Rich Stevens' Bird Trips
April 2005
Wheat Ridge Greenbelt 4/30
Rebecca Kosten, Donna Fortney, Linda Weems, and I birded Wheat
Ridge Greenbelt this afternoon. It was snowing by 1:00pm and
increased by 4:00pm. Winds were mild.
One of the Eastern Screech-Owls was out of his favorite hole just
east of "Jack's Place" picnic table. We counted conservatively
217 Yellow-rumped Warblers (in four flocks). If the Black-
throated Gray Warbler is still around, we could not find it.
Five Snowy Egrets and a juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron were
at the west end of Prospect Pond. Male Hooded Mergansers and
Red-breasted Mergansers were here also. I found an American Bittern
in the southwest cattails at Bass Lake. Not much else was found
as snow fell more rapid.
We stopped at Bluff Lake Nature Area (Denver County) on the trip
home. A Great Egret was found along Sand Creek (between Havana &
Peoria). Probably it was the same bird I observed last Tuesday.
A flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers (Audubon & Myrtle) was the only
interesting group observed.
I added photos of the Yellow-rumped Warblers, Snowy Egret, and
Black-crowned Night-Heron to the CoBus photo library. Check out
Hans Johanssons Northern Pygmy-Owls photos; they are fantastic.
There are two owls; one has a prize.
Summit County 4/29
Mark Bradine & I birded in Summit County. Winds were 15+ mph;
it snowed at times. We thought the snowstorm might coax birds
to visit feeders today (which it seemed to do).
In Silverthorne we were able to find 3 species of Rosy Finches,
Evening Grosbeaks, Pine Grosbeaks, 3 species of nuthatches,
Pine Siskins, Mountain Chickadees, Downy Woodpeckers,
Hairy Woodpeckers, and Band-tailed Pigeons.
The Ospreys are still near their nest along Highway 9 (2.5 miles
south of Highway 70). Unfortunately no Barrow's Goldeneyes were
at the Blue River Water Treatment Plant.
It took about an hour to locate 2 White-tailed Ptarmigan on
Loveland Pass. Look east to the upslope about 500 yards
east of the south end of the parking area for the summit.
Barr Lake 4/27
Today I took about 2 hours to hike from mile marker 9.0 to 7.5
along the path at Barr Lake (Adams County). Nothing really rare
was observed. However I did find a male Bullock's Oriole along
the Pioneer Trail (at mm 8.1). A flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers
included Audubon & Myrtle at mm 8.4.
A Lincoln's Sparrow was with White-crowned Sparrows at mm 8.3.
A flock of blackbirds at the parking area for the boat ramp
included Red-winged Blackbirds, Brown-headed Cowbirds,
Common Grackles, and 4 Yellow-headed Blackbirds.
Burrowing Owls were observed at 1.0 mile south of Picadilly Road
and Bromley Lane. A few Great-tailed Grackles remain at 0.4
miles south of same intersection.
Denver Birding Field Trip 4/26
A beginner's bird class went on a field trip Tuesday.
Winds were mild and temperatures in the 60s.
Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County) was slow.
Highlight was probably that the Brewer's Blackbirds that
nest around the southwest marina parking area are back.
The usual summer residents (American White Pelican,
Double-crested Cormorant, Killdeer) were numerous.
Gull numbers were low with only Ring-billed and a few
California Gulls seen. Two California Gulls stood next
to a Ring-billed Gull and gave us great opportunities
for comparison. The four Herring Gulls observed
Saturday were not found today.
Barr Lake (Adams) was a little more interesting. Highlights of
the trip over there were a Broad-winged Hawk along Powhaton Road
between 120th & 128th avenues and Burrowing Owls at 3.4 miles
east of Tower Road & 96th avenue and the northwest corner of
Powhaton Road & 128th avenue.
A subadult Golden Eagle stood near the road along the north side
of DIA runways. It tried to catch sparrows hiding in a small bush.
