[cobirds] Dinosaur Ridge (04 May 2015) 17 Raptors
Dinosaur Ridge Colorado, USA Daily Raptor Counts: May 04, 2015 --- SpeciesDay's CountMonth Total Season Total -- --- -- -- Black Vulture0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 3 5 88 Osprey 0 0 12 Bald Eagle 0 0 1 Northern Harrier 0 0 2 Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 9 48 Cooper's Hawk1 8 68 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0 Broad-winged Hawk3 4 15 Red-tailed Hawk 2 5139 Rough-legged Hawk0 0 1 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 5 Ferruginous Hawk 0 0 2 Golden Eagle 0 0 5 American Kestrel 0 0103 Merlin 0 0 4 Peregrine Falcon 4 4 10 Prairie Falcon 0 0 4 Mississippi Kite 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter0 2 26 Unknown Buteo0 0 12 Unknown Falcon 1 1 4 Unknown Eagle0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 11 Total: 17 39560 -- Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours Official Counter:Joyce Commercon Observers: Visitors: There were a handful of hikers and runners on the muddy trail today. Only one young woman visited the HawkWatch site, in the morning; she commented without irony that it was a beautiful day, which it was--in its calm gray-white solitude. Weather: There was no precipitation after a light drizzle finished its run at the start of the watch. Although small breaks in the clouds occurred twice, briefly allowing a glimpse of sun and blue sky, it was a day of 100 percent cloud cover with a very low cloud ceiling. The ridge line south of Mount Morrison was obscured during the entire watch. Mount Morrison, WestRidge and Green Mountain tops were hidden or very hazy at all times. Clouds and haze appeared darker and heavier to the north and west in the morning, but in the afternoon this heaviness shifted to the southwest. Visibility was reduced to 5-6 kilometers in the valleys. The HawkWatch site itself became enveloped from the northeast for nearly a half hour in the morning, reducing visibility during that time to about 1 km. The temperature did not vary much, ranging from 11 to 13 C (52 to 55 F). The winds were primarily from the north and northeast, increasing slightly from calm bft level 1 to breezy bft level 2 as the watch progressed. Raptor Observations: After a discouraging beginning, with only local raptors making a few appearances in the surrounding white mist, a veritable northward torrent began; all seventeen migrants passed within the two hours between 11:30 and 13:30 MST. All were initially spotted with the naked-eye, with most at nearly eye-level (above or below) and fairly close to the Ridge. A Broad-winged Hawk was observed heading south low and slow in Rooney Valley in the morning, but within about 20 minutes another light-morph Broad-winged Hawk, perhaps the same, proceeded north. Two more Broad-winged Hawks went north, 10 minutes apart, about an hour later. A number of Peregrine Falcons passed close to the Ridge, one with a full crop. Four appeared to continue steady north; none were seen heading back south. Two interesting juvenile Red-tailed Hawks went north over Rooney Valley; the first had warm brown upper-parts with heavy white back-pack straps as well as very whitish but black-tipped hands; the second, looking a bit tattered, had darker brown upper-parts with reddish straps. The usual local Red-tailed Hawks were not observed at all today. A local male American Kestrel was seen to head north on the west side of the Ridge but was seen returning south on the east side not long afterwards. In the morning, eight apparently local Turkey Vultures came north, in twos and threes, near the Ridge. They congregated to the west, circling together over I70 briefly in the gloom before heading south again. Non-raptor Observations: A Common Raven, one of a pair being harassed by Black-billed Magpies near the HawkWatch site, was seen heading north carrying
[cobirds] FOY LARB, Larimer County
I saw my first of the year male Lark Bunting in Fort Collins yesterday (Mon, May 4th) around 5:00pm. He was perched on the barbed wire fence bordering the south side of the CSU stadium. My sure sign of spring! Erin Youngberg -- 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/43788053-03ba-49e4-b408-c5fd0dc5cd65%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] CO Birds, 2-4 May 2015
