What a perfect day for a 8 mile snowshoe over Guanella Pass -- from the Georgetown side -- Naylor Reservoir parking lot. No wind -- and bright sun -- wow! I realize that a 8 mile snowshoe might not be for everyone -- I think you could make a bee-line for the summit and back and keep the mileage to 5 miles -- but I did wander a bit. I did not realize that my snowshoe coincided with the annual ptarmigan count by local wildlife experts and volunteers (often experts as well). I saw 7 White-tailed Ptarmigan! These were located about 9 am this morning by spotters. I was able to put my new camera (Canon SX40 with the amazing 840 mm optical zoom lens) to good use. I would have never found them without help. The birds were all just north and slightly below the summit (Georgetown side) -- and east of the main unplowed road (the Bierstadt side). I did snowshoe up the east slopes of Squaretop Mountain and did not see any ptarmigan there. I also snowshoed up the west slopes of Mount Bierstadt and did not see any additional ptarmigan. Mostly -- it was just a lovely day for some exercise and solitude. My photos are taken from a great distance -- but you can see the ptarmigan. Much better viewing with binoculars. https://picasaweb.google.com/109076502973383280668/GuanellaPassColoradoMarch102012 Ben Kemena Denver, Colorado -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
