Yesterday (Friday, August 22), while walking along the Mazama Ridge trail above Paradise at Mt. Rainier National Park, a female white-winged crossbill flew into an alpine fir about 50 feet in front of me, giving me excellent views.? The bold white wing patches were stunning.? I saw no other crossbills, nor did I hear any.? This was between the trail crossings with the?Lakes Trail and the Golden Gate trail.? Close to the crossing with the?Golden Gate trail I also saw a Cassin's finch.? Other birds along the trail included gray jays,?numerous juncos, one?raven, and?a soaring red-tailed hawk.??
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Ken Brunner
Kent, Washington