Loons on the lake(Crowley), Finches in the Forest
August 4th, 2010 by David Wimpfheimer
Date of sighting: July 27-28, 2010
On July 28 I birded the northwest corner of Crowley Lake. Two Common Loons, one in basic plumage, one in alternate were the most noteworthy sightings. There was also a Willet, Long-billed Curlew, 4 Least Sandpipers and 6 Marbled Godwits amongst the avocets and pelicans. Caspian and Forster’s Terns were present. About a dozen White-faced Ibis fed in the wet swale. Most of the phalaropes were Red-necked, surprisingly.
On the same day there was one Evening Grosbeak at Lower Deadman Campround. Almost everywhere I stopped between Mammoth Lakes and Berger’s Retreat above Lee Vining Canyon had 2-5 Red Crossbills, some making distinctive ‘kip-kip churee’ calls.
On July 27 there was a Gray-crowned Rosy Finch at Long Lake, accessible from Mosquito Flat(Rock Creek). On July 29 3-5 rosy finches were at and above Gaylor Lakes in Yosemite NP. I regret never having visited this wonderful alpine setting in dozens of trips across Tioga Pass! Check it out.
This post was submitted by David Wimpfheimer.
