[cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, Sunday, November 25, 2012
Compiler: Joyce Takamine Date: November 25, 2012 email: rba AT cfobirds.org phone: 303-659-8750 This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Sunday, November 25, 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) Tundra Swan (*Boulder) Surf Scoter (*Weld) White-winged Scoter (*Denver) Long-tailed Duck (*El Paso, Larimer) Barrow's Goldeneye (Adams, Larimer, Pueblo) Red-throated Loon (Douglas) Pacific Loon (Arapahoe, Huerfano) Dunlin (Boulder) Thayer's Gull (Boulder) Chihuahuan Raven (*Boulder) Winter Wren (*Pueblo) Fox Sparrow (*Pueblo) Bohemian Waxwing (Moffat) Swamp Sparrow (Boulder, Pueblo) White-throated Sparrow (Jefferson, Huerfano) Harris's Sparrow (Huerfano, Pueblo) GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (Jefferson) Lapland Longspur (Larimer, Weld) Snow Bunting (Larimer) Northern Cardinal (*Boulder) Rusty Blackbird (Arapahoe, Douglas) BRAMBLING (*Jefferson) Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (Boulder) Black Rosy-Finch (Boulder) Common Redpoll (*Boulder, *Jefferson, Weld) Adams County: --A Barrow's Goldeneye was reported by Gilbert on the S Platte River near 88th and Colorado by the water tank on November 21. Arapahoe County: --At Cherry Creek SP on November 19, Righter reported 3 Pacific Loons near the dam, and a Rusty Blackbird on the Prairie Loop. Boulder County: --At Baseline Reservoir in Boulder on November 17, the BBC field trip led by John Vanderpoel had a nice gull study of 1-st cyc Thayer's and Herring Gulls side by side and 5 Tundra Swans (2ad, 3 juv). On November 21, Rynes reported that the 5 Tundra Swans were in the SW corner of Baseline Reservoir in the morning. On November 22, Kaempfer reported that the Tundra Swans were at Sombrero Marsh in Boulder. On November 23, Rynes reported the Tundras Swans at Sombrero Marsh. On November 24, Steve Frye's bird walk reported the Tundra Swans back at Baseline Reservoir. --Gray-crowned and Black Rosy-Finches were reported by Wilberding in Ward on the main street on November 18. --A Northern Cardinal was found by Jinx Cooper in Hawthorne Gulch in Boulder on November 19. From Broadway, turn N on Hawthorn and drive to the end and park. Continue on the trail for about 200 yards. Bird was near pump house. On November 23, Cooper saw the Northern Cardinal in Hawthorne Gulch below the pump house. On November 24, Boswell refound the Northern Cardinal near the pump house. The cardinal has been seen between 0900 and 1000 near the pump house. It is quiet so you have to be looking at the right spot at the right time. Sometimes it will perch in the open for a few seconds. --November 19 was Swamp Sparrow day for Ted Floyd in Boulder County: he had one at the Cottonwood Marsh parking lot, 1 at Sawhill Ponds parking lot, 3 along Boulder Creek at 75th about 1000 ft downstream, 1 at McIntosh in the marsh on SW side, and 1 at Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont. On November 20, Waltman reported a Swamp Sparrow at first pond SW of parking lot pond at Sawhill. On November 22, Floyd reported 2 Swamp Sparrows at the back end of Sawhill Ponds, and 1 at Cottonwood Marsh Parking Lot. --A Dunlin was reported by Floyd at Panama Reservoir on November 19. --On November 21, Breitsch reported a Fox Sparrow at Walden Ponds in Boulder. --Tumasonis reported that Steve Frye's bird walk had 40 Common Redpolls at Baseline Reservoir on November 24. They were feeding in weedy patches on the west side of the reservoir. Later in the afternoon, Lamoureux reported that the redpolls were feeding on the shore in the SW corner of Baseline Reservoir. --A Chihuahuan Raven was reported by Schmoker in Longmont on November 24. Denver County: --A juv White-winged Scoter was reported by Tina Jones at Marston Reservoir on November 22. On November 23, Kibbe relocated ythe White-winged Scoter at Marston. Tina Jones reported White-winged Scoter at Marston on November 24. Douglas County: --At Chatfield SP on November 20, Drummond reported a juv Red-throated Loon close to the dam wall seen from handicapped fishing pier and 2 Rusty Blackbirds at Plum Creek Delta. El Paso County: --A f type Long-tailed Duck was reported by Peterson at Big Johnson on November 24. Huerfano County: --On November 22, Neldner reported 2 Harris's Sparrows and a White-throated Sparrow at her feeders in La Veta. If you would like to try for the birds, please contact her at pollywren AT gmail.com. On November 23, Neldner reported 3 Harris's Sparrows and a White-throated Sparrow at her feeders. --At Lathrop St on Martin Lake on November 23, Neldner relocated the Pacific
