Arnie Martin and myself met very early this morning to try for Mountain Quail and Common Nighthawk in the foothills north of the Elma/Satsop area. We accessed the foothills via Newman Creek Rd. and found our first Common Nighthawk near the end of the pavement on Newman Creek Rd.. We then drove up the A-2300 logging road and found another Common Nighthawk near the top of road. This one got real close to the car which is always a treat to hear. Just up the road, we sat in the car at the quail spot and waited for the light to increase. I was scanning the road in front of us when I noticed a quail-sized bird working the edge of the road. It continued down the road until it was about 20 feet away from us. The was one of my best views of a Mountain Quail at this particular spot. We were able to discern every field mark and enjoyed watching the quail for at least 15 minutes. It didn't flush until we started the car and moved on.

At the very top of the A-2300 where it meets the A-line, we spotted a Blue Grouse on top of a slash pile. Scoping it allowed us to see its throat moving while it was "booming". At the same spot, we flushed a Ruffed Grouse from the side of the road. Further west on the A-line, we flushed another single Mountain Quail that was in the road. It flew down the road in front of us and landed to allow us a great look.

If anyone is interested in this area, Weyerhaeuser has a map for the area titled Twin Harbors Tree Farm - North.

Good birding,

Tim O'Brien
Elma, WA
mailto: kertim7179 at yahoo.com



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