When first I checked the temperature this morning, it was 10° (F). So Jack and I waited for the sun to top the ridge before heading up to the switchback. Not a lot of breeze, at least, although it was still a bit nippy in the shade. Turned out to be a lovely morning, and a lovely hike—which came with a few nice wildlife sightings.
Most of the sightings were mammals—in particular, deer. Many deer, bucks and does, young and old. Since we tend to hike slowly and quietly, we found ourselves very near some of the deer, so they moved (slowly and quietly) away. Fewer bird species—but the last was best: redpolls. Again. A pair this time, dining on Big Sagebrush seed.
A New Year’s miracle.
Grandeur Peak Area List
At 09:46 MST, I hiked a few hundred feet up a mountain.
1. Rock Pigeon*
2. Pine Siskin
3. Black-billed Magpie (v)
4. Northern Flicker*
5. House Finch*
6. Black-capped Chickadee
7. Common Redpoll
Elsewhere
8. American Kestrel
Mammals
Mountain Cottontail
Mule Deer
(v) Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Tags: American kestrel, black-billed magpie, black-capped chickadee, common redpoll, house finch, mountain cottontail, mule deer, northern flicker, pine siskin, rock pigeon
