[cobirds] Indigo Bunting - BCLP - Jeffco
Good morning All, Took a short walk along the Cottonwood Trail in Bear Creek Lake Park (BCLP) this morning and saw a male Indigo Bunting. Rob Raker and I believe they are nesting in BCLP, as we have seen them several times along Bear Creek this summer in the same location and on several different occasions. This morning I was walking along the Cottonwood Trail, which starts at the NE corner of the gravel parking lot above Pelican Point, and follows Bear Creek upstream. Look for them once you cross the small footbridge and start walking west along Bear Creek. The Cooper's Hawks in the same area have fledged and are making short flights. Saw the female bring in some prey, drop it in the nest, and then two youngsters come back to the nest to feed. Both youngsters took short flights after feeding. Mike Henwood Morrison - soon to be Grand Junction Mesa County Jefferson 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/ECC148E4-FED9-47B2-95C7-6760141ACE16%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Annual Ovenbird Count - WSOS - Jeffco
Fellow Birders: The Annual Ovenbird Count in the private Willow Springs Open Space (WSOS) in Jefferson County produced a high number for the Count ( the 6th year of the Count). Each of the annual surveys has been conducted in the last few days of May or the first 4 days of June. The 2013 Count, conducted on May 29 and June 2, produced a total of 32 singing Ovenbirds. In fact, the last two years have shown significant increases in the number of singing Ovenbirds recorded. The records for the past 6 years: 200820 singing Ovenbirds 200922 singing Ovenbirds 201023 singing Ovenbirds 201119 singing Ovenbirds 201224 singing Ovenbirds 201332 singing Ovenbirds My thanks to Chuck Aid, Audrey Boag, and Michael Kiessig for helping me out this year. The last two years show significant increases in the number of singing Ovenbirds recorded in the Willow Springs area. I would be interested in data or anecdotal records others may have regarding the density of Ovenbirds in other areas along the Front Range. You may respond offline if you like. Mike Henwood Morrison (3 miles south of Red Rocks) Jefferson 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/A95190D2-90C7-4CA4-83CD-947ECAFB17BE%40aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Glossy Ibis - BCLP - Jeffco
This morning in Bear Creek Lake Park Rob Raker and I had good looks at a Glossy Ibis. The Glossy was in a small flock of 7 ibis ( the other 6 were White-faced Ibis) in the NW cove off Pelican Point. Rob was able to get some photos which he will post later. The flock of 7 were still there when we left about 10:30 A.M. Land migrants this morning included: Gray Flycatcher - 2 Plumbeous Vireo - 2 Sage Thrasher Warblers included Orange-crowned, MacGillivray's, Common Yellowthroat, plus many Audubon's and Myrtle. Yellow Warblers were back singing (we only saw/heard a couple all day Sat. during the Spring Count). FOS Mountain White-crowned Sparrow as well as Gambel's. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Blackpoll Warbler - BCLP - Jeffco
During the Spring Count today, a group of us observed an adult male Blackpoll Warbler feeding with a group of Yellow-rumped Warblers in the Boat Launch area of Bear Creek Lake Park (BCLP). Other highlights of the Count Day included: Eastern Phoebe near Soda Lakes in BCLP Cassin's Vireo and Hammond Flycatcher in the Bear Creek Greenbelt along Bear Creek east of the Stone House Bobolink in the Sw corner of Marston Reservoir (Denver). Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Fox + Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Early this morning Chuck Aid, Celia Greenman, and myself started out birding at the Red Rocks feeders. The Golden-crowned Sparrow (now looking very sharply attired as opposed to a week ago), the hulking Slate-colored Fox Sparrow, and the petite Lincoln's Sparrow all showed up early. We've seen a lone White-crowned Sparrow all winter, but today there were 5 White -crowned (all Gambel's), plus a male Lazuli Bunting, 3 Brown Cowbirds (2m, 1f), in addition to all the regulars. The number of juncos is down and today is the first day I have not seen an Oregon - only Pink-sided, Slate-colored, plus Gray-headed. At Bear Creek Lake Park our highlights were: 28 White-faced Ibis 23 American Avocets 20 Wilson's Phalarope 2 Willet 1 Wilson's snipe 6 Swallow Species among 100's of birds. 3 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 Eastern Bluebird 20+ Hermit Thrush 2 Orange-crowned Warblers along with many Yellow-rumped (Audubon Myrtle's) 1 Common Yellowthroat FOS 1 Green-tailed Towhee FOS Sparrow species included Chipping, Lincoln's, White-crowned, Song Vesper 2 Yellow-headed Blackbird (uncommon in the park) Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson Count -- 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Rare and Out of Print Books - Collector's items
Hi All, A friend of our family in Grand Junction who manages a Moving and Storage Company has acquired some rare books left by Rosalind Ray, the daughter of Milton Ray, a wealthy industrialist, poet, and ornthinologist. Milton S. Ray is the wealthy San Francisco industrialist who developed Ray Park in San Francisco and gave it his name. Our friend would like some information on who to contact to assess the value of the books, some of which are quite rare and valuable and others not as valuable in monetary terms, but probably rare and/or one of a kind and likely of interest to collectors or museums. I would appreciate any help from folks out there regarding experts in Rare Books, museum directors, collectors, or other folks that might be knowledgeable about the value of rare books. I have looked at the books and all are in excellent condition, wrapped individually, and like brand new. Please reply to me off-line with questions or information. A partial list of some of the books includes: The Birds of America by John J. Audubon Volumes 1-7 1840Bound in contemporary full dark brown Morocco with edges gilt. The Birds of California by William Leon Dawson Volumes 1-4 1923 A History of the Birds of Ceylon by Captain W. Vincent Legge, R.A. Volumes 1-3 1880 The Birds of Florida by Harold H. Bailey1925 Birds of America by John Cassin (1853-1855) Thanks in advance for any help, Mike Henwood hawk...@aol.com 720-840-5070 -- 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Lower Bear Creek Birding List - Jefferson County
Hi All, I have been contacted by some folks from non-profit groups that would like to have a Bird List of the Birds of Lower Bear Creek: defined as the 7-8 mile riparian area along Bear Creek from Fox Hollow Golf Course to where Bear Creek meets the S. Platte River. If you have records or information on breeding birds or uncommon migrants in this area, I would appreciate receiving the information off-line with species names and dates. Please reply off-line. Thanks in advance, Mike Henwood Morrison, Jefferson County hawk...@aol.com 720-840-5070 Cell -- 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Fox + Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Before 7 A.M. this morning the Lincoln's Sparrow, Slate-colored Fox Sparrow, and the Golden-crowned Sparrow appeared at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post in that order. Still have some Dark-eyed Juncos including Oregon, Pink-sided, Slate-colored and Gray headed. With the storm coming, I'm confident these birds will all remain through the end of the week. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Long-billed Curlew - BCLP - Jeffco
Joe Lupfer and Karen Clark reported seeing a Long-billed Curlew near the SW corner of Bear Creek lake in the late afternoon on April 28. They were walking the trail on the Turkey Creek side of Pelican Point and had crossed the wooden footbridge and were near the SW corner of the lake when they saw the bird flying. Joe Karen had also seen another Long-billed Curlew a week ago. Again it was late afternoon and the bird flushed from the Bear Creek delta. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Common Loon - Wheat Ridge Greenbelt - Jeffco
Joe Lupfer and Karen Clark report seeing a Common Loon in full breeding plumage at Tabor Lake in the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt. The bird has been there this past week and prefers the north end of Tabor Lake. Joe and Karen last saw the loon on April 28 at dusk. There is a gate to the greenbelt at the end of a dead end street on the west side of the multi-story hotel north of Tabor Lake off of 44th that provides access to the north end of the lake. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Broad-winged Hawk Marsh Wren - BCLP - Jeffco
Last evening Rob Raker was able to find the Broad-winged Hawk and get some pictures of it eating a small snake in the same area Bear Creek Lake Park where it was seen in the morning, so I figured it would still be there this morning. I walked the trail from Pelican Point towards Turkey Creek and found the Broad-tailed perched in the woods just east of the wooden footbridge across Turkey Creek (about 1/2 mile from starting point). Was able to watch it for a considerable length of time; Wheeler would classify this bird as a adult light morph, pale-bellied Broad-winged Hawk. It's possible that the bird may stay a few days before heading north again, since the woods on the Turkey Creek side are damp and somewhat marshy in places, which is a habitat favored by Broad-winged Hawks. Rob Raker joined me and we also had good looks at a Marsh Wren in the thick cover along Turkey Creek just west of the footbridge. Surprised to see the Marsh Wren in this location; others I have seen in migration in BCLP have been in marshy areas with some cattails - the area along Turkey Creek is brushy (lowland riparian) and where you might expect to find a Song Sparrow, but certainly is not a marsh (nary a cattail in sight). Perhaps knocked down by the snow storm on Tuesday, just like the 2 Marsh Wrens we saw along the Big Soda Lake shoreline yesterday. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Eastern Phoebe, Broad-winged Hawk + Migrants @ BCLP - Jeffco
