For the second straight morning, dog and I did the Millcreek circuit. By that I mean, we climbed the near valley to the top of the ridge, then along the ridge to the terminus of the Pipeline Trail—then down the switchback to where we began. Not quite four miles total, 1,200-plus feet in elevation, about a two-and-a-half hour hike.
Today, though, it was humid, and there was a drizzle or two, and then the sun came out.
More birds on my list than any day I can remember here. No lifers or first-of-years—just a nice selection of feathered critters. I hope we have as much luck tomorrow.
Grandeur Peak Area List
Beginning at 8 a.m., I hiked 1,000-plus feet up a mountain.
1. Eurasian Collared Dove
2. American Robin*
3. Northern Flicker** (v)
4. House Finch*
5. Spotted Towhee
6. Black-capped Chickadee
7. Song Sparrow* (v)
8. Lazuli Bunting
9. Black-billed Magpie*
10. Broad-tailed Hummingbird
11. Pine Siskin (v)
12. Woodhouse’s Scrub-jay
13. Brewer’s Sparrow
14. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (v)
15. Chipping Sparrow
16. Black-throated Gray Warbler
17. Black-headed Grosbeak (v)
18. Orange-crowned Warbler (v)
19. Ruby-crowned Kinglet (v)
20. Turkey Vulture
21. Chukar (v)
22. Hermit Thrush
23. Virginia’s Warbler (v)
24. Lesser Goldfinch** (v)
Elsewhere
25. California Quail
Mammals
Mule Deer
(v) Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Tags: American robin, black-billed magpie, black-capped chickadee, black-headed grosbeak, black-throated gray warbler, blue-gray gnatcatcher, Brewer’s sparrow, broad-tailed hummingbird, California quail, chipping sparrow, chukar, Eurasian collared dove, hermit thrush, house finch, lazuli bunting, lesser goldfinch, mule deer, northern flicker, Orange-crowned Warbler, pine siskin, ruby-crowned kinglet, song sparrow, spotted towhee, turkey vulture, Virginia’s warbler, Woodhous’s scrub-jay
