Subject: [Tweeters] Finch Fest at Stevens Pass 3/6
Date: Mar 6 21:00:14 2008
From: Hans de Grys - degrys at verizon.net


Hi Tweets,

Kristi and I became first-time parents last month, which has been an amazing
and wonderful experience. Two less exciting consequences are lots of dirty
diapers and not much time for birding.

Kristi and Piper were occupied this morning, so I took the opportunity to
run up to Steven's Pass to see some finchies. I was not disappointed. I
arrived about 8am, and heard a White-winged Crossbill singing from behind
the north parking lot (lot D). I investigated further, but couldn't track
it down. I took a bit of a detour down the east-bound Pacific Crest Trail,
which was pretty birdy -- but hard going. I didn't have snowshoes, and sank
past my ankle (and in places past my knee) with each step. The trees were
also pretty tall and grew thickly close to the trail, so it was hard to get
good visuals.

About 8:45am I returned to the parking lot and started up the Skyline Trail
behind the houses, and within 15 minutes (just past the first tower) I had a
big mixed flock of White-winged Crossbills (at least 4; maybe 2 pairs?), Red
Crossbills (~ 10), Pine Siskins (dozens), and Cassin's Finches (dozens).
They were all very cooperative and I had great looks at eye level from 20-30
feet away. Some Gray Jays were also marauding about.

I hiked another 45 min up past the next cell tower, and saw another few
mixed flocks (but no more WW Xbills). It was a glorious day with high temps
near 50F and bright sun. It was pretty easy-going on this trail even with
just hiking boots, with hard packed snow and convenient boot tracks helping
me up the whole way. I might have stayed longer, but was due back home to
resume daddy-duty.

If you're heading up to see the finches, my advice is to look for the cones!
Several areas right next to the trail have abundant cones, but others places
have many fewer cones. Guess where the birds were hanging out?

Good birding!

Hans


Hans de Grys
Bothell, WA