Rich Stevens' Bird Trips
April 2000
Pine Valley Ranch Park 4/30
Art McMorris and I drove to Pine Valley Ranch Park to search for Three-toed Woodpeckers.
The area had received 1-3 inches of snow overnight and when it was not snowing during
our stay, it was raining. We had no success in locating TTWO.
We did find a Northern Pygmy-Owl at the parking area. Also observed:
White-breasted Nuthatch
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Pygmy Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Hairy Woodpecker
Many American Robins
It was an interesting search in the snow, however not the best conditions for success!
Cherry Creek Reservoir 4/29
Saturday was overcast, 70 degrees, and turned to rain.
A quick stop at CCK, proved worthwhile.
On a Sandbar at the East end of the reservoir at 5:30 PM there were:
American Avocet (63+)
Willet (6+)
Whimbrel (2)
Marbled Godwit (4)
Lesser Yellowlegs (2+)
Great Blue Heron (3)
American White Pelican (24+)
Brewer's Blackbird (2)
At least two Bonaparte's Gulls were observed from the northwest corner.
A Red-tailed Hawk flew over the northern entrance to the park.
Barr Lake 4/28
On another beautiful spring day in Colorado, I took Donna Fortney over to
Barr Lake and the surrounding areas North of Denver International Airport.
The White Ibis was still west of the road at mile marker 3.0.
Two Great-tailed Grackles were at the pond at mile marker 5.0.
There were many Yellow-headed Blackbirds here also!
The two adult and two juvenile Great Horned Owls were still on the north side.
Driving my favorite loop North of DIA, many Burrowing Owls were observed:
Five+; 0.5 miles North of Picadilly Road and 128th Avenue.
Four+; 0.7 miles East of Picadilly Road and 120th Avenue.
Five+; 3.4 miles East of 96th Avenue and Tower Road.
Barr Lake 4/27
It was a good day at Barr Lake. For those not familiar with the State Park,
the lake has an oval 9-mile closed service road around it.
There are mile markers in the appropriate locations.
I spent 8 hours and hiked 12 miles on this sunny, windless day.
There was no intention of hiking around the lake, however with the beautiful day;
the temptation could not be resisted.
At mile marker 3.0, the White Ibis was in the field west of the road at 6:44 AM and 1:00pm.
At first light, four White-faced Ibis were also here. Many Yellow-headed Blackbirds were
in the cattails to the south. Two Lesser Yellowlegs were in the swallow pond further south.
At mm 3.5, two Orange-crowned Warblers and three Lincoln's Sparrows flittered around.
At mm 4.0, a lone Northern Mockingbird was in a cottonwood along the trail.
Many Blue-winged Teal were a little East at mm 4.4.
More Yellow-headed Blackbirds were at the cattails north of the pond at mm 5.0.
Two male and two female Great-tailed Grackles also were here.
One pair copulated and appeared to be building a nest.
Between mm 5.0 and 6.0, there were two Rock Wrens on the piles of cement blocks.
Along the north side were two adult Great Horned Owls and two fledglings.
At least six Swainson's Hawks, two in nests were observed along the north side too.
At the north end of the dam, mm 6.0 Barn Swallows hawked insects.
I could not locate the Common Loon reported on April 25.
Below the dam (mm 6.0 to 7.0), there were many Yellow-rumped Warblers,
a pair of Cinnamon Teal, more Barn Swallows, two Cliff Swallows, and a male Northern Harrier.
At the south end of the dam mm 7.2 there was a House Wren.
Eleven more were encountered between here and the Nature Center.
At mm 7.4, two Spotted Sandpipers worked the shoreline.
Just west of the boat ramp at mm 7.7, another flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers and
two Orange-crowned Warblers foraged. One lone Western Kingbird was also here.
Around the Pioneer Trail (mm 8.0), I ran across a group of migrants!
Just east of the trail I observed and was trying to identify a thrush
(which turned out to be a Hermit's). A Northern Waterthrush walked into
my field of vision! Just west of the trail, another Hermit's Thrush was found.
At mm 8.2 to 8.3 a group of Sparrows included two Brewer's, three Lincoln's, and
many White-crowned.
Six or seven Chipping Sparrows were in the trees at mm 8.6.
At the banding station mm 8.5, five House Wrens, two Spotted Towhees,
two Orange-crowned Warblers were joined by a Swainson's Thrush.
A larger flock of Chipping Sparrows were also here.
