A patch of Russian olives grows on the rim of the century-old Monarch Quarry behind the bluff overlooking my neighborhood. The tree might be considered invasive—but the birds sure like its fruit.
And the largest of the olive trees offers a perfect perching spot. I’ve seen dozens of species in its branches—Northern Goshawk, American Kestrels, Nothern Flickers, Woodhouse’s Scrub-jays, Mountain Bluebirds, Black-capped and Mountain Chickadees, Juniper Titmice, and more. (Most of the birds enjoy the olives, but the hawks just like the view.) Even spotted a Green-tailed Towhee bouncing around its trunk one day.
And in spring—before I knew what kind of tree it was—I marveled at its tiny, oh-so-sweet-smelling yellow flowers. (Arguably one of the sweetest things I’ve ever smelled.)
Today a flock of robins stopped by this big ol’ tree to gulp down gobs of olives. Invasive or no, I love that tree.
Grandeur Peak Area List
Beginning at 9:09 a.m. (MST), I hiked several hundred feet up a mountain.
1. American Robin**
2. House Finch** (v)
3. Woodhouse’s Scrub-jay*
4. Spotted Towhee
5. Rock Pigeon*
6. California Quail (v)
7. Black-capped Chickadee**
8. Dark-eyed Junco
9. Black-billed Magpie* (v)
10. Northern Flicker (v)
Elsewhere
11. Song Sparrow (v)
12. House Sparrow (v)
Mammals
Mountain Cottontail
(v) Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Tags: American robin, black-billed magpie, black-capped chickadee, California quail, dark-eyed junco, house finch, house sparrow, mountain cottontail, northern flicker, rock pigeon, song sparrow, spotted towhee, Woodhouse’s scrub jay
