[cobirds] Tribute to Joe Roller
gift was beautifully presented, fancy, and also a little absurd: along with some clothes, a stuffed animal that looks sort of like a deer or a rabbit with sparkling gray antlers. A jackalope? Of course it’s one of George’s favorites. Joe Roller was a legend in his own time. He deserves every tribute we can give him. For every story we might tell, he could tell ten. Chris Rurik Lakebay, WA -- 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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/7194a5b1-11fe-4f70-9ac0-a5c778bcae8dn%40googlegroups.com.
[cobirds] F-T Fly report?
Hi all, I’d really appreciate a ‘yay’ or ‘nay’ report on the fork-tailed flycatcher from anyone who looks for the bird this morning. Thanks, Chris -- 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/b837f661-69b5-4f07-8f2e-e13e18e49dc3%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Worm-eating Warbler -- Bluff Lake Nature Center
This evening, at Bluff Lake's annual Blues & Brews event, my mom, dad, Dr. Chau (!), and I peeled away from the great music and hubbub of friends to walk around the (very full) lake. On the trail along the north side of the lake we discovered a WORM-EATING WARBLER silently foraging in one of the shorter trees lining the lake. While I attempted to get a picture (and probably failed), my dad watched it eat a green caterpillar about three times the length of its beak. It was near a bench that faces the lake, about fifty yards from the west end of the lake. It was silent. Chris Rurik Westminster 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/bad84fde-f6ef-4e1c-9902-3fd770970d28%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Las Animas County big day (+Saturday birding)
other than Lark Sparrow, sparrows were tough to find; we only had one warbler species; and we had not hit a shorebird jackpot. At Trinidad Lake State Park we only birded the Reilly Canyon entrance. The lake is super-full, and the road is washed out as soon as it hits the shoreline. We added Rock Wren and Blue Grosbeak and saw a lonely ibis on the lakeshore. We continued on to a place described in Holt's book as a good place for Lewis's Woodpecker: a random grove of cottonwoods on a random county road. First we overshot the spot and found Blue-grey Gnatcatcher. When we returned to the cottonwoods, sure enough, a Lewis's Woodpecker flew out and away. We could not believe that, again, the decades-old intel still applied. Bosque Del Oso State Wildlife Area was a special place to bird. I highly recommend visiting in spring. The riparian area just beyond Barron Corrals reminded me of the best migrant traps on the eastern plains, with big old trees and willow tangles along the creek. Except here, the riparian area is not surrounded by empty plains but PJ hillsides, gambell oak, and ponderosas. We had Virginia's Warbler, Cassin's Kingbird, Plumbeous Vireo, Black-headed Grosbeak, both bluebirds, Green-tailed Towhee, and five woodpecker species (Downy, Hairy, Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, and Lewis's). Seeing the Lewis's was memorable. They were flycatching about five feet off the ground, sometimes landing on low cottonwood branches and sometimes landing on a fallen branch on the ground. When we got closer, we realized that the "fallen branch" was actually a huge antler, and the antler was attached to a recently killed bull elk. It was smelly and half-eaten by some kind of predator or scavenger. We think the Lewis's Woodpeckers were feeding on flies and other insects attracted to the carcass. Wow, quite an ecological moment. We continued on toward Cuchara Pass, picking up a few things along the way. The final stop of note was North Lake SWA, where we had two Eared Grebes trying to pose as shovelers, Orange-crowned Warbler, Lincoln's Sparrow, our first Steller's Jays of the day, Great Blue Heron, and Osprey. The lake shimmered in its bowl in the foothills, serene and truly beautiful. At Cuchara Pass we made one last effort to get some mountain birds, which were very tough to find, but eventually a Mountain Chickadee called twice, then a few Hermit Thrushes began to sing in the distance. All in all we tallied about 91 species in Las Animas County on our big day (pending review), and about 105 species total on the weekend. Not bad! It seemed like every place we visited was memorable and beautiful in its own way. Thanks to Cris, Sue, and Susan for accompanying me and finding so many great birds. Thanks also to DFO for being such an excellent community of birders. After a weekend like this, I'm going to miss Colorado. Chris Rurik Westminster CO (for three more weeks) -- 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/d1ee829e-71ea-499f-b5ac-b197a4f6e2fa%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Denver Botanic Gardens and Cheesman Park (Denver County)
This morning I got a flurry of texts from Rebecca Laroche, who was seeing Western Tanagers and Black-headed Grosbeak among other birds in Cheesman Park. She moved into the botanic gardens when they opened. Within minutes she reported, "Blackpoll!" I drove over there to bird with her. We never refound the Blackpoll Warbler, which Rebecca says was zipping from tree to tree as if it did not intend to stay, but the gardens had other goodies. First was an active empid we eventually identified as a Dusky Flycatcher. Then in the area behind the cafe we found a Virginia's Warbler and female Black-throated Gray Warbler. Ten minutes later we looked again and there were two Virginia's Warblers. The three warblers seem to like the tree in the island directly behind the cafe. The Dusky was in the same area. The final highlight came soon after, when a large-ish bird came fluttering in toward the shale hillside. Common Poorwill! Within seconds it flushed again toward the Birds and Bees Trail, and we could not refind it. Great birding in one of Denver's great migrant traps. Hopefully continued storms will bring more. Best, Chris Rurik Westminster CO (soon to be Seattle and Alaska) -- 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/87e2bbf3-5f43-4f82-bd18-a2a5e5843d47%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Re: eBird report of Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Trinidad
I should have been more clear. This is an UNCONFIRMED sighting. IF it is a fork-tailed flycatcher, it would be a first state record (I think). Chris Rurik Westminster CO On Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 7:28:50 AM UTC-7, Chris Rurik wrote: > > Hot off the wire, an eBird rare bird alert of a Fork-tailed Flycatcher in > Trinidad (Las Animas County) yesterday at 2:15. > > Thought I'd let those who are not signed up for the alerts know. > > Does anyone have any more information? > > Thanks, > Chris Rurik > Westminster 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/6a944203-8741-46c9-a910-1371bd435678%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] eBird report of Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Trinidad
Hot off the wire, an eBird rare bird alert of a Fork-tailed Flycatcher in Trinidad (Las Animas County) yesterday at 2:15. Thought I'd let those who are not signed up for the alerts know. Does anyone have any more information? Thanks, Chris Rurik Westminster 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/bc4424df-d6f5-4de5-8b97-24c93f6514d1%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Re: Brant in Arvada
I stopped at Indian Tree GC at 10:30 am, and no geese were present. They move around a lot in this area. None currently at Hidden Lake either. Chris Rurik Westminster, CO On Friday, January 27, 2017 at 6:31:01 AM UTC-7, Martha LKJ wrote: > > Though I won't be able to drive by until tomorrow, it's great to see a > post about Arvada, my part of town. I drive by that location often and > would love adding Brant to my life list. Thanks for the post. > Martha, Arvada, CO > > On Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 3:46:18 PM UTC-7, Doug Faulkner wrote: >> >> Hello all, >> >> A brant and greater white-fronted goose are currently at the Indian Tree >> Golf Course on Wadsworth north of 72nd Ave, Arvada, Jefferson County. They >> are in a flock of Canada's between the parking lot and pond to the north. >> >> Doug Faulkner >> Arvada, 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/8ed044c9-3f7a-4b1e-92e8-36c8f06e00e9%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Re: Graylag Goose?