You may have actually heard an American Redstart at Chatfield :-) David Suddjian reported one near the same area over the weekend ;-) I need to go find that guy! Sounds like you had a great weekend! -- 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/09847a32-47ed-402a-a632-a90156219360%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Ken Caryl Valley area JeffCo 5/5
This morning a male *Blackpoll Warbler* was along Massey Draw near my home, and a small pond there had a *Spotted Sandpiper* (whose calls I could hear now and again from my yard). An apparent pair (friendly in each other's presence, no chasing) of *Downy Woodpeckers* at my yard is comprised of an apparent *Eastern *individual and an apparent *Mountain* individual. It is apparent that I'm not positive of the subspecies IDs, but that is what they look like. I've seen the Eastern Male for a while now, but this was the first day I've seen the two together in friendly fashion. The local Ken Caryl Ranch area is more typically the haunts of the Mountain form of this woodpecker. Elsewhere in the valley area of Ken Caryl Ranch I found 2 *Band-tailed Pigeon*, 1 fly by *White-winged Dove*, a female *Black-throated Gray Warbler* my first-of-season *Dusky Flycatcher*, *Cordilleran Flycatcher*, and 2 *Western Tanagers*. Also several *Lazuli Buntings*. I had *Evening Grosbeaks* flying over four times at three places, totaling 15 birds if they were all different (probably so). A pair of copulating *Northern Flickers* was comprised of a male intergrade and a seemingly pure female Red-shafted. David Suddjian 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/CAGj6RopW8P9aYjXBaM3i-uotDJX%2B5VGKtypO%3DW2fRg0e1Lf3Tg%40mail.gmail.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Blackpoll Warbler, etc., Boulder County
Hello, Birders. This rainy Tuesday morning, May 5, a *blackpoll warbler* was singing at Confluence Park (CU East Campus) near the intersection of Foothills Arapahoe, Boulder County. I'm still surprised, after all these years, by how early blackpolls pass through Colorado in spring. Back East, the big flights go through around Memorial Day. Also in the vicinity: several *orange-crowned warblers*, a couple *yellow warblers*, and just 1 *yellow-rumped warbler*; and a *Lincoln sparrow*. Of interest was a bedraggled *pecho amarillo* atop a cottonwood. It was a fair distance off, so I wasn't sure of the ID. I was leaning toward Cassin kingbird, but I can't rule out western kingbird. All the birds this morning were pretty bedraggled-looking. Prince Lake No. 2 had 2 *willets* and 1 *semipalmated plover*, and the Jasper Road mudflats (Boulder Creek at 109th Street) had 6 *long-billed dowitchers*. Yesterday: a *lark bunting* at the Coalton Open Space, and *lazuli buntings*, *yellow-breasted chats*, and *Virginia warblers* back at the Fowler Trail. All day, every day: *bushtits* and *African collared-doves* in Lafayette. Ted Floyd Lafayette, Boulder 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/7138b6dd-9c21-4956-afd3-b37e6c858226%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Grandview Cemetery (FtCollins-Larimer) last few days
I haven't been going to Grandview Cemetery much this year but when I do, the list has been entered into eBird. Don't fall over. Highlights of the last few days are: Broad-winged Hawk (at least two different individuals, one seen two days ago was definitely an adult, the one today looked younger or at least lighter on the head) Broad-tailed Hummingbird (one female on a new nest in the southwest corner. Interestingly this freshly-constructed nest is within 10 and 15 feet, respectively, of two nests used in previous years that maintained much of their form and looked to be good candidates for re-use). [FYI, you may recall I have been following a nest in the southeast corner that has had some degree of occupancy for each of the last 4 years, which makes it a champion in terms of equaling the longest published period of consecutive use by this species (according to the BNA