White-tailed Ptarmigan
WTPT are found above tree line in many locations.
- Guanella Pass; Clear Creek County
Probably the easiest (if one can say easy?) location is the
summit of Guanella Pass. The birds are found both in
the winter and summer; but winter seems to be more consistent.
From the highest parking area, hike south-southeast to the
sign in box at the junction of the Rosalie & 603 trails.
Hike South (uphill) on the 603 trail. Once 300 yards up the
trail, look to the highest peak to the South-southwest.
Draw a line between you and the highest peak. WTPT tend
to winter under a large rock about 200 yards from you and
along this line. Also search 100 yards either side of the
603 trail.
If you have no success yet and reach to top of the hill,
hike East until you pick up the Rosalie Trail (about 100
yards from the top of the hill). Then hike north and
west back to the sign in box.
WTPT have two favorite locations along the Rosalie Trail.
When directly east of the hill, look uphill to a bowl
(about 50 yards uphill) that is below a huge rock and
has four to five fir trees in it (you can only see the
top half of the trees.)
Another location when directly east of the hill is 60 yards
below the Rosalie Trail (and directly below above bowl).
There is a large clearing in the willows.
Of course, birds can be anywhere along this hike and
it looks different every time because of the amount of snowfall.
- Another good location is the Loveland Pass Summit; Clear Creek County
Hike the first half mile or so on the West side of Loveland Pass Road.
Birds have also been found along the first half mile on the East side.
More times than not, the West side is better. It does depend upon
the number of skiers in the area.
- Rocky Mountain National Park; Larimer County
In the summer time, Medicine Bow Curve in RMNP is a good location.
This is the first turnoff west of the Trading Center at the top
of Trail Ridge Road. The hike is relatively flat.
Check the first 0.7 miles of the trail leading North from the pullover.
Birds are found 50 yards above or below this trail.
Please feel free to contact CoBus at:
E-mail:cobus@worldnet.att.net
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