Two domestic Graylag(ish) geese have been resident at City Park for at least the four years that I have been birding City Park. They do not migrate and are present in the park all year round. They aren't countable because they aren't a self-sustaining population. I suspect that they have produced a few hybrid offspring with Canada Geese. This bird from a few years ago is suspicious: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S16035094 Chris Rurik Westminster CO On Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 11:01:32 AM UTC-7, Gary Brower wrote: > > CoBirders, > > In my “eBird Alert” for Colorado this morning was a mention of a Graylag > Goose in the lakes at City Park in Denver. The comments were: "One > graylag goose was seen by the lakes. There are commonly two that winter in > the park.” > > What’s the “opinion” on this/these bird(s)? Apparently they aren’t > resident, but are they “countable”, or simply a couple of domesticated > animals that float around? > > Thanks, > > Gary Brower > Unincorporated Arapahoe 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/e2c7fb63-b0fb-4c13-b97b-b5a6fbaa813d%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Brant -- Hidden (Mayham) Lake, Adams County
Found a Brant among 1000+ Cackling/Canada Geese at Hidden Lake today. One of the first ten geese I saw, before I lifted my bins. What luck. eBird checklist with pics here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S33007811 I went back an hour later and searched for nearly an hour and it was nowhere to be found. A previously undetected Greater White-fronted Goose wasn't much consolation. IMPORTANT: Hidden Lake is almost entirely private. You may scope the lake from two bookending locations: the county open space adjoining Sheridan on the west end or the park with baseball fields on the east end. All other access points are open only to residents. The geese move around a lot in this area, and I'd recommend also checking Lake Arbor and Jim Baker Reservoir. It's been fun to move into this neighborhood and begin to build Hidden Lake's bird list. This was unexpected. I'll post again if I see it return. Chris Rurik Westminster Colorado -- 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/c13a0636-e710-4656-b79f-a8244cb8f4ca%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Marston Res -- Common Loon and Sabine's Gull
Hi all -- I birded Marston from all vantage points around noon today. Heat shimmer wasn't much of an issue. The biggest challenge other than the usual Marston challenge of standing in awkward places and looking through a chainlink fence (see the Colorado County Birding website for instructions on how to bird Marston) was learning not to get excited about the dorsal fins of carp. They would appear, wave around in circles, then disappear -- kind of otherworldly but also pretty annoying in my search for phalaropes. Bird numbers have been marginal at best at Marston all year. I only saw about six Western Grebes today and no shorebirds other than Killdeer (no phalaropes). A nice loafing party of American White Pelicans, Ring-billed and California Gulls on the west side. One flotilla of ten American Coots was visible from every vantage. A party of seven Common Mergansers appeared on the east side and went arrowing after something or other. I saw the previously reported Common Loon within minutes of arriving at the west side. It cruised past, close in to shore, peering underwater in the loon way, then disappeared for the rest of the nearly two hours I spent repeatedly scanning, scanning, scanning, repeating. I almost didn't make the final stop along Bow Mar Drive. Good thing I did: on my second scan I caught a small gull flying out toward the middle of the lake. It was a Sabine's, possibly the one reported yesterday. It flew for fifteen seconds (majestically) then landed in the middle of the res and floated. Distant even with the scope. An awesome bird. Good birding to all, Chris Rurik 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/4431d314-7ed9-4fa9-a88b-3aa3676811f4%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] DFO Chase Trip 9/3/16
Yesterday I led another "Chase Trip" for Denver Field Ornithologists to hunt for cool birds. Thanks to the great merry band of chasers that came along. Our first stop was Warembourg Open Space in Louisville, where we heard and had brief glimpses of the Carolina Wren reported by Jack Bushong. Thanks Jack! It was in the cottonwood grove on the NW corner of the open space. Next we went north toward Crow Valley. We stopped at several ponds and lakes along WCR 74. Woods Lake and the pond north of the road had many Western Grebes, two Osprey, two Great Egrets, a Snipe, three Lesser Yellowlegs, Great-tailed Grackles, and more. The ponds at WCR 74 & 61 had Eared Grebes with chicks, Black-necked Stilts, both Yellowlegs, and lots of Wilson's Phalaropes. In Crow Valley we apparently missed the Blue-headed Vireo by less than a minute. There was moderate action in the NW corner including Red-eyed Vireo, Brown Thrasher, plenty of Orange-crowned and Wilson's Warblers, and a Western Tanager. Thanks to Dave Leatherman for finding the BHVI even if we didn't see it! South we went to the playa south of Byers, where we saw the amazing, incredible, beautiful Buff-breasted Sandpiper, a lifer for about half of our group. Thanks Cheri! At a playa just NE of Byers we saw eight species of shorebirds to round out the day. All in all a really fun day of chasing. Looking forward to next time. Chris Rurik 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/487cbb1d-e47e-4c27-b078-10b977672282%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Red-necked Phalarope -- Bluff Lake Nature Center, Denver County
It pains me to post this... Chris Wood and Jessie Barry report 21 Red-necked Phalarope from Bluff Lake in the Stapleton Neighborhood of Denver. I won't be returning from WA until this evening, so I hope they stick around until tomorrow! This is a new bird for the Bluff Lake bird list, which currently stands a little over 175 species. As a reminder we will soon be draining Bluff Lake to begin reconstruction on the dam -- which will prevent it from drying out in years to come. Chris Rurik 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/213c99c4-b2ad-4ebc-a5d3-d0d584cfc6a1%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Big Day by Bike -- May 14
Hello all -- On Saturday I made my first attempt at a Big Day on Bike. My route was basically St. Vrain Mountain - Allenspark - Old St. Vrain Road - Lyons - Longmont - Union Res - Sandstone Ranch, with lots of additional stops thrown in. In the weeks leading up to it I had no time for scouting and very little time for e-scouting, so I just went for it. No rare birds, but lots of highlights: - Sunrise in the mountains. First bird Brown Creeper, second bird Townsend's Solitaire, then I heard an irregular tapping and found a Williamson's Sapsucker! The hot start continued with Cassin's Finch, all three nuthatches, singing Ruby-crowned Kinglets, etc. A calm gray morning. - Just below Ferncliffe I hit another great batch of birds: Brewer's Blackbirds, Mountain Bluebirds, a Red-naped Sapsucker, Vesper Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, and more. - Then the mist descended again and I feared for my day. Bombing down St. Vrain Canyon was wet and frigid. The few times I was able to detect a bird, it was near-impossible to see through my binoculars. I did manage a Dusky Flycatcher. Since I wasn't pedaling much in the downhill wind chill, my feet turned into blocks of ice. - Hall Ranch and Old St. Vrain Road. I got warmed up again and the colorful birds came quickly: Western Tanager, Lazuli Bunting, Black-headed Grosbeak, American Dipper, Plumbeous Vireo, BG Gnatcatcher, Western Bluebird, Bullock's Oriole, etc. etc. With some additional care along the road I found Lincoln's, Clay-colored, Lark, Song, and Brewer's Sparrows, Swainson's Thrush, Gray Catbird, Cedar Waxwing. This was probably my favorite birding spot all day. - Working the small reservoirs and agricultural areas west of Longmont I managed Eastern Kingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Wilson's Warbler, GBH, Barn Owl, Savannah Sparrow, Loggerhead Shrike, and a few other new birds. - McIntosh Lake, which I had scheduled just for a quick scan, turned out to be clutch with Western Grebe, another Dusky Flycatcher, Redhead, all three teals, and a Least Sandpiper with an impressive number of Spotteds. - Union Res. was largely a bust with significant heat waves, but some Bank Swallows were cruising around near the S entrance. At this point I had no idea how many birds I had seen nor if it was worth trying bird my last planned stop... - At Sandstone Ranch I loaded my bike into the car and got to leisurely bird with Mimi. We found three species new for the day: Green-tailed Towhee, Wild Turkey, and Wood Duck. - I had been sick as a dog on Wednesday night, so I was glad to be feeling great on my bike. The day left me energized, not exhausted! A few lessons for future biking big days: - This is awesome. I love being outside all day, no car to hide me from the elements and birdsong. I'll definitely be doing more big days on my bike. Hugely encourage others to try. - Several factors limited my success: lack of scouting, lack of targets (i.e. I didn't really know if I should stay in a certain place and try to dig out more species), slowing down throughout the day to meet up / bird with Mimi, and often only having one set of eyes and ears. I must hugely thank Mimi for driving me to the start point and accompanying me throughout much of the day. What a grand day it was. Oh yeah! A species total: 101. Chris Rurik 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/f12a26f5-c869-4f57-84ad-6e12fe52e01c%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Denver County local interest migrants
Hi all -- Good birds (by Denver County standards) seem to be showing up all over the metro area right now, with lots of turnover. Sunday at City Park I saw my first Chimney Swift, hundreds of swallows including Bank Swallow, and 35+ other species. Today along the Highline Canal in Fairmount Cemetery I saw a Harris' Sparrow with two white-crowns. Yesterday, Bluff Lake had a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Brown-headed Cowbird. FYI Bluff Lake's lake reconstruction project, aimed at improving habitat, is due to begin any day. The lake will be drained and the dam will be inaccessible for the next four-ish months. Westerly Wetlands is the place to be right now. In the last week I've seen: Great-tailed Grackle, Yellow-headed Blackbird, White-faced Ibis, Cattle Egret, Sage Thrasher, Rock Wren, many duck species, Solitary Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitcher, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, possible Baird's and Least, Semipalmated Plover, and Wilson's Snipe. Light is best early and late in the day; viewing is from the top of the dam with a scope (don't leave the gravel trail). Again, lots of turnover -- much of what I saw yesterday was not there today. Good birding! Chris Rurik 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/f58dd5cf-01a0-461b-ad9a-4b38ecdd1c3b%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Westerly Creek Park -- Denver County