We did find a nice flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers (Audubon &
Myrtle) and a lone Solitary Sandpiper. Red-tailed Hawks,
Swainson's Hawks, and a female Northern Harrier flew by also.
Later while scouting for Thursday's field trip to Bluff Lake Park
(Denver County), I found a Great Egret along Sand Creek at
the east end of the park.
Birding Around Denver 4/24
Rebecca Kosten & I birded a couple a places around Denver in
the late afternoon. It was raining with temperatures in the 50s.
We were unable to locate the Long-billed Curlew at Cherry Creek
Reservoir (Arapahoe County). There were few gulls around the
reservoir.
It took about 20 minutes to locate the Black-throated Gray Warbler
at Wheat Ridge Greenbelt (Jefferson). The warbler was loosely
associated with a flock of 12+ Yellow-rumped Warblers and an
Orange-crowned Warbler. The flock worked the cottonwoods on
the north side of Clear Creek at the southeast end of Tabor Lake.
They were in the first trees East of Tabor Lake and along the bike
path when we departed. Thanks much for Paula Hansley for finding
and reporting the bird.
We sat watching the feeders at the ranger's station at Barr Lake
(Adams) for about 1.5 hours. The previously reported Northern
Cardinal never made an appearance.
Burrowing Owls were found at 1.0 mile south of Picadilly Road
and Bromley Lane and at the location 3.4 miles east of Tower
Road and 96th avenue (Adams).
Colorado Grouse Trip 4/17-4/23
Last week, 4 Texans and I went on my fourth grouse tour of 2005.
Weather cooperated nicely and we enjoyed fantastic spring weather
with little wind and temperatures in the 60s and 70s (and no snow).
Each trip is a little different, this one was marked by the fact
that we had many of the chicken like birds crossed the road in
front of us and give us great views (even when the leks were in
the far distance).
April 17
We started our trip by driving around Silverthorne (Summit County)
in search of Rosy Finches and all. Luck was with us and we
observed 3 species of Rosy Finches, Cassin's Finches, two male
Williamson's Sapsuckers, Evening Grosbeaks, Pine Grosbeaks,
3 nuthatch species, Downy Woodpeckers, Hairy Woodpeckers,
and Clark's Nutcrackers.
We ran into a group from Sweden who had just observed a
White-tailed Ptarmigan on Loveland Pass so our group back tracked
to the summit. Unfortunately, we did not find the lone bird, which was
reported on the upslope 600 yards east of Loveland Pass' summit.
A quick stop at the Coalmont Greater Sage-Grouse Lek (Jackson)
convinced us to not wait until dusk for a chance to see the birds.
It is necessary to drive up the new owners driveway in order to
reach the lek. Coalmont is now private property. An adult
Golden Eagle was near Hwy 13 and CR 26.
A quick drive 100 miles west put us at the 20 road Sharp-tailed
Grouse Lek south of Hayden (Routt). The 80-route lek north of
Hayden was checked on our way over, however no birds were
found (well, a Spotted Towhee was added to our trip list).
Our first Yellow-rumped Warbler of the trip was seen at the
Hayden cemetery. Four Sandhill Cranes were in the field north
of the Yampa Valley airport.
At dusk, 10-13 Sharp-tailed Grouse were observed booming
on the 20-road lek.
April 18
We headed up Highway 13 North of Craig to checkout several old
Greater Sage-Grouse leks (Moffat). On 3 Road (3.0 miles west of
Hwy 13) a female Greater Sage-Grouse stood in the middle of the
road. A second female later popped out of the sage.
As we returned to Hwy 13 to the east, I noticed a bunch of white
spots to the north. Scoping these spots we discovered them to
be 46 male and 2 female Greater Sage-Grouse (this was the
Timberlake Lek)!
On the drive back to Craig we found our first Tree Swallows,
Cliff Swallows, and Barn Swallows. Yellow-headed Blackbirds
were observed in the cattails along Hwy 13.
A check of the Yampa River south of Craig did not find the
previously reported Barrow's Goldeneyes. A great surprise
was a Long-tailed Duck on the pond near the Tri State Power
Plant (near mile marker 86 of Hwy 13).
