Crow Valley misadventure, Weld County
Tom Wilberding
Hello birders,
Barb and I sneaked in a reservation in May for yesterday, June 9 and today, June 10th for tent
camping at Crow Valley, our first “post-stay-at-home” excursion. Yesterday
winds on the Pawnee grasslands were gale force, temps in the 50’s most of day, intermittent
rain, few birds visible, and very muddy roads—we almost got stuck in Murphy’s
pasture next to a shooting range with several shooters blasting away with automatic rifles. In
addition, no water available at Crow Valley, bathroom closed, just pit toilets.
Our best bird was at Norma’s Grove, a Loggerhead Shrike hanging onto an
electrical wire for dear life in the gale, between forays to the ground to
snatch beetles.
The forecast for last night was 41 degrees, too cold for 73 year old me in
a tent, so we made it a day trip and headed back to Littleton yesterday
afternoon. Today, June 10, Crow Valley is closed due to “public safety concerns”—not
sure what that means, but we got a $14 refund for tonight, thankfully. Last
night a bust—no refund.
We hope for better luck next time, for us and the grassland birds.
Tom Wilberding
Littleton, CO
