Park County

[Paula Hansley]

Birders,

I did a USGS Breeding Bird Survey in Park County yesterday that starts at the top of Boreas Pass and goes 25 miles south towards Tarryall Reservoir.  I was stunned to see how severe the drought is south of highway 285. This area is a high prairie— most is over 9,000’.  I usually see many Horned Larks and Vesper Sparrows.  At many stops, I recorded no birds.

The roads are mostly dirt, so whenever I was standing by my car listening and watching for birds,  I was enveloped in clouds of dust when a car passed me.  I will say that the people are very helpful as at least a dozen cars stopped to ask if I needed help!

I was also sad to see that the Jefferson Market (known for its fudge) has closed.

Paula Hansley

Louisville