While I spent most of the time searching the trees and
therefore missed the Whimbrels, I did see two Lesser Yellowlegs,
a Semi-palmated Plover, one Least Sandpiper, and one Baird's Sandpiper.
The most disturbing sighting was a yellow-headed, dark winged
warbler size bird at the Pioneer Trail. It wandered from just
west of the trail to north up the trail. I stayed around for over an hour,
unable to see it more than 3 or 4 seconds each of four sightings.
I left after eventually losing it altogether.
Northeastern Plains 4/24-4/26
In the first part of the week, Bryan Ehlmann and I traveled to the Eastern Plains in search of
Sparrows and migrants. We found some uncommon Sparrows, however nothing rare.
April 24
Weld County:
Winds were 40+ mph before we arrived. There was no success in locating one the Glossy Ibises
reported earlier in the week. We did not find the Peregrine Falcon at Lower Latham Reservoir,
however it seems to make an appearance in late afternoons.
At County Roads 51 & CR 90, we did observe two Mountain Plover. In strong winds at
Crow Valley Campground, we found a flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers and one
Black-throated Gray Warbler (thanks to R. Kolokoff for pointing out the possibility).
April 25
This day presented itself with no wind and sunny, warm temperatures.
- Sterling (Logan)
Thanks to S. Messick, we were able to see my first Eurasian Collared-Doves of
Logan County. There were few birds at Pioneer Park and Overland Trail Park.
- Tamarack Ranch (Logan)
We walked the first mile west of highway 55 and two miles east along the Platte.
A Red-bellied Woodpecker was at the first parking area west.
Behind the manager's residence, we found two Red-headed Woodpeckers.
The Northern Cardinal that hangs around Tamarack Ponds was not observed this trip.
- Jumbo Reservoir and Red Lions Wildlife Area (Logan/Sedgwick)
A quick circle of the area produced sightings of two Lesser Yellowlegs at Red Lions and
two Black-bellied Plover (along shoreline at south end of Jumbo)
- Ovid and Ovid Woods (Sedgwick)
There was a male Northern Parula at the north end of the woods.
Just north of highway 138, a male and female Northern Cardinal were along the creek.
A male Red-bellied Woodpecker was in the large cottonwoods east of the southern woods.
A male Northern Cardinal was singing atop the trees along the South Platte
at County Road 29 (Julesburg WLA) just south of Ovid.
- Sand Draw Wildlife Area (Phillips)
The only bird of interest was a male Lazuli Bunting in the northeast corner.
- Frenchman Creek Wildlife Area (Phillips)
A quick hike to the western edge of the pond produced two Spotted Sandpiper sightings and
three Field Sparrows in the tall weeds along the southern edge of the wildlife area.
- Sandsage Wildlife Area (Yuma)
We ended the day at my favorite Colorado Plains WLA. There was a Harris's Sparrow just
west of the parking area. While hiking along the creek back to the western boundary,
Bryan found a Swamp Sparrow. At sunset, we located two Field Sparrows in the weeds
along CR CC. In the tall weeds along the trail, there were two American Tree Sparrows,
many White-crowned, many Song, and 21 Chipping Sparrows (in the taller trees).
A colorful sunset was watched to the serenading of two Great Horned Owls!
April 26
We started another beautiful spring day (no wind) by watching five or six
Greater Prairie-Chickens display on a far ridge in Yuma County.
- Vernon Wayside Rest Area
This was my first visit here. It shows great potential for a longer visit,
later in the spring. Two Sage Thrashers were in the brush.
- We checked several private ranches along the trip; without success.
- Republican Wildlife Area (Hale Ponds; Yuma County)
There were 14+ Eastern Bluebirds and two Red-bellied Woodpeckers just west of
the Kansas Border. A couple of Common Yellowthroat were along the Republican River
and 21 Northern Bobwhite scattered about.
- Bonny Reservoir:
Bird activity was low here. Wagon Wheel Campground had few birds.
Two Ospreys were in the trees near the picnic area.
Our visit appeared too early in the season.
- Last Chance Rest Stop (Washington)
No bird activity here at all!
- Flagler Reservoir (Kit Carson)
Our late day visit did not produce an Eurasian Collared-Dove sightings at
Flagler Park. We observed two Common Yellowthroat and a Stilt Sandpiper
at the reservoir proper (eastern and southern edges). No Short-eared Owls
showed up at the northeastern border today after sunset.
Cherry Creek Reservoir 4/22
A quick trip to Cherry Creek Reservoir produced a few interesting sightings.
The sky was cloudy and it rained by 1:00pm.