Hi all -- Just leaving Westerly Creek Park, where an early male Blue-winged Teal has joined the five Cinnamon Teal. Also of note were a Western Scrub-jay and Say's Phoebe. Chris Rurik Denver 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/d2eb276b-f67b-489a-91b4-60b75c3ae354%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Re: Hybrid duck
Hi all -- This duck has been on the South Platte for at least four winters. It has been ID'ed as a Northern Shoveler X Gadwall hybrid. See the comments under a photo of it posted on January 29 to the Colorado Field Ornithologists Facebook group for more discussion and links to helpful websites. Hope this helps, Chris Rurik Denver, CO On Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 10:15:58 PM UTC-7, fiddlenurs wrote: > > I'm just sending this email to retitle it so that when people respond to > it, it won't have part of my name in the response. This duck was discovered > by other great birders, I had nothing to do with it… > Thanks, Deb Carstensen, Littleton > Sent from my iPhone > > On Feb 18, 2016, at 10:06 PM, Mary Keithler > wrote: > > Hi Leon, > > Thanks for your input. Certainly the hybrid duck photographed by Rob > Raker has characteristics that could be due to a wigeon x pintail > combination. I looked through dozens of photos of hybrid ducks and > couldn't find any that looked like the specimen Rob saw on the Platte. I > still thought that the duck might be a shoveler x gadwall combination. > When I searched on that hybrid, the photo I found did look more like Rob's > duck than the other photos I found. > > https://www.flickr.com/photos/nanney/480763409/in/photostream/ > > Perhaps someone with extensive experience with hybrid ducks would care to > join the discussion. > > Mary Keithler, Arapahoe County > > > Sent from my iPad > > On Feb 18, 2016, at 3:07 PM, Leon Bright > > wrote: > > Here’s another guess: American wigeon x pintail. Note the scapulars, > tertials and under-tail coverts. What about the absent “pin” tail, and the > white auriculars, you say? Well, umm… > > Leon Bright, Pueblo > > -- > 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+u...@googlegroups.com . > To post to this group, send email to cob...@googlegroups.com > . > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/017901d16a98%24c8f27080%245ad75180%24%40comcast.net > > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/017901d16a98%24c8f27080%245ad75180%24%40comcast.net?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. > > -- > 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+u...@googlegroups.com . > To post to this group, send email to cob...@googlegroups.com > . > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/44CE2A22-E26C-40CC-9293-FD0AC519411F%40gmail.com > > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/44CE2A22-E26C-40CC-9293-FD0AC519411F%40gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. > > -- 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/6f0a7473-3b98-48d2-9646-18453fb3d044%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Snowy Owl + Info on DIA roads
Hi folks -- What an awesome experience to see the snowy owl yesterday! As some of you may have heard, a police officer arrived in mid-morning to disperse the crew of birders watching the owl. She was very friendly and showed me a cell phone photo she took of the owl on November 21 (on the other side of the airport -- apparently it moves around a lot). A few things to know based on my conversation with her: The problem was a big group of cars -- apparently a maintenance truck was forced to drive into a field to get around birders, plus airline pilots get nervous on their approach when they see a group of cars. She said they have had people go out there and fly drones up to try to take pictures of airplanes (!?). The fields around the airport are owned by DIA, but leased to farmers, so birders should stay on the roads. Bottom line is that birding the DIA area is fine if it's a small group, you stay on the move, and you stay on the roads. Also, for all you county listers, the location between 112th and 114th east of Trussville is in Denver County, not Adams. Thanks, Chris Rurik 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/169acce7-17c2-49e7-9d4e-423641ef9c84%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Re: Speaking of Eating Crow
Speaking of eating crow, I recently uncovered this passage in Archibald Menzies' journal from his voyage with Vancouver into Puget Sound in 1792: “…passing on our right a high sandy Cliff in which a species of Diver burrowed very numerously like Swallows, we saw more of them in the Cliffs of a small Island a little further on which was also inhabited by a great number of Crows attending their young, here we landed & shot several of them which were found very good…” At least one of the others in the party also mentioned how good the crows tasted. Here's another passage from Menzies, who apparently was a better botanist than birder: “I have already mentioned, silence & solitude seemd to prevail over this fine & extensive country, even the feathered race as if unable to endure the stillness that pervaded every where had in a great measure abandoned it & were therefore very scarce — a few large Cranes that inhabited the inland pastures, some white headed eagles that hoverd over the Arms & perchd in the trees on both sides watching for fish seemingly their only prey, a few Ducks that were seen in two or three places on the ponds behind the points & a kind of small Blackbird with red Shoulders (*Oriolus phoenicius*) that hopped about amongst the Bullrushes with a few Crows that seemed to accompany the Indians comprehended our ornithological list of this extensive tract.” Chris Rurik Denver CO On Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 9:21:06 PM UTC-7, Gary Brower wrote: > > Thanks, Ira. > > On the other hand, I'd probably get on a lot of trouble from all sorts of > directions if I "ate crow"! (Not to mention the difficulties of getting the > feather barbules out of between my teeth!) > > Gary Brower > Englewood, CO > > Sent from my iPhone > > > > Sent from my iPhone > On Nov 17, 2015, at 9:10 PM, Ira Sanders > wrote: > > Gary, > Don't eat that crow (probably didn't trip the filter) yet. It was funny. > Ira Sanders > Golden, CO > > On Tue, Nov 17, 2015 at 8:49 PM, Gary Brower > wrote: > >> Thanks, Sean. >> >> It wasn't necessarily facetious, but more gentle humor, as I've had David >> (on eBird's behalf) question MY sightings. >> >> But, you're right! Who watches the watchers? >> >> David, btw, I look forward to birding with you! 😃 >> >> Gary Brower >> Englewood, CO >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> >> >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> On Nov 17, 2015, at 8:37 PM, Sean Walters > > wrote: >> >> Gary, >> >> Even if meant facetiously, your question is a good one and one that I'm >> sure many eBird users would like to know the answer for. When it comes to >> data entry, eBird reviewers are in the same category as non-reviewers. >> Their records just get reviewed by other reviewers. >> >> Sean Walters >> Fort Collins, CO >> >> >> On Nov 17, 2015, at 8:08 PM, Gary Brower > > wrote: >> >> Sorry for the odd "post". This was meant to be what I hoped to say! And >> I would like to say, too, that I have all the respect in the world for >> David! >> >> - >> >> "Tripped the eBird filter" . . . . >> >> So, do you question yourself? >> >> Gary Brower >> Englewood, CO >> >> Sent from my iPad >> >> >> >> Sent from my iPad >> On Nov 17, 2015, at 7:39 PM, David Suddjian > > wrote: >> >> This morning as the snow let up Chatfield Reservoir had 3 *Red-necked >> Grebes*, 4 *Common Loons*, 1 adult *Lesser Black-backed Gull*, 2 >> *Bonaparte's >> Gulls*, 1-2 *Bald Eagles*, 1 *Merlin*, 1 *Prairie Falcon*, 2 *Greater >> Scaup*, and generally increased numbers of waterfowl (many flocks were >> flying around). A large portion of the birds (including all three >> Red-necked Grebes) were in or near a large flock of about 640 Western >> Grebes near the dam. The Common Loons were scattered as individuals here >> and there. A juv *Northern Shrike* was at the campground. >> >> The two female *Surf Scoters* were still at South Platte Reservoir, >> underwater more than at the surface. They were in Jefferson waters when I >> arrived, but dove and swam their way over the Arapahoe side of the line. An >> adult *Peregrine Falcon* flew over the reservoir heading southwest. >> >> Back home a straggling Audubon's *Yellow-rumped Warbler* visited the >> suet feeder in my yard, and unkowingly tripped the eBird filter for JeffCo. >> >> David Suddjian >> Littleton, CO >>
[cobirds] Scoters -- Cherry Creek State Park -- Arapahoe County
This morning there were two scoters on Cherry Creek Reservoir. One was a BLACK SCOTER, and the other was a little trickier. I have an idea of what it was but don't have time now to type up all the field marks I observed, plus I am curious to what conclusion others will draw if they go look. Last I saw them, they were perking up and starting to dive about even with the east shades. Also at least three Common Loons, five Horned Grebes, over a dozen Eared and Pied-billed Grebes, and half a thousand Western Grebes. Chris Rurik 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/fbc74c6f-3cc8-4a5c-b8b0-a23a2704790c%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Bluff Lake Nature Center -- Year-round Lake Campaign Update
