Corvallis to Marys Peak backpacking - 6/12

[Lisa Millbank]

The next morning (Saturday, 6/12), we woke up at 4:45 AM and took the Meadowedge Trail. Two BLACKTAIL DEER ran through the magnificent old-growth NOBLE FIRS as we approached. We were nearing the summit of Marys Peak (video), and it was like being on a towering island, as the valley and the lower parts of the Coast Range were covered with a layer of morning clouds. As we were hiking up toward the radio buildings at the very top, a small, plump figure waddled toward us. It was the self-appointed welcoming committee of Marys Peak, a CHUKAR. Unfortunately someone has abandoned this sweet little partridge on Marys Peak, and he is so tame that he followed us around. We sat down and had a little snack with Mr. Chukar. At least he does seem healthy and happy where he is.  We didn't count him on our bird species list, as he is clearly an ex-pet. 

 

Not a lot of plants were blooming yet on the summit, but SPRING-GOLD and SPREADING PHLOX were already blooming. It was very windy and cold there, but clear, with the promise of a nice day in store for us.

We started back down the North Ridge Trail and to the property on Woods Creek Rd. Going downhill like that carrying weight is hard on the joints and the feet, and I was hobbling along on blisters after a while, so we didn't get to our camping spot until late that evening. It was a relief to have dinner and relax. A blooming SNOWBRUSH CEANOTHUS scented the air and there were clumps of TOUGH-LEAF IRIS all around. As it began to get dark, a COMMON NIGHTHAWK started to call. During the night, we heard a WESTERN SCREECH-OWL.

 

To be continued....

 

Lisa & Don

www.neighborhood-naturalist.com

 

New bird species on 6/12 in order:

 

Chipping Sparrow

Red-tailed Hawk

Common Nighthawk

Western Screech-Owl