[cobirds] a few Boulder County odds & ends, Nov. 24th
Hello, Birders. Hannah and Andrew and I, accompanied by Tom Wilberding, did a bit of Boulder County birding yesterday afternoon, Saturday, Nov. 24th. First, we stopped in briefly at the Walden Ponds complex, where we saw a Northern Shrike, a Marsh Wren, and a Wilson's Snipe. At one point, Andrew threw an impressively large rock in one of the ponds and flushed a Virginia Rail. Goodies from earlier in the week--Greater Yellowlegs, Cattle Egret, and Swamp Sparrows--were not detected. Next, during a stop in downtown Longmont, we saw a Snow Goose flying over. Judging by size, I'd guess Greater Snow Goose. Here's a factoid: Lesser Snow Goose is believed to be more closely related to Ross's Goose than to Greater Snow Goose; so how many species of "white geese" are there really? Another factoid: The gene that results in "Blue" Snow and Ross's geese is the exact same gene that results in dark-morph Parasitic Jaegers and rare dark-morph Bananaquits. We wound down our afternoon at McIntosh Reservoir. As Bill Schmoker has noted, the place is shockingly devoid birds; for example, we saw a grand total of zero (0) American White Pelicans and Bonaparte's Gulls. We did, however, espy two nice Greater White-fronted Geese with a big flock of Cackling and Canada geese. We heard a Mountain Chickadee, too; as John Tumasonis and others have noted, Mountain Chickadees and other montane birds sure have been spreading out into the flatlands of late. On that note, I'm reminded that I recently found a single, loudly chippering Type 2 Red Crossbill at the Indian Peaks golf course in Lafayette; that was Thursday afternoon, Nov. 22nd. Finally, corvids. Bill mentioned the Chihuahuan Raven, and that's awesome. Those wishing to try their hand at the ID of completely black corvids might consider birding the east side of the Valmont Reservoir complex. Driving past that site (i.e., from 75th Street) yesterday, Hannah and Andrew and I noticed hundreds of black corvids--mainly crows, but also some ravens. Andrew refers to the representatives of such assemblages as "crovens." Ted Floydtedfloyd57@hotmail.comLafayette, Boulder County, 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. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Yellow throated Warbler Pueblo
Just saw this bird in Pueblo City Park just east of HQ building. Brandon K. Percival -- Pueblo West, CO -- sent from my phone. -- 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 https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Pine Warbler. Pueblo
Same location as Yellow throated Warbler in pueblo city park. Brandon K. Percival -- Pueblo West, CO -- sent from my phone. -- 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 https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] No Brambling - BCLP - Jeffco
As of 9:15 this morning the Brambling had not been seen at Bear Creek Lake Park. A group of us started watching at 8:00 A.M. and neither the Brambling or Common Redpoll put in an appearance in the first hour and 15 minutes. I also spent some time wandering around the Boat Launch area with no success. There was a coyote that showed up right at 8:00 A.M.; there has been a Song Sparrow with quite a bit of white on forehead/crown, and both pale and dark American Tree Sparrows( western and eastern subspecies), but nothing rare or uncommon. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- 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 https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Bushtits, Swamp Sparrows - Jefferson Co
Nothing unusual at Apex Trail today. There was a flock of Bushtits mixed in with some Mountain Chickadees. At Wheat Ridge Greenbelt, on the west side of the boardwalk trail behind Bass Lake were two Swamp Sparrows. Emerald Strand in Denver county had one Ross's Goose amongst the other white cheeked and a few Canvasbacks, Redheads, and Ring-necked Ducks. John Breitsch Denver, 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. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/cobirds/-/gon9dtAoAfoJ. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Great Black backed Gull Pueblo Res
Right on schedule an adult Great Black backed Gull is currently on the South Shore Marina tires at Pueblo Reservoir. Every winter since March 1993 there has been one here. Brandon K. Percival -- Pueblo West, CO -- sent from my phone. -- 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 https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Common redpolls, Baseline
