Windy, windy overnight, and windier this morning. Temps in the 30s (F), gray sky. Waited a bit before hiking with Jack, thinking it might be calmer up under the ridge—and it was. In fact, up on the deer trail, I removed my scarf and gaiter.
What with the wind, I figured there wouldn’t be a lot of species on my list—and I was right. However, down in the deer scrub, I spied a thrush of some kind. A Hermit Thrush, I was pretty sure. A new migrant. But I had my camera in my hands and tried to grab a photo. Couldn’t focus. Missed my chance.
But it was a promise of things to come.
Grandeur Peak Area List Beginning at 7:59 a.m. (8:59 MDT), I hiked a few hundred feet up a mountain.
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 a few hundred 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.
