"On The Road" #9 Posted April 16, 2008 From Golden, Colorado

Wednesday

Today was a day of extreme contrasts. We birded around Canon City this morning in clear, pleasant conditions. We had a great time and added Pinyon Jay, Juniper Titmouse, and Rufous-crowned Sparrow to our list.

Then we drove up through Buena Vista, a very scenic drive. We arrived at Loveland Pass about 2:30 hoping to spend about an hour looking for the White-tailed Ptarmigan. As soon as we arrived the conditions began to go downhill. Snow started and the wind picked up. After about 1/2 hour at the pass we decided to move on. We are glad we did. It was not a passing snow squall but a developing winter storm.

We are now safely outside Denver in Golden, Colorado. If we can bird in the morning we will, but this storm may prevent it. We see no reason why we won't fly out as scheduled Thursday afternoon.