January 10, 2012
Bryan Ehlmann:
Before I report Thursday's trip, I want to go back to Tuesday.
Richard Stevens and I were at the Dinosaur Ridge Tour parking lot (Stegosaurus parking lot) at around sunrise. We hiked up to the top under clear skies, mild to no wind and 28 degree temperatures. It was a beautiful morning. The stress of the hike warmed us up rapidly so 28 degrees did not present a problem.
As soon as we got to the top, we spotted the Greater Roadrunner on top of an evergreen tree. Maybe to warm himself up from the cool night before.
We had not gotten more than a 5 second look when an adult Red-tailed Hawk swooped in and landed in the tree. Needless to say, the Greater Roadrunner and dozens of Robins in the tree drove deep into the interior.
We could pick out the tail of the Greater Roadrunner and had short glimpses of the head. The birds were not coming out of that evergreen.
Editorial Note: A group of birders is organizing trips to search for the Greater Roadrunner. They are limiting the number of birders and attempting around 11:30 am Friday and Saturday.
It is a public road, anyone can hike up it. We found the bird at 8:17 am. No need to bother with a restricted group nor not go because they do not have priority.
Bryan Ehlmann:
Before I report Thursday's trip, I want to go back to Tuesday.
Richard Stevens and I were at the Dinosaur Ridge Tour parking lot (Stegosaurus parking lot) at around sunrise. We hiked up to the top under clear skies, mild to no wind and 28 degree temperatures. It was a beautiful morning. The stress of the hike warmed us up rapidly so 28 degrees did not present a problem.
As soon as we got to the top, we spotted the Greater Roadrunner on top of an evergreen tree. Maybe to warm himself up from the cool night before.
We had not gotten more than a 5 second look when an adult Red-tailed Hawk swooped in and landed in the tree. Needless to say, the Greater Roadrunner and dozens of Robins in the tree drove deep into the interior.
We could pick out the tail of the Greater Roadrunner and had short glimpses of the head. The birds were not coming out of that evergreen.
Editorial Note: A group of birders is organizing trips to search for the Greater Roadrunner. They are limiting the number of birders and attempting around 11:30 am Friday and Saturday.
It is a public road, anyone can hike up it. We found the bird at 8:17 am. No need to bother with a restricted group nor not go because they do not have priority.
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