Last night I went to Bear Creek Lake Park around 5:00 P.M. and observed a mini-fallout along the edge of Big Soda Lake. Rob Raker, Michael Kiessig, and I returned this morning and added a couple of new species to last night's list. We walked from the Swim Beach east along the edge of the lake to the power lines and private property (half mile) and had birds everywhere along the edge of Big Soda Lake. Highlights included a lone singing Eastern Phoebe, a pair of Marsh Wrens, a lone Bank Swallow(FOS) and several VG's among the numerous Tree and Barn Swallows, a number of Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 8-10 Hermit Thrushes, 2 Sage Thrashers, 5 FOS Orange -crowned Warblers, several Lincoln Sparrows, along with 15+ Say's Phoebes, 50+ Yellow-rumped Warblers (60/40 ratio of Myrtle's to Audubon's), 75+ Bluebirds (2-1 ratio of Western to Mountain), and 100+ Robins. This is just a partial list and doesn't include the winter sparrows and resident breeders we observed. The Common Grackles and Brewer's Sparrows have also returned to BCLP. We then drove to Pelican Point where we saw a Broad-winged Hawk on the Turkey Creek side. Last night while driving on the North Road I saw a Loggerhead Shrike and a Wild Turkey (hen). A Burrowing Owl has also been seen this week on the road to the dam above Mountain View. That's it from BCLP, Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow+ Red Rocks - Jeffco
Hello Folks, Rob Raker and I were able to observe the Golden-crowned Sparrow and Lincoln's Sparrow early this morning at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post. The Slate-colored Fox Sparrow was a no-show in the 45 minutes we were there, but Kiki Widjaja reported seeing the Fox Sparrow as well as the Lincoln's and Golden-crowned on Sunday morning. A Mountain Chickadee was a recent addition to the regulars at the feeders. We then went to Ship Rock, and the Peregrines did not disappoint us. The female perched on a juniper snag on the hillside west of the Upper South Parking Lot the whole time we were there - she did turn around on the snag once. With the sun behind us, we had great looks through our scope and studied her in detail. When we first arrived the male was perched high on Ship Rock. We saw him leave Ship Rock several times and come back and land in different spots on Ship Rock (near the previous upper left eyrie, the previous lower right eyrie, an old Raven nest on the north end). Wonder if the pair is trying to decide on an eyrie location??? In addition, the male dove on a flicker from one of his perches (unsuccessfully as the flicker did a frantic vertical dive as well and escaped). During the time we were there, the pair did some calling (female most vocal), and the male flew down and the pair copulated on the juniper snag. A busy morning at Ship Rock! Kiki Widjaja had much the same experience on Sunday morning, so it's a good time to watch the Peregrines. As a side note, the Ravens are still nesting on the west end of Creation Rock. We saw the male come and go several times, and once the female joined him and left the nest for about two minutes. We did not see the Prairie Falcons at Park Cave Rock - my thought is that the female is sitting on eggs in the eyrie and the male is out hunting. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] ID - Red Rock Falcons - Jeffco
For those of you interested in separating the male falcons from the females at Red Rocks, here are some tips: Peregrine Falcons ID tips: male - smaller bird with a very wide black malar mark creating a total black helmet look; bright yellow cere orbital skin feet; lighter underneath; paler blue on rump and lower back. female - larger bird with a wide black malar mark (white spot shows on lower third of auriculars); creamy white cere orbital skin; more heavily marked lower breast belly; back rump more medium blue. Without good light it is difficult to tell the male from the female just looking at the back, but the female will be a more brownish gray with a medium blue back and rump as opposed to the male's more bluish gray with a light blue rump and lower back. In flight and good light you can distinguish the lighter blue rump and back on the male. Prairie Falcon ID tips: male smaller with bright yellow cere orbital skin; distinct white eyebrow - extends to the nape; light to moderate markings on flanks, breast belly; in flight shows black axillaries (armpits) but more lightly marked underneath overall; upperwings barred with tawny edgings - appears two-toned in good light. female larger bird with paler yellow cere; thinner white eyebrow does not extend quite to the nape; more heavily marked underneath; in flight shows black axillaries and appears darker underneath overall; nearly brown uniform brown upperwings. Telling the male from the female by just looking at the upperwings is subtle, but the female appears more uniform brown and the male has a grainy two-toned look. Good viewing, Mike Henwood Morrison - 3 miles south of Red Rocks Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Fox Sparrow + Red Rocks - Jeffco
Good morning All, Threw seed out early this morning and had all of the singleton sparrows that were present yesterday - adult Golden-crowned Sparrow, adult Slate-colored Fox Sparrow, adult Lincoln's Sparrow, and adult Gambel's White-crowned Sparrow. In addition still have juncos, towhees, and Song Sparrows plus all the regulars. Both Peregrines were flying around early and the female flew from a perch on Ship Rock to perch on a juniper snag on the hillside to the west providing for some great looks. Did not see either of the Prairie Falcons, but did not spend much time at Park Cave Rock. If you plan to go to the Red Rocks feeders tomorrow (Sunday), plan on bringing some seed as I will not make it there tomorrow. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Fox, Golden-crowned Sparrows+ - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Hi All, Greg Witt and I spent about an hour early this morning at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post and were rewarded with good looks at the scruffy adult Golden-crowned Sparrow, adult Slate-colored Fox Sparrow, the clean-cut adult White-crowned Sparrow, and a FOS at Red Rocks Lincoln Sparrow (also very clean and neat in appearance). All of these sparrows seemed to prefer the shady area directly below and right around the platform feeder. All the regulars are still there including at least 3 Spotted Towhees, several Song Sparrows, all the junco's except White-winged and Cassiar, the Scrub Jays and magpies, Black-capped Chickadees, and plenty of House Finches. A very vocal Mountain White-breasted Nuthatch made several appearances as well. As far as the Falcons are concerned, quick stops produced one Peregrine sitting on top of Ship Rock and one Prairie with a full crop perched on a ledge on Park Cave Rock. After 9 am Michael Kiessig and I did some exploring in Bear Creek Lake Park looking primarily for nesting raptors. We had one pair of Red- tailed Hawks building a new nest after their first one blew down and another pair with the female sitting on the nest. We found a pair of Cooper's Hawks (the male was very vocal) and the female was perched on a horizontal tree branch eating some prey (perhaps brought by the male as a gift???). We also had a pair of Great Horned Owls (somewhat surprising to see a pair and not have one sitting on a nest at this time of year). There were numerous Osprey around Bear Creek Lake (yesterday there were at least 4). Migrants of note included mixed flocks of Western and Mountain Bluebirds, a Hermit Thrush, several FOS Myrtle's Warblers, and a number of Ruby-crowned Kinglets in a mixed flock with Black-capped Chickadees. We also saw 2 Black-crowned Night Herons and 5 Great Blue Herons along Bear Creek. All in all a very pleasant morning! Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Wild Turkey - BCLP - Jeffco
As Michael Kiessig and I were leaving Bear Creek Lake Park (BCLP) this morning, we saw a female Wild Turkey - a new bird to add to the park checklist. The bird was near the Cottontail TH and went north across the road toward the big willow thicket. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned + Fox Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
The adult Golden-crowned Sparrow and adult Slate-colored Fox Sparrow still remain at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post as of this morning at 7:00 AM Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Fox + Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Good Morning All, Just after I put the seed out this morning at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post, the adult Golden-crowned Sparrow showed up under the platform feeder and was joined a minute later by the adult Slate-colored Fox Sparrow. The Fox Sparrow seemed to prefer the area along either side of the small rivulet, while the Golden-crowned fed a few feet away from the rivulet under the platform feeder. Nothing new to report - still lots of juncos plus all the regulars seen yesterday. The female Peregrine Falcon was perched on Ship Rock calling repeatedly - did not see the male come in, but didn't stay long. The driving snow made for poor visibility. Saw both Prairie Falcons on Park Cave Rock - the male brought food to the eyrie (same as last year). Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Good Morning All, The approximately 8 inches of snow and colder weather prompted me to go to the Red Rocks feeders early this morning and scatter some seed. Listening to the cries of the Peregrine Falcons while watching the Golden-crowned Sparrow under the platform feeder is a special treat. The Adult Golden-crowned Sparrow is molting and looks a little scruffy at present in contrast to the 'clean-cut' appearance of the Gambell's White-crowned Sparrow. A lone Pine Siskin was a new addition to the feeder birds at Red Rocks. Still lots of juncos with Pink-sided and Gray-headed present in good numbers and a few Oregon and Slate- colored. Saw the Pink-sided x Gray-headed cross as well. Other birds included several Black-billed Magpies, the usual number of W. Scrub-Jays, (the hoarse call of the Common Ravens on Creation Rock could be heard along with the Peregrines), a couple of Black- capped Chickadees, several Robins looking for worms along the rivulet under the platform feeder, several Spotted Towhees and Song Sparrows, and 25+ House Finches including a yellow variant, one with a white dollop on the forehead, and a House Finch with a mostly white head. Stopped by the backside of Ship Rock and was rewarded with the male Peregrine bringing prey to the female (calling loud and incessantly). The Common Ravens are still coming to their nest on Creation Rock) and trying to stay out of the way of the Peregrines. Stopped at Park Cave Rock, but did not see either of the Prairie Falcons. I believe the female started incubating last week, so we will only get glimpses of the male bringing prey back to the eyrie (didn't have time to wait this morning). Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Sage Sparrow + Peregrine Falcon - BCLP - Jeffco
