[cobirds] Reservoirs near Longmont
Greetings All I hit several local places yesterday. Nothing rare, but it is worth noting that Union Res is moderately birdy (with about 50 Herring and one THAYER'S GULL being the highlights, Ish Reservoir likewise has a moderate number of birds as does Terry. McInothsh Res, however, has been pretty much birdless. I've heard that Panama Res has been very birdy, but it is hard to view, except under cloudy conditions. Good Birding Steve Mlodinow -- 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/8D1075D0DBA1FB8-2BC4-A06A%40webmail-d239.sysops.aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Thursday, March 6, 2014
Compiler: Joe Roller Date: March 6, 2014 email: rba AT cfobirds.org phone: 303-659-8750 This is the Colorado Rare Bird Alert for Thursday, March 6, 2014, updated at 0725, 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. For a mega-rarity, just call me directly at 303 204-0828. Highlight species include (* indicates new information on this species in this report). Greater White-fronted Goose (Denver) BRANT (Douglas) TRUMPETER or TUNDRA SWAN (Morgan) TUNDRA SWAN (Boulder) Long-tailed Duck (Denver) Barrow's Goldeneye (Jefferson) Short-eared Owl (Weld*) MEW GULL (Arapahoe) Lesser Black-backed Gull (Arapahoe, Denver, Weld) Thayer's Gull (Arapahoe, Denver, Jefferson, Weld) ICELAND GULL (Weld) GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL (Arapahoe) Glaucous Gull (Arapahoe, Jefferson, Pueblo) GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (Weld) Winter Wren (El Paso) GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (Jefferson) Lapland Longspur (Weld) Rusty Blackbird (Boulder) ARAPAHOE COUNTY: --Dowell reports these gulls at Aurora Reservoir on February 26: MEW GULL, (ad)., Lesser Black-backed Gulls, (2 ad. & 1 3rd. yr.), Thayer's Gull, (2 juv., 1 or 2 ad.), GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, (2nd. winter), Glaucous Gull, (1 ad., 2 immature). --On March 3, Walbek reports a similar assortment of gulls from Aurora Res, best seen from the SW corner. BOULDER COUNTY: --On February 1, Wilberding reported a TUNDRA SWAN at Cottonwood Marsh; the swan was seen there again on February 23 by Breitsch, and may still be around. --On February 28, Moore reports 3 Rusty Blackbirds at Walden Ponds. They were in a marsh north of a trail at the southwest-most lake (the one with Osprey platforms) in Sawhill Ponds. DENVER COUNTY: --On February 27, T. Jones reports seeing these gulls on Marston Reservoir: Two, ad. Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the ice. One was a very dark backed[almost black] colored bird. The other ad. Lesser Black-backed Gull had more of the typical dark gray colored back. A first cycle Thayer's Gull was also present. --On March 3, T. Jones reports two Glaucous & one Thayer's Gull from Marston Res. --On Feb 20 & again on the 28th, Breitsch reports a Greater White-fronted Goose (aka "tar belly" ) at the Rec pond at Green Valley Ranch (northeast corner of Tower Rd aka Green Valley Ranch Blvd, in Town Center Park). --Baker reports a Greater White-fronted Goose on the NE side of Sloans Lake, near Stuart Street. Sloans Lake is near Sheridan and 17th Ave. --Vickery reports seeing a Long-tailed Duck on the South Platte on February 27. It was across the river from the aquarium, with a group of Gadwalls and Mallards. On March 1, Breitsch saw it just SW of Speer Blvd bridge. 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. The Brant was seen by Kellner on Feb 23, at the playground pond at Redstone Park. EL PASO COUNTY: --On February 28 Lee reports that the Winter Wren continues at Fountain Creek across from Mile Marker 18 & the concrete gazebo, west of the path. JEFFERSON COUNTY: --On February 18, Hackos reports seeing a Barrow's Goldeneye at Chatfield Reservoir over the weekend. It was in the open water near the dam, west of the tower. On February 28, Kibbe reports the Barrow's Goldeneye continues on the northwest corner of the reservoir. It persisted on March 3, according to a report by Suddjian. --On March 2, Teuton and Brooke saw the continuing Golden-crowned Sparrow at Red Rocks Trading Post. On March 3, Suddjian reported a flock of 11 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS along Plum Creek at Chatfield SP, downstream of the Plum Creek bridge. MORGAN COUNTY: --On February 8, Kellner reports 2 imm TRUMPETER SWANS at Boyd Ponds SWA at Log Lane Village near Ft. Morgan. Directions: Take Exit 79 off I-76, take Elm St. in Log Lane Village north to the parking lot near the river. From the parking lot walk the "road" east & cross the canal. Head further east along the canal. The swans were in the open water of the pond on the south side of the canal & were seen by Breitsch on 2/26. Some experts find reason to think that these are Tundra Swans. PUEBLO COUNTY: --On March 3 Percival reports a 1st yr Glaucous Gull at Pueblo Reservoir south Marina. WELD COUNTY: --Lefko reports Lapland Longspurs call over head in "Raptor Alley", WCR 100 x WCR 23 x WCR 102 x WCR 27 on February 27. They continued on March 2, when he also foun
[cobirds] Sibley book signings Colorado
