Now is the month for the flight from the Rocky Mountains south to places like Arizona, southern California, Texas and Florida. They will pack up their belongings, pack their cars, and make the long migration to warmer climates. Some will go in broods, some will go alone. The timing of their departure mainly depends upon the weather. Last year, during a warm October, the migration was delayed for many. In other years of early October snow, they left earlier.
No, I’m not talking about a flock of Canada geese, nor a Rufous hummingbird, but instead the summer residents of the Rocky Mountains affectionately referred to as “Snowbirds.” Snowbirds seem to exist mainly in those locales of beautiful scenery, cooler summertime temperatures, but more rugged winters. I must say growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, that I never saw a Snowbird in the entire state of Missouri.
But Colorado, with its snow capped peaks, rustic cabins nestled in wooded forests along alpine lakes, is full of Snowbirds. There are some mountain towns that seem more full of Snowbirds than year-round residents. Estes Park, Colorado, home to Rocky Mountain National Park is full of Snowbirds, mainly hailing from Texas and Arizona. The small village of Eldora, just a few miles out of Nederland, is comprised of mostly summer residents.
Snowbirds tend to be retired, thus allowing them the flexibility of moving back and forth at their own personal whim. Their winter homes tend to be places that are highly undesirable in the summer climate — think 115 degrees in Phoenix, or hot and humid in Houston, Texas. Who could blame someone for wanting to flee that kind of summer heat for the idyllic setting of the Rocky Mountains with its 70-degree days?
But October brings about the migration of the snow birds to flee the mountains. I know some Snowbirds personally, and they keep asking, “when do you think that first big snow will come?” Because the last thing a Snowbird wants is to be driving snow packed mountain roads. Their wish is to time it just perfectly — late enough to enjoy the fall foliage and bugling elk, but early enough to avoid snow.
As I studied wildlife migrations while working for the National Park Service, I was struck by one particular bird who didn’t seem to follow the standard migration pattern of heading south. Rather than heading to warmer climates, the Blue Grouse headed higher in altitude to feed on the needles of fir trees during wintertime. Like the Blue Grouse, I know of a couple of reverse Snowbirds in Boulder. Rather than leaving Colorado this time of year, they return from the east coast, just in time for winter. Somewhat odd, but understandable when you understand their passion is skiing.
Soon the days will come that he windows are battened down, the water shut off, and the cabins shuttered until late in the spring when the Snowbirds return. Our small mountain town will become quiet, and the only folks you’ll see at the local coffee house or pizza place will be the locals. Adieu Snowbirds!