A snowy spring or fall day is a good time to drive the roads in Bear Creek Lake Park (BCLP), and today was no exception. Saw the adult Sage Sparrow at the NW corner of the horse enclosure surrounding the Stable Area. Saw it drop to the ground and then back up to a wire on the fence for a great look. A snowy day always brings bluebirds and there were large flocks of Western Bluebirds with just a few Mountains mixed in. In addition to the resident Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, and American Kestrels, I observed some migrants knocked down by the storm. There was a male Peregrine Falcon perched high in a cottonwood tree. I was able to get good looks at it and compare it to the male at Red Rocks (which has a much broader malar stripe), so I'm sure it was a migrant. Also had a female Northern Harrier perched in a tree in the marshy area along Coyote Gulch (across the road from Mountain View), and also saw three Osprey's. One was perched on a pole in the Boat Launch area eating a large fish, and the other two were along Soda Lakes. Lots of birds along the edge of the roads, and I looked at many Western Bluebirds, but none of them turned into an Eastern Bluebird, which is surprising since often you can find an Eastern Bluebird among large numbers of migrating Western and Mountain Bluebirds. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Clover Basin Reservoir, Longmont, Boulder Cty
While unsuccessfully searching for John's Dunlin at Clover Basin, Mary and I had a brief appearance of a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD. It was along trees and shoreline next to Nelson Road, on south/southeast corner of the reservoir. Mike Blatchley 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Hi All, This morning the Golden-crowned Sparrow showed up around 7:45 A.M. With the snow and cold there were lots of hungry birds at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post and listening to the Peregrine Falcons calling on Ship Rock while watching the feeders is a special treat. All the various subspecies of juncos (except White-winged) are still around. Several odd looking House Finches including one with a white head and several of the yellow color variants. Did not see the FOS Chipping Sparrow that was seen on Monday, April 8. Saw one of the Prairie Falcons sitting on the top of Frog Rock when I left the park. I will be unable to get to Red Rocks tomorrow , so hopefully with another cold night on tap, someone scan throw some seed out tomorrow morning. Good birding, Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow+ - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Hello All, Wonderful to hear the cascading song of the Canyon Wren while putting out seed this morning at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post. The adult Golden-crowned Sparrow and Gambel's White-crowned Sparrow appeared in the first 15 minutes (~7:45). Saw all the junco subspecies including one White-winged. The fog and mist made falcon watching a little challenging, but the female Peregrine was on top of Ship Rock calling for the male. Saw both Prairie Falcons on Park Cave Rock (male brought prey), so the female hasn't started incubating yet - any day now??? Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Good Morning All, Shortly after 7 this morning the adult Golden-crowned Sparrow appeared along with the adult White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's) on the flat rock slab under the upper apple tree at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post. Seeing both birds together emphasized the size difference - the Golden- crowned is a tad bit larger and heavier than the White-crowned across the back and and chest. I did not see the Fox Sparrow, but I was not there long. Just a reminder: Sunrise Services will be held at Red Rocks tomorrow morning (Easter Sunday) and they expect 10,000 or so people to attend. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Falcons Sparrows - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Good Morning All, Between 7 and 7:30 this morning I spread some seed and watched the birds at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post. Both the Golden-crowned Sparrow and lone adult White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's) appeared with all the other regulars, but I did not see the Slate- colored Fox Sparrow. Not sure whether the bird has moved on or was just content to stay in the thick brush. Not quite as many juncos as a week ago in the snow, but good numbers of Gray-headed Pink-sided with fewer Oregon and Slate-colored. Had a Cassiar's but no White- winged (several last week). Happy to report that the pair of Peregrine Falcons have returned to Ship Rock. Not sure when they returned (I last checked on Tuesday). The pair was flying around Ship Rock and Creation Rock calling and harassing the male Raven. The pair of Ravens that built their nest on the west end of Creation Rock will be subject to some hostile interaction with the Peregrines in the upcoming weeks. Wonder how many of the Raven chicks will survive??? Saw the Peregrines perch on both Ship Rock and Creation Rock. As far as the Prairie Falcons, I observed the female sitting on a ledge (eyrie???) on Park Cave Rock before she flew to a perch on Frog Rock, where she proceeded to call. I presumed the male was out hunting. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Sparrows Falcons - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Good Morning All, Stopped by the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post between 9:30 and 10:00 this morning. Along with several other folks observed both the Slate-colored Fox Sparrow and the Golden-crowned Sparrow appear at the same time underneath the lower apple tree. Could have had both birds together in a photo for just a few seconds. Both Prairie Falcons were sitting on ledges on the face of Park Cave Rock - I believe the male was sitting on the eyrie ledge and the female was perched eating on the same ledge as she used yesterday to eat her morning meal. I will not be at Red Rocks for the next couple of days, so if you go you might bring some seed. Good birding, Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Sparrows + at Red Rocks - Jeffco
Michael Kiessig, Rob Raker and I enjoyed a nice morning at Red Rocks. Lots of hungry birds at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post early this morning - both the Slate-colored Fox Sparrow and the Golden- crowned Sparrow showed up. The Golden-crowned put in an appearance early and appeared several more times below the platform feeder and in the flat area next to the large wooden stump before the Fox Sparrow showed up on the ground at the lower apple tree. This was the same location I saw the bird late yesterday afternoon. The picture Mark Chavez posted showed the Fox Sparrow in the little rivulet under the platform feeder. The Fox Sparrow came and went several times once it made its first appearance. We checked Ship Rock hoping the Peregrine Falcons have returned, but the only raptor like bird we saw was the Raven going to the nest on the outer edge of Creation Rock. However, we did see our FOS White- throated Swift at Red Rocks while we were watching the Raven nest. The Prairie Falcons put on quite a show for us. The female was perched on top of Frog Rock taking in the sun when we arrived. We heard a Canyon Wren, and while we were watching the Canyon Wren go in and out of crevices, the male Prairie Falcon came flying in from the south and landed on Park Cave Rock on the edge of the eyrie??? depositing some kind of small prey. Immediately the female came flying across the road and picked up the prey and moved to a higher ledge on Park Cave Rock where she devoured the prey. After depositing the prey on the ledge the male moved across the road to Frog Rock on the west and perched on Frog Rock while the female ate. Later on the male left and the female flew back to the west to perch high on Frog Rock. During this time we also had a small flock of Western Bluebirds in the area and had a chance to study the movements of the Canyon Wren in detail. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Sparrows - Red Rocks - Jeffco
About 7:30 this morning both the Slate-colored Fox Sparrow and the Golden-crowned Sparrow appeared at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post. The Fox Sparrow comes out of the brick brush below the platform feeder and stays on the ground in and around the small rivulet (stream). The Golden-crowned Sparrow was on the level slab next to the upper apple tree. Lots of birds to watch including several classic White-winged juncos. Good birding, Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [cobirds] Cranes over SW Longmont
I happened to see this same flock. They must have roosted somewhere in the area. I first saw them farther south of your casa, circling in a tight formation and gaining altitude on an apparent thermal. What amazed me as I sat watching is how, almost in unison, they all peeled off the thermal and morphed into one large echelon formation pointed north. Within a minute, a dozen split off into their own formation and headed NNE. Great way to start a day! Mike Blatchley Longmont, CO On Mar 24, 2013, at 11:14 AM, William Schmoker wrote: I just had a nice surprise over my SW Longmont house- 41 bugling Sandhill Cranes. -- 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Good Morning All, With the heavy snow this morning, I thought the birds might use a little help. Put some seed out on and under the platform feeder behind the Red Rocks Trading Post and the Golden-crowned Sparrow and the adult White-crowned Sparrow joined the juncos, towhees, Song Sparrows, and House Finches at the feeder. Tomorrow might be a good day to pay a visit to the Red Rocks feeders. I will get some seed out either tonight or tomorrow morning (depending on the weather). Good birding, Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Slate-colored Fox Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
This evening as the snow started to dissipate along the foothills, I went to Red Rocks to provide some supper for our feathered friends. To my surprise a Slate-colored Fox Sparrow appeared underneath the platform feeder between 6:30 and 6:45 P.M. FOS at Red Rocks as far as I know. Hopefully the bird will stick around. I will have seed out in the early AM. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow+ Red Rocks-Jeffco