With the near imminent release of version 2.0 of his guide, looks like David Sibley will be visiting Denver and Boulder in April. Get your pack mules ready - book has 55 more pages, 600 new illustrations and 111 rarer species! THURSDAY APRIL 3 DENVER, CO 7:30PM Tattered Cover Bookstore 2526 E Colfax Ave Denver, CO 80206 FRIDAY APRIL 4 BOULDER, CO 7:30PM Boulder Book Store 1107 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302 (I have no financial gain in this notice, just a fan of great wildlife illustration, and field guides.) Good birding, Scott E. Severs Longmont, CO Boulder County Bird Trax: http://tinyurl.com/l98ahv4 -- 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/CAL-OjWMZb99eQjiUX_DqthrqcS1DdPis3DT1w%3DgUikwt95x9nw%40mail.gmail.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Lesser Yellowlegs Continue, Sanitation Ponds, CR 26, Weld County
Hello, It was nice to hear the flight call of a Yellowlegs once again. I paid a visit to the ponds on CR 26 just east of CR 13 in Weld County at 8 this morning. The 2 Lesser Yellowlegs reported several days ago by Cathy Sheeter were busy feeding at the largest pond on the northern side of 26. Good March Birding to All, Carl Starace, Longmont,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/CA%2B1xDH4oET%3DriGFYgZCpOzRPQ5vgY4Jxu0n-6c6k0bTQVcebXA%40mail.gmail.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Crane Festival Primer
It appears that crane numbers are peaking this week. I estimate between 12-15,000 cranes Valleywide. A trip today produced 25 Ross’ Geese, a few Snow Geese, Cackling and Canada Geese, Bufflehead, Mallard, Pintail, and a few Ruddy Ducks. Also in the area is a Ferruginous Hawk. Still many Bald Eagles to be seen. Some oddities to look for include a Canada Goose that is mostly white. Also, the leucistic Sandhill Crane of last year is back as well as another one that has very white wing coverts on each side. Best viewing is still around the Monte Vista Refuge turnouts, and viewing areas. There are three species of Rosy-finch being seen at Susan Hochstetters place. She does not mind birders looking at her feeders. From the Monte Refuge, continue south on Hwy 15 until the pavement ends. Then drive about 1 mile south and look for a small gray house with feeders on the east side of the road. Susan said mornings are still best to see them. Hope to see you here 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/5EDF6C810F2540818AA4B7BE3BF68B3E%40blueroom. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Bald Eagles, Herons, geese, and gulls Highland Lake near Mead, Weld
I have a large mature Bald Eagle in one of my cottonwoods overlooking Highland Lake, plus the Great Blue Herons are back. We are seeing one or more mature Bald Eagles almost every day now. I haven't spotted any immature yet. The lake also has varying numbers of geese, a few ducks, and lots of gulls. Depending on the time of day there can be as few as 50 or several hundred water fowl on the lake. The lake is private but open to the public. Pauli Smith Highlandlake/Mead, Weld County -- 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/COL402-EAS3064EE42371C94E265C5FA5DF880%40phx.gbl. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Eagle county goshawk
I was waiting tables at the Chophouse in Vail,looked up to see a large pale buteo that I instantly turned into A Goshawk due to the flapping cadence. Justin Dee Vail.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/W4715723734231781394147523%40atl4webmail16. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] northeastern Larimer, 3/6/14
Not far north of Fort Collins along Route 1 (cottonwood w of mailbox for 4629) just north of Terry Lake and the entrance to the Eagle Lake Subdivision, I had a Merlin which I am fairly certain was a "Pacific (aka "black" or sukleyi) race. It perched high in a cottonwood against an overcast sky facing away from me. I got suckyi (i.e. very poor) photos before it flew off toward the nw corner of Terry Lake. This is only about the 5th I've ever seen in CO. Because I did not observe and photograph the underparts, the ID to subspecies will never be certain but the back was quite dark. Eagle Lake Subdivision is a gated community but I was told it is probably OK to go just beyond the always-open (in my experience) gate a little ways, pull into the gravel parking area, and view the lake to the north. I the past I have seen lots of gulls at this time of year, including Lesser Black-backed. Today there were fully 1100 Redheads. Impossible to count exactly, as they were diving a lot, but this total is pretty close. North Poudre #3 was almost ice-free and had nothing exceptional. Just west of Larimer CR11 on CR70 (i.e., a mile or so north of North Poudre #3) is an unnamed pond on the north side near a small power station. Mostly hiding in the vegetation at the north end of this pond were about 60 Sandhill Cranes. Hamilton Reservoir did not have a lot of birds but in the far west bays were over 100 Canvasbacks. Also, 1 Pied-billed Grebe, a few Horned Grebes, a few Western Grebes (probably all of these wintered). Dave Leatherman Fort Collins -- 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/SNT148-W615AFB1FD597901CF68CE4C1880%40phx.gbl. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Bluff Lake Nature Center seeks used spotting scope
