Hi all,

On Sunday, I did an invigorating but challenging hike to Panorama Point (Elevation 7200 ft) at Mt. Rainier. The hike was not for the faint-hearted but the chance to see white tailed ptarmigans display was the driving force. It was the first time I did this modified hike this early in the year; it was a quick 1800 ft gain in less than 1.8 miles!

At one point, there is a 400 ft gain with no switchbacks. A good conditioning hike despite my winter blubbler slowing me down a bit. But the laws of gravity states: what slowly goes up, must come down fast with the extra weight. The afternoon heat made the snow slippery and slushy, so you had one out-of-shape, Asian dumpling swiftly sliding down the slopes. Oh, what fun except for the cold derriere!

After a couple hours exploring along the ridges, I got to see two transitional plumaged male WHITE TAILED PTARMIGANS at a distance. At one point they did some territorial chasing and calling. They were about 75-85% white with a few flecks of color.

Other cool birds at the point, included 4 pairs of GRAY CROWNED ROSYFINCHES. One pair was copulating on the rocks. A few males did sing a simple, monotone song that I never heard of. Their breeding plumage is quite conspicuous with darker hues and a jet black beak with less pink in their overall plumage. Like I mentioned before, the spumoni snowbirds are much prettier in the winter.

Coming down from the 6 mile round trip, I decided to sit in the back of my jeep and have a quick 'bite'. Within 5 minutes, a bold and inquisitive BLUE PHASE FOX approached me within 3 feet from my car and ham sandwich. What a gorgeous critter!! My second time I have seen them here--first sighting was near Reflection Lakes.

On my way out, I had no problems finding several booming SOOTY GROUSE. Some aggressive males displayed right on the ground near the road while a couple of others were on trees. I have seen both 'BLUE GROUSE' species display on both types of arenas so what is expected or conventional is not genetically engrained. When you are horny, anything will do!

I was thrilled to get some decent shots of some of the subjects.

http://www.pbase.com/spruce_grouse/updated_june_photos&page=all

It was a quality day over quantity and Mt. Rainier never disappoints on a glorious day of beautiful weather.

Good birding,

Khanh Tran (Portland, Oregon)