[cobirds] Colorado RBA --April 9, 2010
Date:April 9, 2010 e-Mail: rba AT cfo-link.org phone: 303-659-8750 compiler: Allison Hilf This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Friday April 9, 2010 at 5:30am sponsored by Denver Field Ornithologists and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. Highlight species include (*Denotes that there is new information for this species in this report) TUNDRA SWAN (Rio Grande) EURASIAN WIGEON (Phillips) Barrow's Goldeneye (*Summit) Thayer's Gull (Weld) ICELAND GULL (Weld) Lesser Black-backed Gull (Weld) GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL (Weld) Glaucous Gull (Weld) White-winged Dove (Douglas) Juniper Titmouse (Jefferson) Black Phoebe (*Douglas/Jefferson, Pueblo) Eastern Phoebe (Larimer, Pueblo) VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Baca) Winter Wren (El Paso) Sage Sparrow (Boulder) Black-throated Sparrow (Montezuma) Fox Sparrow (*Garfield) White throated Sparrow (Mesa) GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (Jefferson) EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Phillips) Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (Huerfano, *Pitkin, Teller) Black Rosy-Finch (Grand, Huerfano, *Pitkin) White-winged Crossbill (*Larimer) To skip this recording to leave a message, press the star key at any time. Please leave your name, phone number, detailed directions including the county and dates for all sightings. It would be helpful if you would spell your last name. Baca County: --A male VERMILION FLYCATCHER was reported by Enbody at Comanche National Grasslands, .2 miles west of the corner of RD 21 and RD J on April 3. The bird was hanging around the fence posts and low bushes near the house on the north side of the road. Boulder County: --A Sage Sparrow was reported by Blatchley at Lagerman Reservoir on April 5 and by several observers on April 7. Douglas County: --A White-winged Dove was reported by Kilpatrick at his feeder in Parker on April 7. The crossroads are Parker Rd and Hess Road (Stroh's Ranch). DouglasCounty/Jefferson County: --A Black Phoebe was reported by Kelllner at Chatfield State Park on April 7 and was seen again on April 8 by the Schmokers. The bird can be located by driving in the main entrance and driving to the right (south) along the main road. When you cross the bridge over the Platte River park in the parking lot on the right (Platte River parking lot). Walk towards the river and take the concrete bike path downstream about .2 miles to where the bike path makes a sharp right and goes back towards the road. The bird was on the left (at this sharp bend) singing from the tops of the cottonwoods around a small intermittent pond. El Paso County: --A Winter Wren was reported by Lewantowicz at Fountain Creek Regional Park on April 3. The bird was located in the northern part of “Woodpecker Alley”. From the southern end of South Rice’s pond, go right onto the trail that goes by the waterfall. At the next forktake a right and you will be heading south into a wooded area. Walk a ways to a green metal bench on the left. The bird was on an island with trees along the shore directly west across the creek from the bench. Garfield County: --A Fox Sparrow was reported by Filby on April 8. The bird was sInging in his backyard. Grand County: --A Black Rosy-finch was reported by Binkley at feeders just outside of Grand Lake on April 2. Huerfano County: --All three species of rosy finches were reported by Jensen at the home of Beverly Jensen in La Veta on April 1. Call 719-989-1398 to arrange a visit. Jefferson County: --A Juniper Titmouse was reported at the Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch on March 6 by Luper and Clark and heard by Hundertmark on April 2. --A juv GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW was reported by Brown behind the Trading Post at Red Rocks on December 19. The GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW was last reported by Henwood on April 2. Larimer County: --An Eastern Phoebe was reported by Wild just south of Cattail Pond in SE Loveland on April 3. --A pair of White-winged Crossbills was observed feeding two babies on March 8. The birds were first reported by Leatherman at Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins on November 22. Location: extreme southeast corner of Grandview Cemetery, west end of Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins. Viewers are likely to see the adults in the nest tree or nearby during food runs, and/or chasing other finches. Such activities are brief and not very conducive to photography. Visitors should note the real potential for golf ball damage to vehicles if they park near the corner. When you first get there, figuring out where the spot is, parking somewhere else, and walking over to the corner would probably be best. Remember not to park on the grass, block roads, or otherwise interfere with the cemetery operations. The cemetery and golf course staffs are being very patient and accepting. We need to keep on good terms with them. Mesa County: --A White-throated Sparrow was reported by Walker in Big Salt Wash in the far western edge of Fruita on April 2. Montezuma County: --A Black-throated Sparrow
[cobirds] arapahoe county, cherry creek state park
FOS Black-crowned Night Heron at cottonwood pond in Cherry Creek State Park Matt Newport Aurora -- 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 To unsubscribe, reply using remove me as the subject.
