What a strange morning. We got to the trailhead early, dog and I—and by “early,” I mean the hour when the mountain shade covered nearly the whole of our usual trail. Nearly nippy this morning also. I never know what to expect, but I did think I’d have more than just four species on my list before we reached our hike’s half-way point.

So very, very quiet. I did hear a few little chip notes in the foliage but didn’t recognize the chippers. I can’t recall such a quiet morning.

On our return, as morning sunlight began to spread across the junipers and scrub-oaks, we finally encountered a few of of the usual species—chickadee, gnatcatcher and such—but still no decent photos. Until we made it back to the little quarry, when three or four more bids popped up (among them a scrub-jay that actually posed).

So strangely quiet early, though. I think we’ll wait to embark until a little later in the morning.

Grandeur Peak Area List
At 7 a.m. (8 MDT), I hiked a few hundred feet up a mountain.

1. Black-chinned Hummingbird
2. Rock Pigeon*
3. Woodhouse’s Scrub-jay**
4. Spotted Towhee
5. Black-billed Magpie** (v)
6. Western Tanager (v)
7. House Finch*
8. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
9. Black-capped Chickadee
10. Mourning Dove
11. Eurasian Collared-dove
12. Lesser Goldfinch**

Mammals

Red Squirrel

(v) Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere