Birders,
Welcome to fall migration. I think Sage Thrashers are the first
passerines to head south, and in many localities, July is the best time
to chance upon them. I would consider these birds migrants, not lost or
out of place.
Duane Nelson
Las Animas, Bent County Colorado
On 7/6/2016
In Park County, where Sage Thrasher has a limited distribution (little
suitable habitat), they occur regularly as high as 9500-9600 feet elevation
near County Road 22 (vicinity of Buffalo Peaks). There they occupy expected
sage habitat, although they are, to my knowledge, quite isolated from other
That is very interesting that you posed the question about the sage thrasher at
high altitude. Today, I saw a Sage Thrasher in my neighborhood at near 8700'
elevation, north of Nederland in Boulder County. I ran for my camera as I
thought no one would believe this. I was shocked myself.
COBirders,
I was encouraged by another C Springs birder to report...
1. Sage Thrasher hopping around atop Tenney Crags (10,100 ft) west of C Springs
on July 4. Weird! It is many miles from what I think of as Sage Thrasher
habitat. I was curious if other CO birders have encountered them at such
