On a glorious Saturday in July, 7 of us enjoyed superb weather, and a
few birds, on a SAS field trip to Iron Bear Peak. After arriving at the
trailhead, we almost decided to forego the hike and stay in the area,
there were so many birds. And most were still singing, despite the late
date. Swainson's and Hermit Thrush and Western Tanager serenaded our
climb to the viewpoint, 3+ miles in. We were also treated to great looks
at a fly-by Townsend's Solitaire, the wing-stripes seemingly
translucent. Hammond's, Dusky, Olive-sided and Willow Flycatchers, plus
Western Wood-Pewee joined the chorus, and a Gray Flycatcher put in an
appearance.

On our way up, I was able to get the entire group on a Sooty Grouse well
up in a Doug Fir, grazing as it walked along the branches. Later, on our
way down, we heard 2 more Sooties; and, the first bird was still in the
same tree, now stationary and hooting continuously. At the viewpoint, we
had nice looks at Mountain Bluebird and Cassin's Finch. All along the
walk were numerous MacGillivray's Warbler, plus a few Yellow-rumped
(Audubon's), a Nashville and a Townsend's. We had one small flock of Red
Crossbills fly by, but no Evening Grosbeaks, surprisingly.

After several Lazuli Buntings tantalized us with their song, we final
got wonderful looks at a male illuminated by full sunshine. Along the
hike, raptors were scarce--just a single Red-tailed Hawk--but we did
watch a Northern Goshawk do a long glide down-valley.

One our way out the road, we made a quick stop to investigate some
enthusiastic ticking and eventually got fleeting views of both male and
female adult MacGillivray's and a recently fledged juvenile almost
without color. Another stop at the Cle Elum railroad ponds produced no
water birds, but a juvenile House Wren gave us quite a chorus, while a
Mountain Bluebird chick was content to sit in its nest hole and observe.
Our final stop for the day was at Hyak where we wrapped up with nice
looks at the Rufous Hummingbirds at the feeders, Yellow Warbler in the
willows, and Spotted Sandpiper and Barrow's Goldeneye in the treatment
ponds.

Good birds and good company, the way it should be.
Scott Ramos
Seattle