THE NORM
Days are mostly sunny and nice while nights are still cold. Snow is not unlikely but the storms are usually brief and the snow wet. Trails at lower elevations are mostly clear of snow but ice lingers in protected areas. Mud is common on some trails. This is a good time for longer hikes in the lower elevations of the park. Wildflowers and butterflies become more common along the trails.  Year-round birds begin to search for nesting sites. High elevations maintain a good volume of snow but conditions become less favorable for winter activities. Visitation increases with numerous school groups and bus tours arriving in the park.    

April 2009
April has been cooler and wetter than usual with numerous snow storms broken by sunny nice days.  Slightly past mid-month, the weather is now expected to warm considerably and to be much drier than earlier in the month.  Butterflies are plentiful especially Painted Ladies that are migrating through in large numbers. Some of the first wildflowers of the season are blooming and many more are likely to make their appearance soon. Visitation has been moderate.

WILDFLOWERS CURRENTLY IN BLOOM

Candy Tuft
Easter Daisies
Canada Violet
Heron's Bill
Wild Plum
New Mexico Olive
Pasque Flower
Bluebells
Three-leaf Sumac

 

RECENT WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS

Rock Squirrel*
Eastern Fence Lizard*
Mountain Bluebird
Turkey Vulture*
Gray Fox
Black Bear*
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake*
Yellow-rumped Warbler*
Cinnamon Teal
Blue-winged Teal
Chipping Sparrow*
Northern Shoveler
Black-chinned Hummingbird*
Black-necked Stilt
Scaup
Ring-necked Duck
Peregrine Falcon*
Black-headed Grosbeak*
Plumbeous Vireo*
Chipping Sparrow*

*Common park residents that made their first appearance this month after either migrating away for the winter or hibernating.