Subject: [Tweeters] Gray-crowned rosy finches - Paradise, Mt. Rainier
Date: Sep 20 14:49:51 2009
From: Patricia C Kennedy - pcflyer at comcast.net


Today, I finally got around to identifying the birds we saw at
Paradise Park, Mt. Rainier last Tuesday, September 15th, at 10:00 am.
It was a good-sized flock of GRAY-CROWNED ROSY FINCHES -- new to me
but unmistakable. At least ten, likely fifteen or more in the group
and not shy.

They surrounded as we hiked between the top of Golden Gate pass a
little way up the Upper Skyline trail, twittering, picking at seed
pods and landing on rocks and ground. Almost friendly and looking a
little bigger than I would have expected.

In the bright sunlight, the gray crowns were slate-blue, especially
for the males, I think. These are gorgeous birds. It was a relatively
quiet day to hike those normally popular trails. Also saw several
HOARY MARMOTS at very close range (nearly stepped on one) and a pair
of PIKAS, from about 100 feet.

FWIW: We were walking counter-clockwise from the Inn to Panorama
Point via Upper Skyline and back again. Takes about 3 hours with
frequent breaks - 5.5 miles. Weather was mild not windy, mostly clear
and about 70F (reached 80F that afternoon). The Inn closes October 5th.

Happy Birding,
PC Kennedy
Gig Harbor


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