Subject: [Tweeters] Eastern WA trip, SNBU, CHUK, GCRF, MOBL
Date: Thu Oct 29 16:59:38 PDT 2020
From: Eric Ellingson - abriteway at hotmail.com

Four nights, 1000+ miles, numerous mountain passes, and lots of snow and very cold weather over there on the east side but came home to Birch Bay with a few decent photos and had a good adventure along the way.

The highlight was Steptoe Butte State Park. A very scenic 360 view from the 3,600ft peak. The rolling hills covered in snow with wind turbines made for an, I'm not in Kansas anymore' type feeling. I'd not felt cold like that in a very long time. Taking gloves off to take a photo, my hands were very uncomfortable in about 20 seconds. The road up was interesting, covered with snow/ice, narrow, no guard rails, steep cliffs on the sides. Guessing it will be closed soon. The birds made it very worthwhile though.

Anyway, regarding the birds:
Steptoe Butte Stat Park

CHUKAR (~21, a group of 5 and further down the mountain a flock of ~16) All seen from the 'comfort' of my vehicle. Best looks I've ever had of them.

MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD (6) eating at some bush with clusters of small white berries.

GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH (12) actively feeding on the bank side of the road where there was exposed ground

Mt. Spokane State Park

Highlights: more GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH (6) in the same patch of snow with SNOW BUNTING (2)

Snow Buntings were seen in 3 of my stops with reports of them being seen back home at Sandy Point and Semiahmoo as well.

Also seen along the way were many dozens of Turkey, dozens of Pheasant, a Northern Pygmy Owl, the song and nice viewing of 4 American Dippers and much more.

As for the Covid mess, I slept in my vehicle 3 out of 4 nights, did drive-thru or food I brought, and hardly was around anyone the whole trip. Less exposure than if I'd stayed home.

As usual, photos : https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericellingson/

My thanks to those who have made reports about the eastside birding and their suggestions. Maybe not the best time of the year to explore over there but will do this again in another season.

Cheers,

Eric Ellingson

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