[cobirds] snowy owl
Hi all, I just received an e-mail from a friend in Kansas who has examined four pellets from one of the snowy owls there. He found the remains of a Ring-billed Gull in one pellet and the bill of a coot in another. At least that bird is not starving. Scott Rashid Estes Park -- 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. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
[cobirds] Colorado RBA, Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Compiler: Mary Driscoll Date: January 18, 2012 e-mail: r...@cfobirds.org phone: 303-659-8750 This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Wednesday, January 18, 2012 sponsored by Denver Field Ornithologists and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. If you are phoning in a message, you can skip the recording by pressing the star key (*) on your phone at any time. Please leave your name, phone number, detailed directions, including county and dates for each sighting. It would be helpful if you would spell your last name. Highlight species include: (* denotes that there is new information on this species in this report) TRUMPETER SWAN (Boulder, Larimer) TUNDRA SWAN (Boulder, Larimer) White-winged Scoter (*Pueblo) Long-tailed Duck (*Denver, *Eagle) Barrow's Goldeneye (*Adams, Garfield, Morgan,*Pitkin, Summit) Turkey Vulture (Montezuma) Thayer's Gull (Boulder, Broomfield, Jefferson, Larimer, Morgan) ICELAND GULL (BROOMFIELD) Lesser Black-backed Gull (Boulder, Broomfield, Morgan) GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL (Broomfield) Glaucous Gull (Broomfield, Douglas/Jefferson, Morgan) GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (Broomfield) Greater Roadrunner (*Jefferson) SNOWY OWL (Adams) Swamp Sparrow (Mesa) White-throated Sparrow (El Paso) Harris's Sparrow (El Paso, Jefferson) GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (*Jefferson) Lapland Longspur (El Paso, Weld) Snow Bunting (Pueblo) Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (*Jefferson, Teller, Weld, Summit) Black Rosy-Finch (Huerfano,*Jefferson, Montrose, Teller) PURPLE FINCH (BOULDER) Common Redpoll (Logan) Please note, detailed directions to most of the following locations can be found on the Colorado County Birding Website:http://www.coloradocountybirding.com/index.php Adams County: --A pair of Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by Lowrie in placid water on the Platte River near the pair of green metal benches between the UP bridge and the green and white water tower on January 17. --A drake Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by Trinker on the Platte River just south of 88th Ave. in Thornton, January 15. Use parking area at Colo. Blvd. and 88th. --A SNOWY OWL was found by Peter Plage on the Barr Lake CBC on January 2. Directions: Take Bromley Lane (152nd) east from I-76 and go 2 miles past Piccadilly to Harvest Road. Turn right and go south to 144th. On January 15, Gonder reported the young SNOWY OWL could be seen from 138th Ave and Harvest Rd, it was well camouflaged against the grass along a fence line. Boulder County: --A TRUMPTER SWAN was reported by Mlodinow at Valmont Reservoir on January 15. --A TUNDRA SWAN was reported by Kaempfer at Valmont Reservoir on January 7. --1 Lesser Black Backed Gull (2nd yr), 2 Thayer's Gulls, (ad. and 2nd yr.) were reported by Mlodinow at McIntosh Reservoir on January 15. --1-2 POSSIBLE PURPLE FINCHES were reported by Guarente on January 16, from Hall Ranch Open Space in Lyons. Two of them were House Finch sized with lots of wide streaking on the chest, a huge light-colored eyestripe that widened dramatically behind the eye, and a heavy House-finch-like beak. Waltman reports that he went to Hall Ranch this morning to check out the possible PURPLE FINCHES reported yesterday by Guarente, and reports that he found and photographed a male and female (1st yr) Cassin's Finch. Broomfield County: --On January 14, Mlodinow reported 2 Thayer's Gulls (1 ad, 1 juv), and a juvenile ICELAND GULL at Siena Pond. On January 16, King reported a darker adult Kummlein's ICELAND GULL at Siena Pond. (The small lake off Sheridan Prky. near Lowell Blvd.) On Januay 16, Kaempfer reported 1 (1st. cy) GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, 1 (1st. cy.) Glaucous Gull, and 1 (1st. cy) GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL at Siena Pond. On January 9, Filby reported 6 Thayer's Gulls (2 ad, 4 juv), 2 Glaucous Gulls (1ad, 1 imm) and 1 ad Lesser Black-backed Gull. Siena Pond is at Sheridan Parkway Lowell Blvd. --On January 15 at Anthem Ponds, Mark Miller reported 3 Thayer's Gull, (1st cy) a (1st cy) ICELAND GULL, and a (1st cy) Glaucous Gull. On January 7, Mlodinow reported 7 Thayer's Gulls (2 ad, 4 juv, 1 2-nd cyc), 2 Glaucous Gulls (both 1-st winter) at Anthem Ranch Pond. On January 9, Filby reported 4 Thayer's Gulls (3 ad, 1 juv) and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull (3 rd winter). Denver County: --A female type Long-tailed Duck was reported by Wuerthele at Duck Lake in City Park on November 22 and was relocated by Lowrie on January 17. Eagle County: --A female type Long-tailed Duck was reported by Fitzgerald at Ruedi Reservoir on January 11. El Paso County: --A White-throated Sparrow was seen at the feeders at Fountain Creek Regional Park by Stuart on January 14. --A Harris's Sparrow was reported by Teuton at the feeders at Fountain Creek Regional Park on January 3. The Harris's Sparrow returned to the feeder for Barnes on January 15. --All 3 species of Longspurs were reported by Peterson on Tamlin Road east of Colorado Springs on January 8. They were near where road goes
[cobirds] No Rosy Finches at Red Rocks today. Jefferson
Dick Schottler and I were there yesterday afternoon until about 3:00 and I tried today from 8:15 to 9:00 but no Rosies. The Golden-crowned Sparrow was there this morning. We may need another snow storm for the Rosies to come in. Take seed. Bob Shade (Lakewood) -- 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. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
[cobirds] Frankenduck, redux
Hi all: While I was wandering around in Flickr pictures, I came across a relevant picture. http://www.flickr.com/photos/pennyhallphotography/6136211761/in/pool-ebird/ Tony Leukering Villas, NJ -- 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. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
[cobirds] One less squirrel at 455 Dover, Lakewood Jan 16
Cobirders, Squirrels ply down cables from the nearby gulch into our backyard to ground-feed beneath squirrel-proof bird feeders. Yesterday around 10 AM on Jan 16, a fairly large raptor, probably the resident Prairie Falcon, apparently swooped in on one of the squirrels carrying it down into the 6-inch-thick snow field and with one bounce and on a few feet to leave a five-foot circle of markings of the intense struggle that ensued. The raptor left the nearly dead squirrel, which crawled a few feet to die. This story was written based on the evdence. I did not see it happen, This morning the squirrel was gone. Tracks show that it was drug through the snow and over the fence into our front yard. This is the first time I have seen the death of a squirrel. Peaceful birding, Warren Finch -- 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. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
[cobirds] White-winged Scoter -- Pueblo Res. 1/18
Clif Smith and Pearle Sandstrom-Smith just called from Pueblo Reservoir, they are looking at the White-winged Scoter from the State Wildlife Area on the North West side looking east. This bird seems to be hanging around so far. There are a lot of goldeneyes around this area, though no one seems to be seeing any Barrow's Goldeneyes or Long-tailed Ducks, for some reason. Brandon Percival Pueblo West, 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. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
[cobirds] Broomfield Gulls
CO birders : My first visit to these series of ponds in Broomfield around midday today revealed some goodies . Most of the action at this time was at the Anthem Ranch ponds where in a 45 minute span we had 2 1st cycle Thayers , 1 1st cycle Glaucous ( very white ) , 1 adult Lesser Black- backed , 1 1 st or 2 cnd cycle Greater Black-backed Gull ( I incline to 2 cnd cycle because of the white upper tail coverts ) and 1 1st cycle Glaucous-winged Gull . The Glaucous-winged stood out by it's greater size than corresponding Herring Gulls , uniform broad pale upper wing and tail in flight with mottling , large all black bill , very aggresive in behaviour dominating a immature Herring Gull for prey. . Very windy conditions made it impossible to get photos however. Siena Pond in the time we were there had just an adult Lesser-Black-backed Gull of interest . There was constant comings and goings so we could have well missed other rarities . These ponds are outstanding for allowing close views for larophiles . John Drummond Monument -- 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. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
[cobirds] Broomfield Gulls and other Denver birds TUESDAY
