Highwoods Again

I drove 5 hours from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation survey to the Highwoods survey.

And did the Highwoods survey for the 3rd time in 2 years.

2018

2019

Last year, 1st time (got rained out after five points): Tom sent me on a 7 hour short cut with 12 creek crossing.

Last year, 2nd time: barbed wire injury

2019: barbed wire scar

I did different points this time, and one point was on a rock.

There’s the rock on the left.

Much easier to see and hear from on top of a rock.

I should carry a ladder.

A Spotted Towhee scolding.

Spotted Towhee

Although they seem to be everywhere (their song is so beautiful), Swainson’s Thrush keep hidden; in all these years, I’ve only seen one a few times.

Swainson’s Thrush look like Hermit’s Thrush, except SWTH don’t have a contrasting red tail.

by TonyCastro

Barbed wire ripped a hole in my pants this year.