[Katy Penland]

Today's second half of my first USFS survey route yielded (finally!) a few warblers besides the ubiquitous Yellow-rumped: Red-faced, Nashville and Grace's. Western Tanagers are starting to become more numerous, too. A bit surprising since there was a heavy frost on the highway where it peaks at 7,700 feet, but in the forest interior it must have been a bit warmer overnight.

Only a dozen or so bovine ruminants to avoid this morning compared to yesterday's 75 elk, but also had two coyotes, always a nice find, as well as a bunch of rabbits and a couple of chipmunks with cheek pouches stuffed to the exploding point.

At one of my stations, when I got out of the truck, I was struck by the silence. There were a few birds in the 50+meter distance calling, but not a whisper close in. Less than 50 feet off the road was the reason: A nice, fluffed-up Red-tail Hawk perched imperiously over his domain. What a great bird! Even allowed me to get off a few shots before I had to move on. I'll post pics when I get the film back, hopefully next week.

Stumper of the morning was on my last station (#50) where I thought I was hearing a woodpecker (call unknown to me) but couldn't see it. I'd seen the Cooper's Hawk about 1/4 mile up the hill perched conspicuously on a snag, but did it for one second cross my mind that he was the source of the call? Finally, after tromping around under every ponderosa, pinyon and Douglas fir on that hillside trying to find the caller, the Cooper's took flight right above me, calling all the while. I about fell down the slope! Needless to say, as soon as I got home, I broke out the CD-ROMs and familiarized myself with all the raptor calls!

[streatham]

Hi Katy,

I don't think I ever remember Coopers calling - although as I recall they sound much like a more lightweight Goshawk (I only remember that call because I was on the receiving end of an attack by a pair). Funny how the unexpected can totally throw you like that. Sounds like a fun day - I've got to get out and see some more western warblers - so far my pitiful total stands at 2: Lucys and Graces that I picked up on a pre-serious birding trip down to NM.

Luke