Another coolish morning (60s (F) when we hit the trailhead, dog and I) under a partial overcast that would eventually lead to a mostly sunny day. Mostly the usual suspects, bird-wise—excepting the third bird on my list, a young Sharp-shinned Hawk, and the second-to-last, a Brewer’s Sparrow.
The Brewer’s was a highlight. When I heard its song coming from the scrub habitat above us, I first assumed it was a chippie—until I realized its typical trill had begun with a shorter trill at a higher pitch. Stopped me in my tracks. Scanned the scrub and (by some stroke of luck) managed to spy the little sparrow perched in on a twig maybe 75 yards away. Thanks to my trusty superzoom, I managed to confirm my suspicion after downloading the photos.
And this hot dry summer’s just begun.
Grandeur Peak Area List Beginning at 7:14 a.m. (8:14 MDT), I hiked a few hundred feet up a mountain.
The forecast called for a chance of thundershowers this morning, but no such luck. Instead, dog and I had a lucky overcast and cool, room temperatures. And a good hike. Along with a nice assortment of bird species.
Most unusual was a random Warbling Vireo moving through the trees just above the neighborhood. Most thrilling was a raven lying low over the bench. (Hadn’t seen a raven in quite a while.) And most photogenic was a grosbeak singing in a treetop near the old Monarch Quarry.
We’re supposed to get a rather mild weekend, too—before summertime returns with a vengeance next week.
No matter, we shall hike regardless, Jack and I.
Grandeur Peak Area List Beginning at 7:05 a.m. (8:05 MDT), I hiked a few hundred feet up a mountain.
It rained this morning. Not a lot, but enough to soak life in the high desert—at least briefly. The rain (more accurately, the trailside foliage with rain on it) also soaked Captain Jack’s coat and my pants legs. Not enough for much mud, and it’ll dry up soon enough, but I couldn’t help enjoying the feeling of dampness and wetness and moistness.
The usual suspects were active. Few posed for photos, but the portrait of one particular towhee rather summed up the sweet break in the drought.
Still the risk of wildfires, though, as this pleasant interlude will pass soon enough (as all things must). But it felt pretty good to have to change my water-drenched jeans.
Grandeur Peak Area List Beginning at 7:41 a.m. (8:41 MDT), I hiked a few hundred feet up a mountain.