Hello All, Checked out the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post this morning and observed the Golden-crowned Sparrow come out of the brush around 8:00 A.M.and feed on the ground next to a classic White-winged Junco. The female Prairie Falcon was perched on top of Frog Rock and the male was perched on top of Park Cave Rock preening. Heard them calling several times but no other interaction between the pair. Checked out Ship Rock and still no Peregrine Falcons; did not see the Ravens come to their nest on the west end of Creation Rock - last week they were visiting and working on the nest nonstop. The Golden Eagle is sitting on her nest in Bear Creek Canyon below Idledale and saw the male flying low over the ridges west of the nest. This is the first time I have observed the Golden Eagle on the nest (checked last Friday), but she is difficult to see (almost impossible until she moves her head), so she could have been there last week and I just didn't see her. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Good Morning All, A hungry horde of birds were waiting for me at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post this morning and the Golden-crowned Sparrow was among them. Did not see any Rosy-finches, but didn't stay long and was gone by 8:15 A.M. Seems like this would be a good day to check Red Rocks for Rosy-Finches with the great snow cover. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Good Morning All, Took some friends up to Red Rocks this morning and ran into Bruce Neuman and a friend of his at the Red Rocks feeders behind the Trading Post. We all saw the Golden-crowned Sparrow and Bruce reported they had seen the pair of Prairie Falcons engaged in courtship behavior earlier in the morning. Looked for the Peregrine Falcons on the back of Ship Rock, but looks like they haven't arrived yet. However, the pair of Common Ravens are continuing to build a nest at the extreme west end of Creation Rock. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Red Rocks BCLP - Jeffco
Hello All, This morning Chuck Aid, Michael Kiessig, and I set out to do some early season atlas work for the Bear Creek Watershed Breeding Bird Atlas. Lair of the Bear - no luck in finding N. Pygmy Owls. Two pair of Dippers singing and displaying Territorial Behavior. Red Rocks - pair of Prairie Falcons on Park Cave Rock calling, visiting nest site, and very definitely ready to set up housekeeping. Had a pair of Ravens bringing sticks to a nesting site (multiple trips) on the west end of Creation Rock. Looked for, but did not find a Peregrine Falcon on Ship Rock. Also, thanks to Gwen Moore for putting out seed at the Red Rocks feeders this morning. Golden-crowned Sparrow appeared several times in the 15 minutes we watched. Bear Creek Lake Park (BCLP) - On 2-20-13, Rob Raker and I found 3 pair of Great Horned Owls in BCLP. Each of the pairs was perched next to each other in a tree - definitely paired up. Today we found all 3 pair in the same respective areas. One of the pairs is sitting on a nest, while the other two are still keeping close company, but not yet on nests. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Good Morning All, The juncos were waiting when I arrived at the feeders at Red Rocks Trading Post this morning about 6 a.m. Did some shoveling and sweeping and spread some seed - the Golden-crowned Sparrow came in to the platform feeder right away. Did not see the Rosy-Finches, but wasn't there long. Hopefully some one can put some seed out in the next couple of days as I will be unable to make it back to Red Rocks. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden, no Rosy - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Hello All, A number of us (8 at one point) waited most of the morning for the Rosy-Finches to show up at the Red Rocks feeders, but our wait was in vain. We did see the Golden-crowned Sparrow several times, but nary a Rosy-Finch. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Red Rocks Tomorrow - Jeffco
Hi All, The snow is coming down pretty good out west along the foothills. Tomorrow should provide a good chance to see the Rosy-Finch flock at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post in Jefferson County. I will arrive early(before 7 am), sweep some snow and put out seed in anticipation of a good show. I will also send a post to Cobirds if the flock of Rosy-Finches show. I'm sure the Golden-crowned Sparrow will also put in an appearance or two. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Rosy + Golden @ Red Rocks - Jeffco
Hello All, Michael Kiessig and I were at the Red Rocks feeders behind the Trading Post bright and early this morning. The Golden-crowned Sparrow put in a first appearance before 7:30 A.M. and several after that. A flock of about 70 Rosy-Finches circled around several times but never did come into the feeders in mass. However there were small groups that landed on the cliff faces to the south and then came in to feed on the rock wall in small numbers(10 at a time). Most were Gray-crowned with some Hepburn's, at least two black and one Brown-capped. Tomorrow might be another good morning - it is snowing in Morrison right now. Bring seed as I will not be able to get to Red Rocks in the morning. On another note, the pair of Common Ravens that nest on the backside of Ship Rock and the pair of Prairie Falcons that nest on Park Cave Rock are in courtship mode at the present. Still too early for the Peregrine Falcons. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Lesser black-backed Gulls - South Platte Reservoir - Arapahoe Co.
Hello Folks, About 9:00 A.M. Michael Kiessig and I paid a visit to the S. Platte Reservoir. The two female Long-tailed Ducks and flock of Ruddy Ducks were still present. We studied the gulls at some length and amid the Herring Ring-billed Gulls (we estimated 75 Herring to about 45 Ring- billed), we found two very dark mantled Lesser Black-backed Gulls and two adult Thayer's. We thought the two Lesser Black-backed Gulls were both very dark mantled and long-winged and probably were the intermedius Glenn Walbeck referred to in his recent post. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Good morning All, Art Hudak and I had the same idea this morning and threw some seed out at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post - the Golden crowned Sparrow came out and fed hungrily early on. A Mountain Chickadee was a new addition to the Red Rocks list this year (2013), and we had a White-breasted Nuthatch vocalizing. Lots of juncos of each subspecies including White-winged as well as several hybrid juncos. Still have 4-5 Song Sparrows and 3-4 Spotted Towhees. Art has a complete list. As of 8:30 A.M., there were NO Rosy-finches. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson 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. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] S. Platte Park Reservoir - Arapahoe Jefferson
Hello All, Rob Raker and I birded the S. Platte Park Reservoir and surrounding area this morning. The 2 Long-tailed Ducks and Common Loon were still on S. Platte Park Reservoir. The small ponds below and to the east had open water with a variety of duck species. The flock of Greater Scaup were still hanging out in the small pond to the east (closest to the biking trail). We found a Swamp Sparrow along the S. Platte River along with two Wilson's s Snipe. These birds were north of the roundabout where the two main trails merge. There is a bird box on a pole just to the north. We walked along the river from this point and the Swamp Sparrow is where the Winter Wren was located several winters ago. Good birding, Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Good Morning All, No snow (just cold) and no Rosy-Finches at the Red Rocks feeders. Rick Creswell and I did watch the Golden-crowned and adult White- crowned Sparrow come out and start feeding just after 7:30 a.m. There were two Ravens calling back and forth (our nesting pair?) and a Prairie Falcon sitting on top of Ship Rock in the distance. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Gray Fox - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Hi All, Stopped by the feeders behind the Red rocks Trading Post around 4:30 this afternoon. Like to go early and late since there are fewer House Finches, House Sparrows, jays and squirrels to sort through. There were no birds present when I arrived, so I put out some seed and waited. The first birds to arrive were two Black-capped Chickadees followed by assorted juncos, 3 Song Sparrows, a lone White-crowned Sparrow, and a male Spotted Towhee. The last birds in the evening always seem to be the Song Sparrows preceded by the towhees and juncos. I did not see the Golden-crowned Sparrow, but shortly after 5 when all the birds had left for the evening, a healthy and handsome Gray Fox came out of the brush and started eating some of the bird seed- couldn't tell which seeds exactly, but he/she was definitely eating some of the seed. Then the fox would turn around in a circle and sit down for a short while, ears pointed and alert, eyes scanning the feeding area. My guess is that the fox had found on previous occasions a mice or vole in the area. The fox repeated the routine of eating the seed, turning in a circle, sitting down and waiting several times while I watched. I was able to sneak down from the balcony without spooking the fox, and left the area around 5:25 p.m. with the Gray Fox still hanging out in the flat area to the right of the platform feeder. On another note, if we get the snow and cold predicted for this Friday, Sat. morning might be a day to check on the Rosy-Finches. I plan to be there early and get some seed out. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Rosy-Finches - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Hi All, Since we had a skiff of snow last night, I put some seed out early ( I was back home by 8 am) and had approximately 10 Rosy-Finches show up at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post. There were two Black Rosy-Finches (one adult one immature) among the small flock of Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches. The Rosy Finches used the ground below the platform feeder, the ground under the lower apple tree, the rock wall on the south, and also flew up to the favorite perch on the cliffs to the south. I did not see the Golden-crowned Sparrow in the short time I was there, but that doesn't mean the bird isn't around. Mike Henwood Morrison Jeffco -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Hi All, Threw some seed out early this morning (before 7), then ran some errands, and returned to the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post. Between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m., the Golden-crowned Sparrow put in several appearances and there were two Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches on the wall to the south. One was an interior and one was an Hepburn's. Did not see the large flock of Rosy-Finches. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Good Morning All, Threw some seed out at the feeders behind the Red rocks Trading Post this morning and the Golden-crowned Sparrow appeared right away. Did not see any Rosy-Finches, although there were some folks there hoping the Rosy's would appear. If the snow and cold predicted materializes, I would think tomorrow and the following day would be good days to see some Rosy-Finches at Red Rocks. I plan to throw some seed out in the mid-afternoon tomorrow and will report what I see. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow Rosy-Finches-Red Rocks-Jeffco
