Wind, but no White-tailed Ptarimgan

Mild temps had me thinking I should head to the high country this weekend. I was in hopes of finding some White-tailed Ptarmigan in their winter wear, and headed back to Lefthand Reservoir to see if I could track some down. I had done a snowshoe trip with the DFO last year where we missed, but knew the habitat was right. The wind was noticeable as I drove up beyond Nederland, and even as I started at the bottom of the trail I knew it was going to be an unlikely day to see any up at the lake. Even so, a mild day showshoeing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in winter. Just like last year the species count was uninspiring. I had four, two of which - American Crow and Common Raven were seen in the parking area. Mountain Chickadees were around at most stages of the hike, noisy in the trees, but largely invisible. Fortunately a lone Clark's Nutcracker was looking to show off, so I had one subject to photograph. As I had guessed the lake was windy, really windy. I crossed below the dam, which had a moderating influence. I didn't realize the relative shelter until I had reached the south side, and popped up to a level where I was catching the wind coming directly off the continental divide, dropping a few thousand feet and then rushing across a mile of lake ice before hitting me. It is an impressive experience. If I had thought to bring some goggles along I may have tried more of the habitat area to see if I could rack them down, but as it was I had only sunglasses and headed back to the shelter of the trees. I didn't stop while I was in the wind to get pictures of the windblown snow drifts, but they were amazing. As I was looking at their interesting shapes and forms I noticed that some of what I thought was shadowy contrast was really thin layers of rock dust. An in my face reminder that wind is a powerful erosive force, and that on certain days even the massive rocky mountains are broken by its power.
A good afternoon exploring the mountains. I haven't seen any notices yet, but hope that there will be another group trip on 'shoes' this spring.

Ski Trip Birding

My first trip of 2011 was primarily a ski trip. Waking up early to catch the gondola, trying to cover as much territory of the destination resort, and spending time with friends were the real goals. Then again, California is a state I hadn't visited since I began birding, and spending a few days in a hotel located on Stateline Rd didn't hurt. I managed to keep my eyes on the treetops while riding the chairlifts, and took the camera along for afternoon walks to the lake shore, and was able to build some respectable winter lists as a result. The Pygmy Nuthatches, (above), moved about in flocks, much like they had when I watched them a few weeks ago in Boulder. In California, like Colorado they show a preference for the Ponderosa Pines.


The Lakeshore Park was popular with many of the tourists, not just photographers and birders. The children feeding bread to the birds pulled in a nice mixed flock of gulls. This Herring Gull remained aloof from the frenzy on a closed diving pier.


While the lake was the bird magnet, time spent on the slopes wasn't birdless. In the Sierras just like the Rockies it pays to keep your eyes open while enjoying some sun and lunch. A pair of Clark's Nutcrackers (above) and numerous Mountain Chickadees kept a close eye on the happenings at the new Tamarack Lodge near the summit base of the gondola, just on the California side of the border.


What trip to California would be complete without California Gulls, on the south shore of Lake Tahoe they even outnumber Ring-billed gulls - a welcome change for this Colorado birder. I think the bird above was disappointed that my camera did not generate scraps of bread.


Finally, who couldn't fall in love with a view like this out their hotel window? I've been to Tahoe before, and will plan to get back just as soon as I can, perhaps in a different season next time.

2011 Count: 23
Lifetime: 252

Emerald Lake - RMNP

Last Sunday I got a chance to hike to Emerald Lake with 5 friends. It wasn't much of a birding hike, but our stop at Emerald, just over 10,000 feet, produced some good looks at a few of the higher elevation critters. The lake is edged on the far side by some dramatic faces rising above to the Continental Divide, and makes it one of the more heavily visited places in the park. Of course that also leaves the lake wide open to winds, rolling down from the ridge several thousand feet above. The Clark's Nutcracker (above) seemed used to having its feathers ruffled.

The residents, both Clark's Nutcrackers and Steller's Jays seemed to have gotten used to relieving hikers of their snacks and lunches - and were bold enough to watch from a few feet as we sat and enjoyed the view.



I was happy to get the close range shots, and to have a chance to see that white tail that flashes when the Clark's Nutcrackers fly above. Their all gray heads help to distinguish them from the somewhat similar Gray Jay.



The brazen attitude of the pair of Nutcrackers and lone Steller's Jay was matched by the mammals in the area, chipmunks were everywhere, and this Yellow-bellied Marmot may have been considering whether it had a chance to wrestle my pack from me.

If you are a visitor to Rocky Mountain National Park and have a limited amount of time for your visit this is a hike I highly recommend. Starting from the Bear Lake trailhead it is rated as easy and passes Nymph and Dream Lakes before ending at Emerald Lake. The total out and back round trip for those three is 3.8 miles, and Bear Lake can easily be added at the beginning or end to bring the total closer to 4.5 miles. If you do visit and want to give this one a try be sure to get there early or go on a weekday - visitors in the summer will fill the parking lot, and crowd the trail. We were on the trail around 9:00 and already had plenty of company. Descending, we were passing groups of around thirty people, and trust me, there isn't enough space at the top for a group that big to even enjoy the scenery. As of last weekend the trail between Dream and Emerald lakes was still mostly covered by snowfields, and postholing became an issue as the temps rose. That should become less of an issue, but if you are going in the late spring be aware that snow can push the rating from easy to a mild moderate.