Another smoky morning, as western fires continue to rage. Another cool morning (literally speaking). But birds were quiet and scarce.
Most obvious were—as in recent days—hummingbirds. The commonest two species (and their young) were out chasing and “humming” and diving and displaying. Had I not had hummingbirds to photograph, all but one of my photos would’ve comprised landscapes near and far.
Only nine species today, and the song of a single Rock Squirrel.
Grandeur Peak Area List Beginning at 7:06 a.m. (8:06 MDT), I hiked a few hundred feet up a mountain.
A cool morning after some overnight sprinkles, and a good hike with dog. The usually suspects were about—plus one of the neighborhood red-tails in the neighborhood below the bluff. Challenging still to photograph, what with all the immature birds yet demanding parental attention.
Bunches of juvies, in fact. Plenty of buntings, unseen towhees, a juvie hawk near the nest still, young ’uns among a small batch goldfinches—and about half a flock of robins were speckled kiddos.
Back home, the three teensy quail are still racing around with their parents. Spied a good dozen or so magpies perched on a utility line overlooking the basin, practicing social distancing.
And then we had a nice thunderstorm. Lots of wind and water. Hail. It was wild and luscious—and I’m still hearing some thunder out there tonight.
I will welcome fresh mud in the morning.
Grandeur Peak Area List Beginning at 7:04 a.m. (8:04 MDT), I hiked a few hundred feet up a mountain.
A mostly overcast morning for a change. Rather warm, with just a touch of humidity made evident by some moistness on my arms. A good hike with dog.
Most impressive to start with was a cooperative female Black-headed Grosbeak who perched with a wasp in her beak for a good long time while I angled for a photo. I suspect there’re nestlings nearby, and she didn’t want Jack or me (or any other threatening critter) to follow her to that important place. (Just a wild-ass guess.)
Otherwise, saw a Cooper’s Hawk zip by, then heard another at the nest above the gully give a cry in expectation. I’m imagining they have nestlings, too. Maybe.
Back home, the magpie nestlings keep hollering at their exhausted-looking parents. One male (I assume) youngster constantly pesters his smaller mom (I assume) to put the food directly in his mouth, like she used to.
Also saw an adult with a good-sized mouse (or other rodent), dead in its beak. Magpies are omnivorous corvids, after all.
Grandeur Peak Area List Beginning at 7:16 a.m. (8:16 MDT), I hiked a few hundred feet up a mountain.