CoBirders -- About a year ago, I sent a message about Bluff Lake Nature Center's capital campaign to shore up the lake so that it will not dry out, as it has for much of the last three years. Of the $3.1 million dollar goal, 99.5+% has been raised. THANK YOU to any of you who have donated. As of today, Bluff Lake is only $2,063 short of the goal! They need to raise the last bit by November 1. I bird Bluff Lake regularly (and work there very part time) and average 30+ species when the lake is full and about 20 when the lake is empty. When the lake has water, it is the highlight of most walks. It was amusing and a little sad this September to watch the lake shrink day by day, squeezing 25+ pelicans, 25+ snowy egrets, ducks, killdeer, and ~8 snipe into a smaller and smaller area. Then one day, I was walking a class of third graders toward the lake and telling them to sneak very quietly because we were about to see a lot of really cool birds and we didn't want to scare them off. But when we got to the lake...it was gone. No birds, and disappointment on their faces. I taught a lesson there about the water cycle, but I'd much rather have shown them pelicans. Normally I would not send a fundraising appeal to CoBirds, but this will have such a direct impact on the birds at one of Denver's best hotspots that I wanted you all to be aware of the opportunity. Thanks, Chris Rurik 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/1ca18acd-f648-4f57-8658-c30a2d2ba515%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Re: Possible Red Phalarope at Prince Lake #2, Boulder Co
After some research, I'm ready to go out on a limb and call this a Red Phalarope. Bill, head, and neck structure all looked thick to me in the field, and the light gray back and general plumage fit well with the photos I've been looking at. Interestingly, according to eBird, Reds are slightly more common than Red-necks in this part of the state in late October. To clarify, I don't think there were Black-bellied Plovers at the lake. I found some promising lumps on the far shore with my binoculars in the rain, but when Chuck brought the scope careful scanning revealed only rocks and killdeer. Oh, and two snipe. FOS Bufflehead, Lesser Scaup, and Am Tree Sparrow earlier this morning. Chris Rurik Denver CO On Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 1:45:46 PM UTC-6, Charles Hundertmark wrote: > > Shortly after noon today, I received a call from Chris Rurik who was at > Prince Lake #2. He thought he had re-spotted the Black-bellied Plovers > reported previously by Ted Floyd as well as a possible Red Phalarope. I > joined him around 12:30 with my spotting scope. We could not refund the > plovers, but we did study the phalarope for some time. It was across the > lake from the road, so difficult to get a good look at. However, the bill > did appear short and thick for a Red-necked. The back was gray with no sign > of striping but did contrast with darker appearing wings. Other opinions > would be welcome. > > Chuck Hundertmark > Lafayette, CO > 303-604-0531 -- 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/6fb41c20-2eff-410a-8cac-d27784583f51%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Southeast CO -- Wed thru Sat -- several counties
I set out on Wednesday to camp, bird, and work in Southeast Colorado -- and to make progress on my goal of birding every Colorado county. I rambled through Crowley, Otero, Bent, Prowers, Baca, Kiowa, and Cheyenne counties (all new for me). When I was preparing for the trip, I was surprised to see very few eBird reports from SE CO this fall. I can only imagine how many amazing birds were missed due to low coverage. Things were generally birdy wherever I went, though Wednesday through Friday I spent more time working on a manuscript than birding. Here are some highlights and location reports: *Crowley County*: Box Springs -- good numbers of birds that were scattered by a Peregrine Falcon. Lake Henry -- best thing I maybe saw was a flock of five geese that looked a lot like Greater White-fronteds but got away; water level high and grove inaccessible due to apparently new private property signs. *Otero County*: Holbrook Reservoir -- great conditions, worth checking; birds included an early Bald Eagle, Forster's Tern, Franklin's Gull, American Avocet, Least Sandpiper, both Yellowlegs, tons of Barn Swallows. *Bent County*: John Martin Reservoir -- did not bird too intensely but did see Greater Yellowlegs, Sandhill Crane, Prairie Falcon, Green-tailed Towhee and others. Lake Hasty Campground -- some of the best birding of the trip with consistently interesting birds both mornings I spent there; highlights were a late Bullock's Oriole, a late Black-headed/Rose-breasted Grosbeak (could use help with ID from my poor photos), Gray Catbird, Great Egret, and likely a lot more. *Prowers County*: Lamar Community College woods -- slammed with Orange-crowned Warblers and Ruby-crowned Kinglets; also saw Nashville Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Cardinal. For Saturday's excellent results, see David Dowell's report from last night. I'd add that we had nine Cattle Egret at Lower Queens Reservoir (Kiowa County). In the glorious Cheyenne County sunset on the way home, I managed to find seven species including Wild Turkey and Great Horned Owl. It was a great trip in a beautiful part of the state. Chris Rurik 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/de72d122-c8bd-40fc-a95a-b2c9f8d41e44%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Poorwill continues -- Cheesman Park, Denver County
Just found the COMMON POORWILL in Cheesman Park. It was under a tree just northwest of the 11th and High intersection. If it doesn't move, it will be very easy to find. Look for a beer bottle. The poorwill is inches away. My eBird checklist has a photo of the situation. The poorwill did kind of seem to have a hangover... Thanks to Jared "The Poorwill Whisperer" Del Rosso for finding and refinding this bird enough times for me to finally get on it. Hard to imagine a better chance for photos of a poorwill than this. Chris Rurik 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/694fe3ca-479c-4482-a651-44af5b744f15%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Re: Brown Thrash & possible Philadelphia Vireo - Denver Botanic Gardens (Denver)
Thanks to all who helped with feedback. Jury's strongly in favor of Philadelphia Vireo. Chris Rurik Denver, CO On Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 1:37:20 PM UTC-6, Jared Del Rosso wrote: > > Chris Rurik and I both birded the Gardens this morning. A Brown Thrasher > was around during the 9 a.m. hour. It was surprisingly gregarious, perching > and foraging among us and some robins. This was along the western edge of > the Gardens -- between the Cheesman gate and the pond near the plains > exhibit. It seemed to me to have hidden away pretty well by 10. > > Also on the western edge was a vireo. It was foraging near that same pond, > close to the walking bridge over the "creek" that connects the prairie pond > to the pond in the Japanese Garden. I took it for a Warbling Vireo, but > Chris took some longer, more careful views and noticed dark lores and > yellow on the throat. I snapped some photos before the bird flew into > Cheesman. Neither of us could relocate it. We have the photos out to a few > other birders for review, but if you'd like to take a look and provide some > input, the photographs are here <http://wp.me/p2ZNeo-4b>. > > On Friday and Saturday, the Gardens will be very busy with their annual > fall plant and bulb sale. The people watching may be excellent, but the > bird watching probably won't be. > > - 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/ef456a90-0c38-4c10-8017-8b4e2fd48d6a%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Denver Botanic Gardens Nashville Warbler
Hi folks -- While searching unsuccessfully for Jared's Brown Thrasher and other goodies this afternoon, I found a Nashville Warbler on the west end of the garden. By Denver County's admittedly mediocre standards, I think this now merits the Patagonia Picnic Table Effect label. Chris Rurik 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/c0fd83f4-12e5-4628-bf4d-d4f346cb2f04%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [cobirds] Re: Sparrow ID El Paso county (pictures)
Oh, hey, speaking of Lark Buntings, Denver Field Ornithologists has just debuted a beautiful new logo featuring original artwork of the bird. Visit www.dfobirds.org to check it out. Lots of white on Bluff Lake today -- 27 Snowy Egrets and 26 AW Pelicans. Green-tailed Towhee, Empid, three Snipe, and two Rock Wren. Chris Rurik Denver, CO On Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 9:45:48 AM UTC-6, Dave Leatherman wrote: > > Nice photos, Bill, of a nice bird. Just to make it clear and save the > sterling Denver Audubon Master Birder Class of 2015 going to the trouble of > a mass response, Lark Buntings ARE, indeed, sparrows. At least I think so, > unless the AOU just last night lumped them with Thick-billed Murre. > Colorado is the only state to honor a sparrow with the status of "Official > State Bird". My guess would be this is not because our legislature is > particularly ornithologically enlightened but rather enamored of the > printing cost-savings that might accrue from having a black and white > mascot. > > Dave Leatherman > Fort Collins > > > > -- > Date: Tue, 8 Sep 2015 08:56:33 -0600 > Subject: Re: [cobirds] Re: Sparrow ID El Paso county (pictures) > From: jrol...@gmail.com > To: bill_...@msn.com > CC: cob...@googlegroups.com > > This sparrow "look-alike" looks like a Lark Bunting. > The big white wing patch is a strong clue, and the bill is larger than > most other sparrows. > Sibley has a cool list of birds that look like sparrows, > but are not. (page 492 of the first edition). > > I have recently mis-identified 9 of the last 7 bird photos I looked at, so > let's wait > for another opinion. > > Joe Roller, > Denver > > On Tue, Sep 8, 2015 at 8:02 AM, kickback > > wrote: > > Thanks to all for the comments explaining that this bird is a female lark > bunting! > > Bill > > On Monday, September 7, 2015 at 11:53:37 PM UTC-6, kickback wrote: > > I think this is a Savannah sparrow but I am not very sure. Seen near > Drennan road by the airport > > http://www.avoapples.com/birds/_MG_7041_cr.jpg > > http://www.avoapples.com/birds/_MG_7053_cr.jpg > > > Please send me your comments. > > Thanks > > Bill > > El Paso county, Colorado Springs > > bill_...@msn.com > > > -- > 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+u...@googlegroups.com . > To post to this group, send email to cob...@googlegroups.com > . > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/ac2c50aa-82a1-41cb-aab1-2bd0d14e8424%40googlegroups.com > > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/ac2c50aa-82a1-41cb-aab1-2bd0d14e8424%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. > > > > -- > 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+u...@googlegroups.com . > To post to this group, send email to cob...@googlegroups.com > . > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAJpZcUCSQX4PPu_W4nAu8Sv2S95XFXEJ%3DMznV7%3DS3hFPEJgeFQ%40mail.gmail.com > > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAJpZcUCSQX4PPu_W4nAu8Sv2S95XFXEJ%3DMznV7%3DS3hFPEJgeFQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. > -- 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/7bd95145-ed9e-435c-8867-29d20e0415f7%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Chase Trip results -- Denver, Washington, Morgan Counties
