Howdy, I spent Friday at Red Rocks and Dinosaur Ridge. It was a great day for birding after the snowstorm. At the Red Rocks Trading Post feeder, I did see the Rosy-Finch as described by Mr. Art Hudak in his post. I think I came a little bit later than he did. I wish I could tell you more about the specific types I saw -- but that will wait until I can look at my camera photographs. I'm a novice birder (2 years into it) trying to learn a new avocation (old dog...new trick). I'm reluctant to say more about specific types unless I can prove it by photograph or in the company of an better birder than me (which is basically almost anyone else!). I really appreciate Mr. Hudak's post in this regard. The Rosy-Finch tend to swirl as a flock through the narrow canyon just south of the feeder and trading post -- truly magnificent to see the flock fly as one. Then, they will come to land on the large red rock on the far side of the canyon (south-side) -- sort of as a staging area. They may spend about 10 minutes on that large rock slab -- but then from there, they reliably begin to approach various areas near the feeder. I counted 20-30 as did Mr. Hudak. They patiently wait out the Scrub-Jays for their turn to dine. Of course, they also have to make their way amidst the other finches, juncos, sparrows, and chickadees.... The Gold-crowned Sparrow makes brief appearances as well -- and usually likes the area beneath the platform feeder or on the grounds nearby. I never got a photo of him -- have to make a choice between the binoculars and the camera and I usually have the binoculars in hand. But -- this bird is there -- and stands out. However, the most satisfying part of my day was finding the Greater Roadrunner on Dinosaur Ridge. This was my second attempt. During the day, I walked the road from entrance (west-east-west) to entrance three times. I had no success at 9 am or at 1 pm. To pass the time, I also hiked the Dakota Ridge Trail through the snow. My boots were an abomination by the end due to the mud. If you have not hiked this trail and are able, I recommend it when a little drier. I saw the usual fine natives including the American Robin (scores), Western Scrub-Jay, Townsend's Solitaire, Spotted Towhee, Black-billed Magpie, House Finch and House Sparrow. Nice to have company. I also spent much of the morning listening to the snowplow scraping the pavement -- but alas, it must be done. The Robin cacophony amidst the Juniper, however, could drown out the plow! On my last hike of the day, I nervously started up Dinosaur Ridge on the west side from the west entrance. It was 4:10 pm, breezy and the shadows were starting to lengthen from Mount Morrison to the west. Just beyond the first geological interpretive marquis on the west side of Dinosaur Ridge, the Great Roadrunner made his appearance. This bird is amazingly agile on the snow, mud, sand, and clay of the steep slope just above the road bed. He was systematically picking through yucca and other root systems exposed by the winter sun -- and having some decent success finding things to eat. He flew a short distance just one time -- but was otherwise on the ground. I was able to take photographs and shared my discovery with only one other fellow (hiker) who came across my path. We shared my binoculars (Canon IS) back and forth -- the lighting was grand. The Roadrunner remained in viewing distance for more than 20 minutes in his methodical search for grub! This bird moves quite freely and I think binoculars are more useful than a scope in this setting. My last little bonus -- I saw the Prairie Falcon at roost at his favorite hangout in the red rocks south of the trading post -- easily visible from the road as you drive out from the trading post towards Morrison (the chapel entrance). The Prairie Falcon was at the same location last year (east side of the road). The white-wash on the red rock helps locate this fine bird. As an aside, my I-pod Sibley and Audubon birding Apps worked like a champ -- highly recommended because once downloaded, you don't have to have internet or phone service to use it! I'm a new birder, but a true-blue gadget geek constantly seeking techie "nerd-vana". I'm happy to say that the ice is now virtually gone from most sections of the road on Dinosaur Ridge since plowing. Having walked it in both plowed and unplowed conditions -- I have to say that plowed is safer and better! Ben Kemena Denver, Colorado -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.