Post by Chris on Jul 23, 2024 19:17:06 GMT -8
I got an early start and started hiking the trail just after 730. A Fox Sparrow was singing and Siskins and Evening Grosbeaks were quite vocal. Close to where the trail gets more steep were two Pygmy Owls calling. It was fairly quiet outside of the forest area but did get two Mountain Chickadees.
When I reached the small lake I was pretty sure I heard Ptarmigan vocalize and it didn't take long to track them down. It was a mother with at least three chicks. A few quick photos and I began climbing.
White-tailed Ptarmigan at Flatiron Lake and Mountain
I sat and ate lunch near the top. Siskins, Pipits, and a pair of Horned Larks were quite active.
I slowly began to climb down back to the lake. Saw a male Pine Grosbeak on top of a small conifer. Minutes later, a Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch landed close by. I should have grabbed my camera first instead of my bins and I would have got a good photo.
I discovered another Ptarmigan with three chicks. I could see the other group as well.
White-tailed Ptarmigan at Flatiron Lake and Mountain
Coming down birding activity was very quiet compared to the morning. I observed a few swallows fly right over. I assume they are migrating already.
Had another Ptarmigan near the Flatiron/Needle junction.
Last year I did this hike earlier in July. Townsend's Warblers were very vocal last year, and I only encountered two today. Had a few singing Solitaires last year and this year none. It's interesting how quickly the breeding season can come to an end.
This was the first time I brought my Cotton Carrier harness with me and it was very easy to hike with. While it is pricy I use it all the time and helps a lot for hikes like this one.
When I reached the small lake I was pretty sure I heard Ptarmigan vocalize and it didn't take long to track them down. It was a mother with at least three chicks. A few quick photos and I began climbing.
White-tailed Ptarmigan at Flatiron Lake and Mountain
I sat and ate lunch near the top. Siskins, Pipits, and a pair of Horned Larks were quite active.
I slowly began to climb down back to the lake. Saw a male Pine Grosbeak on top of a small conifer. Minutes later, a Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch landed close by. I should have grabbed my camera first instead of my bins and I would have got a good photo.
I discovered another Ptarmigan with three chicks. I could see the other group as well.
White-tailed Ptarmigan at Flatiron Lake and Mountain
Coming down birding activity was very quiet compared to the morning. I observed a few swallows fly right over. I assume they are migrating already.
Had another Ptarmigan near the Flatiron/Needle junction.
Last year I did this hike earlier in July. Townsend's Warblers were very vocal last year, and I only encountered two today. Had a few singing Solitaires last year and this year none. It's interesting how quickly the breeding season can come to an end.
This was the first time I brought my Cotton Carrier harness with me and it was very easy to hike with. While it is pricy I use it all the time and helps a lot for hikes like this one.