There were two Swainson's Hawks near their traditional nest southeast of Prairie Loop.
Two Ospreys flew over the southeast end of the reservoir.
Many Bonaparte's Gulls and several Franklin's Gulls were in the northwest corner.
Search for Woodpeckers 4/21
Under cloudy skies and cool temperatures, I traveled to Pike National Forest today.
Only one Three-toed Woodpecker was observed. One male was 200 yards west of
the plank bridge along the Skipper Trail. He was 40 yards south of Buck Creek.
At least three Williamson's Sapsuckers were found. One Hairy and one Downy Woodpecker
were also observed. There was a flock of Bluebirds, however no Eastern.
Boulder and Adams Counties 4/20
The weather was much more pleasant today. (Sunday skies and 60 degree temperatures).
The third time was charmed. After 4 hours Wednesday morning and 1.5 hours between
1:00pm and 2:30pm Thursday, Donna Fortney and I observed the Iceland Gull at Prince Lake #2.
As we pulled up to the lake at 3:30pm, two cobirders had the gull in their scopes. At 4:15pm,
about half the gulls including the Iceland flew east. There is a landfill about 6 miles east.
Yesterday's Swainson's Hawk also made an appearance today.
As we watched the Iceland Gull, a Great Egret flew in to Prince Lake. Also, there were many
California Gulls, six Franklin's Gulls, five Ring-billed Gulls, and one Herring Gull.
A Great Blue Heron was joined by two Killdeer and two American Avocets.
At 2:00pm, an adult Black-crowned Night-Heron had flown over the lake.
On my way home, I checked on the Burrowing Owl colonies south of Barr Lake.
There were 14+ owls 0.7 miles east of Picadilly Road and 120th Avenue.
At 3.4 miles east of Tower Road and 96th Avenue, there were 7+ owls.
Birding Denver Area 4/19
Glad to be back in Colorado, I traveled up to Lafayette today.
The weather was cold, windy (gusts to 60 mph), and rain.
I searched for the Iceland Gull on Prince Lake #2.
In four hours, the bird did not appear. Once the downpour started
I left. Of course, the bird showed up around 3:30pm!
In the four hours, one Swainson's Hawk and one Barn Swallow flew overhead.
I then traveled to Wheat Ridge Greenbelt in Lakewood. There were
many swallows flying over Prospect Pond (including Barn, Cliff,
Tree, and two Violet-green). One Black-crowned Night-Heron
was at the East End of Bass Lake. A Sharp-shinned Hawk hunted
in the woods near the Girl Scout camp. A flock of Yellow-rumped
Warblers worked the trees near the Prospect Bridge.
Nothing else of interest appeared during my two-hour stay.
Again the rain chased me away!
Routt & Jackson Counties 4/8-4/9
To continue my search this week for Galliformes, I led a hastily assembled bird trip to
Routt and Jackson Counties. (Donna Fortney, Bryan Ehlmann, Cindy Earnhardt)
April 8
- Silver Plume (Clear Creek County)
In a 30-minute search, we did not find any Rosy Finches.
However, we did not arrive until 12:00pm.
While driving over Rabbit Ears Pass, we found a Northern Goshawk.
My second Turkey Vulture of 2000. Scrub Jay, Stellar Jays, and Red-tailed Hawk.
- Hayden Area (Route 80 Leks) (Routt County)
Sharp-tailed Grouse (8)
Sage Grouse (2)
Blue Grouse (1)
Sandhill Cranes (10+)
- 20-mile Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek (Routt)
Sharp-tailed Grouse (2, we arrived after dark and could hear at least two birds).
- Cameron Pass (Jackson/Larimer Counties)
Boreal Owl (1 heard, east of summit)
April 9
- Coalmont Sage Grouse Lek (Jackson County)
Sage Grouse (females-45+)
Sage Grouse (males--42+)
Pronghorn Antelope (We watched 90+ animals walk right through the lek.
This dispersed the birds to the edges of the lek, except for a center group of
5 males and 26 females). It was humorous to watch several of the antelope eat
the grass next to the grouse. (Were the antelope amused by the show as we were?)
- Colorado State Forest Visitors Center (Jackson County)
Pine Grosbeak (female)
Pine Siskin (100+)
Mountain Chickadee (31+)
Cassin's Finch (4)
(All birds visited feeders and willows behind the building.)
Eastern Plains of Colorado 4/5-4/7
I am having a great spring birding trip; highlights follow:
April 5
- Walsenburg (Huerfano County)
In a three-hour search, I could not find the Varied Thrush at 219 W. Cedar Street.
