On my way to scope some waterfowl at Stagecoach Reservoir (Routt Co.) this morning, I encountered a single waxwing that flew across the road as I drove by. I found a safe place to park and discovered a large flock of mixed waxwings with ~75 individuals. It was pretty evenly distributed, with an estimated 40 Bohemians and 35 Cedars. According to eBird data, this is one of only two BOWA observations this season in Colorado. I was able to spend some time with this flock and watched as they flew back and forth between a few Hawthornes and Aspen. It was a veritable frenzy as these birds gorged themselves on Hawthorne berries. This was easily my favorite avian encounter in months!
eBird checklist with photos: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155969982 Perhaps this flock is an indication of the winter to come. Last year while the Front Range was enjoying the irruption of BOWA, Routt experienced a "drought". I am only aware of one flock that was seen in Routt, in early March. In a typical year, I will see them around three or four times (almost always in massive flocks). Maybe my observation today is an indication of a more normal year for waxwings? Of course, this is pure speculation and only time will tell... Happy Birding! Noah Brinkman -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/d056eb67-b6aa-4020-b823-e2a6eb8f840cn%40googlegroups.com.
