In my previous post, I showed a photo of a Sage Thrasher ruined by a branch across its face. Yesterday, I got a much better look on our way to Taos, NM.
Previous look
Before leaving Colorado, we picked up three new species for the year including the Townsend's Warbler.
Upon entering New Mexico, we made a beeline to the Taos Ski Valley to hike the trail from the base of the slopes two miles up to Williams Lake at an elevation of 11,040 feet. This Hermit Thrush greeted us at the trailhead and lead us up the first 20 yards of the trail before losing interest in our company.
After scanning hundreds of trees during the hike, the American Three-toed Woodpecker with its yellow cap become life bird #533 and the 62nd of 2024. We have searched for these in the winter in Minnesota in vain. And, I have to say, looking for them at 55 degrees and cloudy is much better than -10 degrees and sunny.
We were welcomed to Williams Lake by thunder and light hail. So, like Clark Griswold at the Grand Canyon, we took a picture with 13,167' Wheeler Peak in view and said, "That's nice." Then promptly hoofed it back down the mountain.
This was our first trip to Taos, NM. And, it got me to thinking that there is a difference between 'historic' and simply run down. Taos is mostly a run down tourist trap. I had said earlier in the day that we should be able to find a good Mexican restaurant in Taos, NM. Unfortunately, the spot we settled for was the worst Mexican food we have encountered. Most of the town was dealing with a power outage so, our only other choice appeared to be McDonalds... which isn't a choice as far as we are concerned. At least we didn't end up with a case of Montezuma's Revenge.
In Santa Fe this morning we picked up four more birds for the year at a superb Audubon birding center including this Rufous Hummingbird.
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