This afternoon between 2:00 and 2:45p.m, a large group of birders (10
-15), were able to watch the Greater Roadrunner as the bird traveled
from just below the first exhibit area to the top of the hill on the
west side of Dinosaur Ridge. This is the same area the bird has been
seen using this last week. At times the bird was only 20 yards above
the road, while other times the bird was halfway up the hillside as it
traversed the west facing slope soaking up the sun and staying out of
the wind.
Some of the behaviors observed: At times the bird turned its back
briefly to the sun and did some sun-basking. The Roadrunner moved
steadily along the hillside sometimes moving down toward the road and
then moving back up the hillside on a diagonal path as it walked up
the hill parallel to the road. The bird seemed to be feeding on
insects??? As it walked along the bird sometimes veered off course to
stab at something on a rock surface or stab at something in a tuft of
grass. We never could see exactly what the bird stabbed at, so it was
something on the small side (like a bug or insect). The bird never
stopped to feed in one place, but stabbed at various things as it
walked along. Observing the bird meander up and down the hillside gave
me the impression it was hunting as it looked this way and that and
sometimes cocked its head. Once we saw the bird fly diagonally down
the hill 20-30 yards before continuing to walk diagonally up the hill.
Many thanks to the lady that came and got Rob Raker and myself out of
the parking lot. Rob and I stayed the whole time and watched the
Roadrunner make it's way all the way up the hillside and over the top
of the ridge. Others joining the group included Mark Chavez, Ira
Saunders, Art Hudak, a photographer acquaintance of Rob's, and
numerous other observers at various times. A most enjoyable experience!
Mike Henwood
Morrison
Jefferson County
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