Hi all, First: apologies for the late posting, couldn't get onto my computer until this evening, and nothing too dramatic to report.. Spent yesterday birding the Denver area. Well worth the 450miles of driving to enjoy the great variety and great views of the gulls on the Broomfield Ponds Highlights included: Bear Creek Lake Park Harris's Sparrow 1 by boat launch at 8am Red Rocks Park - feeders at the Trading Post Golden-crowned Sparrow Ca.30 Rosy Finches, mainly Gray-crowned 3 Hepburn's 1 Brown-capped 2 Black Anthem Pond (Bromfield) 10:15am - midday, and again 2.15-2:30pm Birds that cycled thro' included.. 2 first cycle Glaucous Gulls 5+ Thayer's Gulls (2 adult, 3 first cycle) 20+ Herring Gulls 100's Ring-billed Gulls (+ad Lesser Black-backed Gull seen by Joe Roller et al before I arrived) Siena Pond (Broomfield) midday-2.10p and 2.40p-4.15p 2 Glaucous Gulls (a very small adult and a 1cy) 8+Thayer's Gulls (3 ads, 4 1cy and a 2cy) Kumlien's Gulls? Ad (flight only - no photos) and a 1cy type - tho' I think the latter is likely a hybrid Thayer's x Iceland/Kumlien's - excellent perched photos and OK'ish flight shots 30+ Herring Gulls, 100's Ring-billed Gulls Ross's Goose Hybrid Ross's x Cackling Goose ? No Greater Black-backs, nor Glaucous-winged.. And a ton of other good birds I didn't even make time to look for (Greater Roadrunner, Snowy Owl, Long-tailed Duck...) PLUS.. Had to be back in Snowmass for my appointment with the Rosy Finches this morning. Lots of driving on a cold and snow-packed I70 where it was a chilly -4 on Vail Pass at 6pm -- 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. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
[cobirds] Roadrunner Jefferson County
Patty Echelmeyer called to report seeing the roadrunner on the hill just above the dinosaur footprints interpretive sign at a little past four this afternoon. It remained in view for about five minutes. - Chuck Lowrie, Denver -- 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. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
[cobirds] Rosy Finches, Snowmass ski area, Pitkin
Hi all We enjoyed a great Rosy Finch spectacle today Wednesday at Snowmass on my weekly free bird tour: I estimated ca.300 Rosy Finches feeding voraciously at our feet and on the feeder.. (at the top of the Village Express chairlift at Sam's Knob) The flock comprised of around 70% Brown-capped and 30% Gray-crowned (no Blacks seen) Almost all the Gray-crowned were Hepburn's I have no doubt that the 14 of snow yesterday covered up lots of their feeding areas on the south-facing side of the hill .. Only other birds seen were Ravens. My next free Snowmass bird tour will be Wednesday 29 February as I'm headed off after this weekend to do some bird tours in Antarctica, The Falklands and South Georgia Good birding all Dick Filby Carbondale, 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. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
[cobirds] Long-tailed Duck at Brush Hollow Reservoir northeast of Canon City
This afternoon I drove out to Brush Hollow Reservoir, which is about 15 miles northeast of Canon City, to see if all the strong winds had blown in anything interesting. I first saw 8-10 Common Goldeneye, several Pintail Ducks and other common waterfowl then I spotted a distant Long-tailed Duck. I got a few reasonable photos but she was more than 400 feet away so I drove back and forth around the reservoir (can't go all the way around to the west cliff section without risk of vehicle falling in deep ruts), losing sight of her for awhile. I drove back around on the country road to try the cliffs on the west side and, after looking for almost a half hour, refound her back in the middle of the reservoir and still distant. I waited and she finally swam in closer to the cliff area which provides shelter from the strong and gusty winds. I got some nicer photos even with the winds battering me and my tripod my new Canon 60d let me take photos at 1/8000 of a second. I have posted several photos of this female Long-tailed Duck, in Basic (winter) plumage, on my Birds and Nature bloghttp://BirdsAndNature.blogspot.com. I was surprised to watch other ducks, that were also apparently enjoying the protection from the bad winds by the cliffs on the elevated west side of this smallish reservoir, chase the Long-tailed Duck away from this area near them. First several American Coots ganged up and chased her out towards the middle and she returned, then repeated. Then 2 Redhead Ducks did the same. Finally the female Long-tailed Duck came back in apparently no longer to be intimidated as she stayed. I saw her open her bill wide twice and guess she may have vocalized, possibly to warn the others off?? Then an ATV comes roaring down the lower section of the west side under the cliffs and it scared everything off. The Long-tailed Duck joined some other ducks that flew away from the reservoir. I waited a while to see if she returned but she did not do before I left. Note:if you haven't yet seen the cool video of the Hooded Crow (in Russia) sliding down a snowy roof-repeatedly- using a jar lid for a snowboard, I have the video @ BB bloghttp://birdsandbloomsblog.com/2012/01/15/video-of-a-crow-snowboarding-down-a-snowy-roof/. SeEtta Moss Canon City Blogging for Birds and Blooms magazine @ http://birdsandbloomsblog.com/category/birding/ (new link) Personal blog @ BirdsAndBlooms.blogspot.comhttp://birdsandblooms.blogspot.com/ -- 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. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
