[cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Sunday, February 16, 2014
Compiler: Mary Driscoll Date: February 16, 2014 email: rba AT cfobirds.org phone: 303-659-8750 This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Sunday, February 16, 2014 sponsored by the 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 (* indicates new information on this species in this report). BRANT (Douglas*) TRUMPETER SWAN (Morgan) TUNDRA SWAN (Boulder) GYRFALCON (*Larimer) AMERICAN WOODCOCK (El Paso) MEW GULL (Pueblo) Lesser Black-backed Gull (Arapahoe, Pueblo) Thayer's Gull (Pueblo*) GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL (Pueblo*) Glaucous Gull (Arapahoe, Pueblo) GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (Arapahoe, Pueblo*) Winter Wren (El Paso) VARIED THRUSH (Huerfano) Fox Sparrow (Douglas) Harris's Sparrow (*Boulder, Huerfano) Lapland Longspur (Adams) Rusty Blackbird (Adams, El Paso) Rosy-Finch (Boulder, Jefferson) Common Redpoll (Douglas) ADAMS COUNTY: --2 Rusty Blackbirds were reported by the DFO Field Trip led by Hundertmark at Barr Lake SP below the dam on January 26. Walbek reports that 6 continue at this location as of February 7. --Lapland Longspurs were reported by Breitsch on the DIA Owl Loop which starts .5 mile east of Tower Rd on 96th Ave. On February 3, he found them on Trussville Rd between 114th and 120th Aves. On February 7, Walbek reports a flock of 75 longspurs near 128th and Pohawton Rd. ARAPAHOE COUNTY: --On February 5, Suddjian reported a GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL at McLellan Reservoir. --Dowell reports the following at Aurora Reservoir (fee area $10.00): 3 immature Glaucous Gulls and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were present on February 7. BOULDER COUNTY: --On February 1, Wilberding reported a TUNDRA SWAN at Cottonwood Marsh. On February 3, Teuton reports the TUNDRA SWAN has moved to Hillcrest Reservoir in the Valmont Reservoir complex and is observable from Legion Park. --On February 15, Pam Piombino reports the return of Harris's Sparrows to her yard. Birders are welcome to visit, she lives near the little hamlet of Hygiene. Call her for directions at 303-776-1939. Park at the end of her driveway, tapes not necessary. --2 Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches were reported by Starace at the Lyons cemetery on February 14. --On February 8 at Fawn Brook Inn in Allenspark, Hill reports a flock of several hundred Rosy-Finches at the feeders. 95+% Brown-capped, with at least one adult Black, and at least a couple Gray-crowned. DOUGLAS COUNTY: -- Stachowiak reports seeing the BRANT, on February 15, at the southeast corner of Redstone Park located in Highlands Ranch. Access the parking lot located on the west side of S Foothills Canyon Blvd approximately 2/10's of a mile south of W Town Center Drive. Look straight ahead as you enter the parking lot or to the left towards the houses on the edge of the park. I have located the bird in this area in the past as well. --A BRANT was reported by Kellner at Chatfield State Park at the south marina with 1200 Cackling Geese on February 2. --About 12 Common Redpolls were reported by Crews in the parking area at Roxborough State Park February 5. --On February 7, Kingery reports a Fox Sparrow at the feeders at his home in Franktown. It has not been seen again. EL PASO COUNTY: --An AMERICAN WOODCOCK was found by Teuton and Brooke at Fountain Creek Regional Park on February 9. It was seen again on Feb 10 at the same location but apparently not on Feb 11. Directions: go south on the trail from the Willow Springs parking area (at north end of the park) past mile marker 18 to the concrete gazebo. It was in the little creek to the right of the trail. --A Winter Wren was seen on February 10 in the cattails on the west side of the creek adjacent to Trail Marker 18 (concrete, 3 feet tall) on the left (east) side of the trail. --On February 12, Jones reports 1 male Rusty Blackbird below the Fountain Creek Regional Park Nature Center. Take the trail south of the Nature Center and the bird was at the first bridge you come to. A Swamp Sparrow was at this location. A WINTER WREN was also at this same area. LARIMER COUNTY: --On February 13, John Todd reports seeing a beautiful white morph Gyrfalcon over the open land between Fort Collins and Horsetooth Reservoir. It has likely flown many miles since then, but birders along the front range may want to keep an eye peeled for it. John states the bird was too large and stocky to be a Northern Harrier, and flight pattern was unlike a Northern Harrier. HUERFANO COUNTY: --A VARIED THRUSH has been visiting a private yard in La Veta. The owners welcome visitors but the bird is best seen from inside the home. If you would like to try to see the bird please contact Polly Neldner at p
[cobirds] Barr Lake - Adams Co - 2/15/14
