Red Cliff BBS route, Eagle; loon, Summit.

[Hugh Kingery]

We came back last night tired from the Red Cliff BBS survey -- which starts at the top of Vail Pass and goes down Shrine Pass road, then up Homestake Creek. The scenery makes the 3 a.m. get-out-of-bed worth it -- along with a few mountain birds.

We saw several Pine Grosbeaks including a group of three that flushed in front of our car but disappeared when I looked for them at the official stop. A fair number of Hermit Thrushes - always a treat to hear their song -- and a couple of singing Swainson's Thrushes. Lots of Pine siskins, more than we ordinarily encounter. And fewer White-crowned Sparrows, I think, but a normal number of Lincoln's. Three Fox Sparrows heard but not seen along Homestake Creek.

Both July 1 and 2, not on the route, a Common Loon on Dillon Reservoir, in basic plumage.

Hugh Kingery
Franktown, CO