Hi all -- Ten DFO birders joined me today for an entertaining chase trip to places that seemed ripe for rarities. Decent birds in great habitat. Our stops: 1. Bluff Lake Nature Center (Denver County) -- my home turf has a black-necked stilt, rare in Denver County, that has been showing the last few days. We were also treated to sora and snipe in the same scope view, five solitary sandpipers, and young Swainson's Hawks perched within 20 yards. Conditions are the best I've seen at Bluff Lake for shorebirds. (If you're thinking of looking for shorebirds at Marston Reservoir, don't bother. It's chock full of water.) 2. Last Chance (Washington County) -- John B. thought he saw a yellow-throated warbler, but it vanished before ID could be confirmed. Otherwise ho-hum with willow flycatcher, black-headed grosbeak, wilson's warblers, and western wood-pewee evidence of migration. Red-breasted Nuthatch was interesting. 3. CO 71 just south of the intersection with Morgan CR G -- three greater prairie-chickens. 4. Brush Prairie Ponds SWA (Morgan Co.) -- lots of water, not much shorebird habitat, plenty of sparrows and blue grosbeak for study. One yellow-headed blackbird, a shrike, and two eared grebes made things interesting. 5. Playa at MCR 23 and HH -- awesome setting, the road goes straight through this extensive playa. Peeps very nearby on HH. Ten shorebird species including very cooperative pectoral sandpipers and a long-billed curlew. 6. Playa on MCR 26 between II and JJ -- another great playa. Ten shorebird species again, including another LB curlew, stilt sandpipers, impressive numbers of phalaropes. Prairie falcon and dickcissels. 7. Playa at MCR JJ and CO 71 -- tough light at our final stop. More large birds with many cormorants, some gulls, some shorebirds, etc. All in all a great day. Hope this helps in planning trips as migration ramps up. Chris Rurik 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/6843d235-7315-4023-ac98-16e5efc056ef%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] RFI -- Arapahoe Cty Playa
Has anyone been to the playa in Arapahoe County near CRs 149 & 26? Last eBird report was a while ago, and I'd like to know if the habitat is still good enough to host birds. Also, if you have intel on other playas in that area, I'd appreciate it. Thanks, Chris Rurik 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/4a741dc6-0c46-46f8-83d7-4744bb9f076f%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Probable Dickcissel -- Cherry Creek SP, Arapahoe County
Hello CoBirders -- I think I may have seen and heard a Dickcissel at Cherry Creek State Park this morning. The encounter did not last long and I was late for work so I could not track it down. A sparrow like bird with its back turned singing from the top of a bush. Noticed that the back looked reddish. When it turned its head, I was surprised to see a gray head, sparrow like bill, with white stripes above the eye and in the moustachial region. Didn't get much detail beyond that. The song I remember hearing sounds like a pretty close match for Dickcissel. I saw it along Cherry Creek Trail south of the wetlands, about halfway between its junction with E Lake View Rd and where it hits the Railroad Bed Trail. It was southwest of the trail singing from a shrub in the grassland. If anyone is able to confirm this sighting, please let me know. For now, I'll leave it as a ???. Other cool birds in the area: Blue Grosbeak, Eastern Kingbird, YB Chat, Gray Catbird. Good summer birding, Chris Rurik 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/067d9ade-af7b-4659-b9e6-eeadb8be5be0%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Bluff Lake update
Hi all -- Thought I'd briefly pass along the news that Bluff Lake Nature Center (for which I have worked occasionally) is making a dedicated effort this week -- in honor of World Water Day -- to raise money for their lake capital campaign, which will greatly improve its habitat. Read more here: https://www.crowdrise.com/blufflakevolunteer1# Bluff Lake's bird list stands at 171 species (with pine siskin, red-breasted nuthatch, and eared grebe as recent additions). This pocket of urban habitat provides a stopover for migrating birds as well as a natural oasis where schoolchildren can learn about the environment -- making a year-round lake will benefit the whole neighborhood. Thanks! Chris Rurik Denver, CO (currently Key Center, WA) -- 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/2e8eafe5-0655-455a-9956-a4a20f39aca9%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Snow Goose, prob. Ross's Goose -- Denver City Park
My girlfriend was watching the Broncos game last night and they showed a shot of City Park at sunset. There were many more geese on the lake than I had seen at midday a few days ago, so today I went back about 4:00 and watched flocks of geese slowly trickle in for the evening. In a large flock feeding on the lawn between the museum and the lake I found a blue-morph SNOW GOOSE (likely the same one I have seen in this area the last two winters) and a bright white goose that looked good for ROSS'S GOOSE -- though it seemed a little big and the bill a little long (didn't seem triangular, but definitely no grin patch). I am wondering if it might be a Snow x Ross's hybrid, or maybe I'm just over-thinking it. No pictures taken. If anyone goes out to see it, let me know what you think. Best time for goose-viewing is 4 - 5 pm. Chris Rurik Denver CO / Gig Harbor WA -- 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/6c7467a2-88f4-431b-ba95-4557a0f38c1d%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Re: Bluff Lake -- Opportunity to Improve Bird Habitat
Sorry, I should have posted how you donate. Visit Bluff Lake's website and click the big blue box, or go to the link below. It's through Colorado Gives and it will ask you at check out where you want to direct your gift. Write "Lake Campaign" or something similar. https://www.coloradogives.org/blufflake/overview Chris Rurik Denver CO / Gig Harbor WA On Friday, December 5, 2014 11:25:16 AM UTC-7, Chris Rurik wrote: > > Hello all -- > > Many of you know Bluff Lake, a nonprofit-owned "urban wildlife refuge and > outdoor classroom" in eastern Denver. I'm passing along information about a > fundraising campaign they are running that would dramatically improve the > habitat there. (Full disclosure: I worked there part time for six months > but don't any more. The moderator approved this message.) > > Basically, if Bluff Lake Nature Center can raise ~$375K in the coming > year, it will unlock $1.1 million in awards from the state. Pretty > significant. The goal? First, repair the old, leaky dam so that the lake > has water all year rather than drying up at random times. Second, other > habitat improvement projects and refurbishing the building on site, > providing a more welcoming presence. > > I have heard from plenty of birders that they've been to Bluff Lake and > while it seems like a good spot, they just didn't turn up many birds. I > definitely know that feeling. When the lake is empty, the whole landscape > changes. But when the lake is full, it's an incredible place, magical even, > especially considering that it's surrounded by industry and development. > The birding can be phenomenal, and will be with a year-round lake. (My > favorite moment from the last year: stumbling upon a suspiciously > Myarchius-looking flycatcher at the end of a long day of summer camp while > leading a bunch of rowdy campers back to the bluff tops, itching while > parents slowly slowly picked up their kids, then grabbing my binoculars and > running back down to find Denver Co.'s first Ash-throated Flycatcher!) > > Anyway, I thought I'd pass along this big opportunity to impact local > habitat as year-end giving season comes around. Also, tomorrow is Bluff > Lake's monthly bird walk (8 am - 10 am) and I'll be there. > > Here is a video: > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdwdo-hFGY0&feature=youtu.be > Here is info on the campaign: > http://www.blufflake.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/LCC-2014-web5.pdf > Here is the bird checklist for Bluff Lake: > http://www.blufflake.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Bluff-Lake-Bird-Checklist-5-28-FINAL1.pdf > > Yesterday, I found more Brown Creepers in Denver City Park than I've ever > seen there: four in one flock. > > Chris Rurik > Denver CO / Gig Harbor WA > > > -- 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/814ceb08-793b-47bd-91f6-6543bb5e01ac%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Bluff Lake -- Opportunity to Improve Bird Habitat
Hello all -- Many of you know Bluff Lake, a nonprofit-owned "urban wildlife refuge and outdoor classroom" in eastern Denver. I'm passing along information about a fundraising campaign they are running that would dramatically improve the habitat there. (Full disclosure: I worked there part time for six months but don't any more. The moderator approved this message.) Basically, if Bluff Lake Nature Center can raise ~$375K in the coming year, it will unlock $1.1 million in awards from the state. Pretty significant. The goal? First, repair the old, leaky dam so that the lake has water all year rather than drying up at random times. Second, other habitat improvement projects and refurbishing the building on site, providing a more welcoming presence. I have heard from plenty of birders that they've been to Bluff Lake and while it seems like a good spot, they just didn't turn up many birds. I definitely know that feeling. When the lake is empty, the whole landscape changes. But when the lake is full, it's an incredible place, magical even, especially considering that it's surrounded by industry and development. The birding can be phenomenal, and will be with a year-round lake. (My favorite moment from the last year: stumbling upon a suspiciously Myarchius-looking flycatcher at the end of a long day of summer camp while leading a bunch of rowdy campers back to the bluff tops, itching while parents slowly slowly picked up their kids, then grabbing my binoculars and running back down to find Denver Co.'s first Ash-throated Flycatcher!) Anyway, I thought I'd pass along this big opportunity to impact local habitat as year-end giving season comes around. Also, tomorrow is Bluff Lake's monthly bird walk (8 am - 10 am) and I'll be there. Here is a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdwdo-hFGY0&feature=youtu.be Here is info on the campaign: http://www.blufflake.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/LCC-2014-web5.pdf Here is the bird checklist for Bluff Lake: http://www.blufflake.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Bluff-Lake-Bird-Checklist-5-28-FINAL1.pdf Yesterday, I found more Brown Creepers in Denver City Park than I've ever seen there: four in one flock. Chris Rurik Denver CO / Gig Harbor WA -- 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/d52b3336-611f-45d1-9e73-02639c60ff47%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bluff Lake, Denver County
