Rain showers were in the forecast for this warmish morning, so dog and I didn’t waste any time in getting up the switchback. The overcast persisted, but no precipitation fell in our vicinity. Still, I didn’t expect to end up with many wild critters on my list.
I was wrong: plenty of bird species popped up (many willing to pose), and a Rock Squirrel made its first appearance in a while.
Notable were a softly singing Townsend’s Solitaire, a Juniper Titmouse, and a female Cassin’s Finch awaiting our return to the trailhead.
Would that tomorrow’s might be this fun.
Grandeur Peak Area List Beginning at 8:38 a.m. (MST), I hiked several hundred feet up a mountain.
The day started off sub-freezing but warmed about 25 degrees (F) by afternoon. This had the happy effect of melting most of the recent snowfall, clearing food for birds.
The birds themselves weren’t overly active, limited as they’ve been lately. Also, no huge migrations in a couple days (that I’ve observed anyway).
I did get good looks at waterfowl, though—among them mallards in love.
Update: Heard a Barred Owl in the back yard while in bed tonight.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 8 a.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. Northern Cardinal** (v) 2. American Robin* (v) 3. Mourning Dove* (v) 4. Song Sparrow* 5. American Crow* 6. American Goldfinch 7. White-breasted Nuthatch (v)
Elsewhere
8. Herring Gull 9. House Finch (v) 10. Ring-billed Gull 11. European Starling 12. Common Loon 13. Red-breasted Merganser 14. Mallard 15. Barred Owl (v)
v = Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere
