Mount Rainier!

[emmarytz]

Last year we went to Mount Rainier for Eli's birthday. This year Eli *must* be at work for his birthday so, self-sacrificing sort that I am, I suggested we go for my birthday. I'm just large-spirited that way. And, my birthday was on a Sunday this year which means Oaxaca would be closed. Rainier was, in two words, fa bu. Truly. Oh, when we arrived

Comments

Master Birder still in training

[alexfandra]

I know when to boot things up the line -- your photos stumped me, indeed they did! So I asked my fellow Master Birders, especially the ones who bird that area regularly, and the consensus is "young Chipping Sparrow". No, it's not their typical habitat but they were seen at Sunrise last week. I think that's a pretty good call.

Your hair is shorter than when I saw you last! Which is AGES ago, you know. Hint, hint.

Lovely wildflowers. I, however, have no plans to walk anywhere near Mt. Rainier, except virtually via the stairs-stepping program.

Re: Master Birder still in training

[emmarytz]

I'm impressed anyone could id anything based on those lousy photos! Do I get to count this as an official sighting then? I think that by my personal rules I do not; I really couldn't see it clearly enough to even make an informed guess.

Why do you eschew Rainier though? Too crowded? Too volcanic? -em.

ps. Yes, we should get together one of these days.

Re: Master Birder still in training

[alexfandra]

Volcano! Lahars! Run away!!!

Actually, it's more that I don't want to walk vertically. I much prefer to walk horizontally. Though now that I'm climbing lots of stairs every day, maybe I'll be more *inclined* to consider visiting mountains in the future.

Your personal rules should be more like guidelines. By *my* personal rules, which boil down to, "I saw the bird", you'd get to count it. Haven't you seen Chipping Sparrows before, though? A few of them turn up every year at the Fill and other parks around town.

Currently I have Aug 9 or 16 free...I need to get to Pioneer Square sometime to visit the mystery bookshop. Other ideas? Dates?

Re: Master Birder still in training

[emmarytz]

Mon dieu, but you are scheduled! I could probably meet in Pioneer Square either Saturday and visit the book shop with you and have lunch somewhere if that works for you.

I don't think I have "chipping sparrow" marked in my book. Probably I'll leave it unmarked for now. I very rarely see the birds that "show up at the Fill," unfortunately.

The true new bird of this visit to Rainier was the American pipit. Positive ID that I made myself. (I'm very full of myself, I am.)

I'm politely ignoring your "inclination." A lot of Rainier is less vertical than Seattle. -em.