Hello All, This morning around 8 a.m. Michael Kiessig had a flock of about 15 Rosy-Finches at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post. One Brown-capped was mixed in with the flock of mostly Gray-crowned Rosy- Finches. Around 11 a.m. I stopped by the feeders - saw the Golden- crowned Sparrow but no Rosy-Finches. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
I must have just missed Mark Chavez at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post. I didn't arrive until around 4:30 p.m., and in a few short minutes I saw the Golden-crowned Sparrow and one Gray- crowned Rosy-Finch perch on the platform feeder. The only other birds that came in at that late hour were two Spotted Towhees, a couple of Song Sparrows and 20-25 assorted juncos. Watching the birds at the feeders without all the House Finches, House Sparrows, and W. Scrub Jays was a treat. I will get seed out early tomorrow morning - should be a good time to see the Rosy-finches as well as the Golden-crowned Sparrow. Like Mark, I'm still hoping we will get a Common Redpoll this winter. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Hi Folks, After a wait of 30+ minutes this morning, Michael Kiessig and I observed the Golden-crowned Sparrow at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post. We also had a classic White-winged Junco among the many juncos at the feeders plus two White-breasted Nuthatches (not often seen at Red Rocks feeders). Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Red Rocks Feeders - Jeffco
Hi Folks, Today will be a good day to catch the Rosy-Finches at the Red Rocks feeders. We had 1-2 inches of snow last night in the foothills - I put some seed out early this morning. Unfortunately, I am not able to get to Red Rocks today. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson county -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Rosy-Finches - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Cobirders, On account of the cold and slight skiff of snow, after returning from the Western Slope this afternoon, I went to put out some seed at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post. To my surprise when I arrived, there were a small group (6-10) of Rosy-Finches at the feeders including Brown-capped and Gray-crowned (including Hepburn's). I did not see any Black Rosy-Finches, but I was only there a few minutes. Normally the Rosy-Finches show up when there is cold and significant snow cover, so I was not expecting to se them today. Thanks to the folks who had scattered some seed earlier in the day. I will try to get out early in the AM and put out some seed - I would bet the Rosy-Finches will return early in the morning. Mike Henwood -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Common Redpoll - BCLP - Jeffco
Hello All, Michael Kiessig and I enjoyed watching a female Common Redpoll??? near the Boat Launch area in Bear Creek Lake Park this morning. The bird was with a large flock of American Tree Sparrows plus a few Song Sparrows and some House Finches. The area is directly east of the road and the paved Boat Launch parking lot. We saw the bird along a path next to a thicket feeding with the American Tree Sparrows. The bird looked close to the picture of the female Common Redpoll in the large Sibley Guide to Birds with the following exceptions: 1. the small upper white wing bar was missing. 2. there was a striking white streak on the side directly next to the wing (on both sides of the bird), that along with the white wing bar formed a lazy L. Our eyes picked this up immediately as we studied the bird in our scopes. 3. other than the white streak on the side, none of the brown streaks on the belly or sides stood out. 4. The tiny yellow bill, dark lores, and the small red patch on the forecrown were all distinctive along with the lazy L. None of my field guides show this lazy L. Mike Henwood -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Hello All, Michael Kiessig and I threw some seed out at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post and the Golden-crowned Sparrow appeared after about 10 minutes. This was around 8 A.M. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Harlan's Hawk - C470 Quincy - Jeffco
Hello All, Around 11:15 A.M. Michael Kiessig and I saw a Harlan's Hawk sitting on a light pole on the west side of C470 between W. Quincy and W. Belleview Avenues. As soon as we stopped the car (at some distance), the bird left the light pole, did some circling and then flew toward the ridge to the west. The skittish behavior reminds me of the Harlan's we had in the same location last year. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Hi Folks, The Golden-crowned Sparrow showed up around 8 this morning shortly after Chuck Aid, Michael Kiessig and myself threw some seed out. We then went to Bear Creek Lake Park (BCLP), where we searched in vain for the Brambling, Common Redpoll, and Harris's Sparrow. We did see a Bald Eagle in the trees to the south after entering the Fox Hollow Golf Course. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Lesser Black-backed Gull - Kendrick Lake - Jeffco
Hi Folks, Late this morning Chuck Aid, Celia Greenman, Michael Kiessig and myself observed a Lesser Black-backed Gull on the west end of Kendrick Lake (W. Jewell Ave. S. Kipling Street). The Lesser Black-backed was with a large flock of gulls - mostly Ring-billed but with several Herring and couple of California Gulls. Among the large flock of geese in the grass south of the Carmody Rec Center, we found one Greater White-fronted Goose, and a juvenile Snow Goose and a juvenile Ross's Goose. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] White-winged Scoter - Marston - Denver
Hi Folks, Michael Kiessig and I were able to locate the previously reported White-winged Scoter at Marston Reservoir this afternoon. We also found 4 Common Loons in the same general area of the reservoir as the White-winged Scoter. We stood outside of the fence on the east side of the reservoir and the birds were located closer to the western side. Quite a distance, but readily identified with a good scope. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] No Brambling - BCLP - Jeffco
As of 9:15 this morning the Brambling had not been seen at Bear Creek Lake Park. A group of us started watching at 8:00 A.M. and neither the Brambling or Common Redpoll put in an appearance in the first hour and 15 minutes. I also spent some time wandering around the Boat Launch area with no success. There was a coyote that showed up right at 8:00 A.M.; there has been a Song Sparrow with quite a bit of white on forehead/crown, and both pale and dark American Tree Sparrows( western and eastern subspecies), but nothing rare or uncommon. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] No Brambling - BCLP - Jeffco
Hi Folks, I have a feeling that the Brambling may have moved on. I checked about 4:45 this afternoon and stayed until dark. The flock of 30+ American Tree Sparrows and a lone Song Sparrow were the last birds on the bridge. About 5:00 a Great Horned Owl perched in the trees on the ridge above the draw. Also did not see the Common Redpoll this evening. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Common Redpoll, No Brambling - BCLP - Jeffco
Hello All, Arrived back in town this afternoon and joined a small group of birders between 4:30 and 5:00 P.M. to watch for the Brambling. The Brambling did not show, but there was a female Common Redpoll that made several appearances. The Common Redpoll(also reported earlier in the week by several different birders) is a new bird for the BCLP Checklist. I will look for the Brambling in the morning when Bear Creek Lake Park (BCLP) opens and then submit a post to Cobirds. The first time I saw the bird, it was in a different location than the bridge, so I will do some exploring and let folks know if I can relocate it. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Brambling - BCLP - Jeffco
Hello All, The Brambling reappeared at the same location described in the original post yesterday near the Boat Launch area in Bear Creek Lake Park. The bird comes and goes from the area around the footbridge - probably at least a dozen of us saw it several times this morning between 7:15 and 7:40. The majority of the loose mixed flock feeding near the footbridge consists of American Tree Sparrows, with a few Song Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos plus some House Finches. I'm off to visit family on the Western Slope, but I'm sure there will be some excellent photos available and also some discussion on whether the bird is a male or female coming soon. Have fun and good birding, Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Good morning, Threw some seed out early this morning and Chuck Aid, Michael Kiessig and myself were able to observe the Golden-crowned Sparrow at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post 3 different times between 7 and 7:30. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Hello All, This morning Celia and Mike Greenman and myself observed the Golden- crowned Sparrow put in several appearances at the Red Rocks Trading Post feeders between 7:30 and 8:00. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Common Redpolls - Lily Lake - Larimer County
Hi All, At approximately 3:30 this afternoon Celia Greenman, Rob Raker, and myself observed the flock of 20+ Common Redpolls feeding on the south side of Lily Lake near the small footbridge (where they have been reported previously) in Rocky Mountain National Park. Great sight to see the flock feeding so close to the trail. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Good Morning All, Took some seed over to the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post at Red Rocks this morning, and the Golden-crowned Sparrow showed up at 7:30 A.M. I will put out seed tomorrow morning early as well, and folks probably have a good chance of seeing the Golden-crowned Sparrow in the next couple of days with the colder weather. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Harris's Sparrow - Chatfield SP - Douglas/Jefferson Counties
