath? And this
could be a very good question. Gene Hunns post on 7-7
makes me think this could easily be an intergrade
area. True? For now Dendragapus sp for me.

It was kind of creepy to see the Tripod Fire burning
from the Sun Mountain area. Hope it doesn't go crazy
and threaten Winthrop.

Saw lots of other fun birds but these were the big
highlights with a couple of questions thrown in.

Kathy
Roosting in S King County

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