Chilly this morning (upper-30s (F)), with a clear blue sky and a bit of breeze. Lots of birds moving about—the usual suspects mostly—but some interesting finds.
Most interesting was a newly constructed gnatcatcher’s nest directly above a shady section of trail. I heard the birds first, then saw an active pair scolding Captain Jack and me, then noticed that one of the pair was sitting on a nest. Not wanting to disturb, I took a few quick photos, then we continued on our way.
(That little nest, though—so complete and well-constructed. Truly a lovely thing.)
Grandeur Peak Area List
Beginning at 8 a.m., I hiked several hundred feet up a mountain.
1. Mourning Dove
2. California Quail*
3. Black-capped Chickadee**
4. Spotted Towhee
5. Lazuli Bunting
6. House Finch*
7. Pine Siskin (v)
8. Broad-tailed Hummingbird (v)
9. Black-chinned Hummingbird
10. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
11. Black-headed Grosbeak (v)
12. Chipping Sparrow
13. Chukar (v)
14. Virginia’s Warbler
15. Black-throated Gray Warbler
16. Red-breasted Nuthatch** (v)
17. Orange-crowned Warbler
18. Black-billed Magpie*
19. Woodhouse’s Scrub-jay
20. American Robin*
21. Song Sparrow* (v)
Elsewhere
22. Eurasian Collared Dove
23. Rock Pigeon
24. European Starling
25. House Sparrow (v)
26. Lesser Goldfinch (v)
Mammals
Mule Deer
(v) Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Tags: American robin, black-billed magpie, black-capped chickadee, black-chinned hummingbird, black-headed grosbeak, black-throated gray warbler, blue-gray gnatcatcher, broad-tailed hummingbird, California quail, chipping sparrow, chukar, Eurasian collared dove, European starling, house finch, house sparrow, lazuli bunting, lesser goldfinch, mourning dove, Orange-crowned Warbler, pine siskin, red-breasted nuthatch, rock pigeon, song sparrow, spotted towhee, Virginia’s warbler, Woodhouse’s scrub jay
