Vail, Eagle County 8/14

[David Suddjian]

Yesterday I went to Vail Ski Resort in Eagle County with mountain biking as a primary purpose most of the time, but lots of bird observing as I went. A highlight was many encounters with Gray Jays, which were noted in several groups of 4-8 birds and smaller groups, totalling to at least 42 Gray Jays! They were easy to find along trails around Gondola One, stopping my downhill roll repeatedly. I have a hard time passing by a Gray Jay without slowing or stopping to enjoy it! 

Also noted were 6 Pine Grosbeaks, 4 Am. Three-toed Woodpeckers (family group), 1 male Townsend's Warbler (my FOS), 2 Nor. Goshawks, 4 Dusky Grouse, and 1 Golden Eagle. There were some areas with lots of bird activity, and I noted large numbers of Audubon's Warblers and Dark-eyed Juncos, including many HY birds.

David Suddjian

Ken Caryl Valley

Littleton, CO