Birders' top spots: Index Cliff

	ELLEN M. BANNER / THE SEATTLE TIMES, 2002 Peregrine falcons nest on cliffs above the Skykomish River, near Index, Snohomish County.
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Habitat: State-owned 400-foot granite wall with mixed forest at base along North Fork of Skykomish River.

Best seasons for birding: Spring and summer.

Birds commonly seen: Peregrine falcons nest on cliffs. Check the Skykomish River for harlequin ducks and hooded mergansers, and the riparian willow and cottonwood trees for warblers and swallows.

Viewing tip: Walk to the base of the cliff to view peregrine falcons April-August.

Getting there: From Highway 2 at Milepost 35.5, turn north. Drive 1.5 miles to the town of Index. Turn left. Drive 0.1 mile. Turn left (south) onto Index Avenue/Second Street and drive 0.3 mile. Turn right (south) onto Avenue A. Drive 0.5 mile. Turn right into Index climbers' parking lot.

Source: Audubon Washington. For free maps of Washington birding sites, call 866-922-4737 and ask for Great Washington State Birding Trail maps ("Cascade Loop" or "Coulee Corridor"), or request online at www.wa.audubon.org.

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