account). So far this year, no activity and the rather bulky nest (for a hummingbird) is leaning precariously to the south with all the soggy rain we've had of late. It looks like there is room for another layer in terms of head clearance for the female but the lean and grass-seeding activity immediately underneath the nest may be too many complications to expect its re-use regardless of track record and any site fidelity that might be operating in this situation. I will continue to monitor it, of course.] Olive-sided Flycatcher (1 today, first seen on City Park Nine golf course, and later in the interior of the cemetery just e of Section S, FOY for me) Chipping Sparrow (perhaps a dozen have been on the grounds lately, a few of them singing, and perhaps a few will nest again this year). American Goldfinch (the dominant sound at Grandview right now, at least when the mowers aren't in operation. Tough to estimate how many are working the seeds of various deciduous trees but I put 82 on eBird, so it must be true.) Black-capped Chickadee (on April 30th I observed a chickadee on the ground attending the carcass of a dead baby fox squirrel. All the various head openings of the squirrel, dead about 2-3 days I would estimate, were packed with blow flies laying eggs. At first I thought the chickadee might be going after the flies and/or eating the fly eggs, but as I watched, it loaded its mouth to the limit with fur and headed up into a nearby spruce, presumably to line the cavity intended for Brood #2 this year. Since squirrels eat so many baby birds, this seemed like karma to me. Today I looked at the squirrel, a mere 5-6 days from when observed, and hardly recognized it. It was like a deflated blimp, with just a blanket of patchy fur, a few bones protruding, and apparently no muscle or other tissue left. The face was totally unrecognizable. Natural recycling takes many forms and is ultra-rapid.) Chimney Swifts, Turkey Vultures, both Cliff and Barn Swallows are back and have been seen overhead most of the recent visits. I would estimate 5 pairs of Red-breasted Nuthatches are nesting. Heard 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets during a visit in late April but not since, and doubt there will be a pair nest this year. The Great Horned Owl 2015 nest failed, perhaps due to the nest crotch flooding in a deluge shortly after the calculated hatch date for the chicks. Both adult owls have been seen in various places, usually south of the nest site. All the owl people will have to get their fix somewhere else this year. No warblers, thrushes, vireos, buntings, grosbeaks, orioles or small flycatchers, yet. Once again, I am reminded we in northern Colorado who read all the various postings from the south must be patient. 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-W50AB4FD817A74AB988F71C1D00%40phx.gbl. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] CO Birds, 2-4 May 2015
All, I manged a bit of time out over the last few days, some with and some without my family. A few highlights, some of which may just be not real notable as this is my first spring in CO. One thing that is amazing is that I can't go anywhere and not trip on a House Wren or Spotted Towhee right now! *2 May 2015* South Valley Park, Jefferson Co. I hiked ~3.5 miles with my wife and daughter. 31 - Spotted Towhees and all singing males. I never saw a female. 3 - Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. These western birds mew very differently than easterns! Our yard in Littleton, Jeff Co Finally got a hummingbird at the feeder (female Black-chinned). Leave it to my almost 3 yr old to tell me there was a hummingbird at the feeder and low and behold I look around the side of the house and there was our first hummer at the feeder! She's quite the birder for being almost 3. Broad-tails have been heard for a few days, but I haven't seen one at the feeder yet. *3 May 2015* Chatfield SP, Douglas Co., while cycling Least Flycatcher calling by Kingfisher bridge (with at least 5 House Wrens). One Yellow Warbler on the Jeff Co side near the mouth of Deer Creek. The yellows here really slur their song like an American Redstart (I thought I