[Birdtalk] more Rosy-Finches

[Colby Neuman]

While on the ridgeline between Cardiff Fork and Mineral Fork (just south of
Kessler Peak) in Big Cottonwood Canyon (Salt Lake Co.) I had a flock (~40)
of rosy-finches fly by this afternoon.  Based on overall coloration of many
of the birds there appeared to be both Gray-crowned and Black Rosy-Finches.
Several gave calls that I was unfamiliar with so presumably these were
Gray-crowned.  While skiing down two actually landed on the underside of a
rock band so I tried sneaking up on them.  As I was approaching the rock
band, a ski got caught underneath a crust and all I ended up seeing was snow
in an up close and personal way.

Also, on Thursday morning (probably still 20-30 min from sunrise on the
surrounding peaks) at the base of the first major avalanche path you cross
as you go up the bottom of Cardiff Fork, I heard a call that I don't think
I've heard before.  It was similar to the call note of a Rock Wren in pitch
and pattern, but it was a thin rapid trill.  I'm basically clueless as to
what it was.  Any insight?

Colby
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