I didn't hunt them in Colorado but what you are explianing seems to be the norm this year throughout. Looking here and other websitews I keep reading the same story. I sure didn't find birds in my honey holes that produce birds even on the worst years. I did manage to find a few in places I had never been before. The cover was no different than what I usually hunt elavation wise it was about the same also. I have heard different stories about it being so hot this summer it has driven them way back into the dark timber where it has been cooler, I don't know. Where I was at they recieved over 200% more snow than the 10 year average maybe that had something to do with it. Unfortunatly, I will not be able to make it out again. I did however, as stated in other post, see plenty of good cover and the berries that they always full of were thick. The ones I did harvest were full of green leaves and not too many berries. Good luck.