This morning, I traveled up into the higher hills in Capitol Forest in search of Hermit Warblers. Near Fuzzy Top, the wind was blowing and the clouds were low. Hence, I didn't see or hear any Hermit Warblers today. My route began at the bottom of the C-Line which is accessed just south of Porter on Highway 12. I drove up the C-Line to the D-1000 and took that road down to the Cedar Creek entrance on Highway 12. Highlights in the forest included:

Pacific-slope Flycatcher (first of year)
MacGillivray's Warbler (first of year)
American Dipper - 1 adult and 2 juveniles - the adult was feeding the juvies

I heard lots of Wilson's Warblers, Red Crossbills, Evening Grosbeaks, one Sooty Grouse, and quite a few Varied Thrush as well.

I then headed south to the Oakville area. On Fitzgerald Road, I heard 2 Chipping Sparrows singing.

Then heading back north, I drove the Elma-Gate Rd. W., where I found a Spotted Sandpiper at the boat launch. Further north, near the intersection of Shelton Rd., I found a rather birdy area that had one Townsend's Solitaire and an eye-level Warbling Vireo. The Solitaire is a county lifer for me.

One last stop at the WDFW wildlife area south of Porter yielded Ring-necked Ducks, Virginia Rail, and 5 species of swallows (no Bank).

Good birding!

Tim O'Brien
Elma, WA
mailto: kertim7179 at yahoo dot com



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