Subject: [Tweeters] Okanogan BIRD REPORT and chicken fever!!!
Date: Jun 30 18:01:02 2008
From: Khanh Tran - fsprucegrouse at yahoo.com


Hi Tweeters,

Despite the extreme hot temperatures, I had a successful trip to Okanogan area. My main focus was to find and photograph grouse species but as a nice surprise, other neat birds came en route.

Yes, I have "CHICKEN FEVER" but the simple cure is seeing other interesting birds, animals, and fine scenery. Grouse always fascinate me because they are easy to study, photograph, and their modes of display, and variable seasonal plumages is quite interesting.

HART'S PASS:

The most productive and birdy spot prior to the afternoon scourching heat. There were several deep patches of snow along the last 3 miles heading up to Slate Peak. Even with 4WD, I had to hike the remaining 2.7 or so miles to the top of the tower. No snowshoes were required. The weather was glorious and it was bug free.

Many birds congregated along the gravel roads feeding on the fine grit, vegetation, or bug life. During my hike, I had one PINE GROSBEAK who briefly and curiously checked me out as if I was a Gray Jay. Several immature WHITE WINGED CROSSBILLS were feeding up high at cone laden trees. I also had two adult birds mixed in with Pine Siskins. It is good to see that some remained in the area since Steve Nord and I last saw them, last fall.

A couple of BOREAL CHICKADEES made a brief appearance not far from the Ranger Station. RED CROSSBILLS (adults and immatures), EVENING GROSBEAKS, and PINE SISKINS were quite conspicous along with the main expected birds (Fox sparrows, Cassin's finches, Rufous hummingbirds, 3 Toe Woodpeckers, Hermit Thrush, and Mountain Chickadees).

Closer to the top of Slate Peak, I had several sets of GRAY CROWNED ROSYFINCHES. My main target of affection was one male WHITE TAILED PTARMIGAN. He was about 80% white. As I studied him for several minutes, I then realized there was the highly cryptic female, four feet from him! She was very beautiful and blended in so well. It was interesting to note, that the male molts into summer plumage much later than hers and strong sexual dimorphism is evident during this time of year. It was very fun to study them for almost an hour as both were oblivious to my presence.

CONCONULLY:

On route to Salmon Meadows along Conconully Rd, I found several CHUKARS and LEWIS WOODPECKERS. I had one male BOBOLINK on Limebelt Rd. Ascending to higher elevation, I had fleeting looks at one NORTHERN GOSHAWK.

Hoping to find spruce grouse, I walked along the campground and looked in one direction about 10 feet off the trail and luckily spotted a female SPRUCE GROUSE. She sat very still like a rock and as I watched her for a couple of minutes. I then noticed her feathers under her belly were moving. All of a sudden, three heads popped out, and then six!! They were 2-3 day old chicks that just hatched. I was so thrilled!! They were adorable and so richly marked with bright yellow and rich rufous markings.

The proud mother attentively watched her chicks and when they strayed momentarily out of her sight, she would make various calls to summon them. The chicks would communicate with her as well with high peeping noises. Calls were of different tones from the mother suggesting for them when to come to her, or freeze.

Other than that, the place was very quiet except for several AMERICAN 3 TOE, WILLIAMSON SAPSUCKER, and one magnificent PILEATED WOODPECKER. On my way out, I had three SHARP TAILED GROUSE near the intersection of HAPPY HILL RD. It was a nice way to end a busy day.

TIFFANY MOUNTAIN AND ROGER LAKE:

In hopes of finding more ptarmigans on Tiffany Mountain, I endured an extremely buggy environment en route to the 3 mile hike to the summit. About 500 feet from the top, I had to come back down since I was no match for the aggressive bugs. For my troubles, I found several AMERICAN 3 TOES, one probable BLACK BACKED WOODPECKER (heard it call and got a brief 3 second look at it's dark back), and a skittish DUSKY GROUSE. I had one female SPRUCE GROUSE at the beginning of the hike in the early morning. Also, saw one big Black Bear along the drive to Tiffany Campground.

The views are very spectacular towards the top. I recommend the hike but it is a quick 1645 feet gain in the first two miles.

Near Roger Lake, I spotted a pair of birders; Randy Hill and Teri Pieper. Always good to put names on some nice faces. I kept hearing the NORTHERN GOSHAWK calling at a distance that Randy heard earlier and pointed out but never saw it. Possible nests near by. Very quiet otherwise except for some LINCOLN SPARROWS and vocal SNIPES.

WINTHROP AND TWISP AREAS:

Near the Sun Lodge in Winthrop, several broods of DUSKY GROUSE were out and about. I had one female AMERICAN REDSTART along the Chickadee Trailhead. Plenty of Red naped Sapsuckers, Vesper Sparrows, Cedar Waxwings, and a couple of GRAY CATBIRDS were also in the area.

Along Twisp River Rd, I saw one pair of HARLEQUIN DUCKS along the rough waves. Did hear one RED EYED VIREO, VEERY, and aYELLOW BREASTED CHAT along the 12 mile stretch. Excellent road for many passerines.

I had a great time!! That is it for now, I will post photos soon.

Khanh Tran (Portland, Oregon)