CoBirders -- Got a three-second look at what seemed to be a Myiarchus flycatcher while leading a 3rd grade class around Bluff Lake today. After the students departed, I went back down to the border between Bluff Lake and Aurora open space (go down the stairs and turn right) and quickly re-found the bird, which proved to be an Ash-throated Flycatcher. As far as I can tell, it's a first for Denver County (though in Denver Co, that's not saying much). Also fun to see was a Warbling Vireo in that same general area. Kingbirds and orioles nesting right there. Good birding! Chris Rurik 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/21e871e1-6278-457d-b738-ec118af09d78%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Denver County birds -- local interest
Hi All -- It was gorgeous at Bluff Lake Nature Center this morning. I intended to bird for less than an hour and stayed more than two. Highlights included Northern Waterthrush (first ID'ed by its reflection in the water), MacGillivray's Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, nest-building Black-chinned Hummingbird, Wood Ducks, three Spotted Sandpipers, Rock Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Spotted Towhee, Green-tailed Towhee, and a number of sparrows. eBird checklist for your perusal: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S18402221 Denver City Park has been full of birds, though numbers are now dropping. Highlights over the last few days have included Tennessee Warbler, Plumbeous Vireo, Green-tailed Towhee, and an accursed Empid. Good birding, Chris Rurik 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/ff38996c-14df-4aba-9cec-2511f61a7cfc%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] More Marston Info -- Ruddy Turnstones
Hi All -- A bit more info from Marston Reservoir, Denver County, today. Joe Roller, Jeff Dawson, Aaron Shipe and I saw the two RUDDY TURNSTONES from Bow Mar Drive on a concrete berm/pipe extending into the reservoir from the northeast corner. Perched near them was a COMMON TERN. However, 30 minutes before we saw them, and again 30 minutes after, other birders saw the turnstones from the west side of the reservoir (i.e. through the fence on S. Wadsworth Blvd.). Birds are really moving around at Marston. This is probably partially due to the two PEREGRINE FALCONS we observed from Isthmus Park, where we also saw at least 25 SANDERLINGS. Not sure what the best strategy would be to see the turnstones except to keep trying different vantage points. Other birds included Black-bellied Plover, Wilson's Phalarope, Bald Eagle, Turkey Vulture, Green-tailed Towhee, etc. Hope this helps. Good birding, Chris Rurik 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/e9846eaa-33ff-47eb-831e-801124d5cf63%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Marston Update
Hi all -- Just got back soaking wet from Marston Reservoir, Denver County. Visibility was maddeningly poor -- I should have waited until tomorrow afternoon when the snow stops. At the northeast corner (Bow Mar Dr.), I saw four Black-bellied Plovers and a number of smaller shorebirds that could only be ID'ed as fuzzy blobs. Isthmus Park gave a view to probably about 40 shorebirds of various sizes -- only Willet and American Avocets were ID'ed. Luckily land birds made up for the frustrating shorebirds. Chipping, Clay-colored, Brewers Sparrows, Lark Buntings, Western Kingbird, Common Yellowthroat, Hermit Thrush. Marston will be worth some careful study once the visibility clears up. Chris Rurik 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/9cbb0638-9a46-49ee-ba6e-729e6612f03c%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Re: Long-tailed Duck, Rocky Mtn Lake, Denver county
Hi all -- The Long-tailed Duck continues as of 4:00 this afternoon. Shameless pitch: Bluff Lake's bird walk is this Saturday, 8 - 10 am. Should be good -- I've had a gnatcatcher, hermit thrush, cowbird and several other migrants there in the last week. Chris Rurik Denver, CO On Tuesday, April 29, 2014 8:07:22 PM UTC-6, Chip Clouse wrote: > > COBirders, > I dropped by I-70 & Lowell and confirmed Bob Canter's Long-tailed Duck > amongst the white caps this morning around 10 am. It was hanging with > Ruddy Ducks. It appears to me to be a female that hasn't quite completed > the molt into alternate plumage but my experience with this species is also > limited so I can't be sure if it is leaving juvenal plumage or just basic > plumage. The wind sure didn't help either as she stayed tucked most of the > time. > > As windy as it was, there were also quite a few swallows (200?) on the > lake. Most were Cliff and Barn with at least 2 Northern Rough-winged and > more Violet-greens than eBird liked (at least 8.) No Tree or Bank Swallows > that I could discern. A few usual suspects brought the list to 19 species > in 20 minutes. > > Happy spring, > Chip Clouse > Olde Town Arvada, 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/9e3d59e3-ed51-45db-a0c4-85f02ae138d8%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Cattle Egret redux -- Denver City Park
Hi all -- Twenty minutes ago I watched a CATTLE EGRET forage along the edge of the island in Duck Lake (below the giant cormorant colony) in Denver City Park. This is just four days off from when I found one at City Park last year. Unlike last year's this one appears to be in fine health. If you have not gone to see the spectacle of a mixed nesting colony of Snowy Egrets and Black-crowned Night-Herons, I'd recommend it. Yesterday I saw my first Western Kingbird of the season at Bluff Lake. Chris Rurik 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/7c10bcaf-0219-483e-8cd7-15d3a1c068ee%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Marbled Godwits -- Marston Reservoir, Denver Co.
Hello CoBirds -- I stopped briefly at Marston Reservoir (Denver County) today and scanned from the west side and Isthmus Park. Conditions are interesting -- water level continues to fall, and there is an abundance of great shorebird habitat. Not many shorebirds that I could see, though. The highlights were four MARBLED GODWITS on the east shore, seen from Isthmus Park. Also saw a COMMON LOON. Chris Rurik 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/c1ed38f6-91c3-4a98-bc2d-52092b0a5395%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Re: David Sibley at the Boulder Book Store, April 4th
Another quick reminder: David Sibley will be at the Tattered Cover on Colfax Avenue in Denver tonight, April 3rd, at 7:30 pm. Chuck Hundertmark, president of Denver Field Ornithologists, will be facilitating the conversation. Chris Rurik Denver County On Thursday, April 3, 2014 7:56:55 AM UTC-6, Ted Floyd wrote: > > Hello, Birders. > > Just a quick note here to let folks know that David Sibley will be > speaking tomorrow evening, Friday, April 4th at the Boulder Book Store, > downtown Boulder, Boulder County. > > Full details here: > > http://www.boulderbookstore.net/event/david-sibley-sibley-guide-birds > > Ted Floyd > Lafayette, Boulder County, Colorado > -- 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/9592fb6c-720c-41ce-88ed-c21b758afa34%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] Storm Wigeon (no), Snowy Egrets
Hi all -- I was at Bluff Lake all yesterday morning and did not see the storm wigeon (which I had never heard of -- thanks Joe for the enlightening post). That said, I only had about a half hour to look before leading field trips and ducks move between the lake and Sand Creek a lot, so it's worth looking harder. A few other birders there did not see it. Plenty of wigeon around. Two cinnamon teal were nice to see. Biking back home I noticed two FOY Snowy Egrets, plumes billowing in the wind, on the island in Ferril Lake at Denver City Park. Chris Rurik Denver 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/fe00b3d3-bd8d-4df6-8c88-a6f129c9e2ca%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[cobirds] FOY Birds around Denver
Hi all -- Some birds of local interest from the last few days: Say's Phoebes are suddenly everywhere. Cinnamon Teal at the confluence of Sand Creek and Westerly Creek. Full breeding plumage Horned Grebe at Denver City Park. *Marston* Six Western Grebes + breeding plumage Eared Grebes Two Greater Scaup Lingering Lesser Black-backed Gull and Herring Gulls Lots of other birds and prime-looking shorebird habitat *Belmar Historic Park* One Lesser Goldfinch singing Two American Avocets -- gorgeous One Common Grackle Great birding, Chris Rurik Denver 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/d7a7d36d-681c-4061-b085-435c2f02ea93%40googlegroups.com. 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] Re: Chukar in Broomfield
Last year David Dowell and I were amazed to find a chukar in someone's backyard in Weld County. After the requisite high-fives, we drove a half-mile up the road to a State Wildlife Area, where hunters were training their dogs by releasing captive chukars. Lesson learned. Not saying it's impossible that this is an intrepid wild chukar, but I'd be amazed. Chris Rurik Denver, CO On Sunday, February 23, 2014 8:08:16 PM UTC-7, Steven Mlodinow wrote: > > Greetings All > > The Chukar is in Broomfield, most likely, because somewhat let it out of > a cage. Sorry, I don't mean to be snarky, but birds such as Chukar and > Bobwhite are sold cheaply. People by them for a variety of reasons (often > as chicks) and then either release them, or they escape. > > We had the same phenomenon in Washington State when I lived there. > > Best Wishes > Steven Mlodinow > 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/b5af561e-2740-42bf-a445-8f1e3747ed34%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] S. Platte River -- Barrow's Goldeneye, Say's Phoebe, etc.