heard a redstart there Saturday afternoon while cycling and pulling the kiddo, but wasn't completely sure, so I guess it was one of these western yellows). Lark Sparrows singing in both counties. I heard Broad-tails everywhere (guess I wasn't pedaling hard enough!) I also heard and then saw a pair of Brewer's Blackbirds south of Chatfield by the prairie dog town at Waterton rd and N Rampart Range rd. My first Brewer's since we moved here. Not bad for birding while out for a hard bike ride! *4 May 2015* Barr Lake SP, Adams Co, in the early morning rain for an hour by the Nature Center (no white-eyed vireo) 2 singing eastern Warbling Vireos Yellow Warbler - another western bird that sounds more like an Am Redstart to me. Managed to get some nice looks at the bird singing what is a very different song to me. Even the tone seems a little different than eastern yellow's. Weld Co birds: Lower Latham Res Numerous Marsh Wrens and a spontaneously calling Sora. Only found Least sandpipers with the usual Wilson Phals, Avcoets and Black-necked Stilts. Briggsdale area - at least 2 Brewer's Sparrows just south of the elementary school with usual grassland species, incl a couple Grasshopper Sparrows up the road. Murphy's Pasture area of Pawnee NG I took my time cruising down CR96 and had a lot of nice birds. Great looks at a couple McCown's Longspurs displaying. At least 6 Grasshopper Sparrows, and plenty of other sparrows to sort through. Interesting to see White-crowned Sparrows literally 4 miles from a shrub. This was the first time I'd seen Lark Buntings displaying. I could watch and listen to that all day. Checklist (photos incl): http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S23224126 Not especially notable, but I saw a N Mockingbird by one of the in-holdings in Pawnee. Took me 2 months to find one in CO and there was about 1 sec of excitement on that bird. Nothing notable at Crow Valley Campground. Morgan Co - Jackson Reservoir My first time there and I definitely need to learn how to bird the area, but didn't have enough time to explore thoroughly. Oodles of Western Grebes (800+) and some Eared Grebes 1 Sanderling popped up on the rocks by the boat launch 1 Forster's tern Nice looks at various plumages of Calif Gulls and some nice breeding plumage Franklin's Gulls (which are really under rated!). I didn't take many photos yesterday, but a few start here: http://www.pbase.com/shoeman/image/159951394 Good birding, Scott Somershoe Littleton CO Jeff 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/CAJmtx%2BVvduJAimrFuaxpQauTWfsaQU00NRX1-3ZZifJ4%2BP0%3DTA%40mail.gmail.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Crow Valley (Weld) on 5/5
As others have posted, the story so far at Crow Valley is minimal landbird migration and lots of water in the creek. I managed to muster 36 species today with the highlights being: Sora (heard in the wetland off to the north of the Group Area in the nw corner) Eastern Screech-Owl (one gray-phase being pestered by a robin and jay south of the embarrassing sign depicting a red-phase individual) Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (at least 4) Clay-colored Sparrow (3) Orange-crowned Warbler (1) Common Yellowthroat (1 in creek willows south of Main Picnic Shelter) White-crowned Sparrow (at least 5, all Gambel's race) Brown Thrasher (1) Blue-winged Teal (1 pair in the Crow River) NO Northern Caridinal Lots of Lark Buntings back on the grasslands between Ault and Briggsdale. Few Western Kingbirds, several Lark Sparrows, several Brewer's Sparrows, few Vesper, few Chipping, no Grasshopper Sparrows that I saw but they are reported as being back. Crom Lake w of Pierce on CR31 had one Wilson's Phalarope, about 6 American Avocets, 4 Least Sandpipers, assorted common ducks, and a couple Western Kingbirds (one of which went to the ground and came up with a piece of earthworm jerky (hits the spot on a cold, rainy day)). 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-W2371B0E8530532AA47B24DC1D00%40phx.gbl. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Scissor-tailed Flycatcher-Cherry Creek-Arapahoe
