Post by tmanson on Jul 12, 2009 11:39:13 GMT -8
Hi all: Slightly out of the catchment area birding yesterday, as Murray Brown, and I explored the highlands NW of Princeton. Murray was the navigator for this trip, so he will have to correct my mistakes here, but I think we drove approx 2 or 3 km west of Princeton along the Tulameen Road, and then exited on China Ledge/Lake Rd, to the East, and did a high ground circuit that had us coming back to the Tulameen Rd about 6 or 7 km futher along.
This is the area where Murray got his B.C. Dusky Grouse, and it is certainly far enough east to avoid those Manning Park discussions about Sooty vs. Dusky. Unfortunately, on this day no grouse were sighted. It is probably not a good idea, anyway, to bird in 30 degree heat.
We did see some birds, however, and a lot of deer flies, although they did not seem to be biting?
Western Kingbirds were prominent on the wires along the main road. Swainson's Thrush, by sound only, seemed to be the most common bird along the highland circuit. They seeemed to be singing everywhere. Also here, were at least two Townsend's Solitaires, ( accompanying photo below ). As might be expected, Juncos were common. Female, and male Western Tanager were seen. Cassin's Vireo was seen and heard, and we had good looks at a Red-naped Sapsucker.
For those contemplating this drive, although not really essential in drier weather, high clearance, and four wheel drive are good to have.
Cheers, Thor
Thor Manson
Hope, B.C.
This is the area where Murray got his B.C. Dusky Grouse, and it is certainly far enough east to avoid those Manning Park discussions about Sooty vs. Dusky. Unfortunately, on this day no grouse were sighted. It is probably not a good idea, anyway, to bird in 30 degree heat.
We did see some birds, however, and a lot of deer flies, although they did not seem to be biting?
Western Kingbirds were prominent on the wires along the main road. Swainson's Thrush, by sound only, seemed to be the most common bird along the highland circuit. They seeemed to be singing everywhere. Also here, were at least two Townsend's Solitaires, ( accompanying photo below ). As might be expected, Juncos were common. Female, and male Western Tanager were seen. Cassin's Vireo was seen and heard, and we had good looks at a Red-naped Sapsucker.
For those contemplating this drive, although not really essential in drier weather, high clearance, and four wheel drive are good to have.
Cheers, Thor
Thor Manson
Hope, B.C.