Today David Dowell, Mimi Chau, Tim Smart and I walked to stretches of the South Platte River, all in Adams County. Around the confluence with Sand Creek we had 1 Say's phoebe, 2 red-breasted merganser, kinglet, night-heron, snipe, etc. etc. Great birding all along here, tallied 42 species. We moved north to the parking area off 88th Ave and walked south. The highlights were 5 Barrow's goldeneye right near the blue water tank. Also nice to see two harriers, one female and one 'gray ghost'. Also a Harlan's hawk. 26 species here. Not a bad place to be birding -- though we all know the best birdwatching will be tomorrow, when the mighty Seahawks fly high. Chris Rurik Denver County PS Please don't kick me off the list. -- 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/8ab925b9-b36d-4dda-80e5-afd5f1c6b9b4%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] What Are Your 2014 Colorado Birding Goals?
Cobirders -- In the spirit of the New Year spread before us, I am curious how Colorado's birders intend to learn more about the state's bird life in 2014. What are your goals for the new year? Yes I am interested in listing goals if people are willing to share, but I am much more interested in goals related to bird habits, natural history, diet, distribution, etc. as well as coverage of "under-birded" areas, year-round focus on certain patches and connections to other aspects of the natural world. I think if we are all aware of what everyone else is trying to accomplish and learn, we can multiply our understanding and enjoyment of CO's avifauna exponentially. Here are mine: - Continue to focus on Denver County. Find new micro habitat. Go carbon-free as often as possible. See more species than 2013. Try to correlate migrant distribution with habitat corridors. - Continue to learn CO tree species and watch which species prefer which trees. - Go birding in Elbert County. - Do a carbon-free Big Day. Good birding to all, Chris Rurik Denver, CO (currently Tacoma, WA) -- 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/7ddfc8a1-05c1-420e-9aa7-3a46a2266b0f%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Denver City Park
On Ferril Lake just now: 1 female Barrow's goldeneye (thanks to those who reported it to eBird) 1 blue-morph snow goose Chris Rurik 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/236c5ed2-f242-4470-a646-05597fadef5d%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Sandhill Cranes, Dinosaur Ridge
CoBirders -- Keep your eyes to the skies. Fifteen Sandhill Cranes flew low over Dinosaur Ridge, Jefferson County, around 1:00 pm today. Almost as cool as the iguanodon footprints. Chris Rurik 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/dbf51ff3-625e-4b6b-ae40-fb63416dde0f%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Denver County - Local Interest
Hi Cobirders -- A few species of note around Denver County. Today at City Park: Hybrid goose. Associating with Cackling Geese of one of the larger subspecies. All white neck and head, bill smaller than Snow or Canada. I won't venture any specific guesses as to parentage, but it's worth checking out if you're into that kind of thing. Townsend's Solitaire. Brown Creepers. No Black Scoter. Wednesday morning at Bluff Lake (which was birdy): Say's Phoebe along Sand Creek. Northern Shrike in the same area. No extralimital jays seen around here yet, but I am interested so please keep posting about them. Chris Rurik 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/c0c788a6-a222-4b93-9767-2751961d72c9%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Denver City Park update
Hi Cobirders -- The Black Scoter continues at City Park, sleeping placidly this afternoon on Ferril Lake. As far as I know, the Surf Scoter has not been seen for several days. Lots of new arrivals around, including Western Grebe, two Horned Grebe, two male Hooded Mergansers and hundreds of Cacklers. Chris Rurik 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/1728cac7-a26a-44dc-9ee0-fb8b51f39e66%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] SCOTERS - Denver City Park
Just found a Surf Scoter and a lifer Black Scoter on Ferril Lake at Denver City Park. The two are hanging out together on the lake's west side. Joe R. was able to join and snap some pictures. Very viewable - no scope was needed. Eared Grebe also present. Easiest access is by parking in the lot between Ferril Lake and Duck Lake by the Pavilion. Wow!! Good birding, Chris Rurik 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/87845297-d746-45ee-aa29-9872e517bc87%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Re: Arapahoe/Cherry Creek Black Scoter
Hi Birders -- I biked down to Cherry Creek SP this morning to try my luck with the scoter. No dice. But I had no scope and saw plenty of ducks too distant to ID. Two interesting birds: Shrike spuh, presumably Northern, scared up a flock of House Finches and flew over my head. Late juvenile Common Yellowthroat foraging in the cattails at the Prairie Loop overlook. Chris Rurik Denver CO On Friday, October 25, 2013 1:15:24 PM UTC-6, David Gillilan wrote: > > Viewed from Prairie Loop platform, to the east, amongst mixed flock of > Ruddy Ducks and Eared Grebes. Female. Clearly larger than the Ruddies, > clean white cheeks, steep forehead, shorter tail than the Ruddies. Randy > Lentz first found the bird, Susan Pellegrini and I helped confirm it. Glenn > Walbek just arrived for closer view after spotting it from farther out. > > David Gillilan > Littleton > > > -- 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/4f710eb3-5a75-4199-bcd2-42b286002816%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Black-throated Gray Warbler -- Denver City Park
Seen with lots of Wilson's Warblers in trees just southwest of Ferrill Lake, just before the onslaught of rain. Chris Rurik 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/b5ac7704-7dbe-4761-93b8-0acd70dfa07b%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Migration Galore -- NE Colorado
Hey Cobirders -- David Dowell and I looped through Washington, Logan, Phillips and Sedgwick counties today. Migrants were in many places and I saw so many lifers (12) it's almost embarrassing, considering I've been living in CO a year now. We started off the morning with those notorious long-distance migrants, GREATER PRAIRIE CHICKENS, at the previously reported location (Logan CR 93 between CR 44 and CR 46). Also present were clay-colored sparrows and brown thrashers. Haxtun had a few common residents and migrants, nothing special. Holyoke City Park was quite an experience, feeling like a mini fallout. Two BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLERS, a NASHVILLE WARBLER, a TENNESSEE WARBLER, six redstarts, warbling and red-eyed vireos, yellow and Wilson's warblers, pewees, an empid, etc. all very active. The Holyoke cemetery was okay, with olive-sided flycatcher and orioles. Our takeaway from Julesberg: skip the town and the cemetery, bird the rest area. The rest area (right on I-76) had a PLUMBEOUS VIREO and yellow, Wilson's and redstart warblers. Ovid Woods was pretty quiet in the heat of the afternoon, but we saw a DUSKY FLYCATCHER, two RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES (early for the plains), and some surprising wild turkeys, among others. Tamarack was hot and dry. We ended the day at Prewitt, planning to bird the inlet canal, but every dirt pulloff had an encampment and every field had at least a couple of hunters. Maybe there is a special Labor Day hunt going on. Not sure what the story is or if the hunters will be there tomorrow. So we went to Plan B, land-birding the west side of the reservoir, then walking out onto the half-empty lakebed to view thousands of shorebirds. At Prewitt, we saw Townsend's warblers, blue-gray gnatcatchers, a single CASPIAN TERN, marbled godwit, long-billed curlew, solitary sandpipers, hundreds of Wilson's phalaropes and a handful of red-necked phalaropes, avocets, stilt, stilt sandpipers, a bald eagle, many ducks and pelicans, etc. etc. It looks like they are draining Prewitt very fast, so the shorebird habitat may not last much longer. Again, not sure what the story is. Sunset sure was beautiful though. Happy fall and good birding to all, Chris Rurik 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/87f538f6-32ab-4893-9731-dcbee998f432%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Jackson Reservoir - Morgan County (White-rumped Sandpipers?)
