Colorado Rosy-Finches

Rosy-Finches are the most unique finches in North America. There are three species found in the United States (Black, Brown-capped and Gray-crowned). Colorado is one of only a few states where all three species can be seen. The easiest way to find them is in flocks around bird feeders in the mountains and foothills. These birds are a target for many out of state birders in Colorado in winter because of their very limited range.

St. Mary’s and Alice (towns) 2/1/2020

St. Mary's and Alice.
We drove the roads of St. Mary’s and Alice looking for Rosy-Finches and two previously reported rarities (Bohemian Waxwing & White-winged Crossbill). Although we didn’t see either of the rarities we did find a good size flock of Rosy-Finches visiting a feeder that we could see from the road.
Northern Goshawk
A flyover Northern Goshawk. Unfortunately, light and distance made it impossible to get a good picture.
Rosy-Finches
After driving the snowy mountain roads for almost two hours, Mom spotted a flock of Rosy-Finches at a feeder. It was a mixed flock of Brown-capped and Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches.
Brown-capped Rosy-Finch
A Brown-capped Rosy-Finch sitting on the roof of a house.
Brown-capped Rosy-Finch
The Brown-capped is the hardest species of Rosy-Finch to see in North America because of its limited range.
Brown-capped Rosy-Finch and Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch
A Brown-capped (on top) and Gray-crowned (on bottom). As you can see, differentiating these two species is fairly easy with close views.
Hepburn's subspecies of Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch
A Hepburn’s subspecies of Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch. This subspecies is easy to identify because of its fully gray head.
Clark's Nutcracker and Steller's Jay
Clark’s Nutcracker (in front) and Steller’s Jay (behind) at the feeder.
Canada Jay
Canada Jay (aka Gray Jay) enjoying seeds at the feeder. This bird is commonly known as a Camp Robber.
Steller's Jays
A pair of Steller’s Jays at the feeder.
Clark's Nutcracker
Check out the bill on that Nutcracker!
old mines
Lots of old mines in this area.

Golden (town) 2/4/2020

After our success with Rosy-Finches several days ago in St. Mary’s we decided to go to a private feeder in Golden. We were hoping to spot a Black Rosy-Finch because we did not see this species in St Mary’s.

Rosy-Finches
Large Flock of Gray-crowned and Black Rosy-Finches visiting the feeders.
Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch
A Gray-crowned enjoying some seeds.
Black Rosy-Finch
A Black Rosy-Finch sitting on the tin of seeds.
Black and Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches
A good comparison of the Rosy-Finches. The Black Rosy-Finch is in middle of the dish with a Gray-crowned in front of it and another in the snow.
Rosy-Finches
Look at the Rosy pattern of their wings!
Rosy-Finches
Rosy-Finches congregating around some of the other feeders.
Black Rosy-Finch
Another angle of the Black Rosy-Finch.
Cooper's Hawk
This Cooper’s Hawk repeatedly flew over the feeder and flushed every Rosy-Finch in sight.
Bushtit
A Bushtit weathering the snow storm.
Rosy-Finch viewing
We watched the Rosy-Finches just feet away through the window to our left. Thank you Kirsten for letting us (and so many other birders) watch the Rosy-Finches from the warmth of your home!