October 9, '07

Well, I've gone over this before, but I'll mention it again, just for the record.

Regarding Khan Tran's splendid article in the latest Washington Birder on his Spruce Grouse encounters (I haven't read Patrick Sullivan's article yet).

I just want to say (again) that my lone female (or juvenile?) NE of the Mt. Baker area in September, 1988, had chestnut ground color in its tail and long upper tail coverts, along with balck markings and white tips. I only saw mine from above, as it walked along a trail ahead of me, nearing dusk (but the sun was still up). I got caught up there so late because I was exhausted and took a nap. So Khan's point about the best times to see them would seem to be correct: just before dusk (and early morning). Anyway, it looks like population or sub-species differences are to be looked for around the Cascades/Rockies.

Phil Hotlen
Bellingham, WA