[cobirds] Tundra Swan
A Tundra Swan has been reported at Monte Vista NWR. Virginia Simmons -- 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 To unsubscribe, reply using remove me as the subject.
[cobirds] Swainson's Hawks/Nunn
I saw Nunn's first Swainson's Hawk pair this morning on WCR 96 just south of our house. Thanks Gary Lefko/Nunn http://coloradobirder.ning.com/ Home of the Nunn Guy -- 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
[cobirds] Turkey Vultures Pueblo
We must have had 80 Turkey Vultures roosting in the trees near our home in the Aberdeen section of Pueblo this morning. Must be nearing the peak of spring migration. Saw a FOY pair on March 25, which was later than previous years. A pair of crows is building a nest atop a nearby spruce. They chase the TVs around in the evening when they are wafting by in the wind before settling in. A pair of bushtits started a nest in a trellis in our backyard a few weeks ago. I've not seen them this this week. They may have been discouraged by the high winds, the crows, or perhaps the neighborhood cat. I do hope they come back. I've never seen a completed bushtit nest. At Ft. Carson yesterday, I saw my FOY Burrowing Owl and Mountain Plover. They were in a very large prairie dog colony, where I also saw a soaring Golden Eagle and a Swift Fox sunning itself on top of a burrow. Was glad to see all these critters, given that the colony plagued out last year and pdog numbers are drastically reduced. The few survivors look good, and hopeully can begin the repopulation. The owls prefer to nest in active colonies and the plovers require low vegetation, a service the pdogs happily provide. Rick Clawges Pueblo county and city -- 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 To unsubscribe, reply using remove me as the subject.
[cobirds] Lagerman Res Sage Sparrow still present
For those of you who missed the Sage Sparrow yesterday, he is still present as of 9:00am this morning. Again working the paths and brush around the restrooms. Mike Blatchley Longmont -- 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 To unsubscribe, reply using remove me as the subject.
[cobirds] Re: [wsbn] Rosy Finches, Snowmass, Pitkin Co, Fox Sparrow Carbondale backyard still
Good Morning, I have been gone most of the season and thus Rosies have not been fed. I put out sunflower seeds 2 days ago. Yesterday 20 Rosies, today about 8o The distribution is 1 Black female 4 Grey-crowned Rosy Finch 75 Brown-capped Rosy Finch. As I am leaving tomorrow and the food supply will be off I do not know how long the birds will remain. 1 banded pink/ silver and orange with the group Linda Powers Crested Butte -- 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 To unsubscribe, reply using remove me as the subject.