The common redpoll flock was still at Baseline Reservoir in Boulder this morning about 10:30. There were quite a few goldfinches mixed in, so hard to really tell the number of redpolls, but good numbers. They were feeding in a weedy area along the SW shore. David ChartierColorado 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. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Aleutian Cackling Goose
Greetings All A short bit ago there was a solo goose on Union reservoir's north shore, a bit west of mid-way point. It is a dusky breasted goose with a partial white neck collar (anterior only), a huge black gular stripe (dark stripe on chin) that goes up onto side of face, a somewhat chesty look, and a white cheek patch without indentation. Any one or two of these marks would not necessarily ID the bird as an Aleut (though that broad of a gular stripe is quite rare in other Cacklers, except maybe minima), but the combination is quite classic Good Birding Steven Mlodinow Longmont CO Sent from my iPhone -- 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 https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] More Pueblo birds 11/25
No one else was able to see the Yellow-throated Warbler or the immature male Pine Warbler today, they disappeared and who knows where they go. Several people, Mark Yaeger, Clif Smith, Paul Hurtado, and I saw the continuing adult male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in the big oak tree in the north eastern part of Pueblo City Park. Paul and I walked over to the eastern part of the Zoo, and we were seeing Yellow-rumped Warblers from the parking lot (the Zoo doesn't open until noon on Sundays), so we didn't go in there. Weekdays and Saturdays, I think the Zoo opens at 9am, I'll think I'll try to get in there soon, and look over the warbler flock and see if the rare warblers are going in there or not. The two rare warblers were hanging around a Yellow-rumped Warbler, mostly in the tall sycamore tree, above the headquarters building. Both birds were also, in smaller trees across the road to the east, this is where I was able to get photos of both birds. I didn't hear or see any of rarer mountain birds today, though I didn't really get over to the Frisbee Creek Area, so hopefully some of them are still around. At the South Marina tires at Pueblo Reservoir, besides for the adult Great Black-backed Gull, there was a first year Lesser Black-backed Gull (which I hadn't seen this fall, until today), and two Thayer's Gulls (one adult and one juvenile). I didn't see any adult Lesser Black-backed Gull today, I did see one this past Thursday. Good birding, 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 https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [cobirds] Plan to work things out with the Rangers and Manager at BCLP
Go Joe and wish you the best! Pam Norris Englewood, co Sent from my iPad On Nov 23, 2012, at 3:35 PM, Joe Roller wrote: > > > Tom and other birders, > > Are you sitting down? > I am serious for a change. No joke, this is serious. > > I chatted with Erik, a Park Ranger at Lakewood today. Their policy about not > feeding wildlife has > more to do with the many ill effects of people casually feeding ducks and > geese at the lake. There are > bird feeders at the Park Headquarters, and the staff are simpatico with our > situation. They are just trying > to be consistent with their own rules. Erik mentioned that birders have been > good about parking properly > in the lot and otherwise obeying rules, paying entrance fees, > Not only are they raking in the dough, but I think that the Lakewood Park > system can garner some good publicity out > of the Brambling situation, which is of more lasting value than the extra > ducats. > > Tomorrow I have will chat with some higher ups to see if we can find a > mutually satisfactory > compromise. Jeff Gordon called to mention that birders will be flying in > from all over if that > Brambling sticks around. Once the ground rules are set, the ABA can help get > the word out to those > interested. When I was at the site at about 2:30, about 15+ birders were > seeing > the Brambling about every 10-15 minutes on the footbridge. One couple had > driven down from Omaha. > > Also, Mike Henwood, finder of this Siberian finch, has worked closely for > years with the Rangers to bring the