- Higbee Cemetery (Otero)
I watched and videotaped the male and female Vermilion Flycatcher from 5:00pm to
7:00pm. They flew from the cemetery to the first cottonwood east along the canal.
- La Junta Sewage Ponds (Otero)
The two Burrowing Owls were west of where I parked. I went back to reassure myself
that there are no trespassing signs (no fence to cross either)!!!
The water was higher than last week and no sandpipers were found.
April 6
- Lake Henry (Crowley)
Two Great-tailed Grackles were among many Common Grackles.
- Lake Meredith (Crowley)
Twelve plus Great-tailed Grackles at feedlots and the west side.
Burrowing Owls (2, west side, where electric wires cross Hwy 71)
- Rocky Ford (Otero)
I could see three Inca Doves all at the same time.
They were not at the 1101 Washington location. Walk south on Virginia,
one half block and take alley westward. The doves were behind
1010 Washington and the Lutheran Church to the west.
Two Eurasian-collared Doves were along CR FF.5 (west of CR 19)
- Rocky Ford Wildlife Area (Otero)
A Broad-winged Hawk was observed in cottonwoods 1.2 miles east of
the parking area. I hiked the road under the telephone wires and
along the Arkansas River. The hawk flew several times and returned.
- Lake Cheraw (Otero) not much, Four + Burrowing Owls along hwy 194
- Lake Holbrook (Otero); I could not locate Vermilion Flycatcher.
- Lamar Community College (Prowers)
Not much here, one adult Black-crowned Night-Heron
- Upper Queens Wildlife Area (Kiowa)
A Long-billed Curlew flew in front of my car and landed 10 yards from it.
- Sheridan Lake (Kiowa)
Two early Grasshopper Sparrows (I would have preferred a Baird's)
Blue-winged Teal (26 pairs)
Ross's Goose (1)
- Bonny Reservoir
While searching for a Common Poorwill or a Nighthawk,
I experienced a Hoot of an evening! Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl,
Barn Owl, Great-horned Owl, and an Eastern Screech-Owl!
April 7
- Yuma County
Thanks to Kevin Obrien for showing me 20+ Greater Prairie-Chickens!!!
- Ovid Woods (Sedgwick)
Northern Cardinal (male)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (male and female)
- County Road 28 Between Ovid and Julesburg (Sedgwick)
Golden Eagle
- Red Lion Wildlife Area (Logan)
No sandpipers at all!
- Pawnee National Grasslands (Weld)
I observed 10 Mountain Plovers (six on private land) plus:
(2) southwest of the intersection of CR 94 & CR 63
(2) northeast corner of intersection of CR 90 & CR 51
There were few birds at Crow Valley Campground (Briggsdale, Weld)
- The plan was to head up to Hayden and the Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek.
A snowstorm on Cameron Pass changed these plans.
- Horseshoe Lake, Larimer Landfill (closed due to high winds) and
Lake Loveland: I found no uncommon gulls.
- Barr Lake Area (Adams)
Great-tailed Grackle (2, I76 to east 120th avenue, Cameron Road east)
Burrowing Owls (3) bridge at 0.7 miles east of intersection of Picadilly Road and
120th avenue. I found that I had to drive east of the bridge and look back
northwest to see two of the owls (20 yards west of fenced pole).
The third was 100 yards east of the fenced pole.
Cherry Creek Reservoir 4/3
Under clear blue skies and with temperatures around 40 degrees, I tried to relocate
the Red-shouldered Hawk that has been hanging around CCK for three months.
I had no success in that endeavor. There were two Red-tailed Hawks between the
South Marina and the Prairie Loop. Along the water's edge at the Prairie Loop
a Virginia Rail scooted across the path below the Bird Blind. Further east, a
Sharp-shinned Hawk hunted in the deeper woods. A Great Horned Owl stood in a
cottonwood along Cherry Creek itself. On the reservoir proper, there were many
Eared Grebes, Western Grebes, Redheads, and Lesser Scaup. The only gulls found
were Ring-billed and a few California Gulls.
Adams County 4/1
A quick trip to Barr Lake found several Greater Scaup at the western end of the reservoir.
The Tufted Duck reported earlier in the week, could not be found.
At 0.7 miles East of Picadilly Road and 120th avenue, the two Burrowing Owls found last
Saturday were still there. They were just west of the fenced pipe, north of the bridge.
Checking several other spots north of Denver International Airport did not produce any sightings.
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