Hi Cobirdians, On our morning nature walk (7:15) Debbie and I had a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher lilt over us. We were at the Twelve Mile Picnic area below the headquarters. Followed the bird in the binocs as it went a ways south along Cherry Creek where it cut to the west and behind trees. Guessing it might be found in the fields along the main road on the south end of the park or along the main bike path that heads east and south from the main road just south of Twelve Mile. Worth getting up and out for! Steve Kennedy East Birdwatch, Aurora -- 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/30dffd90-262c-4609-98ff-d7bc0be2bf07%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] FOS rufous hummingbird, Douglas County
Our first *rufous hummingbird*, an adult female, perched and fed (even preened) for about 10 minutes on a nectar feeder beginning about 2:20 p.m. this rain-dominant Tuesday. We now have four adult *broad-tail hummingbirds* -- 3 males, 1 female. Still hanging around: two *dark-eyed juncos*, both Oregon, sharing backyard territory with *lazuli buntings*, (5, including one female) and several white-crowned sparrows, among others. John Ealy Roxborough Park, Douglas County, west of Dakota Hogback -- 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/6a13db43-d030-43c9-8972-2b4b86c9f617%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Mr. Steller would be proud
While Georg Wilhelm Steller is still on our minds after reading the excellent tribute to him by Bob Righter in the current issue of Colorado Birds, I thought this note from the Denver Zoo might be of interest to Colorado birders. Dave Leatherman Fort Collins STELLER’S SEA EAGLE CHICK NOW VIEWABLE Visitors may now be able to catch glimpse of Denver Zoo’s second-ever, successfully-reared Steller’s sea eagle chick. The unnamed chick, with a still-unknown gender, hatched March 10. It is currently in its nest just outside of Bird World, Presented by Frontier Airlines, where it is being cared by both of its parents, Ursula and Vlad. Zookeepers and veterinarians only first handled the chick last week for a quick exam and to provide a West Nile Virus vaccination. The chick has not fledged and relies on its parents to bring it food. Come say hello. See video of the chick here. -- 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-W35B67775EBD22ED33FDC64C1D00%40phx.gbl. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Marston Reservoir,Denver
While it was raining I went to the western side of Marston Reservoir in Denver County . Watching from Old Wadsworth Blvd I saw around 32 Northern Shoveler, 18 Gadwall ,12 Mallard, and 4 American Widgeon. 18, Western Grebe were in the middle of the lake, along with only 3, American White Pelican. Most Great Blue Herons and Double-crested Cormorants were sitting tight on their nests in the Bird Sanctuary location[which is a no trespassing area]. The interesting Plover which I could not ID well [because of rain and distance], was on a mud bank. This mud bank was seen from the west side. The bird was on a mud bank on the east side. I saw no other shorebirds except this one. The shorebird was most likely a Black-bellied Plover, but the bill and head appeared to be smaller than that of a Black-bellied. I could not tell what color the mantle was because of the rain and distance, and then the Plover disappeared or was hidden somewhere else. The Plover did have a black, lower, belly Sorry this description is all I have. Identification was made difficult with the weather conditions. That is it for now. Happy Birding ! Tina Jones Littleton, Jefferson County, 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/SNT146-W66E76C913C572562595A5C0D00%40phx.gbl. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Cassin's Sparrows, Boulder County