[This message has been approved by the moderator.] Hi CoBirders -- Bluff Lake Nature Center, an urban wildlife refuge along Sand Creek in Stapleton, is looking for a used spotting scope. We would love a donation, but are willing to pay as well. I figured I would ask the birding community -- if you have an unused scope, would you consider giving it a new home, where it would be used most days of the week? The need for a scope was made abundantly clear this morning as I asked group after group of second graders to look at a distant nest, telling them that the lump on top was a female great horned owl and her chicks. You can imagine how much more powerful the experience would have been if they could have looked through a scope. Thanks for your consideration, Chris Rurik Education Contractor Bluff Lake Nature Center PS On your upcoming visits to Bluff Lake, be on the lookout for a new bird checklist for the refuge. -- 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/d8d8ef5c-5975-4073-aca2-7efe6f7b6cb0%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Aiken Audbon - Colorado Springs - Next Wednesday - Volunteering your Obsession
March 6, 2014 Good evening to all! You are invited to attend Aiken Audubon's next general meeting and program. When: March 12, 2014 (Wednesday) - Note that this program will be held the 2nd Wednesday of the month, due to a room scheduling conflict. Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. / Program starts at 7:00 p.m. / We usually conclude around 8:30 p.m. Where: Colorado Division of Wildlife, 4255 Sinton Road, Colorado Springs. Please use the back entrance. What: Volunteering your Obsession by Eric DeFonso In 2011, Eric DeFonso spent six months Volunteering for conservation organizations, nature reserves, and ecolodges throughout Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. More than just indulging his own interest in bird watching, he wanted to use this opportunity to give something back to the birds that have so greatly enriched his life over the years. In both the Amazon and the Mata Atlantica of southeastern Brazil, Eric arranged to spend months assisting in conservation efforts and learning the workings of ecologically-based tourism. Although considerable planning and pre-arrangement was required to bring this year to life, he discovered a new mode of adventure travel, one that expanded his awareness of the magic of rainforests as well as the severe challenges they face towards their preservation. In this presentation he will discuss the wildlife monitoring projects he worked on, agro-forestry, his bird-guiding and surveying efforts, and more. Eric began bird watching 20 years ago as a casual hobby, but his interest has now turned into a consuming passion. He has a Masters degree in Atmospheric Science from the University of California, Davis, and worked in the private sector in computing for several years before changing course and following his love of birds wherever it leads him. He has since become a certified Master Naturalist for the City of Fort Collins, served on the Board of Directors for Fort Collins Audubon, and worked as a volunteer educational bird handler at the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program. Currently he works as a seasonal field biologist for the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. In addition to photography he also has become an experienced nature-sound recordist. His recordings can be heard online at xeno-canto.org and at the website for Cornell’s Macaulay Library of Natural Sound. Hope to see you there! Christine A. Bucher President, Aiken Audubon Society -- 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/8D107D3B7EB1A24-2AB8-113C%40webmail-m275.sysops.aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] From Aiken Audubon (Colorado Springs) - Suggestions to help with crow/blackbird problem
March 6, 2014 Good evening to all! We (Aiken Audubon) received this request for assistance through our website and we do not have any good suggestions to provide. Does anyone on CoBirds have any ideas we can send to this person? Hello: I am reaching out to you in hopes that you may have some suggestions or help. I live in Colorado Springs and have a yard that has been over run by crows/black birds. This has amounted in a large amount of bird droppings in the yard and all over cars and lawn decorations. I tried one of the balloons with mylar tape on it and this didn't appear to do anything to remove the birds. Short of cutting down tree limbs (which I am greatly opposed to) do you have any other suggestions? Thank you in advance to all who might be able to provide help with this! Kindest regards, Christine A. Bucher President, Aiken Audubon Society Colorado Springs, 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/8D107D961A83ED1-219C-10EC8%40webmail-m297.sysops.aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
