[cobirds] Birds walks in and around Telluride, San Miguel County, June 9-10

Hey, everybody.

The Nature Conservancy in Colorado, along with Between the Covers bookstore, will be offering several bird walks this coming weekend in and around Telluride, San Miguel County. Here's the 411:

Saturday, June 9, 8am. Keystone Gorge. Meet in the lot across the street from Cindybread Artisan Bakery. This is an out-and-back walk. The farther out we get, the more spectacular the scenery. Expect great views of mid-elevation birds of the Rocky Mountains: finches, warblers, tanagers, grosbeaks, vireos, etc. We will scan the cliffs for California Condors and the wayward Anhinga of Delta County. Hope springs eternal, eh? Marvelous butterflies and wildflowers too. The pace is easy and flat, but also pretty steady. About 2 miles round trip.

Saturday, June 9, 2pm. Nature trails right in Telluride. Meet at Between the Covers bookstore. First, we'll do a brief "Intro to Birding in Telluride" lecture and discussion. Emphasis on "brief" and "discussion." Then we'll wander the nature trails on the south side of town. Another opportunity for study of the diverse mid-elevation bird fauna of the southern Rockies. If the group is up for it, we'll hike upslope a bit--to where a Pacific Wren was on territory a few summers back. If not, we'll stay closer to the beaver pond & environs in town. We have a decent chance for northern river otters.

Sunday, June 10, 7am. Bridal Veil Falls. Meet in the parking lot at the far east end of what is technically Hwy 145, and, practically, Colorado Ave., the main drag through town. This is immediately past the old mine and directly above the gnarly mine ponds. From there will head above the falls to look for Black Swifts. This is also a nice place for Pine and Evening grosbeaks. The walking is easy, the driving a bit bumpy. (But perfectly safe, as we won't be going anywhere near as far as the pass.) A scope isn't a bad idea. Not for the swifts, but, rather for mammals and raptors on the outcroppings. Prompt departure to the falls at 7am; arrive a bit early.

All walks are free and open to the public. All are welcome. Children, non-birding companions, and general curiosity-seekers especially welcome. Hope to see some of you this weekend!

Ted Floyd

Lafayette, Boulder County

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