Hello All, Chuck Aid, Michael Kiessig and I found an immature Harris's Sparrow along the trail just east of the Boat Marina as we walked down to the end of the spit. The Harris's was with a flock of American Tree Sparrows near the small grove of cottonwoods with willow understory near the parking lot. The spit is a good area to get some closeup views of the birds in Roxborough Cove. Our highlights included an adult Bald Eagle, 5 Common Loons, 3 Horned Grebes, several Eared Grebes, and a lone Long-billed Dowitcher. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Hello All, The Golden-crowned Sparrow appeared just after I put some seed out at the Red Rocks feeders this morning around 8:30 AM. I observed the bird two more times at the feeders - both about 20 minutes apart. No other rarities at the feeders today. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Harris's Sparrow - BCLP - Jeffco
Hello All, After visiting Red Rocks this morning, I drove the roads in Bear Creek Lake Park (BCLP). The most interesting birds seen along the roads included a first year Harris's Sparrow, 3 Northern Shrikes, and a Prairie Falcon. The Harris's Sparrow was alone along the road right after entering the park - about halfway between the stop sign and the Cottontail Picnic Area. Boat Launch Area - mixed flock of American Tree Sparrows, Song White- crowned Sparrows. Mountain View Area - saw a Northern Shrike fly quite a distance and chase a small bird out of a shrub, American Kestrel and Prairie Falcon, and Mountain Bluebirds. Indian Paintbrush Campground - adult Northern Shrike on the west side. Horse Arena Area - juvenile Northern Shrike and small flock of Mountain Bluebirds. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Good Morning, Threw some seed out at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post this morning and the Golden-crowned Sparrow appeared around 7:45 AM. I observed him feeding first on the flat rock under the upper apple tree and later on the bird appeared down in the flat area underneath the lower apple tree. Other birds included: Downy Woodpecker Western Scrub-Jays Spotted Towhees American Tree Sparrows Song Sparrows White-crowned Sparrows - both adult juvenile Dark-eyed Juncos in good numbers including Gray-headed, Pink-sided, Oregon, Slate-colored, Cassiar, and White-winged House Finches one Rock Pigeon Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] BCLP RED ROCKS - Jeffco
Hello All, Nothing exciting to report. Michael Kiessig, Rob Raker, and I stated at the Red Rocks feeders this morning and finished at Bear Creek Lake Park (BCLP). With all the recent reports of winter residents arriving in Colorado, we were hoping for a rarity of sorts at the Red Rocks feeders, but were disappointed. Most of the junco subspecies have arrived as well as some White-crowned Sparrows, and we had three Spotted Towhees and a Song Sparrow as well as the resident birds. We did see and hear a Canyon Canyon Wren calling on Cave Rock (where the Prairie Falcons nested). BCLP had a few late migrants and some early winter arrivals, but nothing real unusual. Migrants included Mountain Bluebirds, Yellow- rumped Warblers (both Audubon Myrtle's) and we had a mixed flock of American and Lesser Goldfinches feeding in some thistle. In addition to several flocks of White-crowned Sparrows, we had a FOS American Chipping Sparrow along the lake among a flock of White-crowns as well as good numbers of Song Sparrows. A walk through the prairie dog town to the south of the lake produced some Horned Larks and a Prairie Falcon. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Palm Warbler Lewos's Woodpecker _ BCLP - Jeffco
Good Morning, Made a quick stop at Bear Creek Lake Park (BCLP) this morning about 7:30 A.M. The shoreline and trees shrubs along Pelican Point were filled with 100's of birds. Mostly Yellow-rumped Warblers, Chipping Sparrows, and White-crowned Sparrows. Some of the more uncommon birds feeding along the shoreline (on the ground and in the trees) were a Palm Warbler, some Orange-crowned Warblers, at least one Clay-colored Sparrow. The Lewis's Woodpecker was in the trees along the edge of the lake near the metal fishing ramp. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Warblers -Correction - Belmar Park - Jeffco
Hi All, After looking at Rob Raker's photos for the first time last night (see link below), the bird I reported on 9-28-12 as a Pine Warbler turns out to be a Blackpoll Warbler. The link to Rob's photos is found below. Photo 1 shows the yellow feet of the Blackpoll Warbler - a Pine Warbler would also have a more defined auricular patch. Photo 15 shows the back of the White-breasted Nuthatch (dark gray with no contrasting dark marks on tertials and coverts), making it a mountain or interior West WBNU. The eastern subspecies would be paler gray on the back with sharply contrasting black marks on the tertials and coverts. Photos 18 19 show distinctly the green legs and lores of the juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron. To summarize, uncommon warblers seen at Belmar Park this week: 9-28-12 Blackpoll Warbler 10-2-12 Pair of Palm Warblers; a male Black-throated Blue Warbler (no photos); and then the Blackpoll Warbler refound by Mark Chavez. Links to Rob Raker's site can be found at www.robraker.com/Robs-Natural-World/Other-Front-Range-Lakes/Belmar-Park/25632652_ZqtLRt#!i =2125123758k=chNw42Z Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Palm Warbler - Belmar Park - Jeffco
Hi All, Not near as birdy this morning as yesterday in Belmar Historic Park in Lakewood. Micheal Kiessig, Rob Raker, and I started out finding our first small mixed flock of birds along the Horse Trail near the footbridge. The flock consisted of Yellow-rumped Warblers (both Audubon's and Myrtle's), an Orange Crowned Warbler and some adult and juvenile White-crowned Sparrows. Later on we saw one Palm Warbler in a mixed flock of birds in the pines on the west side of the small lake. Later in the morning when it seemed like there were more birders than birds, everyone had good looks at the Palm Warbler on the east side of the small lake. There were not near as many Yellow- rumped Warblers as yesterday, and we did not see either the Blackpoll or Black-throated Blue Warblers today. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Migrants - BCLP - Jeffco
Hi All, Michael Kiessig and I stopped by Bear Creek Lake Park (BCLP) late this morning after visiting Belmar earlier. We birded around Pelican Point and had two small mixed flocks which included Yellow-rumped Warblers (both Audubon's and Myrtle), Orange-crowned Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Song Sparrows, one Lincoln's Sparrow, and White-crowned Sparrows (Gambel's). Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Pine Warblers + Black-throated Blue Warbler - Belmar - Jeffco
Hello All, Rob Raker and I had a fun morning at Belmar Park in Lakewood. We birded the area around the small lake on the west side of Kountze Lake, and found the two Palm Warblers hanging out together. In addition, we had a male Black-throated Blue Warbler (think there might be two, but only got a good look at one). Lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers of all descriptions - Audubon's, Myrtle, male, female, first year birds. We ran into Joe Roller who joined us in looking at the pair of Palm Warblers (about the 3rd time we found them), and then Mark Chavez. Joe Mark were still birding when we left about 11:00 a.m. In addition, early in the morning we saw a juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron standing on the shore in good light. The juvenile bird had light green legs and some greenish coloring around the neck and bill area. I have never seen a juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron with so much green shading. Hopefully Rob got a picture and we can post it. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Palm Warblers + Black-throated Blue at Belmar Lake - Jeffco
Hello All, Sorry about the mistake! Rob Raker and I had a fun morning at Belmar Park in Lakewood. We birded the area around the small lake on the west side of Kountze Lake, and found the two Palm Warblers hanging out together. In addition, we had a male Black-throated Blue Warbler (think there might be two, but only got a good look at one). Lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers of all descriptions - Audubon's, Myrtle, male, female, first year birds. We ran into Joe Roller who joined us in looking at the pair of Palm Warblers (about the 3rd time we found them), and then Mark Chavez. Joe Mark were still birding when we left about 11:00 a.m. In addition, early in the morning we saw a juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron standing on the shore in good light. The juvenile bird had light green legs and some greenish coloring around the neck and bill area. I have never seen a juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron with so much green shading. Hopefully Rob got a picture and we can post it. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Pine Warbler - Belmar Park - Lakewood/ Jeffco
Hello All, This morning Chuck Aid, Rob Raker, and I visited Belmar Historic Park in Lakewood. We looked at many Yellow-rumped Warblers (mostly Audubon) during the morning and in one mixed flock picked out a bright yellow male Pine Warbler. The prominent white wing bars alerted us to something unusual, and we were able to get good looks of the male pine Warbler. Other birds of note included a Ruby-crowned Kinglet in another mixed flock and a Clay-colored Sparrow. The Osprey also put on quite a show diving into the lake several times. Most of the birds we saw were on the west and south sides of the lake. The flock with the Pine Warbler was on the west side of the lake. While walking my dog tonight in Willow Springs, I saw two Red-naped Sapsuckers in what was once the old Western Bible Institute campus (just north of the 8th hole on the Red Rocks Golf Course). Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Swainson's Hawk Behavior - Jefferson County
Hi All, As we were eating breakfast this morning with a guest from Alaska, we observed an adult male light morph Swainson's Hawk walking and eating earthworms on the golf fairway behind our house. I'm not sure if the bird was one of the pair that mated in the area this summer or a recent migrant (hunch is resident bird from breeding pair this summer). Great sight to watch: The Swainson's would stand on the fairway, look around, then walk/run to a spot 5-15 yards away where it picked up an earthworm from the ground(rained last night), then either gulp the worm down whole or decapitate the worm and eat it in two bites. It would then stand and look around, before going after another earthworm in the same manner. Meanwhile for part of the show, a Black-billed Magpie followed the Swainson's, staying directly behind it, then reaching up from behind to try and pluck a feather from the tail, upper coverts, or rump of the hawk. The Swainson's didn't seem too perturbed and continued to chase down the earthworms writhing on top of the grass followed by the playful magpie. An American Kestrel also stooped at the Swainson's a couple of times, but wasn't able to chase it off. A nice breakfast by all! Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] BCLP migrants - Jeffco