On County Road 8, 1.0 mile east of Hwy 13 (just north of Meeker,
Rio Blanco County) we found the Pinyon Jays that Forrest Luke
reported off and on throughout the winter.
In Meeker we searched for Bohemian Waxwings for an hour;
without success. We did discover the "Bird Café" (at 5th & Garfield
streets). Here good looks of many Cassin's Finches, Lesser
Goldfinches, and several pairs of Evening Grosbeaks were obtained.
Several Eurasian Collared-Doves were also observed in Meeker.
Rio Blanco Reservoir was checked for the Eurasian Wigeon.
It stayed quite far out in the middle of the lake. A Snowy Egret
stood with American White Pelicans and Ring-billed Gulls on the
east end of the lake.
We drove over Douglas Pass and searched for owls (Northern Saw-
whet Owl, Flammulated Owl [too early], and Northern Pygmy-Owls;
without success.
The last of daylight was used up at Cameo (Mesa). Here several
Gambel's Quail were seen about 0.1 miles north of the first iron
pipe gate. Three Chukars were found around the old stone house
(south of the first iron gate).
After dark we drove several hours on Grand Mesa in search of
Boreal Owls and Northern Saw-whet Owls; without success.
We missed the Northern Saw-whet Owl heard several weeks
earlier north of Mesa on Rich Levad's Owl Prowl.
April 19
At first light we headed into the Colorado National Monument
(Mesa). Several Gambel's Quail were found at the Rock Picnic
area. We also observed an early Ash-throated Flycatcher,
Say's Phoebes, Cassin's Finches, and Bushtits.
White-throated Swifts were flying about all along the drive.
A pair of Juniper Titmice was found at one of the pullovers.
A Black-throated Gray Warbler and Orange-crowned Warbler
were also observed at an overlook.
A small flock of Pinyon Jays were found in the campgrounds
across from the Visitor's Center.
After leaving the Colorado National Monument we headed to the
Uncompahgre Plateau again in search of Northern Saw-whet Owls.
Again none were found. We did see 2 Red-naped Sapsuckers
(first of the trip), a pair of Western Bluebirds, and a
Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Jackson Gulch. The road to
the top was closed due to snow and we had to turn back.
Two hours were spent at one of Harold Holt's favorite locations
for Sage Sparrows at Cactus Park; without success. Rock Wrens,
Mountain Bluebirds, and Chipping Sparrows were found.
We spent another hour at Escalante Canyon in search of Sage Sparrows;
again without success. Gary Weston was more fortunate a few days
later and did find them as the road drops down to the first creek
encountered (rocky cliffs on west side of road)
Our birding day ended at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National
Park (Gunnison). Here we enjoyed great success. Usually I drive
to the western end of the south rim and hope to find Blue Grouse
on the drive back east.
This night we ran into over a dozen males displaying on the road.
Several had success and coaxed females out of the woods.
We never made it to the west end as the birds kept us
entertained for several hours.
There was just enough daylight left to see that the previously
reported Barrow's Goldeneyes were not on the west end of
Blue Mesa Reservoir. The Swedish group had not found them
a few days early, however did report finding an uncommon or
rare pair of Chestnut-collared Longspurs!
April 20
Our birding day started at the Waunita Hot Springs Gunnison
Sage-Grouse Lek. High count today was 12 males and 2 females
and another 5 flyovers.
We group headed east and next stopped at the Swallows Road
(west side of Pueblo Reservoir and Pueblo West). Our target was
Sage Thrashers, however we were happy to find several Curve-billed
Thrashers, a Cooper's Hawk, Canyon Towhees, and 5 Scaled Quail.
We checked Pueblo City Park for the Eurasian Wigeon; without
success. Next headed to Rocky Ford, where Eurasian Collared-Doves
and White-winged Dove can be found at Industrial Drive and Highway 202.
We searched for White-throated Sparrows at Rocky Ford Wildlife
Area, however only found Vesper, White-crowned, and Song Sparrows.