Park bird list. > He returns to town tomorrow evening, and we are optimistic about a good > solution. > > I must have had a moment of temporary insanity to hint that people adopt the > scoff-law position. > Not only have I had pangs of guilt but waves of remorse. > > The park opens around 7:45 this weekend, by 8 at the very latest. In contrast > to recent weekdays, the main gate > may be closed earlier than that. The Brambling is an all day bird, so there > is no need to be there by dawn's early light. > > Joe Roller, > Denver > > > > On Fri, Nov 23, 2012 at 2:44 PM, Tom Wilberding > wrote: > Hello Bear Creek Lake Park, > > > > Many Colorado birders have enjoyed seeing the Brambling at your Coyote trail > on the bridge. Some have spread bird seed in order to attract the Brambling > to the open to see it. I understand a ranger recently put up a sign, “Do not > feed wildlife.” I wonder why? I am puzzled because the park feeds wildlife at > your visitor’s center—bird feeders. > > Thanks for helping me understand your point of view. If you don’t mind, I > will pass on your answer to my birding pals in Colorado. > > > > Congrats on running a wonderful park! > > > > Tom Wilberding > > Boulder, 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 https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. > > -- 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 https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Still no Brambling, noon - 1:30 Sunday
A brief conversation with the young lady in the visitor's center as to why they posted the sign against feeding, she said she thought it was to keep the birds wild, and due to concern about other animals, ie, coyotes, being attracted to the seed. We didn't pursue it any further. Seen at the bridge today from noon to 1:30 were Tree and Song Sparrows, BC Chickadees, Am. Goldfinch, House Finches, and Magpies. Dave Cameron 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. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/cobirds/-/yquQ3KVFuLQJ. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] cardinal, redpolls, tundra swans, - Boulder
Cobirds: As reported by others, the common redpolls continue at Baseline Reservoir in Boulder, though in lesser numbers than yesterday. About 30 were seen this morning. Go to Cherryvale Road on the west side of the reservoir and scan the weed and sandy patches. Also at Baseline Reservoir - there are now 8 tundra swans, adults and immatures. And: the lone white pelican was joined by 9 more at Baseline. Now he won't be so lonely. This is darned late for pelicans. And: The Northern Cardinal persists along the Dakota Ridge Trail. Great looks today. Follow Hawthrone St. in north Boulder to the end, where there's a little parking area and trailhead. Walk upslope past the "Y" in the trail to the cement pumphouse about 100 yards. The male cardinal will response to an immitation song if you can whistle it. It's staying in dense thickets of skunkbrush and mountain maple, above and below the trail. There are also ruby crowned kinglets and juncos here. And: Lots of duck species at the following locations: Walden, Pella Crossing, Sombrero Marsh, and Clover Basin. Includes a ruddy duck at Pela, and canvasback in several locations. Cold front moving in tomorrow. If you are lucky enough to be out in the north east plains, some rarities may appear. Cheers, John T (Tumasonis) of Louisville 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. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/cobirds/-/HI_6uVkYZhgJ. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] No Brambling - BCLP - Jeffco
Hi Folks, I have a feeling that the Brambling may have moved on. I checked about 4:45 this afternoon and stayed until dark. The flock of 30+ American Tree Sparrows and a lone Song Sparrow were the last birds on the bridge. About 5:00 a Great Horned Owl perched in the trees on the ridge above the draw. Also did not see the Common Redpoll this evening. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- 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 https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Swamp Sparrows, etc., Poudre River, Fort Collins (Larimer), 25Nov