Hello All, Michael Kiessig, Rob Raker and I birded Bear Creek Lake Park (BCLP) yesterday morning. As reported by others in various other locations, we had mixed flocks of warblers (nothing rare) including large numbers of Yellow-rumped Warblers. The flocks included Audubon's and Myrtle, both male and female, adult and first year birds, as well as Orange- crowned and Wilson's Warblers. The most common sparrows were White- crowned Sparrows (Gambel's), although we did have a few Chipping and Clay-colored mixed in. We also started the morning with two skulky Lincoln's Sparrows at Pelican Point. We birded the Pelican Point area, the area around Fitness #1, the Boat Launch area and then walked form Pelican Point around the lake on the south side to the SE corner of the lake and found mixed flocks of migrant birds in every area. As we headed back to Pelican Point from the SE corner of the lake a small group of 4 Say's Phoebes caught our eye near the edge of the large prairie dog town south of the lake. While walking through what seemed to be a dry and barren prairie dog town, to our surprise we encountered a Burrowing Owl (they don't breed in the park), 2 Rock Wren's,. and 3 Sage Thrashers. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Northern Waterthrush - BCLP - Jeffco
Good Morning, Not as birdy at Bear Creek Lake Park (BCLP) this morning, but Chuck Aid, Michael Kiessig, Rob Raker and I found a Northern Waterthrush near the inlet where Bear Creek enters the lake. The bird was not as heavily washed with yellow as yesterday's, and was in an entirely different location. We were able to watch it feed and bath (and bob) as it worked its way along the bank of the creek. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] N. Waterthrush - BCLP - Jeffco
Good Morning All, Joe Roller, Rob Raker, and yours truly birded Bear Creek Lake Park ( BCLP) this morning started just after 6:30 A.M. Highlight of the morning was a washed yellow Northern Waterthrush near the inlet where Turkey Creek enters the lake. We had great looks - it flew from the ground and landed on a horizontal tree branch near the trunk about 4 feet off the ground. When I left about 9, Joe Rob were trying to figure out how to get the bird to pose in the sunlight rather in the shade of the branches where it was perched. Not sure how that all turned out, but we did have great looks We started out the morning by walking the circle from Pelican Point along the lake to where Bear Creek enters the lake, and then back to Fitness Station #1 before going over to the Turkey Creek side. Pelican Point - one cleanly marked Savannah Sparrow along the willows at the edge of the lake. We also had one mixed flock that included a first winter Townsend's Warbler, Willow Flycatcher, Warbling Vireos, Wilson's and Yellow Warblers along with a band of local Black-capped Chickadees. While standing on the bank of Bear Creek near the inlet where it enters the lake, we participated in the CATCH RELEASE Program advocated for the fisherman at BCLP. The three of us were standing on the bank of the creek and a Belted Kingfisher flew over the knob of willows above us and started down toward the creek. It would have taken Joe's hat off if it hadn't veered sharply to miss us. The Kingfisher was as startled as we were and dropped the fish it was carrying at our feet. We dutifully examined the fish (sunfish of some kind - about 4 inches long), found a piece of flesh missing near the tail, then threw it into the creek where it swam away. Rob took some pictures of the fish if someone wants to ID it. The Gray Catbird put in an appearance in this area. Near Fitness #1 we had a Brewer's Sparrow among the many BC Chickadees and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers feeding in the Rabbitbrush. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Nashville Warbler - BCLP - Jeffco
Greetings All, Different group of birds at Bear Creek Lake Park (BCLP) this morning. I walked the same circular route as yesterday from Pelican Point along the lake edge to the inlet where Bear Creek enters the lake and back to Fitness Station #1. Highlight of the day was a good, but quick glance of a Nashville Warbler popping up in the willows near the inlet. Pelican Point - 2 first winter Audubon's Warblers, a mixed flock including Warbling Vireos, Wilson's and Yellow Warblers, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and a Willow Flycatcher. Also had several Spotted Towhees at the edge of the lake, which leads me to believe they are migrants. Inlet @ Bear Creek - Nashville Warbler, Yellow and Wilson's Warblers, and a Willow Flycatcher as far as migrants. Breeders still hanging around included Western Wood-Pewee, Gray Catbird, Lazuli Bunting, both American and Lesser Goldfinches as well as Song Sparrows and House Wrens. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Lewis's Woodpeckers - Jeffco
Hi All, When I walked my dog this evening in the old Western Bible Institute property (north of Belleview off Fox Hills Road, which is near the Red Rocks Country Club in Willow Springs ), I observed two Lewis's Woodpeckers using the snags in some of the tall dead trees. This is the first time in the 6 years we have lived here that I have seen Lewis's Woodpeckers in the area, so I am sure they are passing through. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Blackburnian Warbler - BCLP - Jeffco
Fairly birdy at Bear Creek Lake Park (BCLP)this morning. More migrants than I have seen earlier. Got 3 glimpses of a male Blackburnian Warbler (still very brilliantly colored with flaming orange yellow) as he fed in the upper half of a large cottonwood tree before taking off high in the area going south. This is a new bird for the BCLP checklist. The bird was seen in the area where Bear Creek enters into the lake and can be accessed from either the Boat Launch area or from Pelican Point with the low water levels. Other migrants of note: Pelican Point - both Eastern Western Kingbirds, a first winter female Yellow-rumped Warbler (FOS), and both Wilson's and Yellow Warblers. Inlet area where Bear Creek empties into the lake - Besides the Blackburnian Warbler, had a male Common Yellowthroat, and both Wilson's and Yellow Warblers and a Gray Catbird. Around Fitness # 1 and in all directions had 4 Sage Thrashers, a female Orchard Oriole, 2 Clay-colored Sparrows, a Brewer's Sparrow, Chipping sparrows, and a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Blue Grosbeak Nest - BCLP - Jeffco
Wanted to share this story with folks. This morning Alison Kondler was riding her bike in Bear Creek Lake Park (BCLP) and discovered a Blue Grosbeak nest. She emailed me from her cell phone between 9:30 and 10:00 A.M. sending a description of the location and a picture of the shrub and nest. The shrub turned out to be a lone small maple clump in shortgrass prairie and approximately 40 yards from any of the surrounding box elder thickets. She indicated she thought the two youngsters in the nest were ready to fledge within a day or two. I received the message about 10:30 A.M., and decided I had better go check things out and complete an atlas card. Arrived about 11:15 A.M. (stayed about 30 minutes). Stood in the shade of a boxelder about 40 yards away and watched. Almost immediately the female Blue Grosbeak showed up with food (grasshopper???) and landed on the north side of the nest bush just a little lower than the nest in the middle of the bush (really a small maple clump). As she moved to the nest, one of the young flew awkwardly straight from the nest to the grove of trees (box elder thicket) to the west and landed on the ground in thick cover. The female then flew to the area, landed on a branch a few feet above the ground, and seemed to coax the youngster to join her. Eventually the fledgling did fly up landing on a branch above and to the right, and then Mom flew up and perched next to the youngster. With the female and youngster hanging out together on a branch, I decided to check the nest. There was still one youngster in the nest and as I got close, this little one flew out only about 20 yards and landed in the grass surrounding the bush. This youngster then made his way on the ground through the grass to some shrubs near the road where his mother joined him. To my surprise and relief (because it didn't fly well on the initial attempt), after a few minutes this youngster took a wobbly flight to the same woods as the first one had done (about 70 -75 yards) and Mom followed him. I left with the Mother tending to the young fledglings as they navigated between the cover of the box elder thicket and the shortgrass prairie to the west of the nest. She certainly has her hands full! The little ones are so vulnerable at this point in their lives. I have seen Blue Grosbeaks in BCLP during the breeding season before, but never have found a nest or made a confirmation for the Atlas Block. What fun to watch the youngsters leave the nest! The latest date for fledged young from the first Atlas is August 22, the same date as today. Some folks surmise that Blue Grosbeaks inclination to dine on grasshoppers (which become more prevalent as summer progresses), encourages them to nest relatively late in the season. How fortunate that Alison discovered the nest - how lucky I was to go when I did - and what a wonderful experience to share. Mike Henwood Morrison BCLP Jefferson county -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Willow Flycatcher - BCLP - JEFFCO
This morning Chuck Aid, Michael Kiessig, and myself walked from Pelican Point around to the grove of trees on the SE corner of the lake at Bear Creek Lake Park (BCLP). Highlights included Willow Flycatcher at the SE corner of the lake Solitary Sandpiper - SW cove Gray Catbird - between Pelican Point and the SW cove Wilson's Snipe - NW cove Still large numbers of mkigrating Barn Swallows and Cliff Swallows, Yellow Warblers, and some sparrows including Brewer's, Chipping, Lark, and Vesper. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Least Flycatcher - BCLP - Jeffco
