While participating in a group camping event on Icicle Creek, I managed
to escape for some early morning birding in the hatchery's trails area.
Noteworthy were the abundance of EVENING GROSBEAK and CASSIN'S VIREO,
both in the dozens, as well as large numbers of CLARK'S NUTCRACKER. A
smaller number of RED-EYED VIREO were concentrated at the northern end
of the trails. One each of NASHVILLE, YELLOW AND MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER
were seen. Also, NORTHERN FLICKER (several) plus DOWNY, WHITE-HEADED and
PILEATED WOODPECKER, the latter included two working a Ponderosa Pine
less than a foot off the ground. Finally, adjacent to the main hatchery
building were a RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD, a SAY'S PHOEBE and a COOPER'S HAWK.

Several deer were on the trail, and, after noting bear track in the
sandy trails, saw a well-hidden, smallish black bear foraging at river's
edge (on the other side, fortunately!).

On a hike to Lake Stuart, the trail was very dry and the birds seemed to
be avoiding the mid-day heat. The cooler lake provided a couple dozen
VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW and several VAUX'S SWIFT. Noteworthy appearances
along the trail included a single TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, singing, and a
very fresh looking HERMIT THRUSH that popped out for a staredown at
about 6 feet for over a minute, until it got bored and hopped back into
the bushes. Only a single GRAY JAY came looking for handouts, but came
up empty-handed.

Good birding,
Scott Ramos
Seattle