Peter Carr, Christine Lee, and I respectfully took early leave from Ruth
Sullivan's wonderful WOS Okanogan.field trip around noon yesterday, Feb
18, to try for White-winged Crossbill (WWCB) on Skyline Trail opposite
of Stevens Pass Ski Resort. Unfortunately we missed WWCB as a few
interesting raptors on the Waterville Plateau, lots of road, and a snow
slide road block delayed our snowshoe ascent until about 4 PM. However,
seeing that the weather was still beautiful bluebird blue skies, we
decided to blitz to the top where I had previously seen 30+ WWCBs on Jan
27 (sorry about my lack of previous post, also had 6 Evening Grosbeak,
12 Cassin Finches, 12 + Pine Siskins, and probable Common Redpoll on
that solo trip). Anyway the highlight of this current trip was 4 Pine
Grosbeaks by the second microwave tower (a species which I have also
seen backcountry snowboarding and camping on the Stevens Pass side of
the road in early January), and also 3 Gray Jays on the way up (which we
did not get in the Okanogan). We also called in a couple of Red
Crossbills, a few of Red-breasted Nuthatch, and a fly over Raven for a
total of about 12 birds for a 1,000 foot climb and 2 hour trip.
However, I am happy to add a data point and say that I enjoy "earning my
birds" and suggest that Stevens Pass in general is quite a birdy place
especially compared to Mt Baker and Snoqualmie Pass which I also
backcountry snowboard regularly. Seriously, my general impression is
that there are lots of interesting birds in the mountains in the winter,
if you are ready to work for them (or at least report them). Early
morning and staying the day is obviously better than a late start, but I
have seen a few of twilight delights that make even a short hike well
worthwhile, especially with the spectacular scenery.
Thank you to everyone for the great extended weekend!

Bob Schimdt, Bothell, WA - mailto: bobs AT world-wide.com