We got an early start this day, dog and I. No unusual birds at the outset (although we both spied a cottontail), then when we got to little Coyote Canyon, I made a split decision to hike the ridge, and we headed up the switchback to the Pipeline Overlook.
A clear morning, cool in the shade, warm in the sun. From about 800 feet up, I happened to look down and see a coyote casually trotting along a trail we’d hiked about 45 minutes before. New flowers along the trail, little patches of remnant show.
Toward the end, I happened to spot a Sharp-shinned Hawk circling above us—a migrant perhaps. A good day, with exciting times to come.
Grandeur Peak Area List Beginning at 7:16 a.m. (8:16 MDT), I hiked about 1,200 feet up a mountain.
Fun hike with dog this morning—a cloudless morning, as forecast. Dry trails, nice birds (albeit fewer numbers than yesterday). Did get a good, near peek at a bird I could not quickly identify (haven’t yet checked my GoPro video), and also a one-eyed Cooper’s Hawk, but the best part was pestering another Juniper Titmouse until it finally posed for photos.
Migrants coming within the next week or two. Woo-hoo!
Grandeur Peak Area List Beginning at 7:41 a.m. (8:41 MDT), I hiked a few hundred feet up a mountain.
As forecast, the day dawned clear. Nippy still, but much dryer trails. Bunches of birdies, too—nearly 50 of them robins.
A raven flew over, had a nice look at a solitaire, two starlings flew by (unusual), and a goodly amount of towhees. Also stopped to chat with some early-rising human (and dog) friends.
Tomorrow being Sunday—and having a similar forecast—we can maybe expect more of the same.
Grandeur Peak Area List Beginning at 7:24 a.m. (8:24 MDT), I hiked a few hundred feet up a mountain.
1. American Robin* 2. Spotted Towhee 3. Black-capped Chickadee (v) 4. Townsend’s Solitaire 5. Northern Flicker 6. Common Raven 7. European Starling 8. Rock Pigeon* 9. Woodhouse’s Scrub-jay 10. House Finch* 11. Juniper Titmouse (v) 12. Black-billed Magpie* (v) 13. Lesser Goldfinch** (v)
Elsewhere
14. House Sparrow (v) 15. Mourning Dove 16. California Quail 17. Song Sparrow
Mammals
Mule Deer
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere
