In my continuing quest to see all of the class 2 and 3 birds, I took a side trip from our vacation tour of Minnesota and Wisconsin to Nevada (I know, I know -- remember, this is the guy who went to from Ohio to Texas by way of Sacramento, CA a few years ago.) We arrived in Elko and camped in Thomas Canyon Campground of Lamoille Canyon on August 7. At 4:00 am on the eighth I met Mark Stackhouse of Westwings at Road's End in Lamoille Canyon and, using flashlights, we walked up the Island Lake Trail. Passing Island Lake, we walked about a quarter mile further up the mountain and stopped at a copse of trees, set up the scopes, and waited.

Mark and the others got there about 6:15. Since I don't do very well at high altitudes, I didn't catch up until 6:45. It worked out OK, though because the birds didn't show up until 7:49. We watched them for almost an hour as they fed and paraded on the talus slopes.

There was some disagreement about how many were in the flock; at least 11, possibly 15. At any rate, the views were excellent, in excellent light and 30-60x. Binoculars were useful only for noticing motion, identification required the use of spotting scopes.

For any one considering the trip, I suggest contacting:
USDA
Forest Service
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forests
2035 Last Chance Road
Elko, NV 89801

For a mere $10 they will send you two maps of the area, a reprint of the 2/95 Winging It article "Locating the Himalayan Snowcock," and lots of other goodies about the area.

More expensive, but easier, is to contact Mark Stackhouse at:
Westwings
1432 Downington Ave.
Salt Lake City, UT  84105

1-801-487-WILD
http://www.westwings.com

He says he has an 80% success rate in seeing the Snowcocks. As far as I'm concerned, of course, it's 100%. No financial interest here, just a satisfied customer.

Only 2 Class 2 and 5 Class 3 to go! Wish me luck!