Date: 3/16/26 8:59 pm From: jonbirder via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] The Plateau flattened
Hi again Tweets - The final chapter, I promise. This morning, I decided to get up before my roommate and make a desperate dash up towards Conconully to reinforce my growing suspicion that it's way too late in the non-winter to find Sharp-tailed Grouse in their most viewable habitats. Yup. None there in the waterbirch at Scotch Creek. (Also, no snow for about a thousand feet higher) But...my more realistic goal was to find a Canyon Wren in the rock fall along the first mile of the Riverside Cutoff - that part was easy! The rest of the day we spent looking for birds where they normally winter, but: No Swamp Sparrow at the Monse boat launch; an unsuccessful search for Saw-whet Owls in their usual (winter - duh) trees in Bridgeport SP; a look for whatever along a route through the former Leahy Sage Grouse lek, down Rd. K to Heritage road and south to the Atkins "Lake" area. Lots of Horned Larks, an occasional meadowlark, Red-tailed Hawk, one Roughy but no falcons or owls. (Also not a single vehical encountered in 20 or 30 miles of road!) We really enjoyed the spectacular views going over the top of Badger Mt. and down the southwest slope with the past weekends snowfall showing nicely in the afternoon sun. In summary: A great trip and one we're hoping to do sometime again in the winter - maybe we'll have one next year!! (Although el Nino threatens) Happy birding! - JonSent from my Galaxy_______________________________________________ Tweeters mailing list <Tweeters...> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters
