Subject: [Tweeters] Larch Mountain birds this morning: Hermit Warbler &
Date: Jun 12 12:33:49 2011
From: re_hill at q.com - re_hill at q.com




Jim Danzenbaker and I headed up to Larch Mountain this morning in search of grouse.? Larch Mountain is the highest elevation forest in Clark County and maybe the only reliable spot for breeding Hermit Warbler.? We followed the paved road toward the correctional facility from Hockinson and continued straight through the intersection upslope 1.3 miles to a corner with a heavy metal yellow gate where we parked.? From that point we went through the gate and ?hiked up the road?about 300 yards to an intersection where DP8 was spray painted.? Hermit Warblers were singing frequently along the way.? We headed into the conifer stand to the left when we heard a Sooty Grouse hooting. ? ?Following trails we found some nice trees but no bird seen or heard.? Hermit Warblers seemed to be the dominant singing species.? A Band-tailed Pigeon called from down slope, and soon after the Sooty Grouse started again nearby.? While searching the trees a Ruffed Grouse drummed down slope.??A second Sooty Grouse also called from another direc tion.? This location is worth a visit this month but the Ruffed Grouse called only twice that we heard.? We continued up the main road to some of the forest that burned last year.? The road that turns off toward the top is open as far as we hiked but is a little rocky and rough in spots, so a?high clearance vehicle is suggested. ??Single Townsend's Solitaire and Hermit Thrush were noted, and Hermit Warblers?seemed to be ?the most common forest?songbird along the route, with pigeons seen in several more locations.


Randy Hill

Ridgefield