A hazy, mostly overcast, relatively bird-free morning. Oh, I heard or got glimpses of several bird species, but most were laying low (or perched on wires in the distance). However, I got a nice look at a mammal.
For a few seasons I’ve been watching the Mountain Cottontails that live in and around the old Monarch limestone quarry up at the bluff. Mostly dog and I have encountered them in early morning when the days are longer (although I usually have to point them out for Jack)—but today we spooked one at the quarry.
As I’ve noticed they sometimes do, this one dashed like lightning up a snowy trail and behind a tangle of bushes—then, out of sight, stopped there. All I had to do was creek around to where I had a view of the other side of the tangles to grab a photo or two.
Hawks and eagles and coyotes (even a weasel) also stop by the quarry area, aware of the prospect of potential meals. But the cottontail population seems pretty healthy to me.
Grandeur Peak Area List
Beginning at 9:10 a.m. (MST), I hiked several hundred feet up a mountain.
1. Cassin’s Finch
2. House Finch* (v)
3. Black-capped Chickadee
4. Woodhouse’s Scrub-jay
5. Spotted Towhee**
6. Rock Pigeon*
7. Black-billed Magpie* (v)
8. European Starling
9. Lesser Goldfinch (v)
10. Mourning Dove
Elsewhere
11. Golden-crowned Kinglet
(v) Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Tags: black-billed magpie, black-capped chickadee, Cassin’s finch, European starling, house finch, lesser goldfinch, mourning dove, rock pigeon, spotted towhee, Woodhouse’s scrub jay