Sorry for the late post, but on Friday morning, August 17, I observed an immature Least Flycatcher in the woods near where Bear Creek enters Bear Creek Lake (on the south side accessible from Pelican Point area). The bird was in the woods (cottonwood grove) close to the creek. The bird was very active, flicking its tail and wings, changing perches often as it moved between ground level up to perches as high as 20 feet in the lower level of the canopy. I was able to study the bird from a distance of 10-20 yards for 15- 20 minutes. Things I noted as I watched the bird: small bird with a rounded and somewhat large head small bill (but not as narrow at the base as I have observed with Hammond's Flycatchers), mostly pale underneath with a dusky tip well-defined and conspicuous white eye ring of fairly even thickness two buffy wingbars contrasting with blackish wings short primary extension In addition to the Least Flycatcher I also saw two Sage Thrashers and two Lark Buntings, both somewhat uncommon in migration in Bear Creek Lake Park (BCLP). These birds were in the area above and to the west of the Picnic Area on the NW side of the gravel parking lot above Pelican Point. Other migrants included both Barn Swallows and Cliff Swallows in good numbers, Yellow Warblers in the trees along the lake, and a few Brewer's, Chipping, and Lark Sparrows at various locations. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Summer Tanager - BCLP - Jeffco
This morning while Rob Raker and I were trying to confirm breeding for the Indigo Bunting in Bear Creek Lake Park, we ran across what we believe to be a young immature male Summer Tanager. The bird was along the road (both sides) in the seep area just east of Muskrat Meadows. I would be interested in comments from other birders - the forehead, throat and breast were a light, rosy red color - I'm used to seeing a darker, rosy red coloring on Summer Tanagers. The belly and undertail coverts were a bright, lemon yellow color, not the greenish-yellow I remember seeing on Summer Tanagers. We did observe a female Western Tanager in the same area yesterday. Here's a link to Rob's pictures: www.robraker.com/BearCreekLakePark/Birds/Tanagers-Cardinals-Buntings/ Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Even more Dickcissels, North Longmont, Boulder County
Well, biking seems to be the way of finding Dickcissels. I had heard and seen individuals, also while riding, in the previously reported locations from Bryan G. and Elena K. This week, I have come across hordes of these birds in many of the fields north of Longmont. There are at least 6-8 of them singing in the still uncut alfalfa fields about 0.5 mi. north of CO-66 on 87th St. (google map) http://goo.gl/maps/WjAz. They are primarily on the east side of 87th, but just listen and you'll hear them all around. These are private fields so stay on the road and be mindful of the few houses along that stretch. Mike Blatchley Longmont, CO -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Double Crested Cormorant
Sorry for the late posting.Sat 7/14 saw an unusual bird at Angler Mt Ranch in Silverthorne. The Double Crested cormorant sat on a dead limb close to the Blue River during a nice rain storm. Such a nice (and life) sighting. Used my bird scope from my house to confirm. Mike Allen Silverthorne Birdingmike -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[cobirds] Ovenbird Count - WSOS - Jeffco
Hello All, On May 29 and 30, Chuck Aid, Audrey Boag, Michael Kiessig, Rob Raker and myself did the annual Ovenbird Count in Willow Springs Open Space (WSOS). Willow Springs Open Space is private open space and this is the 5th year for my survey. Each of the annual surveys have been during the time frame of May 28 - June 3. During the past two days, we recorded 24 singing Ovenbirds, which is a new high for the WSOS count. As you may recall, there was an article in the October, 2009, issue of the CFO Quarterly COLORADO BIRDS detailing the ovenbirds in WSOS.The records for the past 5 years: 2008 - 20 singing Ovenbirds 2009 - 21 singing Ovenbirds 2010 - 23 singing Ovenbirds 2011 - 19 singing Ovenbirds 2012 - 24 singing Ovenbirds Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
[cobirds] Migrants at BCLP - Jeffco
Hello All, Rob Raker and I birded Bear Creek Lake Park this morning. Migrants seen in and around Bear Creek Lake included: Yellow-rumped Warblers everywhere in the trees - our guess was 80% were male Myrtles. Taiga female Merlin Greater Yellowlegs Solitary Sandpiper American Pipit - 15+ Blue-winged Teal - pair male Cinnamon Teal plus a handsome male Wood Duck Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Good Morning, When I arrived at the Red Rocks feeders this morning Art Hudak was there and had already put seed out. In the hour plus that we watched, we saw the Golden-crowned Sparrow once - the Slate-colored Fox Sparrow did not appear. This was a real surprise as the Fox sparrow was seen yesterday evening, and with the winter-like weather I thought the bird would be at the feeders bright and early this morning. Only new birds at the feeders were some brightly colored Pine Siskins. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
[cobirds] Fox Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Hello All, Arrived at Red Rocks early this morning -6:30 am- and observed the male Prairie Falcon sitting on top of Cave Rock preening. He then flew down and perched on a ledge midway on the cliff. The birds called and the female left the eyrie replaced by the male. The female flew across the road to the perch on Frog Rock, where she perched and preened for 10-15 minutes before flying to the top of Cave Rock. When I left, the female Prairie was still perched on top of Cave Rock. Later on I saw the male male Peregrine perched on the back side of Ship Rock, and heard both birds calling. I believe both pairs of falcons are incubating now and most of the time one sees only the male perched in and on the cliff faces. The feeders at the Red Rocks Trading Post produced a couple of surprises - a Slate-colored Fox Sparrow and a Hermit Thrush (both FOS). During the period between 7 8 the Slate-colored Fox Sparrow made 5 different appearances at the edge of the shrubs between the platform feeder and the lower apple tree. The Fox Sparrow stayed close to the edge of the shrubs and didn't stay out long. I couldn't discern any reddish tinge on the upperparts, so presume it is one of the sub-species that breeds in Colorado and adjoining states to the north. Last year I first saw a Slate-colored Fox Sparrow at Red Rocks on April 30, but I was gone the last two weeks of April, so that may not be an accurate indicator. The Slate-colored Fox Sparrow is an early migrant, often appearing in Colorado in late March. Last year a slate-colored Fox Sparrow stayed at Red Rocks through at least May 13 (my last sighting). The Hermit Thrush perched in the low branches of the lower apple tree for several minutes before disappearing into the heavy shrubbery behind the feeding areas. The Hermit Thrush appeared to be the typical subspecies seen in the Interior West according to Sibley. Other birds at the feeders in small numbers included Western Scrub- Jay, BC Chickadee, Robins, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Gray-headed Pink-sided Junco, House Finch House Sparrow. I did not see the Golden-crowned Sparrow, but bet the storm will bring the bird back to the feeders and it will be seen in the next couple of days. Driving through the park I noticed American Kestrels in courtship mode and a pair of Say's Phoebes. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
[cobirds] Small Montane Owls - Atlas Block
Last night Michael Kiessig and myself did some owling in our Black Hawk Atlas block. At one stop (approx. 8400 feet), we had a Northern Pygmy Owl call just before dark, followed by a pair of Great Horned Owls after dark, and then around 8:30 P.M. a Northern Saw-whet started tooting and went on for some time. A nice evening and good time to be out checking for owls in mountain atlas blocks. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
Re: [cobirds] FOS Hummingbird - Jefferson County
Glad someone else is hearing these little fella's out there. Also distinctly heard one yesterday west of Longmont. For what its worth, 10 days prior, on a nice summer morning, a group of us was hiking Chautauqua Park in Boulder. Two of us independently caught brief trills on two occasions during the hike of what sounded like a male Broad-tailed. Being so early, I didn't have the confidence to list it but I'm starting to wonder if it could have been Mike Blatchley Longmont, CO On Thu, Apr 5, 2012 at 5:02 AM, Joey Kellner wrote: At approximately 10am I heard a male Broad-tailed Hummingbird flying over Waterton Canyon. Looks like this year April 4th is the left side of the bell-shaped curve of Broad-tailed migration. :-) -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - RedRocks - Jeffco
Hi All, I threw out some seed at the Red Rocks feeders this morning - an adult White-crowned Sparrow landed on the platform feeder about 7:35 A.M. followed shortly thereafter on the same platform feeder by the Golden- crowned Sparrow at 7:38 P.M. Seeing numerous flocks of Western and Mountain Bluebirds in areas just below the foothills - a common happening when you get a spring snow in the foothills and mountains. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
[cobirds] Golden-crowned Sparrow - Red Rocks - Jeffco
Good Morning All, The Golden-crowned Sparrow appeared under the platform feeder at 7:38 A.M. this morning. Not near as many birds at the feeders as during the winter, but still the same species. I was surprised to see a lone Pine Siskin come in to the feeder area. At Ship Rock things were busy. Saw both Peregrines flying as well as perched on ledges on Ship Rock. At one point I saw what I believe is the female PEFA land on a ledge (leading to a previous eyrie), face inward, sort of stamp her feet and look inward. What I believe is the male exploded out of the eyrie and started low before gaining altitude and flying around showing off his flying skills. Shortly thereafter the female landed on top of high perch on Ship Rock, called, and then the male came in and landed behind her and they copulated vigorously(10 seconds?). The male then took off flying high and the female remained perched on top of the rock. As far as the Ravens were concerned, in the half hour I was there, the male came in twice, called to the female, she then left the nest for a short time and joined the male. Once he flew to the base of the cliff, where the female joined him and they exchanged food???, before the female flew to the west calling as she flew and landed in a juniper on the hillside. She stayed briefly before flying back to the nest. The male then took off and flew to the SE. The other time the male called from up on the hillside, and the female left the nest and joined him for a few minutes. She then flew back to the nest calling as she flew and the male left again. There were also a number of American Kestrels in the Ship Rock vicinity as well as the pair at the first fork in the road when you come in Entrance #3. Mike Henwood Morrison Jefferson County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Colorado Birds group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
