An overcast morning, but warm—60s (F)—and featuring a big ol’ wind. Blustery, gusty, seemingly coming from all directions. Dog and I ascended the trail anyway (along with a few other folks with dogs, whom we let go first).
What with the wind setting free the oak leaves and drowning out most other sounds, I didn’t expect many bird species on my list today—and, sure enough, I only totaled five. Among them, however, was a Golden Eagle riding the wind high up the mountain.
Grandeur Peak Area List
Beginning at 9:15 a.m., I hiked a few hundred feet up the mountain.
1. Black-billed Magpie
2. American Goldfinch* (v)
3. Black-capped Chickadee
4. Sharp-shinned Hawk
5. Golden Eagle
Elsewhere
6. Eurasian Collared Dove
7. House Finch (v)
8. Song Sparrow
9. Woodhouse’s Scrub-jay (v)
v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
