I think I read somewhere that the male Cassins show up first and the females come later. I have had hundreds of Rosy Finches with all the snow. I keep thinking it's time for them to head to the alpine tundra just up the road from here but I think they like all the sunflower seeds I put out for them.
Good luck with birdwatching today. I'm thinking that once Breck ski resort closes for the season (today), I might be able to get the spouse to take me on a few drives. Let me know what you see.
Kim, the only exciting thing I've seen lately is a Lapland Longspur. I was totally surprised to see it. I have a pair of Pine Grosbeaks that came around again last week before the snow started to fall. Juncos are regulars now too. I haven't been able to get out and look around -- had an ACL reconstruction about 3 1/2 weeks ago so I'm in a brace and not driving yet (right knee). The crutches are pretty much behind me except for going out in the snow.
What about you? Have you seen anything interesting lately? I confess I'm looking forward to a warm-up in the weather just to see what other birds come around. Did you get a lot of snow? About 2 feet here.
Kim, I'm not very good at raptors yet. I've looked through my books and I'm inclined to think that is a red tail. Gary Lefko is the pro on raptors.
I noticed you're in Steamboat. I'm in Breckenridge. I think we get many similar birds, but I'm at a higher elevation than you. I haven't seen the evening grosbeaks yet, but hope too. I'm getting tons of Rosy Finches for now. I've seen a few of the Cassin's finch return but just the males so far.
I've been birding for less than a year sort of seriously, but I've watched the birds for the past few years. I'm getting better.