Hello fellow CoBirders -- Went birding by bike around Jackson Reservoir and Andrick Ponds today. Most intriguing was a pair of probable White-Rumped Sandpipers at the north shore. I saw them only in flight, for about 5 seconds, with a group of about 8 Baird's Sandpipers. They were roughly the same size. I clearly saw a bright, rectangular white patch on the rump above a darker tail. They flew along the lakeshore to the east and I was unable to find them again. I can't make a firm call about their ID because of my complete lack of experience with the species. Someone should go find them to confirm... Other nice birds: Black-necked Stilts (Andrick) Orchard Orioles (Andrick) Loggerhead Shrike (Andrick) Semipalmated Plover (Jackson SP) Forster's Terns (Jackson N shore + two terns that may have been Common Terns) etc. etc. Andrick in the morning fog is spectacular. The southernmost pond on MCR 2 is prime for shorebirds. Chris Rurik 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/8826f0af-43ee-45c0-9590-bc527e3459a5%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Denver County Birdathon Big Day
Hello all, Yesterday, Team Not-Just-Pigeons had a very successful day trying to uncover as many species as possible in Denver County while raising support for Audubon Society of Greater Denver. We exceeded our modest goal of 60 species by 20, with a lifer or two and some decently rare birds. Glad we went yesterday instead of last Wednesday as originally planned! Highlights in chronological order: Greater White-fronted Goose (continuing at City Park) Bonaparte's Gulls (continuing at City Park...didn't see any Franklin's) Clark's Grebe (City Park and Sloans Lake) Solitary Sandpiper (City Park and Berkeley Park) White-faced Ibis (flyover at City Park and Westerly Wetlands) Wilson's Phalarope (Westerly Wetlands) Yellow-headed Blackbird (Westerly Wetlands) Rock Wren (Bluff Lake rabbit brush area) FOS House Wren (two along creek at Bluff Lake) Brewer's Blackbird (female at Bluff Lake) Burrowing Owl (Lifer! - northeast corner of 114th and Trussville) Loggerhead Shrike (Heron Pond Natural Area) FOS Lark Sparrow (3 along South Platte near Heron Pond) TOWNSEND'S WARBLER (Berkeley Park in fir tree near parking area) All 6 swallows - tree was the difficult one for some reason Surprising misses: Green-winged Teal American Wigeon Accipiters Any nuthatches, bushtits, kinglets California Gull Turkey Vulture Vesper Sparrow A very fun day, all around, in some beautiful places. Hard to beat sunrise in City Park or tamales at Sloans with spotted sandpipers and pelicans flying around. Chris Rurik 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/msg/cobirds/-/7y6RRn2jYIUJ. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Post-storm in Denver County (B-G Gnatcatcher, Least Sandpiper, etc.)
Hi folks, Some pretty good birds today in Denver County on a glorious day for birding. At Bluff Lake (where most of my time was spent with students rather than binoculars) I found: 1 Least Sandpiper 2 Wilson's Phalarope 1 American Avocet 2 Wood Duck 2 Cinnamon Teal 1 Pied-billed Grebe 2 Orange-crowned Warblers 2 Brewer's Sparrows 2 Vesper Sparrows + lots of other more common things (though the Great-horned Owl family was nowhere to be seen) At Heron Pond Natural Area I had: 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3 Orange-crowned Warblers 1 Wilson's Warbler 1 Hermit Thrush + others Not too bad! Chris Rurik 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/msg/cobirds/-/ypzJvpMAMfsJ. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] NO EGRET (Cattle, that is)
Just biked around City Park in Denver and found no sign of the Cattle Egret that was here yesterday. Of course, that doesn't mean it's not around. Naturally, I was rewarded for my efforts with a few new year birds for my Denver County list: a grackle-attacking Cooper's Hawk, a White-breasted Nuthatch, and a Hairy Woodpecker. Bonaparte's Gulls and Greater White-fronted Goose continue. Yellow-rumped Warblers finally around. Chris Rurik 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/msg/cobirds/-/qYtk-Hlez0IJ. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Cattle Egret - City Park, Denver Co.
Hi CoBirders -- This morning a Cattle Egret was hanging out on the edge of the island in Ferrell Lake at City Park. Full breeding plumage. It seemed to be limping. Here's my eBird checklist with a terrible photo: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S13928156 Other birds of note were a very late Greater White-fronted Goose at Ferrell Lake and the continuing Bonaparte's Gulls. Chris Rurik 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/msg/cobirds/-/jkL2795VoZ8J. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] RFI: CO County Big Day Records + Recent Birds
Hi CoBirders -- Wondering if anyone keeps track of big day records for Colorado counties and if so, where? I'm planning for my ASGD Birdathon run, and it would be cool to market it to donors as a potential record-breaker! (Interested in Denver Co.) A few birds of interest lately: Heron Pond Natural Area: American Avocets, Hermit Thrush, Brewer's Blackbird Sloans Lake - American White Pelican, Osprey, Bonaparte's and Franklin's Gulls Thanks, Chris Rurik 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/msg/cobirds/-/VYZFw1myXXcJ. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Wilson's Phalarope, Bonaparte's Gull, etc. - Denver City Park
More great birds today at City Park in Denver: 5 Wilson's Phalarope ~10 Bonaparte's Gulls 7 Greater Yellowlegs 4 American Avocets 6 Blue-winged Teal 4 Barn Swallows 1 Eared Grebe 4 Western Grebes Snowy Egrets, Black-crowned Night Herons, Turkey Vulture, etc. etc. Pretty amazing to see after walking the park all winter... Chris Rurik 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/msg/cobirds/-/shPBPmyNLFoJ. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Bluff Lake, Denver Co.
Hi CoBirders -- It was a great return to Colorado today for me. Despite today's snow, spring seems to have arrived. Finally! Bluff Lake is more full than I've seen it. Cool birds included: Mountain Bluebird foraging in cattail marsh 4 American Pipits Great Horned Owl + chicks Lots of ducks including 3 Cinnamon Teals, 6 Blue-winged Teals, 1 Lesser Scaup, 2 Redheads Say's Phoebe Chris Rurik 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/msg/cobirds/-/FcGksU4uo2YJ. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] RFI: North Weld County Landfill
CoBirders, Yesterday David Dowell and I were rebuffed from entering North Weld County Landfill (which we took calling North Weld County Lake to maintain our dignity) because it is a "hardhat area". After scouting the west and south sides of the fenced-in landfill, we set up the scope in a dirt field on the south side of Hwy 14 for hazy, inconclusive views of thousands of trash-eating gulls. Definitely not ideal. Does anyone have tips on how best to bird this site? Or should we just bring hardhats next time? Thanks, Chris Rurik Denver, CO PS We also saw two Common Ravens mingling with the gulls. -- 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/msg/cobirds/-/yNYvhctJIcgJ. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Denver and Adams Co. Goodies - Rusty Blackbirds, Night Herons, RB Mergs, etc.
Hi CoBirders -- Great day for bird-biking yesterday. Saw 9 Rusty Blackbirds with David Dowell at reported location along S. Platte River just north of the I-270 overpass. A few hundred yards upstream from the confluence with Sand Creek were five Black-crowned Night Herons (3 ad., 2 juv.) just hanging out low in a tree below the bike path. At Sloans Lake I saw a Red-breasted Merganser and a Canvasback, among others (no hybrid goose). Along the South Platte River between Confluence Park and Globeville Landing I saw four more Red-breasted Mergansers (3 m., 1 f.). Two days ago I got a haircut from a low-flying Brown Creeper in front of East High School. Today I saw a Northern Shrike at Bluff Lake. Great weather for birding, Chris Rurik 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/-/Re3-JlVi4sAJ. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Greater White-fronted Geese, Denver City Park
Hi Cobirders, I also witnessed two Greater White-fronted Geese today in City Park. I've been seeing the species consistently there among the many hundreds of Canada/Cackling Geese for the past three weeks, with a high count of four on Nov. 14 (http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S12042992). No white geese yet, though I've been searching regularly. Three twilights ago I saw a Great Horned Owl (possibly two) at City Park, the first for the location in eBird. Chris Rurik Denver PS Hello to all you listfolk. This is my first post here. I'm a recent transplant from WA who is surprised at how much he likes Denver's natural offerings and has enjoyed (and profited from) reading the list so far. Thanks all. I'll post something more noteworthy next time! -- 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/-/4iRMOH9Fqt0J. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
