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
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