[cobirds] Rosy-Finches, Ptarmigan, Snowmass, Pitkin Cty Wednesday 28 March

Hi all

 

The second to last free bird tour of the season at Snowmass Ski area went very well yesterday. The last tour is next Wednesday, April 4^th , 11am.  Snowmass Ski area closes April 15^th.

 

Rosy-Finches were faithful to the feeder at the top of Sam’s Knob, although the flock (around 75 birds) was almost entirely Brown-capped.  Just one Gray-crowned was seen (of the “interior” form), and no Black Rosy Finches.   Other birds we saw there were Gray Jay, Mountain Chickadee.  I also received reports of folks seeing Dusky Grouse in recent days in the Snowmass area in two different locations.

 

After finishing at the top of Sam’s Know, two of us went to the top of the mountain, above tree line and skied in search of White-tailed Ptarmigan.  At two different locations we found them!  Two in one spot, and at least one in another!  The birds observed us, but did not move away.  I guess they are used to seeing skiers/boarders.  Afterwards we skied down and celebrated with a late lunch at one of the restaurants, where we saw Gray Jays.  After lunch, Catherine visited the other feeder on the Snowmass ski-area and saw

Steller's Jay
Pine Grosbeak
Pine Siskin
Hairy Woodpecker
Dark-eyed Junco

 

Thanks for the photos and the news Catherine!

 

And on a final note..

Counted 31 Turkey Vultures over Silt (as seen looking north from I70 ) yesterday evening, as they were descending into their roost at dusk

Summer is nigh !

 

Good birding all

Dick Filby

Carbondale, CO