ML610031581

Age and sex

Adult Male - 1

Tags

Habitat

Observation details

Fresh high count on eBird for Mt. Rainier National Park at ~ 6900 feet with the previous high count record of 14 WTPT for the National park just set on 09/30 of this year by Jayson D. Moreover, this is also the new high count for the whole state of Washington with the previous record being set on the 14th of September, 1985 at Mt. Baker — Wow! We both counted at minimum 23 individuals independently 3 times in respective pans of our binoculars but I believe the actual count was likely higher, perhaps 28-32 individuals since there were a number moving around on varied topography and only loosely associating with the main flock. After editing the photos from my camera I have independent images of at least 19 individuals and perhaps a few more as indicated by plumage molt differences. It was impossible to photograph all of the birds at once considering they were spread out and foraging over a couple thousand square feet. It was absolutely amazing to witness such a gathering of these scarce birds and we’re still buzzing! Photos:

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS R7

Lens

RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

ISO

500

Focal length

151 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/5.0

Shutter speed

1/1600 sec

Dimensions

6333 pixels x 4222 pixels

Original file size

13.35 MB