I did my Poudre River circuit today in eastern Fort Collins (Larimer), starting at the Prospect/Sharp Point intersection just west of the river, traveling se thru the Prospect Ponds NA to the pond s of the Environmental Learning Center parking lot, backtracking along the bike trail to the spillway over the Poudre (about 200 yards north of the ELC suspension bridge), crossing north over the river into Cottonwood Hollow/Running Deer NAs, north thru Cottonwood Hollow NA, then further north on the bike trail under Prospect, then w along Prospect over the river again to the starting point (probably about 3-4 miles total). Highlights: Brewer's Blackbird (at least 20) in the trees and picking over rocks in the diminished Poudre River bed well south of the feedlot at the north end of Sharp Point Drive (southeast part of Prospect Ponds NA, east of the middle pond). I looked thru all these birds carefully for Rusty Blackbirds but no luck. I have seen Rusties in this same exact spot in years past. Brown Creeper (2) working cottonwood trunks, usually in the loose company of both species of chickadees SWAMP SPARROW (2) - In my experience this species is pretty unusual in the Fort Collins area, especially now that many of the wet spots are low or dry. Ted Floyd's recent one-day total near Boulder is nearly equal to my life total for Larimer County. That said, I will admit many more exist, particularly at this time of year, than get detected. Both birds today were along a little ditch with running water south-southeast of the information kiosk at Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area (best accessed from a parking lot on the south side of Prospect a half mile east of the Poudre River). This kiosk overlooks (to the west) what used to be Artist's Point Pond (now dried up and mostly grass and weeds). In the extreme southeast corner of Artist's Point "Pond" is a little culvert which carries a small, but significant flow of water east under the wide trail where it feeds into a n-s ditch. From the point where this directed water coming out of Artist's Point Pond joins the ditch to the east, one Swamp Sparrow was 50 yards north, one was 100 yards south. Both were located by their characteristic chip note (which to my ear sounds like a staccato Native American flute note - that is, a lot more musical or "hollow" than, say, a Song Sparrow chip). I would call both individuals "immature". Perhaps a few thousand white-cheeked geese at Prospect Ponds NA, then seen flying east over Running Deer NA, Canadas comprising maybe 70%. I did not really check out the Cacklings for unusual subspecies. I walked around the building forming the Industrial Park w of Sharp Point Drive and was surprised to find out the number of swan decoys is actually 4, not 2, as previously reported over the past few years. I still wrestle with the ID of these beauties, but the rounded border of the upper bill/forehead is strongly suggestive of Tundra. They are showing wear along their waterlines, and surely will be retired to storage soon. [As we've all recently learned, humor is as tough to detect and ID as Swamp Sparrows and swans. DO NOT chase or feed these swans. As indicated, they are DECOYS.] 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. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Cherry Creek Park - Rusty blackbird, Harlan's & dark morph Red tailed hawk, Rock wren (pictures)
I spent a few hours at Cherry Creek State park and the highlights were: Rusty blackbird: http://www.avoapples.com/birds/IMG_3140_cr.jpg Harlan's red tailed hawk http://www.avoapples.com/birds/IMG_2986_cr.jpg http://www.avoapples.com/birds/IMG_2987_cr.jpg Dark morph red tailed hawk (I think!) http://www.avoapples.com/birds/IMG_3205_cr.jpg and a good looking rock wren http://www.avoapples.com/birds/IMG_3045_cr.jpg Great weather and lots to see! Bill Kosar bill_ko...@msn.com 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. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/cobirds/-/j_52bGZxdL4J. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Re: Swamp Sparrows, etc., Poudre River, Fort Collins (Larimer), 25Nov
Thanks, Dave, for the report and congrats on your sightings, especially the Swamp Sparrows and Tundra Swans, who have produced two offspring. I suspect these Tundra Swans are of the subspecies "Tinkerbelle"--they seem more vivid if you wish REALLY hard. Cheers, Tom Wilberding Boulder, CO On Sunday, November 25, 2012 6:44:03 PM UTC-7, Dave Leatherman wrote: > > I did my Poudre River circuit today in eastern Fort Collins (Larimer), > starting at the Prospect/Sharp Point intersection just west of the river, > traveling se thru the Prospect Ponds NA to the pond s of the Environmental > Learning Center parking lot, backtracking along the bike trail to the > spillway over the Poudre (about 200 