Cobirds: Long winded perhaps, but some info for Boulder area and comments about hummingbirds. Ovenbirds have returned to Boulder Mountain Park. One heard where Bear Creek intersects with the Mesa Trail singing frequently. Good spots to listen for them traditionally have been: The beginning of the Royal Arch Trail where a few picnic tables are located just over the wooden bridge; also along the Bluebell Trail from Gregory Canyon to the Royal Arch Trail; and as mentioned, Bear Creek \ Bear Canyon where it intersects the Mesa Trail. I contend that they nest in Boulder Mt. Park - others disagree. Unless we find a nest, we can't be certain. FYI: ovenbirds sing in areas of mixed conifers and deciduous trees especially ponderosa - AND near thickets of poison ivy. You don't go to ovenbirds, ovenbirds come to you. Plus they are wonderful ventriloquists - so finding them is frustrating. Indigo bunting - a beautiful male singing from the top of a tree about 1 mile up into the Bear Creek Canyon trail complex. Indigo buntings are regular summer guests - also suspected of breeding on Boulder Open Space properties. Traditional places to see them: 1) Doudy Draw complex, - which unfortunately is closed to hikers, as a seasonal protected area. 2) Towhee Trail - watch and listen in the riparian section. And 3) The first 1/2 mile of the Flagstaff Mt. Trail from Gregory Canyon parking lot. Bear Creek riparian section is a real hot spot now - from Bear Creek Drive up to the Mesa Trail intersection. Early morning is best. Some birds from Boulder Mt. Park this weekend: Three toed woodpecker - Bear Peak fire burn area Cordilleran flycatcher Dusky flycatcher Warbling vireo Plumbeous vireo Western tanager - lots in the Bear Canyon area - I stopped counting after 25 Lazuli bunting Green tailed towhee Spotted towhee (of course!) Black headed grosbeak - numerous Bullock's oriole - good numbers House wren - everywhere Blue gray gnatcatcher Bushtit Pine siskin - in good numbers at different elevations Re: Broad tailed hummingbirds: I saw comment about hummers posted earlier. I can report that numbers are good in Gregory Canyon \ Flagstaff Mt. area, and seem pretty good throughout Boulder Mt. Park. Likewise Rocky Mt. National Park, Estes Park, and Lyons all seem to have good numbers and vigorous displays of males. Perhaps there are local die-offs elsewhere, but I haven't really seen a change in numbers. What baffles me, is how they survived the April snowstorms. Would like to hear more discussion..... And lastly (whew).... If you see snakes regularly (say behind your house), I'd love to photograph them, if you not far away. Or if you need help with ID, removal, etc, etc. - Thanks. Email me offline, of course. Forgot: Cow Creek trail in Rocky Mt. National Park has singing olive sided flycatchers and ruby crowned kinglets. Cheers, John T (Tumasonis) of Louisville CO
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