Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Return to Jackson County

August 29-30, 2015

Richard Stevens:

Rebecca Kosten and I made a short trip to Gould to enjoy the cooler mountain temperatures and birds.

August 29

We walked around the Colorado State Forest Visitor's Center area in the afternoon.  Wilson's Warblers and a Fox Sparrow (slate colored) were behind the building.  Broad-tailed Hummingbirds and a couple of Rufous Hummingbirds attacked the hummingbird feeders.

Thirty minutes before sunset, we hiked down the road to the Crags Campgrounds.  A Swainson's Thrush was heard singing from somewhere in the fir trees north of the Campgrounds.  Eventually a Boreal Owl was heard during the walk south along the fire road.  Bring a flashlight if you attempt this hike; trees have fallen down on several sections of the road and some bushwhacking is required.

August 30

Rebecca Kosten and I searched for Calliope Hummingbirds at the Gould Store and KOA Campgrounds.  Only Broad-tailed Hummingbirds and a few Rufous Hummingbirds were found.

An American Dipper was found walking along the Michigan River near the bridge at the intersection of Jackson County Road 21 and Forest Road 740!  I have encountered them before up here, however not often.

In the afternoon, we hiked up Ruby Jewell Road for a couple of miles, and then turned around after sunset.  A Boreal Owl was heard about 1/2 mile from the main road.  No Flammulated Owls could be enticed to call tonight.

Be careful, a few Wilson's Snipes were calling about 1/4 mile from the main road (Jackson County Road 41).  They do sound similar to a Boreal Owl.

We returned to Denver by way of Pennock Pass (Larimer).  A Flammulated Owl was heard calling close to the same location as our last trip. 

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