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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.
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Post by canadianwarbler on Jul 30, 2024 21:33:31 GMT -8
Hi Chris, I really enjoyed your account and photographs from Flatiron. I did the same walk in 2021. Same species almost. Two NOPO together on a branch as we came out of the forest, just amazing. I have been using Cotton Carrier for about four years. It's the best piece of photographic equipment I have ever purchased. No more shoulder pain and chiropractor visits.
Good birding.
John Gordon (JOGO)
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Post by Gord on Jul 31, 2024 18:51:25 GMT -8
Great pics and report, Chris
I'm tempted by this Cotton Carrier. I really like my chest pack for my bins though. Not sure how to incorporate both. I have a BlackRapids sling for my camera which is not too bad but for hiking I can't use it well if on the steep bits.
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Post by canadianwarbler on Aug 1, 2024 13:21:04 GMT -8
I use the two camera system which is camera on chest and bins on the belt. There is even an attachment for a tripod. To attach the bins there is a strap ( purchased separately) that works really well. I think I mentioned this system frees up both hands while hiking making for a more enjoyable experience. It may looks a bit geeky but the system works well. John Gordon (JOGO)
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Post by Gord on Aug 3, 2024 21:50:08 GMT -8
John, that looks quite usable. I'm well into geeky looks now so not too worried there. ![:D](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/grin.png)
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Post by Randy on Aug 3, 2024 22:53:15 GMT -8
John, that looks quite usable. I'm well into geeky looks now so not too worried there. ![:D](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/grin.png) The version Chris and I have actually has a slot on the chest for the camera then a slot on the right lower ribs for binoculars. It's fantastic! images.app.goo.gl/zHozQQyM63ySHWsr5
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Post by Gord on Aug 4, 2024 21:43:07 GMT -8
Only question would be having something on the side like that would interfere with hiking poles? But it looks like it might be able to be shifted enough towards the front not to get in the way?
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Post by Randy on Aug 5, 2024 7:14:10 GMT -8
Only question would be having something on the side like that would interfere with hiking poles? But it looks like it might be able to be shifted enough towards the front not to get in the way? Yes you're correct. Mine is much more on the front than the side. Super easy to grab too.
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