We also found a nesting pair of Long-eared Owls!!!
Two Buttes Reservoir (Baca) was slow (only Turkey Vultures and
Yellow-rumped Warblers found). We did not see the previously
reported Common Black Hawk.
Our birding day ended at the Campo Lesser Prairie-Chicken Lek.
About 6 males and no females showed this evening. We did stop
by Cottonwood Canyon to watch a pair of Western Screech-Owls
and hear a pair of Common Poorwills call.
April 21
We headed back to the Campo Lek (Baca) to get better looks at the
Lesser Prairie-Chickens. This morning 6 males and several females
made an appearance. Cassin's Sparrows, Vesper Sparrows, and
Western Meadowlarks were everywhere along the drive into the lek.
Swainson's Hawks and a pair of Ferruginous Hawks were observed
on the drive back to Springfield.
In Cottonwood Canyon, we found Lewis's Woodpeckers, Rufous-crowned
Sparrows, a Golden Eagle, Common Ravens, Chihuahuan Ravens,
Pine Siskins, Mountain Bluebirds, Northern Rough-winged Swallows,
Cassin's Kingbirds, Western Kingbirds, Wild Turkey, Lesser
Goldfinches, American Goldfinches, and Cedar Waxwings.
Eurasian Collared-Doves and Burrowing Owls were relocated at
Pasture G & the Little Washington Work Center (along hwy 287).
Additional Burrowing Owls were along CR M, just west of hwy 287.
Back at our motel (Stagestop), 20+ Great-tailed Grackle made
much noise in the little park on the north side of the building.
We returned to Two Buttes Reservoir (Baca). Additional Burrowing
Owls (CR 27; 1.0 miles north of Hwy 166) and a Long-billed Curlew
were found along CR UU.
The Ehlmann group found the Common Black Hawk on private property
east of Two Buttes Reservoir. The Weston group watched the hawk
fly over the dam at Two Buttes and return eastward. Unfortunately,
my group did not see the hawk and we moved on after an hour
(running out of time).
Our birding day ended by watching booming Greater Prairie-Chickens
at a lek along Yuma CR 45 (1.7 miles east of Highway 385).
April 22
We drove from Sterling to Briggsdale at first light.
Mountain Plovers were observed at several cultivated
fields along highway 14 (just west of CR 83).
McCown's Longspurs were plentiful along CR 96 (Murphy's Pasture).
Two Prairie Falcons stood on fence posts. Additional Mountain
Plover were found at the northeast corner of Weld CR 90 & CR 51
(and 0.3 miles east of same intersection). A Golden Eagle also
was observed. Sage Thrashers were found along the Mountain Plover
loop described on the CoBus website (CR 92).
Our next stop was Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
(Larimer County). We searched for several hours in Cow Creek area
for the Northern Pygmy-Owls reported to us by a Swedish bird group
that we ran into last Saturday; without success. We did find one
or two Three-toed Woodpeckers just east of the intersection of
trails about 1.0 miles west of the Cow Creek trailhead.
A drive up to Bear Lake added Gray Jays to our trip list.
After dark we searched extensively for Boreal Owls at Cameron Pass
(Larimer & Jackson Counties); without success. It was rather
disappointing as this night there was no winds (quite unusual
up there).
April 23
We drove up to Guanella Pass in search of White-tailed Ptarmigan.
See previous post about Guanella pass conditions. Three to six
birds were 300 yards south of the east end of the frozen and snow
covered lake, 500 yards downhill and east of the parking area.
Most of my group did not make it down to the lake to see the birds
as snow conditions required snowshoes (which we did not have).
Nothing like walking on your hands and knees for 20 yards to get
down there. I will not be doing that again soon as it was quite
exhausting.
We returned to DIA so my friends could catch their flight back
to Texas.
Cherry Creek Reservoir 4/15
Rebecca and I while running around doing chores today, stopped by Cherry
Creek Reservoir. At 3:30pm, a 1st winter Thayer's Gull and 1st winter
Glaucous Gull were back on the poles around the southwest marina.