[cobirds] Lagermann Thursday
After checking Sterns Lake, Walden and Sawhill ponds with nothing new I went to Lagermann Reservoir. After 2PM until 3:30PM. With binoculars I saw an Osprey on the nest too far away to see well and a couple of Avocets also not very well. Also on the far beach was a huge black mass. So I got out the telescope a project for me. A large brown bird flew over head and went to the southwest, while I was setting up. The Osprey nest had only the flattened nesting material with the bird gone. Earlier it looked like she was stomping the nest. I saw the Avocets well now (my FOS). The large tall clump turned out to be a Great Blue Heron standing tall on his legs with head tucked down away. It lifted his neck some and head with large bright orange bill. Being up on the sand it looked much bigger than usual. The black object I saw across on a post to right of the nest pole proved to be an Osprey finishing up a fish meal. (also FOS for me). While I was putting the scope away a brown bird flew along the shore past me and into the nearby closed area. So I took the Rollator over to the fence area and searched the near shore and weed area for some time and did not find anything. Thus ended a nice day on a good note although the Sage Sparrow was not found. Bob Spencer N.E. of Golden -- 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
[cobirds] Prospect Lake, CO Springs
Morning, COBirders~ On this morning's walk around Prospect Lake (Memorial Park, El Paso County), the usual suspects were in full force: Canada Geese, American Wigeon, Mallards coots, and previous Easter ducks. Over 20 Lesser Scaup are still here, yesterday's Buffleheads moved on, and were replaced by a dozen Ruddy Ducks (the males were stunning). One lone Western Grebe spending his fourth day here. Two California Gulls were the only gulls at this time segment. A few shovelers and Gadwall joined the mix. Glorious morning! Tamie Bulow Colorado Springs, CO -- 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 To unsubscribe, reply using remove me as the subject.
[cobirds] Ducks and rosies in Grand County
The south end of Shadow Mountain Reservoir, north of Granby/south of Grand Lake finally has some open water. Lots of ducks and Canada Geese: wigeons, buffleheads, mallard, Ring-neck Ducks, shovelers, Ruddy Ducks, Gadwall, Pied-billed Grebe, Redhead, American Coot, Killdeer and Common Goldeneye. Still looking for the Barrows with no luck. A canvasback was seen about 3 days ago. The Brown-capped Rosy-Finches and an occasional gray-capped continue to come daily in flocks of 20 to 30. Today quite a number have leg bands. FOS Turkey Vulture seen flying over the town of Grand Lake yesterday. Marilyn Binkley Grand Lake, CO -- 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 To unsubscribe, reply using remove me as the subject.
[cobirds] Yellow-throated Warbler @ Crow Valley Campground, Weld Co
Bob Shade and Warren Finch found a Yellow-throated Warbler at Crow Valley Campground near Briggsdale, Colorado. The bird was seen south of the main (larger) restroom, in the trees along the fence. Joey Kellner Littleton, CO -- 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 To unsubscribe, reply using remove me as the subject.
[cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch 4/9
Hi all, I visited Chico Basin Ranch (fee area) this morning. I was hoping that the female Northern Parula found at the Headquarters area yesterday would still be there today, though I couldn't find it. I also was hoping that the Mountain Plover(s) found there last Sunday would still be there, though I couldn't find that species either (usually they breed here, so I'm guessing they are around still). I did find 51 species of birds, mostly in Pueblo County at the Headquarters area and Rose Pond. I did find some birds I hadn't seen yet this spring: 4 Blue-winged Teal at Rose Pond (Pueblo County) 2 Burrowing Owl (El Paso County) 1 Chipping Sparrow at the Headquarters Willows (Pueblo County) few Great-tailed Grackles at Rose Pond (Pueblo County) Other things: Two migrant Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and three Yellow-rumped Warblers (including a singing male Audubon's) were at the Headquarters area, and another Yellow-rumped Warbler was at Rose Pond. There was a singing Ruby-crowned Kinglet at the Holmes Grove, a.k.a. RMBO banding station (El Paso County), also Cedar Waxwings, and many cows wandering around. There was a Brown-headed Cowbird, a flyover Bank Swallow, and a singing Marsh Wren at Rose Pond. A Greater Yellowlegs, several Cinnamon Teal, and a Double-crested Cormorant were at the Headquarters Lake, along with many other ducks. There seems to be a pair of Ladder-backed Woodpeckers at the Headquarter Willows, and I got a photo of the male. There were singing single Curve-billed Thrashers at both Rose Pond and the Holmes Grove. Good birding, Brandon K. Percival Pueblo West, Colorado -- 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 To unsubscribe, reply using remove me as the subject.
[cobirds] Black Phoebe still at same location at Chatfield State Park...
