At 7:30 this morning (2/26/08), I arrived at Steven's Pass. At the ski parking area were a few GRAY JAYS, and numbers of CASSIN'S FINCHES and EVENING GROSBEAKS.

I drove across the road, parked and started up Skyline Trail. Within a few minutes, there were several WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS in the trees along the trail. This was too easy. The trail is hard packed snow. Walking shoes/boots are sufficient, but some sort of walking stick or ski pole is essential, as the trail is steep and slick in spots.

As I was leaving, Ruth Sullivan arrived, so I joined Ruth for another go at the crossbills. We saw 1 dozen or so more WW CROSSBILLS, as well as RED CROSSBILLS and PINE SISKINS. The WW CROSSBILLS were a short distance past the power line, just a short distance up the trail.

Then we both left. I headed for Chelan County and birded a short while there. Then I returned to Skyline Trail once more. Once again, both crossbill species were easy to see. I continued to hike up the trail. Not far from Skyline Lake, I came upon a pair of PINE GROSBEAKS.

The weather was beautiful and the trail was in great shape. Thanks to Matt Dufort who originally shared these WW Crossbills, and to other birders who have reported since that time.

It was a good day.

I have posted a few images from today (and a few other recent images) on my pbase site: link below.

http://www.pbase.com/marvbreece/new_images_of_washington_birds


Marv Breece
Seattle, WA
mbreece at earthlink.net