Event Details

The expansive forest of red fir, lodgepole, and Jeffrey pine surrounding Deadman Creek and Summit is the destination for this field trip. We will learn about how these conifers, and more importantly, their cones and seeds, provide critical feeding habitat for many finches, woodpeckers, warblers, and other birds. Uncommon species like Williamson's Sapsucker, plus White-headed and Black-backed woodpeckers may be found here. Depending on the seed crop, Red Crossbill can be moderately common in the pines. Cassin's Finch and Pine Siskin are the common breeding finches here, but uncommon conifer species are occasionally seen. The diversity in the area is augmented by aspen groves and streamside willow stands. The field trip will consist of several short walks in which we focus on identification and behavior of a wide variety of birds and the ecology of the trees that surround us. (est. driving miles: 25; hiking difficulty: easy)