Tuesday, July 04, 2006

July 4, 2006: Rocky Mountain National Park and Cache La Poudre National Forest (12 PHOTOS, 7 BIRD/ANIMAL)

The day started out early with a trip to the high tundra, via Trail Ridge Road. The aim was to beat the crowds, and be able to enjoy the tundra environment before the afternoon winds add to the wind chill. We got up early, and made few stops, so we were above the tree line (about 11,500' before 6:30am). We enjoyed the early morning tundra along with a large group of elk


East of the Alpine Visitor Center, there were some large elk herd of mostly females grazing. Some were tame and came right up to us! Got our target Brown-Capped Rosy Finch at the Rock Cut. Visited the Alpine Visitor Center, and hiked the Medicine Bow Curve just west of the Visitor Center. The purpose was the elusive White-Tailed Ptarmigan.. No luck, but we got some great looks at the delicate tundra, and the Cache La Poudre Valley below.

The view at Rock Cut, along Trail Ridge Road.

Melissa and I at the highest altitude we have ever been (as of then!)

We spent the afternoon relaxing at the lodge, using the spa! Afternoon hiking was cut short by thunderstorms! In the evening we drove to Pennock Pass, on Colorado Rte 14, west of Fort Collins, to look for Flammulated Owls. No luck! Hail falls in front of our porch at MacGregor's Lodge.

Ominous skies at Pennock Pass, in Larimer County

BIRDING: On the tundra, we saw many AMERICAN PIPIT, HORNED LARK, and COMMON RAVEN. One PRAIRIE FALCON while descending Trail Ridge Road. Also seen near Medicine Bow (tundra) was a WESTERN KINGBIRD, PINE SISKINS, and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.

On the way to Pennock Pass we had a couple BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS. American Pipit, on Trail Ridge Road.

Horned Lark on Trail Ridge Road

Yellow Bellied Marmot

White-Crowned Sparrow on Medicine Bow

Pine Siskin gathering twigs on Medicine Bow

As we descended below the tree line, this Prairie Falcon flew over

Male Broad-Tailed Hummingbird at MacGregor Ranch

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