Birders, Sorry for the late post. Yesterday on our bird walk, amongst the thousands of white-cheeked Geese, were 1 Snow Goose and 1 WF Goose. We didn't look for the Rusty's below the dam because of goose hunting going on. I hear it was the last day of the season. Ira Sanders Golden, CO -- 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 post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/004301cf2b31%24a61c2d10%24f2548730%24%40com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Boulder County Mountains
Alex Brown, Ted Floyd and I went to Ward Saturday morning to survey as a part of the Boulder County Nature Associations Indian Peaks Winter Count and the GBBC. The weather, contrary to forecast, was pretty good. In Ward we had small flocks of Brown-capped Rosy Finches and Evening Grosbeaks at the "lower Ward" feeders. Across from the Old Depot in "upper Ward" there were a few Pine Siskins and there were Clark's Nutcrackers all about. We drove to the Brainard Lake Road gate where Ted pished in a large flock of Mt. Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Brown Creepers and over a dozen Pine Grosbeaks. Bill Kaempfer Boulder -- 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 post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/F90B1155A81D474890D22EEFFFA7CAE51A4F48EE7E%40EXC4.ad.colorado.edu. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Monte Vista Cranes
Thanks, John, please keep posting on this area. -- 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 post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/514061f0-7993-4f17-a285-e2a675c90a7d%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Monte Vista Cranes
Thanks, John, please keep posting on this area. -- 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 post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/79751e0e-3885-4059-9bf9-18f81b240e89%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Double-crested Cormorants at City Park
Today while leaving work 4 Double-crested Cormorants flew into Ferril Lake at City Park in Denver, these are the first Cormorants I've seen here this year. There was also one Greater White Fronted Goose and 2 Red-breasted Mergansers among many other species of waterfowl on the lake. Eric Lutomski Bird Keeper Denver Zoo -- 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 post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/f6a5f6b1-cbb0-4ab2-b4c3-9bba02d19967%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Cat at Red Rocks Trading Post
About a week ago, I visited the Red Rocks Trading Post to watch the feeder. On my way out, I noticed a cat in the Trading Post parking lot. It occurred to me that I should pass on this info, since members of this group maintain the feed there. My apologies if the presence of this cat is already known and has been discussed previously. - Jared Del Rosso Denver, CO -- 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 post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/08f6bc47-1af7-44c5-a537-d6e25504cfd5%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] pygmy-owls
At 4:45pm a male Northern Pygmy-Owl was heard calling east of our house in Estes Park. He is right on time, as male Northern Pygmy-Owls begin vocalizing on territory about the middle of February. Depending where the female is, you will begin hearing her call as well. However, some females stay away from the nest until just a few weeks prior to egg laying. The female often begins incubating about the middle to end of April. Scott Rashid Estes Park -- 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 post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/53015FF7.4040702%40frii.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Cranes Exponentially Increase
Lisa and I birded the Monte Vista Refuge sunday evening and saw an estimated 5,000 cranes. The 50 degree temps really had the snow vanishing and birds were literally sprouting in the fields, or so it seems. There are another 5,000 birds consisting of Canada and Cackling Geese, Mallards, Pintails, and the first Cinnamon Teal of the season. Main roads are in good shape but side roads and some county roads can be muddy and slick. One of the big questions for this migration season is whether the leucistic Crane will return this year. We'll be watching John Rawinski Monte Vista, CO -- 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 post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/e9fd9156-b440-4116-b934-8f358a4dc8ff%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Townsend's Solitaire Behavior