Hi folks, On this foggy, misty morning at Boulder Valley Ranch, I spied a lonely pair of Cassin's Sparrows working through the yuccas and shortgrass at the edge of the mesa along the Sage Trail. The location was approximately 7/10 of a mile from the main parking area off Longhorn Drive, along the north portion of the loop trail about halfway to the main ranch pond near the junction for the North Rim trail. I IDed them based on their notably plain breasts, overall drab appearance, pale throats, stout body structure, spotty (not streaked) mantles, and moderately but not particularly long tails. They also had slightly dark crowns, slightly raised giving them a more angular appearance than what I expect from, say, Brewer's Sparrows. (I experienced many Cassin's during my field work in SE Colorado 2 years ago, and that's what this pair definitely reminded me of.) These birds however were utterly silent, and although the habitat was decent for them, I got the sense they were just passing through. But, who knows. I also found several Lark Buntings, mostly females but also a couple males thrown in. There were also numerous House Wrens are now on territories along the shelterbelt trees, with Western Meadowlarks, Vesper Sparrows, a Loggerhead Shrike, and even a few Savannah Sparrows singing from the taller grasses. -- Eric DeFonso Boulder, 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/CAFjVA_YFDzKq6k-HciwXQZNjWv-z2eD7uCxPpn5y52He7EoA4A%40mail.gmail.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Chatfield, Ken Caryl Valley area, mostly
May 4 Yesterday's low clouds and occasional light rain brought many swallows down low at Chatfield Reservoir and the South Platte corridor. *Violet-green Swallow* was far and away the most abundant, with a rough estimate of 2,000 in the park during the couple of hours I was there in the morning. Also less than 400 *Tree Swallows*, and much lower numbers of the other expected species. I noticed well defined movements of Violet-greens coming from the west to the lake, and flying down the Platte corridor, suggesting to me movements out of the mountains to feed around the reservoir, but maybe there is a more local explanation just involving migrants. Here is a sampling of numbers of some of the arriving migrants that breed in the South Platte riparian, from a walk of about 0.9 mile on the Jefferson County side, mostly upstream of Kingfisher Bridge: *Least Flycatcher* (4), *Gray Catbird* (7), *American Redstart* (1 male), *Yellow Warbler* (~38), *Yellow-breasted Chat* (12). Also noted there were *Black-chinned Humingbird*, *Swainson's Thrush*, *Bullock's Oriole*, and *Lazuli Bunting*. An *Eastern Screech-Owl* sitting at the entrance to a cottonwood cavity was a treat, and a few *Western Kingbirds* were here or there in the park. *Eastern Phoebes* continued at Plum Creek near the picnic area and at the South Platte at Kingfisher Bridge, and one was singing along Deer Creek near the bridge of the park's perimeter road. Three *Grasshopper Sparrows* were along the road to Plum Creek nature area and one was along the perimeter road on the west side of the park. Waterbirds were few, but I did find *American Avocet*, *Least Sandpiper*, and *Forster's Tern*. Two or three *Ospreys* were in the park. At Deer Creek Canyon County Park (JeffCo) the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail had 2 *Virginia's Warblers*, 2 *Black-headed Grosbeaks*, several *Blue-gray Gnatcatchers*, and a *Golden Eagle*. The forested upper part of Massey Draw in Ken Caryl Ranch had a male *Townsend's Warbler *and some *Plumbeous Vireos*. Over in Arapahoe County at Centennial Park there was a continuing *Greater White-fronted Goose*. May 3 A dusk assemblage of feeding swallows over the north end of Prince Street north of downtown Littleton (ARA) included 4 *Chimney Swifts*. Back at Ken Caryl Valley Massey Draw had a *Nashville Warbler* and a fly over *Broad-winged Hawk*. David Suddjian 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/CAGj6Roq7oBjusNsJfWjEF-yb8cRyyz%3DcwJAVMzAzz8BE2fyh_g%40mail.gmail.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] RMBO Chatfield Banding Station, 5/4 and 5/4
