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I'm back (mostly)!

January 17, 2021
I had a couple good days post the misery of shingles and decided I needed to try for the continuing rarities at Chatfield State Park: Golden-crowned Sparrow and Common Redpoll. I needed to take it easy on the bike and not push myself too hard, and I was largely able to do that. This was another typical January ride in Colorado as it was under 32 degrees F when I departed. I got to the horse stables area at Chatfield and found the Golden-crowned Sparrow in about 8 min with a group of others, whom I'm fairly certain didn't see the bird when it popped up and posed for about 10 sec, in spite of my calling it out immediately and giving very specific location information. The sparrow wasn't cooperative and I never got a photo, but I had a nice look. I stuck around for a few minutes hoping to get the other birders on the bird, but I saw it fly to the west with some juncos. I wished them luck and left.

I quickly got back on the bike and went to S. Platte River delta where the Common Redpoll had been. It was quite unbirdy, but I got my green year Western Meadowlark (ha!)!  The redpoll had often been reported with American Goldfinches, and I found a few on the east side of the river, but I didn't have time to go around and search for the bird. I was apparently so bored that I took a very rare selfie. Ha! However, I forgot to take a photo of my bike locked up to a tree with my new compact, yet very strong, bike lock. Next time! 

I was pleased with how my body felt when I rode home. It'd been 2 weeks since I had ridden or really done anything. I consider this first easy ride (19 miles!) a solid first step back to the game! It felt so good to get out on the bike!  Hopefully I can get out later this week after a couple days of rest and making sure my body is ready for some more cycling efforts!


Thank you for all the pledges and donations! Click the link (scroll to the bottom) to pledge or donate!
https://cobirds.org/CFO/Grants/

Green Big Year species list: 74
Miles ridden: 76 miles
2021 Joe Roller Memorial Green Big Year Species List


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