yards north of the ELC suspension > bridge), crossing north over the river into Cottonwood Hollow/Running Deer > NAs, north thru Cottonwood Hollow NA, then further north on the bike trail > under Prospect, then w along Prospect over the river again to the starting > point (probably about 3-4 miles total). > > *Highlights:* > > Brewer's Blackbird (at least 20) in the trees and picking over rocks in > the diminished Poudre River bed well south of the feedlot at the north end > of Sharp Point Drive (southeast part of Prospect Ponds NA, east of the > middle pond). I looked thru all these birds carefully for Rusty Blackbirds > but no luck. I have seen Rusties in this same exact spot in years past. > > Brown Creeper (2) working cottonwood trunks, usually in the loose company > of both species of chickadees > > SWAMP SPARROW (2) - In my experience this species is pretty unusual in the > Fort Collins area, especially now that many of the wet spots are low or > dry. Ted Floyd's recent one-day total near Boulder is nearly equal to my > life total for Larimer County. That said, I will admit many more exist, > particularly at this time of year, than get detected. Both birds today > were along a little ditch with running water south-southeast of the > information kiosk at Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area (best accessed from a > parking lot on the south side of Prospect a half mile east of the Poudre > River). This kiosk overlooks (to the west) what used to be Artist's Point > Pond (now dried up and mostly grass and weeds). In the extreme southeast > corner of Artist's Point "Pond" is a little culvert which carries a small, > but significant flow of water east under the wide trail where it feeds into > a n-s ditch. From the point where this directed water coming out of > Artist's Point Pond joins the ditch to the east, one Swamp Sparrow was 50 > yards north, one was 100 yards south. Both were located by their > characteristic chip note (which to my ear sounds like a staccato Native > American flute note - that is, a lot more musical or "hollow" than, say, a > Song Sparrow chip). I would call both individuals "immature". > > Perhaps a few thousand white-cheeked geese at Prospect Ponds NA, then seen > flying east over Running Deer NA, Canadas comprising maybe 70%. I did not > really check out the Cacklings for unusual subspecies. > > I walked around the building forming the Industrial Park w of Sharp Point > Drive and was surprised to find out the number of swan decoys is actually > 4, not 2, as previously reported over the past few years. I still wrestle > with the ID of these beauties, but the rounded border of the upper > bill/forehead is strongly suggestive of Tundra. They are showing wear > along their waterlines, and surely will be retired to storage soon. [As > we've all recently learned, humor is as tough to detect and ID as Swamp > Sparrows and swans. DO NOT chase or feed these swans. As indicated, they > are DECOYS.] > > 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. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/cobirds/-/z5P7fQr-2DAJ. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Lost First Year White Gyrfalcon--Douglas County
Dear COBIRDERS: Steve Swaim, a retired firefighter and falconer, is seeking help in finding his lost white, first-year male gyrfalcon. The bird was lost at 10:00 AM Friday morning, 11/23, in the vicinity of Smoky Hill and Delbert roads, about 10 miles north and east of Parker. The bird appears to have spotted something in the distance and taken chase, disappearing very quickly from view "Field" marks: 1.He is wearing two radio transmitters; one is attached to the falcon's left leg, and the second is around his neck, but won't be very visible unless the bird is perched in a tree, post, etc. All you may see is a small black object the size of a penny below the bird's crop, and a thin, black antenna hanging down beneath it. 2.He is wearing a metal band and a bell on his right leg. 3.He has leather anklets on both legs, however there are NO JESSES attached, therefore, you will not see any "straps" or other objects trailing beneath him while in flight. 4.This bird has been hand-reared and is very accustomed to people. He may be spotted sitting on the roof of a house, car, or even the railing of a deck. Steve's phone numbers are 303 841-6868 (home) and 303 250-3391 (cell). Any assistance or sightings which the birding community might provide will be greatly appreciated. Thank you, -Anne Price Littleton, Jefferson 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 https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Selected results of NE Colorado birding on Sunday
