April, 2008 (weekly)

The LEK TREK North American Grouse Trip targets the two prairie chickens, sharptail, and sage grouse at their leks, the recently described Gunnison Sage Grouse, White-tailed Ptarmigan and Blue Grouse. We should also observe McCown's and Chestnut-collared Longspurs and Mountain Plover, and other possibilities include 3 spp. of rosyfinch, Lewis's Woodpecker, Sprague's Pipit, Harris's, Henslow's, Cassin's and Baird's Sparrow.

Contact Mike Flieg at <gmflieg'at' sbcglobal.net>  314-631-0606 

Tour Dates: April 6-12, 13-19 and 20-26 2008

Trips begin from Denver on Sunday morning and end late Saturday morning.

ITINERARY:

Day 1-Sunday

AM Drive from Denver to Pawnee National Grassland where we target the Mountain Plover, Chestnut-collared and McCown’s Longspurs. Night in Ft. Collins.(85 miles)

Day 2-Monday

Drive to Walden through Cameron Pass. Stopping for Dipper and Rosy Finches along the way. Other species of note could be Northern Pygmy Owl, Slate-colored Fox Sparrow, Cassin’s Finch, Pine Grosbeak. Night in Walden (98 miles).

Day 3-Tuesday

Early AM to Greater Sage Grouse lek. Return to Cameron Pass if necessary, then drive to Craig where we spend the night. In the PM we will look for Blue Grouse near Hayden (153 Miles)

Day 4-Wednesday

Early AM  to Sharp-tailed Grouse lek  We then drive to Gunnison with several stops along the way at Loveland Pass (White-tailed Ptarmigan ), and Steamboat Springs (feeders). Night in Gunnison. (173 Miles).

Day 5-Thursday

Early AM near Gunnison to observe Gunnison Grouse at lek, then a long drive to Elkart KS for Lesser Prairie Chicken with various stops. Night in Elkart (395 miles)

Day 6-Friday

Early AM to Lesser Prairie Chicken lek , after some local birding we will drive to Wray where we will spend the night (290 miles)

Day 7-Saturday

Observe Greater Prairie Chicken lek in early AM, then return to Denver. (166 Miles)

END OF TRIP

  The Cost of the trip is $1225, which includes ground travel, 6 nights lodging, and my services as driver and guide. A non-refundable deposit of  $100 is required; Single supplement is $175*. The trip will begin when I pick you up at the airport hotel and terminate upon our return. Meals, snacks and drinks are on your own.

Remit to:  Mike Flieg, 4333 Al Clare Drive, St. Louis MO 63123

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* If you do not have a roommate I will assign one to you if you wish. If  one is not available, you will have to pay the single supplement.

Contact Mike Flieg at <Ornifolks'at' aol.com> Phone 314-631-0606 

Colorado Grouse