Yesterday I went on a hike at Teanaway Ridge in Kittitas County. We came up from the Iron Creek trail. Western Tanagers and Townsend's Warblers were very common all the way up. I also found a pair of Cassin's Vireos about half way up. I always get a kick out of Calliope Hummingbirds as they are so small. There were many Black-headed Grosbeaks as well.
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I was very surprised when I stumbled into the first Lazuli bunting. At first I thought I was just really lucky but actually there were a bunch of them. I counted at least 6 individuals. I think there were more and it was fun listening to their calls. It was this steep bushy slope that they seemed to like. Evening Grosbeaks were also here.
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At the very top of Teanaway Ridge I saw many interesting birds. There were Mountain Chickadees and Townsend's Solitaires. I heard and found a Rock Wren bobbing about some rocky outcrops, that was very exciting for me. To top it off a Black Bear showed up peacefully grazing far below. Western Tanagers were ever present as were Chipping Sparrows.
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The way back was just as nice. More Lazuli Buntings chased one another about the trail. I had a very nice view of a MacGillivray's Warbler. A Hermit Thrush chorus sang the whole way down.
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Mark Vernon
Renton, WA
mailto ma_vern at yahoo.com