I could tell as dog and I ascended the switchback that this would be another mild one. The temps in the shade were low enough that I needed grips for the ice and the newly thaw-exposed earth was hard and firm—but in the warmth of the sun of another clear morning, all felt like mud and spring again.
Add to this the fact that I heard four or five Spotted Towhees singing (also chickadees, finches, and juncos), and there’s proof that the equinox is less than three weeks away.
Many birds—especially juncos, towhees, and chickadees (including a pair of Mountain Chickadees). Got a nice look at a Cassin’s Finch. And on our return via the olive grove, I spied a handsome coyote, who stopped to pose for pics.
And back home in afternoon, another sign: a cocky collared-dove, strutting and flirting with his girlfriend.
Grandeur Peak Area List Beginning at 8:39 a.m. (MST), I hiked a few hundred feet up a mountain.
The past few days have brought a little excitement up the deer trail. This morning was a lovely one, with an interesting sky, deer and cottontail—and an unexpected Steller’s Jay. In fact, I heard a second Steller’s a bit farther up (they were both hiding in junipers but loudly vocalizing). And the near one even had the decency to pop up and pose for a photo or two.
(I’ve only seen this species three or four times since my move here, but now I believe I’ve learned a lot about its voice—shook-shook-shook, growl, and rattle.)
I had fifteen rather active bird species on my trail list today. Kind of feels like spring is on the way.
Grandeur Peak Area List Beginning at 8:41 a.m. (MST), I hiked several hundred feet up a mountain.
Rain showers were in the forecast for this warmish morning, so dog and I didn’t waste any time in getting up the switchback. The overcast persisted, but no precipitation fell in our vicinity. Still, I didn’t expect to end up with many wild critters on my list.
I was wrong: plenty of bird species popped up (many willing to pose), and a Rock Squirrel made its first appearance in a while.
Notable were a softly singing Townsend’s Solitaire, a Juniper Titmouse, and a female Cassin’s Finch awaiting our return to the trailhead.
Would that tomorrow’s might be this fun.
Grandeur Peak Area List Beginning at 8:38 a.m. (MST), I hiked several hundred feet up a mountain.
