The Merlin made my morning. Jack and I had hit the trail about the usual time, in weather about the same as the past few days—20s (F), cloudless, slight breeze, mountain shade—and with minimal early bird activity. But as we came back from our usual quick stop atop the bluff, there it was, perched in the upper branches of the tallest Russian olive.
It was kind of a déjà vu moment—same thing happened with the Northern Goshawk a few days back—but a welcome surprise. The little falcon stayed there, back-to, turning its head occasionally to check on us. Finally lifted up and floated off and down the slope toward the north.
Otherwise, the usual suspects. (Although it was nice to come upon the Downy Woodpecker tapping in its usual patch among the burnt scrub oaks after not having seen it the past two days.)
Grandeur Peak Area List Beginning at 8:27 a.m. (MST), I hiked several hundred feet up a mountain.
A nice but quiet hike this morning. Warmish—ahead of cold weather descending this coming weekend for a spell—with mostly the usual bird suspect. Had a Mountain Chickadee and a Merlin (in flight, heades south with a purpose), but no great photos.
Until the end of my hike with dog, when I stumbled upon a pair of Cassin’s Finches.
I’d only seen the species a couple of times—both times females/immature males—but with this pair the ID was clear. Face markings, rosy red peaked head on th emale, notched tails, etc. They perched and posed for quite a while.
A nice moment on a pretty nice day (weather-wise—although election-wise it’s been rather unsettling).
Grandeur Peak Area List Beginning at 8:05 a.m. (MST), I hiked a few hundred feet up a mountain.
A morning much like yesterday’s—and arguably even funner. For one thing, the earth and sky were gorgeous. For another, I caught a glimpse of a Merlin, which was cool. And for yet another, I encountered three Juniper Titmice. That’s a record for the species.
For some reason, eBird thinks more than one JUTI seems unlikely on this patch at this season. But I’ve seen two a few times. Three today.
Otherwise, a couple male flickers added a nice splash of color to an already (mutedly) colorful landscape.
I do love fall.
Grandeur Peak Area List Beginning at 8:41 a.m., I hiked a few hundred feet up a mountain.