I drive along HWY 97 near Blewett Pass pretty regularly, and this year I have noticed quite a few Evening Grosbeaks in a few select areas, particularly south of Blewett Pass at the Mineral Springs Resort (27510 Hwy 97). They typically sit right next to the road in the gravel doing what they do in gravel. Unfortunately, tonight, when I drove by, the road was littered with dead Evening Grosbeaks, probably 50 or so. They were mostly right on the pavement with a few not far from the road. I asked the restaurant owners what they knew about it, and they said that this year they have seen more than usual and had not, in fact, seen very many for 3 to 4 years. They said that they have been watching the grosbeaks fly right into the cars and tractor trailers. There were several grosbeaks flying around and landing in the same spot while I was there as well.

Mike Kaputa
Wenatchee, WA