Colorado Grouse Tour, April 22-27, 2013 (Quetzal Tours)
This was a whirlwind tour, traversing the majestic state of Colorado in the Quetzalmobile, which my passengers named Bertha. The first few days were stormy, but we managed to evade most of the snow. Bertha began limping at the end of the second day. She was diagnosed with a faulty fuel pump on day 3, and this caused us to miss views of White-tailed Ptarmigan on Loveland Pass on the 4th day. We ended up seeing over 150 species of birds, and experienced great looks at Greater Sage-Grouse, Dusky Grouse, Lesser Prairie-Chicken, Scaled Quail and drive-by views of Wild Turkey and Ring-necked Pheasant. We had distant views of Gunnison Sage-Grouse, and we were able to hear, but not see, White-tailed Ptarmigan and Chukar. We missed Sharp-tailed Grouse, and opted to not look for Gambel's Quail, Northern Bobwhite and Greater Prairie-Chicken. Next year's itinerary will be lengthened to enable viewing all species.