Monday, March 4, 2019

Trip report: Montane birding

It was snowing steadily in Laramie when we headed out to Albany for montane birding--perfect weather for finding winter finches! We went to the Albany Lodge to get breakfast and watch birds at their feeders.

The feeders were completely unoccupied when we first arrived. The kind staff at the lodge put out more seed--and Brian had a secret sunflower stash that he contributed as well. We waited and waited for birds to appear...but it turned out that ordering breakfast was the solution! A flock of 100+ Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches came in as soon as we stopped watching intently.

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch. Photo by Laurel Armstrong.

We were also treated to great looks at Pine Grosbeaks, Mountain and Black-capped Chickadees; solid entertainment for two hours while we reveled in delicious eggs, hashbrowns, breakfast burritos, etc.

Photo by Laurel Armstrong.

On our way out, we walked up the road a bit to check the feeders at the bright turquoise house (private property; view from the road only). The same species were present plus a hardy Song Sparrow!

Our full eBird list is here.

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