Rainy weather does not seem to have brought in more birds, and those at the station seem to be hunkered down. We've been open briefly and early, before the mid-morning showers have started, and have supplemented our efforts at the station nets with the nets at the feeders at the Nature Center. One very cool capture today - a lovely young female NORTHERN PARULA! Oh, and a recapture of note - a male White-breasted Nuthatch, banded in 2007! Here's the breakdown from the past 2 days: Downy Woodpecker 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 (1 male - see note above - and 1 female in breeding condition. Probable pair.) House Wren 2 Northern Parula 1 (see note above; only second ever at station) Spotted Towhee 1 (banded 2014) Gambel's White-crowned Sparrow 7 Mountain White-crowned Sparrow 1 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 (banded 2012) House Finch 1 We will be open daily,weather permitting, through May 31, EXCEPT for May 8-9. We will be opening nets at 6:30, and should have the first birds back at the station by 7:30. We will close by noon most days; earlier if it is too hot. On most days, you will see more birds if you come early, and will be more likely to avoid crowds. On weekdays, we have school groups visiting every day, and they usually arrive at the station sometime between 9:30 and 10 a.m. Meredith McBurney Chatfield Banding Station Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory -- 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/4cb9c614-a944-44e4-8ad2-45ffe323527d%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Eastern Phoebe Audubon, Boulder County
Hello birders, Reports of an Eastern Phoebe at the 75th Street bridge, Heatherwood Trailhead area, brings to mind John James Audubon. From Garrison Keillor’s “Writer’s Almanac” April 26, 2015: “Today is the birthday of the man who once wrote, 'I feel I am strange to all but the birds of America': ornithologist and artist John James Audubon.Fascinated by all the new American birds he saw, he began to study them more closely. He found some Eastern Phoebes nesting in a cave. He had read that they returned to the same spot to nest every year, and he wanted to test that idea. For days, he sat in the cave with them and read a book, until they were used to him and let him approach. He tied string to their legs to identify them, and sure enough, the next year the same birds were back in the cave. It is the first known incident of banding birds.” I don’t think John James Audubon ever visited what became Colorado, but he’s remembered everywhere in North America. A late happy birthday to him! Tom Wilberding Boulder, 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/30a1211c-756e-494c-be17-a3098added78%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Stilt Sandpiper, Walden Ponds, Boulder Co
West side of Cottonwood Marsh. Also Western Kinbird, Warbling Vireo, Yellow, Yellow-rumped and Orange-crowned Warbler, and Green-tailed Towhee. Chuck HundertmarkLafayette303-604-0531 Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab® S -- 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/cuiufxtvoffo6m1fmcd6fsxf.1430845662606%40email.android.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Cherry Creek
Folks, Steve Kennedy messaged me that he saw a STFL at Cherry Creek State Park this morning on the south side near 12 mile creek. He was not able to post this himself. Glenn Walbek Castle Rock, CO (currently north of Arriba) Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID -- 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/en74146jerhcorn30xvqgnvm.1430847367401%40email.android.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Colorado Rare Bird Alert, 5 May 2015
Compiler: Joyce Takamine Date: May 5, 2015 This is the Rare Bird Alert, Tuesday, May 5 sponsored by Denver Field Ornithologists and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. Highlight species include: (* indicates new information on this species). BRANT (Rio Grande) Barrow's Goldeneye (Eagle) Green Heron (La Plata) Broad-winged Hawk (Baca, Denver, *Larimer, Prowers) Snowy Plover (*El Paso, Otero) Mountain Plover (Baca) Whimbrel (Denver, El Paso) HUDSONIAN GODWIT (Otero) Laughing Gull (Prowers) Thayer's Gull (Morgan) Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larimer, Morgan) Caspian Tern (Denver, El Paso, Mesa) VAUX'S SWIFT (Pueblo) Red-headed Woodpecker (Yuma) Red-bellied Woodpecker (Prowers) American Three-toed Woodpecker (*Boulder) ALDER FLYCATCHER (Yuma) Least Flycatcher (El Paso, Jefferson, Kit Carson) Gray Flycatcher (Boulder, El