tenex
reality-based
We had two uncertain sightings up around and above treeline in Summit County yesterday. In both cases the birds were a bit smaller than a robin, rather buff-colored with lighter underside.
(1) A pair, flying from tree to tree in the tall pines, possibly with some streaking on the breast. American Pipit seems likely, but should anything else be considered?
(2) Individual birds on the tundra above. Would scurry about on the trail, rise straight up and fly away from us at a height of about ten feet, then settle again. Something made me think ptarmigan but they were smaller and plainer. Possibly pipits again? I just looked those up, hadn't been aware of them before.
In general, what other birds are likely to be seen in this environment? (Elsewhere we've seen Clark's Nutcracker, Gray Jay, White-tailed Ptarmigan, Ravens of course...)
(1) A pair, flying from tree to tree in the tall pines, possibly with some streaking on the breast. American Pipit seems likely, but should anything else be considered?
(2) Individual birds on the tundra above. Would scurry about on the trail, rise straight up and fly away from us at a height of about ten feet, then settle again. Something made me think ptarmigan but they were smaller and plainer. Possibly pipits again? I just looked those up, hadn't been aware of them before.
In general, what other birds are likely to be seen in this environment? (Elsewhere we've seen Clark's Nutcracker, Gray Jay, White-tailed Ptarmigan, Ravens of course...)