Subject: [Tweeters] Snoqualmie Point Sooty Grouse
Date: Apr 27 21:04:28 2013
From: Scott Ramos - lsr at ramoslink.info


A Seattle Audubon field trip of 6 folks to the Snoqualmie Point entry to Rattlesnake Mountain was lucky to hear, then see a Sooty Grouse. A link to Joe Sweeney's flickr page shows the bird with air sac in view: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sweeneyfit/8686794973/in/photostream/

But, it was a cold, cloudy and windy day and birds were otherwise a challenge. In fact, we had to don rain gear for the trip back down to the trailhead. But, the group was still happy to finally get a decent look at a Black-throated Gray Warbler after many other individuals of this species stayed out of view.

Many Rufous Hummingbirds were buzzing about, a couple doing their J dive complete with sound effects. We also had fly-overs of Band-tailed Pigeon, Red Crossbill (type 4) and Evening Grosbeak. Several Orange-crowned Warblers were singing, but views were mostly in flight. Also, several Purple Finch and a single Cassin's Vireo were heard only.

Thanks to a congenial group for their enthusiasm in spite of the marginal weather conditions.
Scott Ramos
Seattle