Paso, *Larimer) Black Phoebe (*Boulder, Mesa, Pueblo) Eastern Phoebe (*Boulder, Douglas, *Jefferson, Larimer, Pueblo) Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Douglas) White-eyed Vireo (Adams, Prowers) Blue-headed Vireo (Baca) Yellow-throated Vireo (El Paso, Pueblo) ROCK WREN (Conejos, Denver, Gunnison, Larimer, Park) Lapland Longspur (Prowers) Chesnut-collared Longspur (*Lincoln) Golden-winged Warbler (Jefferson) LUCY'S WARBLER (La Plata, Montezuma) Prairie Warbler (El Paso) Canyon Towhee (Baca) Field Sparrow (*El Paso, Kit Carson, *Lincoln) Sagebrush Sparrow (Conejos) Fox Sparrow (Boulder, Gilpin, Jackson, Larimer) Summer Tanager (Rio Grande) Northern Cardinal (Prowers, Weld) Painted Bunting (El Paso) Baltimore Oriole (San Miguel) ADAMS COUNTY: --A White-eyed Vireo was reported by Adam Vesely at Barr Lake SP on May 2. It was about 150 yrds N of footbridge across from Visitors Center. On May 3, Chris Goulart refound the White-eyed Vireo at Barr Lake SP. BACA COUNTY: --On April 18, Matt Clark reported 3 Canyon Towhees at Cottonwood Canyon. On April 25, Bill Blackburn reported Canyon Towhee at Cottonwood Canyon. --On April 25, Bill Blackburn reported Mountain Plover between Two Buttes and Turks Pond SWA. --A soaring Broad-winged Hawk was reported by Bill Blackburn over Springfield on April 25. --A Blue-headed Vireo was reported by Kilpatrick, Gilbert, and Walbek at Two Buttes SWA on May 3. BOULDER COUNTY: --On April 12, Waltman reported Black Phoebe at 75th St Bridge over Boulder Creek. On April 15, Minner-Lee reported Black Phoebe at 75th St and Boulder Creek. On April 19, Burke reported Black Phoebe at 75th St and Boulder Creek. On April 24, Joan Coxe reported Black Phobe at 75th St and Boulder Creek. On April 25, Bill Kaempfer reported Black and Eastern Phoebe at 75th St and Boulder Creek. On April 29, Kris and Robert King reported Black Phoebe at 75th St and Boulder Creek. On May 2, Christine Snitkin reported Black Phoebe at 75th St and Boulder Creek. On May 2, Tumasonis reported Eastern Phoebe at 75th and Boulder Creek. --A Slate-colored Fox Sparrow was reported by Dowell on Skunk Canyon Trails on April 21. On April 22, Minner-Lee reported Fox Sparrow at Skunk Canyon Trails. On April 29, Dowell reported Slate-colored Fox Sparrow on Skunk Canyon Trails. --A Black Phoebe was reported by Paula Hansley at Walden Ponds on April 25. --A Broad-winged Hawk was reported by Carl Starace flying over Rabbit Mountain on April 25. --A Gray Flycatcher was reported by Mark Minner-Lee on the NW side of Waneka Lake on April 25. --3 American Three-toed Woodpeckers were reported by Tumasonis in Rocky Mt NP above and below Ouzel Falls, Wild Basin trails on May 2. CONEJOS COUNTY: --On April 27, Rawinski reported ROCK WREN and numerous Sagebrush Sparrows in John James Canyon. DENVER COUNTY: --A Caspian Tern was reported by Suddjian at Marston Reservoir on April 27. --A Whimbrel was reported by Matt Clark at Marston Reservoir on April 28. On April 29 at Marston Reservoir at the west end Matt Clark reported 4 Whimbrel. --A Broad-winged Hawk was reported by J Del Rosso at Denver Botanic Garden on May 3. --A Rock Wren was reported by J Del Rosso at Denver Botanic Garden on May 3. DOUGLAS COUNTY: --A pair of Eastern Phoebe was reported by Suddjian at Plum Creek near the picnic area at Chatfield on April 21. An Eastern Phoebe was reported by Kibbe at Plum Creek Detla on April 23. On April 30, Norm Lewis reported Eastern Phoebe at Plum Creek Delta at Chatfield SP. --3 Eastern Phoebes were reported by Joey Kellner at Chatfield SP on April 25. An Eastern Phoebe was reported by Candice Johnson at Chatfield SP on April 28. 2 Eastern Phoebe were reported by Scott Manwaring upstream from Kingfisher Bridge on May 2. On May 3, an Eastern Phoebe was reported by Halverstadt over the reservoir at Chatfield SP. --A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was reported by Paul Schlagbaum at Chatfield near the Plum Creek picnic area on May 1. The flycatcher has been reported by many birders, most in the Plum Creek Natural Area vicinity on May 1. EAGLE COUNTY: --5 Barrow's Goldeneyes were reported by Dick Filby at Spring Park Reservoir
