August is an especially dry month here—or so I’ve observed. The value of water in the high desert extends to most all living species. Some, though, are better able to glean enough water from non liquid sources.
Hummingbirds must number among those species, because they’re everywhere, seemingly. Other once-common, vocal, and/or numerous species are either laying low or they’ve moved elsewhere. I’ve been exercising my eyes more than usual lately. Depending on flits and subtle movements more than chips and song.
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds remain numerous, though. Also more gnatcatchers than there are supposed to be (according to eBird). Finches and scrub-jays, towhees and a couple Mourning Doves.
Not a lot of photos today, but dog and I had a fine time, as usual.
Grandeur Peak Area List
Beginning at 8:23 a.m., I hiked a few hundred feet up a mountain.
1. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
2. Woodhouse’s Scrub-jay
3. Black-chinned Hummingbird
4. Lazuli Bunting
5. Spotted Towhee
6. House Finch**
7. Black-capped Chickadee**
8. Broad-tailed Hummingbird*
9. Mourning Dove
10. Cooper’s Hawk
11. Lesser Goldfinch**
12. Black-billed Magpie* (v)
Elsewhere
13. Rock Pigeon
(v) Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Tags: black-billed magpie, black-capped chickadee, black-chinned hummingbird, blue-gray gnatcatcher, broad-tailed hummingbird, Cooper’s hawk, house finch, lazuli bunting, lesser goldfinch, mourning dove, spotted towhee, Woodhouse’s scrub jay
