Hi Tweets,

This weekend, Raefal Gomez and I had a fine birding trip to Hart's Pass, Salmon Meadows (Conconully, WA above FR3820), and finishing at Mt. Rainier (Sunrise location)--since we missed Sooty Grouse as one of our target birds and we knew it would be a gorgeous day to hike.

The birding was generally slow with few species, but the quality and beautiful weather made up for it. Views from Slate Peak and Mt. Rainier were spectacular with clear,sunny skies and great visibility.

On Slate Peak, trying to locate "Picasso" the ptarmigan and his wife this time, required much more effort. With alot more snow melted from the previous weeks, the birds now have more options and a much larger area to feed. After two attempts, we were successful at locating the WHITE TAILED PTARMIGANS and a pair of GRAY CROWNED ROSYFINCHES closer down by the snow fields. By the Meadows Campground, I had an no problems locating several PINE GROSBEAKS, a pair of BOREAL CHICKADEES, and more WHITE WINGED CROSSBILLS. Not far from the ranger station, we found a skittish male SPRUCE GROUSE. A NORTHERN PYGMY OWL was also spotted along with several AMERICAN THREE TOE WOODPECKERS. No Lynx! :(

Several miles above Salmon Meadows Campground, more of the same birds were spotted: PINE GROSBEAKS, BOREAL CHICKADEES, AMERICAN THREE TOE WOOPECKERS, WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKERS and one beautiful, singing male WHITE WINGED CROSSBILL. A high clearance vehicle is recommended for this rutted, rough road. Even with a Honda Passport, there were some really bad spots. Near Happy Hill Rd, we flushed at least three SHARP TAILED GROUSE.

I didn't expect much from Mt. Rainier since we got a late start but found a male WHITE TAILED PTARMIGAN near the Fremont Tower and another distance bird between the First and Second Burroughs. We had several GRAY CROWNED ROSYFINCHES at this area. From the Burroughs, we descended and crossed a dicey snowfield to Shadow Lake and saw our last target bird, one SOOTY GROUSE and another pair of PINE GROSBEAKS. We were also entertained by a BROWN BEAR bathing in a shallow puddle of water!

Just before we ended our wonderful weekend, I luckily a located a SPOTTED OWL along the road not far from Ohanapecosh Campground as we headed out. What a pleasant surprise!

That's it and sorry if my report are starting to sound so MUNDANE; same birds, different weekend.

Good birding,

Khanh Tran (Portland, Oregon)