Grouse and more

[James Purcell]

Hello CO birders,

I'm a birder from CT who will be going on a cross-country birding road trip this summer, and I will be passing through Colorado in mid-July.

I am highly interested in seeing the following species, and if anybody could provide specific information / locations they recommend for these difficult species in summer, I would greatly appreciate it.

Dusky Grouse
Boreal Owl
White-tailed Ptarmigan
Pinyon Jay
Gunnison Sage-Grouse: I am aware these are easiest in spring, but I'm wondering if anyone has any knowledge about where to look in the summer, or would be willing to show me when I arrive.

Thanks in advance for your help,

James Purcell
Fairfield, CT

[Steven Rash]

Dusky Grouse may be possible at Mt. Falcon Park in Morrison that time of year.
You’ll likely have no problem with Piñon Jay if you go to Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction.
The road up Mt. Evans could yield Ptarmigan
I haven’t seen Boreal owl myself, but it seems like a lot of sightings are north and west of Rocky Mountain national park.
Gunnison Sage Grouse is gonna be a crap shoot, too. Only place I have ever seen them is at the traditional lek north of Highway 50 on rd 887 and it was from a great distance.

Hope that helps!

Steve Rash
Denver Co.