Rocky Mountains Trails

Blue Grouse

8th May.  David and I head off north for a walk in the mountains. We go to Estes for breakfast at 'The Egg and I' then head up to Bear Lake from where we wanted to walk to Dream lake or beyond but we find that the snow is still widespread and the tracks far too icy.  

David at Bear Lake

We move down to the Alberta Falls trail and chance upon a fantastic Blue Grouse right beside the walking trail and only 100 m from the start! We head on down to see if we can see the falls and find the grouse still alongside the trail when we return - despite other walkers unknowingly passing by within metres of it! Lots of pictures taken. There was still too much snow and ice and anyway the trail was short so we decide to try for a walk up to Cub Lake which proved to be excellent with a 6.4 km round trip. We saw few birds but several mammals and two lively Garter Snakes! Species seen included: Spotted Ground Squirrel, Grey Squirrel, Colorado Chipmunks, Yellow-bellied Marmots, Elk and a Coyote! The next day, 9th May, was mostly spent at Cherryvale except for a walk in the mountains with David and Alice. Up Gregory Canyon, across E M Geenman and back down Saddle Rock. Good but no birds!