...and was seen again several times today by several people. When it is not up in the trees singing, it can sometimes be found down low in the shallow pond here or in the slough between the pond and the river. Joey Kellner Littleton, CO -- 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 To unsubscribe, reply using remove me as the subject.
[cobirds] Hawkwatch, Colo Spgs, Friday
Hi COBirders, More SE winds today, and a few migrants were seen around midday again at my vantage point N of Garden of the Gods. A great aerial show was put on all day by 10+ White-throated Swifts - too fun! Also seen: Peregrine Falcon - 2, zooming N Am Kestrel - 3 (1-2 locals?) Prairie Falcon - 1(local) Red-tailed Hawk - 5, (2 locals, at least), one kiting again today over same residential area Turkey Vulture - 9, mostly high, heading N, over and behind the scar and, unusual - Com Raven, 16, (11 in one flock, checking out the 25 Bighorn Sheep on the scar) Am Crow - 21, (20 in one flock) and the usual suspects of foothills birds - N Flicker, Rock Pigeon, Black-capped Chickadee, Am Robin, BB Magpie, W Scrub Jay, and 4 W Bluebirds. Yesterday I had so many raptors come in close, I thought I'd experiment today, and see if they would mob a plastic GH Owl. So I filled it with rocks and placed it on an exposed sandstone point. Unfortunately not many birds were close today - but I did get a screaming approach (30') by the Prairie Falcon. That was cool! Steve Brown Colorado Springs -- 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
[cobirds] Yellow-throated Warbler at Crow Valley still present...
As of 4:20pm the Yellow-throated Warbler was still present in the same area (south of the group picnic area and restrooms). Joe Roller further reports this to be the white lored race. Joey Kellner Littleton, CO - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Bob Shade and Warren Finch found a Yellow-throated Warbler at Crow Valley Campground near Briggsdale, Colorado. The bird was seen south of the main (larger) restroom, in the trees along the fence. Joey Kellner Littleton, CO -- 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 To unsubscribe, reply using remove me as the subject.
[cobirds] Black Phoebe, Chatfield, Douglas
We managed to locate Joey Kellner's Black Phoebe this morning, due to hearing it tweet as it moved around. It took 15-30 minutes at the location before the bird flew up, tweeting, and then spent some time flycatching near the pond that Joey described (0.2 mile north of Kingfisher Bridge over the South Platte, on the east (Douglas County) side. Later we saw a hawk soaring over the prairie dog town on Roxborough Park road, competing with one of the model airplanes. When we got close enough, it turned into an Osprey carrying a fish. Why does the phoebe tweet? We would not have found it without its call. Why did the Osprey carry this fish so high in the air, so far from where it must have caught it? Urling Hugh Kingery -- 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 To unsubscribe, reply using remove me as the subject.
[cobirds] Last Chance, CO migrants
Glenn Walbek, Norm Erthal and Loch Kilpatrick report an Eastern Bluebird and BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER at the Last Chance rest area today at 5pm. Joey Kellner Littleton, CO -- 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 To unsubscribe, reply using remove me as the subject.
[cobirds] that big gray gull at the North Weld Landfill
Hi Everyone-- I looked at Nick Komar's gull pictures. Structurally, it looks like Glaucous-winged, even if the bill is a little on the small side (there is plenty of individual variation). The bird I saw last weekend had similar gray tones on the back, so it could have been the same guy (wish I'd had longer looks). Slaty-backs of this age are starting to get dark back feathers, usually have some black smudging around the eye and don't look quite so hulking. Nick, thanks for persevering to get those picture. Mark Miller Longmont, CO -- 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 To unsubscribe, reply using remove me as the subject.