Hi All, Kathy Mihm-Dunning, Steve Larson, Dick Schottler and I birded a number of locations in NE Colorado Sunday. Numbers of birds were fairly low in most places (except Jumbo Reservoir where there are 10's of thousands of ducks (almost exclusively dabblers) and geese (Canada, Cackling, Ross's & Snow). Here are the highlights: Greater White-fronted Goose - 2 (Little Jumbo Reservoir - Logan County) Northern Shrike - 7 (seen in many locations) Black-capped Chickadee - 2! (Tamarack Ranch - Logan County - nice to see them returning after West Nile) PINE WARBLER - 1 (Tamarack Ranch, east portion between hedgerows 7 and 8 - Logan County) Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) - 1 (Tamarack Ranch - Logan County) White-throated Sparrow - 2 (Jackson Reservoir State Park campground - Morgan County) Harris's Sparrow - 4 imm (Jackson Reservoir State Park campground - Morgan County) Common Redpoll - 3 (Tamarack Ranch - Logan County) Joey Kellner Littleton, 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. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. <>
[cobirds] RFI Monument area
Hi all, I'm a Texan but I’ll be in Monument, CO (just north of CO Springs) for a wedding this coming weekend. Can anyone recommend any good birding spots around there? I've been birding in CO several times before, so I have seen most of your common species, but I have some target birds I'd like to find this time around. Specifically, I’m hoping for birds that I can’t see at home in Texas – such as Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Shrike, American Tree Sparrow, and maybe some rosy-finches or Evening Grosbeaks at feeders. Anything you can tell me will help! :) Good birding! Caleb Frome TX Century Club Youth Member Dallas, TX -- 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. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/cobirds/-/F-tmeMrSz5QJ. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] White-throated Sparrow/El Paso County
COBirders, We've had a White-throated Sparrow at feeder in the neighborhood just south of Bear Creek Park in Colorado Springs. We'll see how long it lingers. Steve Getty 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. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Boulder County sightings, including unusual gull
We visited Baseline Reservoir in Boulder around 2-3pm today. I can confirm the small flock of 20-25+ Common Redpolls, they were visible on the southwest area of the reservoir, feeding on the ground. Occasionally, they flew across the road to the west and landed in one of the cottonwoods near the road. We saw them go back and forth several times. They're kind of difficult to see when they're feeding on the ground, their coloring provides good camouflage. I can also confirm that there are now eight swans on the reservoir. I believe they're all Tundra Swans. I saw five yesterday, eight today. I saw only one American White Pelican this afternoon. There was also a Common Merganser hugging the shore. We noticed an odd-colored gull on the sandbar. Grey all over, pinkish legs, dark tail, dark eye, dark bill, white-tipped feathers on wings. I'm not adept at gull identification, so I could use a little help. My research online points me toward "Western Gull, First Winter" -- is this possible, or am I way off base? If so, it's a long way from home, which makes me think I could be completely wrong. I have a not-so-great picture of it here: http://coloradobirder.ning.com/photo/gull-baselinereservoir-25nov2012 Any ideas? Thanks for any help. - Barry Gingrich Broomfield County, 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. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/cobirds/-/ZsW9KYXlz-EJ. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] White-winged Scooter continues-Denver County
This morning, I went to Marston and saw the White-winged Scooter and Common Loons reported by Tina Jones. Then I was off to Baseline Reservoir to see the Tundra Swans and a flock of 25+ Common Redpolls. The Redpolls were found near the shoreline at the southwest part of the lake. Photos of the Common Redpolls can be seen in the rare to uncommon gallery below. Mark Chavez Lakewood-Green Mtn http://jaeger29.smugmug.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 https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
