Earlier this week I just wasn?t able to resist one long time special urge of mine, so I packed my junks and migrated north in order to do some sound recordings. Of course, sighting of a Northern Hawk Owl was number 1 on my list. Special thanks to all who reported these birds in recent years from Pend-Oreille county, particularly from Salmo mountain area, where I have camped for two days. Although, I had no luck with owls, there was a lot happening and all in all, it was well worth the drive. Many birds still singing, including Hermit and Varied thrushes, crossbills, warblers, boreal chickadees - flock of 70-80 birds passed by, the ground squirrels with their new tricks for each occasion. Nice weather and just being alone so high in the mountains was amazing. But looking for the owls was not an easy task. I wonder who told to all insects in the world that I will be there. Also, there is about six thousands dead snags to keep under continuous surveillance and some hiking is
inevitable to cover the ridge efficiently. Too bad, that I forgot a tripod adapter for my binoculars. It would be nice little helper. So, with my shoulders complaining about useless abuse and a storm progressing fast in my direction, I decided to sleep in my van, right there at the top of Salmo mountain. Now, I don?t know what was it, that good sleeping pill, the light rain, but I woke up well rested when the first rays of sun were trying to peek over the ledge. It was one of those lovely mornings, with birds everywhere, slight breeze, scent of boreal vegetation and as I was standing there, peeling my orange, yes, throwing the skins far enough, I had to turn to the side because my gut feeling told me to. And I did it real fast, because the next thing was, that I made a direct eye contact with a cougar at 15 feet from me !!! Funny, it took about one second to both of us to react with a startling shake and in next ten seconds one of the most memorable experiences of my life
was over. The young cat must have been walking along the road but I was parked behind a corner of trees. Sure as always, no camera loaded. I wish I would have more time to prepare. It was so close that I could clearly see the whiskers, pink snout and that look on her calm face, like ... " OK now, who?s trespassing here ? " Thinking about the cameras, I don?t know how many megapixels there might be in a human eye to make such a sharp and long lasting imprint to the memory ? And even if I would snap a picture, would it be worth a thousand words like they say ?
Keep looking up.
Best regards,
Igor.


Igor Uhrovic,
Port Orchard, WA
Mailto: Birdtrekker at yahoo.com

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