Four American Avocets walked the shoreline at the picnic area with
the tables with gull wing overhangs.
Burrowing Owls were out at the prairie dog village 3.4 miles East of
Tower Road & 96th Avenue.
Mountain Birding 4/13
Phillip Roberts and I hooked up with two Nebraska birders
(Bob Chamberlin & Roy Erger) and enjoyed a wild day
of birding. Fortunately the weather cooperated and we
missed any real snowstorms.
Our first stop was Silverthorne where we drove the roads around
the Wildernest Area. Birds found included 3 species of Rosy
Finches, 3 nuthatches, Mountain Chickadees, Pine Grosbeaks, Hairy
Woodpeckers, Downy Woodpeckers, and 2 Band-tailed Pigeons (again).
Our two-hour search for White-tailed Ptarmigan on Loveland Pass
was not successful. We split up and covered both sides of highway
6; just did not find any birds. Two Gray Jays flew around the
parking area at the Ski Basin.
We next drove up to Coalmont and got very far views of
Greater Sage-Grouse. It is pretty disappointing that
the DOW lost their lease on the property.
After dark we searched for Boreal Owls on Cameron Pass.
We stopped every 0.5 miles along highway 14 from Gould to
the Joe Wright Parking Area on the east side of the pass.
Most side roads were closed due to snow.
We could not get up Pennock Pass (due to mud and snow) to search
for Flammulated Owls. We also stopped at most campgrounds along
highway 14 in search of Northern Pygmy-Owls and Northern Saw-whet
Owls (without success).
Did not return to Denver until 5:00am. Tired!
Northeast Colorado 4/12
Phillip Roberts & I birded the northeastern plains today.
Temperatures made it into the 50s; winds were mild.
We hiked the Fort Morgan Ponds area where an American Woodcock
was reported last spring. None today, we did find a flock of
five Eastern Bluebirds near the western pond. The highlight
was a male Red-bellied Woodpecker.
No uncommon sparrows were found today. Riverside Park in
Fort Morgan was quiet.
The feeders at Log Lane Village did not add any uncommon birds
to our trip list. Several Wilson's Snipes were along Bijou Creek.
Our next stop was Jackson Reservoir (Morgan). It took awhile,
however we were able to find a Long-eared Owl in the campground
area. Few birds flew around the Briggsdale Cemetery.
We ran into several flocks of McCown's Longspurs on the drive
north to Pawnee National Grasslands. Several times we had to
backtrack and find different roads and many of them were quite
muddy. Mud and snowdrifts were common.
Mountain Plovers were again found in the fields north of
Highway 14 and west of Weld County Road 83.
Crow Valley Campground was slow. We searched for additional
longspurs, however tried to stay on main roads where mud
would be less of a problem.
We had to drive up to the field southeast of Highway 85 and Weld
County Road 114 in order to get our Chestnut-collared Longspurs
for the day. Along the way we did see 1 Golden Eagle, 1 Prairie
Falcon, 2 Ferruginous Hawks, 2 Swainson's Hawks, and half
a dozen American Kestrels.
Summit & Denver Counties 4/11
Minnesota birder Carol Schmucher & I decided to forego the
CoBus search for White-tailed Ptarmigan on Loveland pass and
instead searched for birds in Silverthorne (Summit County).
We only had 2 hours to bird, however still enjoyed a nice
collection of birds found. Our list included 3 species of
Rosy Finches, Pygmy Nuthatches, White-breasted Nuthatches,
Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, and 2 Band-tailed Pigeons.
No Barrow's Goldeneyes were found at the Blue River Water
Treatment Plant. The Ospreys were not on their nest just
southwest of the treatment plant.
After dropping off Carol at DIA, I went downtown to Auraria Campus
(Denver County) to search for the White-throated Sparrow.
Within 5 minutes, I heard the White-throated Sparrow singing from
the tall trees between the Library & Art building. The sparrow
went from here to the evergreens at the northwest corner of the
Central Classroom building.
Eastern Plains 4/9
A group of Cobirders traveled to the eastern plains Saturday.
The weather was fantastic; winds mild.
After stopping at a Greater Prairie-Chicken lek on a private ranch
we headed over to check on one of the Bledsoe Ranch leks.
One can be viewed from Yuma County Road 45. In spite of arriving
at 8:30am, we counted 11-14 Greater Prairie-Chickens still booming.
Directions on CoBus website. Be sure to not trespass
off the county road. Views are from a little closer than
the Gunnison Sage-Grouse lek at Waunita Hot Springs.
We observed Great-tailed Grackles (at grain elevators) and
Eurasian Collared-Doves (along highway 6) as we passed
through Holyoke (Yuma County). Both species were also
observed as we passed through Paoli to the east of Holyoke.
From Wray to Sterling we counted 3 Swainson's Hawks,
1 Rough-legged Hawk, and 2 Red-tailed Hawks.
Another 3 Swainson's Hawks were found from Sterling
to Briggsdale. We missed Prairie Falcons today.
Mountain Plover were observed at many locations along Highway 14
as we headed toward Crow Valley Campground east of Sterling.
Most notable were: 2 just west of mile marker 89 and 6+ in the
cultivated fields just west of Weld CR 83.
Crow Valley Campground was quiet and we drove 3 miles north to
CR 96, then 1.5 miles west to the windmill. McCown's Longspurs
were plentiful along CR 96. While Chestnut-collared Longspur were
a little more difficult to locate. It took about 45 minutes to find
3 male & a female Chestnut-collared Longspur on the north side of
CR 96 and about 200 yards east of the windmill. Males of both
species were in their bright alternate (breeding) plumages.
For those not familiar with the area, CR 96 between 1.2 miles to
2.0 miles West of Weld CR 77 is one of the better locations for
finding Chestnut-collared Longspurs. McCown's Longspurs seem to
be all over the Pawnee National Grasslands; Chestnut-collared
Longspur not. Of course the best location for Chestnut-collared
Longspurs is the southeast field at Highway 85 & CR 114.
On the trip back to Denver we passed north of Barr Lake where
many Great-tailed Grackles were still at the feedlots 0.4 miles
south of Picadilly Road & Bromley Lane (Adams County).
Three Burrowing Owls were watched at 3.4 miles east of
Tower Road and 96th avenue.
Grouse Trips Around Colorado 4/4-4/8
Refer to 4/17 to 4/23 trip; they were similar.
Two Day Trip to the Eastern Plains 4/2-4/3
First chance to get behind a computer since Friday.
Mitchell Hait and I drove 1100 miles in 35 hours birding in
Colorado this weekend. The weather was fantastic and so
was our birding.
Saturday 4/2
Our first stop was Larimer County Road 64. Thanks to Gary Lefko
for his scouting; we found 54+ Bohemian Waxwings 0.4 miles East
of the frontage road. They were a lifebird for Mitchell and
he got to study them for quite a while.
We then headed toward Yuma County to search for Greater Prairie-
Chickens. Eurasian Collared-Doves seem to be everywhere now.
Most of the small towns we passed through had 4 or more of them.
We hiked around Sandsage Wildlife Area for about an hour searching
for a Harris's Sparrow. This normally birdy area had only a half
dozen White-crowned Sparrows this evening. One Lincoln's Sparrow
was also found. An Osprey flew overhead; Mitchell found a Wild Turkey.
Our daylight birding day ended by watching 2-4 Greater Prairie-
Chickens on a private ranch. A Great Horned Owl called in the distance.
A drive 234 miles south put us in Cottonwood Canyon (Baca) around
midnight. We quickly found two Western Screech-Owls and then
headed east toward Campo Lesser Prairie-Chicken lek. We ran into
(almost hit) Burrowing Owls on the drive over to the lek.
Burrowing Owls were 0.3 miles west of CR 32 and at CR 36 & CR H.
A Short-eared Owl flew up from the lek road as we stopped at the
entrance to look at the sign in box. It circled our car several
times and headed southwest toward the lek.
