Hi Tweets -
Today MaryFrances Mathis, Tom Mansfield & I headed on up to the
southeast corner of King County for more cascade crest birding.

The birding up there has been good this summer - and the good birds
continued today.

First, we hiked up to naches pass along the jeep trail, checking out
the edges of upper government meadows.
At Government Meadows, we heard several PINE GROSBEAKS [PIGR] and got
good looks at one russet one. Either there were several small groups
around the edges of the meadow, or a group of a few PIGR stayed with
us for most of the couple hours we were at this site.

Up at end of the hike, we had about 6+ CLARKS NUTCRACKERS fly by in 2
groups. 2 MOUNTAIN CHICKADEES were still present [seen for about the
past 2 weeks up there by several visitors].

On the way out, just before reaching the road where we parked,
MaryFrances heard then found & showed us all a female BLACK-BACKED
WOODPECKER [BBWO]. Great find!

Also present up around Government Meadows were several small groups
of CASSIN'S FINCH, many more Pine Siskins, a handful of Gray Jays,
and some very vocal Olive-sided Flycatchers & LIncolns Sparrows.

Next we headed over to Windy Gap. 3 days ago, when I was up there,
the Mountain Bluebirds were everywhere. Easily 10+. Today, not a
single one. But the WESTERN BLUEBIRD family that nested in a snag
tree along the crest was still present, with 2 young now fledged.

Hiking around the area for a bit, we eventually tracked down 4
BREWER'S SPARROWS [BRSP]. Since July 12th, several people have found
Brewer's Sparrows up at this area. Gene Hunn was the first to find
them, and as many as 8 have been seen at once [by Ryan Merrill]. I
imagine this is another of those wandering groups of Brewer's
Sparrows that have been popping up all around Eastern WA this summer.
Included in today's group, and once before, was a juvenile Brewer's,
still steak breasted and showing some downy fluff. Perhaps this is a
first west-side breeding record?

Also present at Windy Gap was a VESPER'S SPARROW, 2-3 TURKEY
VULTURES, several CASSIN'S FINCH and Vaux's Swifts.

For King County, this little corner of the county continues to offer
some great birding surprises. Directions below.

Good birding,

Matt Bartels
Seattle WA

Directions: The newest issue of Washington Birder [15#2] has a
longer article about this area, written by Gene Hunn & me -- to learn
more about the area, check that article.

To reach the sites mentioned above: At the intersection of SR 410 and
FSR 70, about 2 miles east of Greenwater, turn left [north].

Government Meadows: Drive 10 miles on FSR 70 to reach the end of the
pavement and last restrooms, just one mile after crossing the county
line at the Greenwater River. Continue on the FSR 70, the main road,
as it winds uphill for 6 miles to intersection with spur marked 260.
Drive or hike up the spur ~1/4 mile to reach Naches Wagon Trail
crossing. Turn right on trail to reach Government Meadows on foot in
a little over a mile.

Windy Gap: From SR 410, drive 8 miles to FSR 7030 (signed). Turn left
on FSR 7030, crossing the county line and river in 0.3 miles. At 11.9
miles from 410, reach T-intersection at the saddle. Turn right.
Continue about 4 miles, taking the largest option whenever a fork
appears. There is no obvious stopping point, just several nice
overlooks about 4 miles from the T-intersection worth setting up a
chair, enjoying the view and waiting for raptors to soar past. just
past the highest ridgeline, the road drops down a little then veers
right into Kittitas Co. At the veer, there are 2 less developed roads
breaking off to the left. Park at this intersection and walk the area
for the bluebirds & sparrows mentioned above.