Hi guys! For the past few weeks I have observed what I would think is odd, but I'd love some feedback. I'm still somewhat of a novice, so it might not be unusual at all. >From what I read up on Townsend's Solitaire behavior is that they're fiercely territorial. I work in Thornton off of 120th and Grant St. It's very flat around the area and the property is surrounded by prairie dog towns (lately I've been honored to see a Bald Eagle now and then). We have juniper shrubs, not trees, around the property, and an assortment of other trees.. Over the last few weeks while I'm out patrolling around the property, I often come across an unusual pair. My walking will trigger a Robin to flush and, shortly after, a Townsend's Solitaire will move with it. I never see another Robin or Solitaire, just these two. They're almost always together when I see them. Can anyone think of why I'd be seeing this? From what it appears, the two birds are a pair, considering I don't come across other Robins or Solitaires. I may not be the most experienced birder, but I know I'm not mistaking the identity of either bird. However, I can not easily decipher their sexes. Any information on this behavior would be appreciated. Julie Martinez Littleton, CO -- 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 post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/ace231fb-2405-42db-994c-22880deb7bcc%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] El Paso/Pueblo County birding 2/16
Riley and Heather Morris, Doug Sjhoffner, and I birded in El Paso and Pueblo Counties today. We spend most of morning at Fountain Creek Regional Park, where were able to see the Swamp Sparrow. We looked for the Winter Wren, though we couldn't find it. We then headed back to Pueblo, and checked Runyon Lake, where we saw a first year Lesser Black-backed Gull. We then went over to Pueblo City Park, and were able to see Cackling Geese, and Wood Ducks. The wind was too much, though we checked some sapsucker trees, and didn't find any. After a nice lunch, we then went to Pueblo West, where we were able to find Scaled Quail, two Snow Geese, Great-tailed Grackles, Canvasbacks, and other birds. Then we ended at Pueblo Reservoir at the South Shore Marina, we saw first year Glaucous Gull, first year Lesser Black-backed Gull, Western Grebe, and Canyon Towhee. Our final gull species total for the two days was seven species, no California or Mew Gull. The Glauous-winged yesterday was a nice bonus. A pretty good day of birding, despite to wind, that was very gusty at times. Brandon Percival Pueblo West, CO -- 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 post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/1392602723.31762.YahooMailNeo%40web142504.mail.bf1.yahoo.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] A few Sunday Am birds
Kay & I were in the Denver area for a non-birding visit Saturday and Saturday night. Sunday we found a few birds though on the way home. The Brant continues at Redstone Park/Highlands Ranch & nothing of note at South Platte Reservoir. We stopped at Red Rocks where after putting out seed a very “showy” White-winged Junco came out of hiding and a Canyon Wren sang from the rocks. We had more time for the westbound ski traffic to clear so a side trip to Central City was the plan. We searched, yes, for Eurasian Collared-Doves. Gilpin County remains the last holdout, so we check two or three times every year on the way home. Meanwhile in Eagle a Magpie was carrying a stick to it’s SPRINGTIME nest. Thanks for sharing the Front Range birds. Tom & Kay McConnell Glenwood Springs -- 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 post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/C4C06988CCE843DBB78DA223F26EDE74%402011Laptop. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Re: Boulder County Mountains
An addendum, if I may, to Bill Kaempfer's post. Bill mentioned the flock of Pine Grosbeaks, Brown Creepers, Mountain Chickadees, and Red-breasted Nuthatches. You can hear all the species in that flock here: http://xeno-canto.org/167550 (The Pine Grosbeaks sing the bright cheery, low-pitched, warbling songs.) Also, here's a recording of an interesting Gray-headed Junco song we heard in Ward: http://xeno-canto.org/167551 Ted Floyd Lafayette, Boulder County, Colorado On Sunday, February 16, 2014 9:23:02 AM UTC-7, William Kaempfer wrote: > > Alex Brown, Ted Floyd and I went to Ward Saturday morning to survey as a > part of the Boulder County Nature Associations Indian Peaks Winter Count > and the GBBC. The weather, contrary to forecast, was pretty good. In Ward > we had small flocks of Brown-capped Rosy Finches and Evening Grosbeaks at > the “lower Ward” feeders. Across from the Old Depot in “upper Ward” there > were a few Pine Siskins and there were Clark’s Nutcrackers all about. We > drove to the Brainard Lake Road gate where Ted pished in a large flock of > Mt. Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Brown Creepers and over a dozen > Pine Grosbeaks. > > > > Bill Kaempfer > > Boulder > -- 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 post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/4f2fb6e0-32cb-46a3-be5a-6bbb4ecef026%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
