Common redpolls et al., Horsetooth mountain park, Larimer county

[arvind panjabi]

I encountered a flock of nine Common Redpolls in Horsetooth Mountain park today. They were along the hiking trail (footpath) at the first drainage crossing less than a quarter-mile from the trailhead. They were mostly feeding on the ground near the edge of melting snow.  

Also seen was a Northern Goshawk and a Sharp-shinned Hawk. The goshawk was flying high over the ridge as if it were moving some distance. The last few days I’ve had several raptors soaring over the south facing ridge at Horsetooth mountain park including Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks and a Rough-legged Hawk.  Red Crossbills are much fewer in number than this time last year, almost non-existent, although I did bump into a flock of 8 today.  

Also of note, I had a flock of 10 Evening Grosbeaks stop ever so briefly in my yard in Horsetooth Lake Estates exactly 2 weeks ago today. 

Good birding,

Arvind Panjabi

West of Fort Collins

[arvind panjabi]

The redpolls are back in the same draw, at least 13 of them just now at 7:55 am.

Arvind Panjabi

Fort Collins 


Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone