[cobirds] Finch Friday, North Central CO, February 1

Following Steve and other's Redpoll Weekend the girls and I headed to North Park to enjoy the fresh snow.  Weather report said the wind would die down and the snow would stop, but ...

Jackson County  Anyway, I finally had success at the Moose Visitor Center with winter finches after many stops in the past.  First the PINE GROSBEAK were not shy about feeding as I stood next to the feeders.  After moving inside to see if the Rosy-Finches would return with no success I decide to leave.  As soon as I stepped outside I heard the ROSY-FINCHES in the trees next to the building.  A four types were hanging out waiting for the Steller's Jays to move on.  If looking for the WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, look under these trees.

Next I headed into Gould, for as longer than anticipated stop.  Walking CR21 I had more Pine Grosbeaks, Rosy-Finches, and a few RED CROSSBILLS.  Also, the was a very vocal NORTHERN GOSHAWK in the forest around the cabins by the river.

Finally getting back on the road, as I headed into Walden a flock of REDPOLLS were flying around the houses right outside of Walden.  The flock then headed into the wind and dropped over the side of the hill.  After Walden, I saw my second GOLDEN EAGLE of the day.  This youngster was tearing into a road kill coyote.

Grand County  The finches were hard to find at the usual location, but I was able to chase a flock of ROSY-FINCHES around town before the out flew me.  Deciding to drive by the house at 9th one more time I was able to see the REDPOLL flock before they flew southwest out of site.

Head south to Summit County I saw my 4th & 5th GOLDEN EAGLE.  These two were both standing on a road kill mule deer while traffic raced by at 70mph.

Summit County  GOLDEN EAGLE number 9 & 10, one watching road kill and another on road kill were a long time coming in Summit County for me.  A quick stop a the treatment pond for my FOY BARROW'S GOLDENEYE.  Time was short so I just did a quick peak and moved on to the feeders in Silverthorne.  

Again finch success with all four ROSY-FINCHES and both(?) REDPOLLS.  This was the largest flock of the day with approximately 250 redpolls and 100 rosies.

Hoping to add to my finch fiesta I plied the towns of Clear Creek County with no success.  Gilpin County was also finchless and all was quiet in Ward, Boulder County, due to the setting sun.

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Todd Deininger
Longmont, CO

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