[cobirds] Crossbill Update, Grandview Cemetery, Fort Collins for 9April
south side of the crown, about half way up the tall spruce tree on the ditch bank just north of the lime green pumphouse, extreme southeast corner, Grandview Cemetery, west end of Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado: The White-winged Crossbill nesting attempt is progressing quickly. Two babies are growing visibly each day. Today they were seen flapping their feathered wings, showing white wing-bars, and even sporting feathers and stripes on their heads. The parents are making runs into the nest about once an hour. I have yet to hear the nestlings (as opposed to nestling siskins nearby which hiss noticeably during their feedings). It may just be that where we view the crossbills is too far away to hear noises they may be making. The parents are not making much noise either prior to coming into the nest. Lou Hedegus and I discovered at least one spot where the parents are getting water this afternoon - they went THROUGH the diamond-shaped grate on the south side of the pumphouse to free water that flows from a big drainage pipe across a concrete slab and into the pumphouse. I have seen fledgling siskins do the same thing but can't remember if I reported this. I got pics of the female crossbill with her head sticking out of the grate on her way out from a subterranean watering run. The male just flew up and out of there like it was a mere training exercise. Amazing. The female is roosting with the male somewhere away from the nest tree these nights. Either there isn't enough room for her, given the low ceiling over the nest site and/or this is standard practice for a nest in this stage of nestling development on days with temperature at or above freezing. First feeding of the nestlings in the morning appears to be about 7:15-7:30am. The female is consuming the fecal sacs. Both parents seem to be spending more and more time in deciduous trees, apparently getting insects (particularly scales), buds (American elm and American hackberry), and perhaps galls (made by eriophyid mites in cottonwood). For those who have asked, I have not seen any accipiter or squirrel activity near the nest recently. But to be honest, I have not been there much lately, either. The nest wall pilfering by other finches seems to have subsided, also. We had calculated fledging for early next week and this just may be about right (Tuesday?). I will not be there tomorrow morning, but want to get over there tomorrow afternoon and at least part of Sunday morning. It is not an exaggeration to state errant golf shots are a threat to birders and their vehicles. So far two of us have been hit in the leg. Some of these golfers and their shots are impressively bad and dangerous. Many of them look and act like a backcross between John Daly and Happy Gilmore. Be forewarned. Dave Leatherman Fort Collins -- 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 To unsubscribe, reply using remove me as the subject.
[cobirds] Black Phoebe, Chatfield and heading south to El Paso and Pueblo Counties
Tom Wilberding and I set out today on a trip towards Holly. Our first stop of the day was to see the Black Phoebe at Chatfield. We saw the phoebe at around 12:30pm, then headed south to Colorado Springs. Highlights at Big Johnson were Red-breasted Merganser , Common Loon , Franklin Gull (FOS), and great looks comparing breeding plumaged Horned Grebe and Eared Grebe . Next stop Fountain Creek to search for the elusive Great Blue Heron . We couldn't relocate any of the winter wrens, but did find two Sora , a Hairy Woodpecker , four Wood Duck s and yes, the elusive GBH. Evening was closing in on us, but we decided to check out Harmony Dr. in Pueblo West and upon reaching the first house on the left there were two Scaled Quail in the front of the house. Continuing on Harmony we heard a few more calling quail. Almost to the end of Harmony next to a vacant house a Curve-billed Thrasher and a cottontail were scrounging around a vacant yard. And finally, one more quail crossing the road at the end of Harmony Dr. Concluding the evening we headed to the Pueblo Res. SWA to look for avocets, but came away with two Greater Yellowlegs . Todd Deininger Longmont, CO Only the muddy fox lives -- 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 To unsubscribe, reply using remove me as the subject.
[cobirds] Sage Sparrow at DeWeese Res., Custer Co.
Hi all Today there was a Sage Sparrow on the south side of DeWeese Reservoir at the parking lot next to the dam. It was struting around on the ground next to my car while I was eating lunch. I was able get some good for-the -record pictures shooting out of the car window. To my surprise, DeWesse Res. was still frozen over. There was some open water at the shallow end which was teeming with ducks and geese. Nothing unusual. Also here were four White Pelicans, two Avocets and a Franklin Gull. Rich Miller -- 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 To unsubscribe, reply using remove me as the subject.
