Hi Tweets:?

Alan Mondrzyk and I took advantage of the gorgeous, fall weather this Saturday and birded Mt. Baker. ?The scenery, colors, and weather was perfect but we didn't see a lot of birds. ?However, the quality was great.?

Ptarmigan Ridge lived up to its name and produced several fancy, alpine chickens with variable plumages. ?We were lucky to see two groups of birds (a total of 6 birds) ranging from 70-85% white. There were two birds that allowed prolong, close looks and barely moved the 40 minutes we were there. We also found a single bird on the Table Mountain Trail. ?

Other birds in the area included: A pair of MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS, TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, a single MERLIN, and groups of WATER PIPITS and GRAY CROWNED ROSY-FINCHES.?It was nice to see four MOUNTAIN GOATS, a couple of PIKAS, and HOARY MARMOTS.?

Ptarmigan and rosy-finches numbers seem to be low this year at both Mt. Rainier and Mt Baker.?

A fantastic day to be out-and-about and it was a great way to take my mind off of work!?

Good birding,?

Khanh Tran

ktbirding.com