Sunday 4/3
Six male & three female Lesser Prairie-Chickens visited the lek
this morning. A surprise Long-billed Curlew flew over the lek
during our stay. I thought this to be early, however after
checking my records a few minutes ago, there have been
7 earlier sightings (the earliest being 3/18).
When we talked to the couple using the forest service blind,
they informed us that they observed a Long-billed Curlew
(and Burrowing Owls) along Baca County Road M just
west of Highway 287 on Friday.
We drove east on CR G (final road to lek) and found
Vesper Sparrows and 2 Eastern Phoebes.
Sparrows were scarce our whole trip. We did not find Lark
Buntings, any swallows, or Scaled Quail either.
Our next stop was Pasture G across from the Little Washington
Work Center (Baca). An additional 3 Burrowing Owls were found.
I had hoped to see some Mountain Plovers, which traditionally
seem to stop here during their migration. A few years ago,
they even nested here. Five Eurasian Collared-Doves were
seen in the trees around the Work Center.
Additional Eurasian Collared-Doves were found around the
grain elevator in Springfield. Half a dozen more were across
the street from the Stoplight Motel.
Great-tailed Grackles were found on the drive to Lamar
(at mile markers 42.7 & 57.7 of highway 387.
A hike around the woods behind Lamar Community College
found only 4 sparrows, several Blue Jays, a pair of Wood Ducks
and 2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers.
We hiked around Mike Higbee Wildlife Area (Prowers) for an
hour in search of Harris's Sparrows. Again the few sparrows
found included 8 White-crowned Sparrows and 1 Savannah Sparrow.
Mitchell pointed out a Short-eared Owl.
The lake at Sheridan Lake (Kiowa) had no water. The fields around
the lake had no sparrows. Perhaps in a few weeks the Grasshopper
Sparrows that nest here will return. It is a good spot for
Dickcissels also; however it is a couple of weeks early for them.
Bonny Reservoir (Yuma) was our next stop. No sparrows were found
along CR 2, Wagon Wheel picnic area, or Hale Ponds. The windbreak
at Hale had half a dozen Cedar Waxwings; we did not find any
Long-eared Owls (however stayed only 30 minutes).
The lake itself had Double-crested Cormorants, American White
Pelicans, Gadwalls, Pied-billed Grebes, Northern Shovelers, and
a few Mallards. No white or white-faced geese and no uncommon
birds were found.
On the drive north we found 3 Burrowing Owls along CR LL.5 at
0.3 miles North of CR 4.
Again as we passed through the smaller towns (Idalia, Joes, etc)
several Eurasian Collared-Doves were observed in each.
Ring-necked Pheasants seemed to be in every green field.
Three Greater Prairie-Chickens were found in the southwest field
at Highway 36 & BB Road (Yuma). This was not the only location
we had observed them during our trip. Saturday we had a road
kill bird on Highway 71 (just south of 29 Road, Washington County).
Another bird ran across road into the northwest field at
highway 34 & GG Road (Yuma).
Our birding day ended by trying to get better looks at the
Greater Prairie-Chickens at a private ranch.
Jefferson County 4/1
What a fantastic day. Temperatures reached into the 60s;
winds were mild. Skies were sunny & clear.
Rebecca Kosten & I searched unsuccessfully again for
Sage Sparrows at Chatfield Reservoir (Jefferson/Douglas Counties).
We did not see the Glaucous & Glaucous-winged Gulls either.
Perhaps they are a few miles North at Marston Reservoir.
We stopped at Prospect Park, Wheat Ridge Greenbelt (Jefferson)
to search for Long-eared Owls, Winter Wrens or anything uncommon.
The two Eastern Screech-Owls were watching us from their usual
tree. Not many other birds were around.
We did relocate a White-throated Sparrow about 40 yards
west of the marsh that is west of the Tree Bridge trail
as it goes uphill and south.
The adult Mew Gull was still at the northeast corner of
Crown Hill Open Space Pond (Jefferson).
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