"On The Road" #5 Posted April 12, 2008 From Wray, Colorado

Friday

We had an amazing day of birding.

We started out at a Sharp-tailed Grouse lek on private property. It was great to see the displaying birds at close hand. After watching the bird we went into the house and several of the grouse came to the feeder.

After that we went to a local house where a Varied Thrush has been wintering. We waited for about 45 minutes before it showed up. While we were waiting we were treated to a show of Evening Grosbeaks and Pine Grosbeaks. The hospitality of Colorado birds is fantastic!

Around noon we left Steamboat Springs and drove to Walden via Rabbit Ears Pass. It was definately winter at the top of the pass. Once in North Park we checked out the Greater Sage Grouse lek. Near the lek we saw a Prairie Falcon and two Rough-legged Hawk. Mid afternoon we checked into our Walden motel for a little quiet time before heading back out birding.

We spent from 5 to 7:30 checking out the Greater Sage-Grouse lek. Unfortunately none of the grouse checked out the lek. We were skunked. A Short-eared Owl on the way back to the motel made us feel better

Saturday

Back to the grouse lek at dawn. After about 1/2 hour of searching the birds flew into a near by area. There we were able to see them and watch them do a little display.

Then we geared up for the long run to Pawnee National Grasslands. There we got Mountain Plover and McGowen's Longspur. Time flew by all to quickly and we had to head to Wray for the Greater Prairie-Chicken "Tour". We were treated to dinner, entertainment and an orientation.

We are all looking forward to tomorrow.