Rich Stevens' Bird Trips
August 2000
Boulder County 8/28
I searched the Rabbit Mountain Open Space today for Sunday's reported Great Gray Owl.
Neither the Great Gray Owl, nor the Long-eared Owl found by several birders late
yesterday afternoon were observed. I did find a flock of Bushtits and two Sage Thrashers.
My trip then took me to Jim Hamm Park. I had no better success in locating the
possible "Yellow Rail" bird. While wearing waders and a rain suit in a torrential
downpour, I did manage to take a picture of a juvenile Sora in the area.
A quick look at Union Reservoir produced sightings of several Snowy Egrets and Great Egrets.
I did not find any uncommon waterfowl in the brief 15 minutes of searching.
Chatfield Reservoir 8/27
Bryan Ehlmann and I birded several hours at Chatfield Reservoir this Sunday morning.
About 50 yards south of the paved path of Kingfisher Bridge, two American Redstarts
(adult male and immature male) were observed.
Another 70 yards south, we found a Black-and-White Warbler.
Also observed were many Western Wood-pewees, many White-breasted Nuthatches,
two Wilson's Warblers, two Western Flycatchers, and a Great Horned Owl.
Plains North of Denver International Airport 8/26
Before the storms on the plains north of DIA airport Saturday, a group of us birded Barr Lake.
Our group included Sue Dorsey, Cindy Earnhardt, Donna Fortney, Bryan Ehlmann and myself.
We ran into a flock of birds in the trees south of the trail across from the banding station.
The flock included:
Townsend's Warbler (male, female)
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (male, female)
Red-breasted Nuthatch (male, female)
White-breasted Nuthatch (1)
Yellow Warbler (4)
Wilson's Warbler (2)
Black-capped Chickadee (10)
Western Flycatcher (1)
The winds and rain started at 5:30pm and we had to leave after only an hour of birding.
On the trip to Barr Lake, we found Burrowing Owls:
10 at 0.5 miles south Picadilly Road and 128th
5 at 0.7 miles east of Picadilly Road and 120th
4 at 3.4 miles east of Tower Road and 96th
2 just south of Pena Blvd and Tower Road
Earlier in the day, I traveled to Cherry Creek Reservoir to look for the Townsend's Warbler
found in the morning by Glenn Walbek. No success, however I found some interesting birds
in the cottonwoods to the southeast of the beaver pond (south of 12-mile group picnic area).
Gray Catbird
Western Tanager (immature male)
Western Flycatcher (2)
Western Wood-pewee (2)
American Goldfinch (many)
Lesser Goldfinch (4)
Common Snipe (2, south end of Beaver Pond)
Killdeer (12+, south end of Beaver Pond)
Barr Lake 8/24
I returned to Barr Lake this morning as it seems to be one of the hotter birding spots around
the state at this time, no pun intended. The temperatures rose quickly into the 90's today.
At mile marker 8.4 (east of the banding station), a Plumbeous Vireo flew around the edge
of the trees west of the clearing with the one big tree. About 50 yards west of here, there
was a flock of birds, which included two Red-breasted Nuthatches, six Yellow Warblers,
four Black-capped Chickadees, two Wilson's Warblers, two Orange-crowned Warblers,
three Western Wood-pewees, and one Townsend's Warbler.
Not much else uncommon was observed while hiking from mm 7.5 to mm 1.0. There were two
Western Flycatchers, two White-breasted Nuthatches and half a dozen Western Wood-pewees.
At the various Prairie Dog villages north of DIA, quite a few Burrowing Owls were still
standing around; a few were flying after insects. (See August 5 for exact locations).
Barr Lake 8/21
I spent six hours at Barr Lake (Adams County) again Monday.
Skies were cloudy most of the day and temperatures were cool.
There were two Townsend's Warblers between mile markers 8.6 and 8.4.
One Plumbeous Vireo was high in the canopy at mm 8.4.
Two Orange-crowned Warblers were also observed in the area.
An immature Lazuli Bunting made a brief appearance too!
The Western Wood-pewee count was down from 39 Friday to 5 Monday.
Several Red-breasted Nuthatches and Western Flycatchers along
with many Yellow Warblers were in the banding area (mm 8.5).
At the Pioneer Trail mm 8.1, there was a female Bullock's Oriole and
a female Orchard Oriole. A flock of Yellow Warblers were here also.
The Wilson's Warbler count was up from Friday's two birds to sixteen+ Monday.
Barr Lake 8/18
Yesterday I spent six hours birding at Barr Lake (Adams County). A small invasion of vireos
brighten up a foggy morning. I birded between mile marker 6.0 to 9.0 to 1.0. For those not
familiar with Barr Lake, it has a 9-mile hiking trail around the lake. Mile markers 0.0 and 9.0
are at the footbridge north of the nature center.
At the Pioneer Trail (mm 8.1) there were many Western Wood-pewees, two Orchard Orioles,
a male and female Blue Grosbeak, many Yellow Warblers, and two Red-breasted Nuthatches.
Along the shoreline, there were 42 plus Baird's Sandpipers and one Spotted Sandpiper.
At the banding station (mm 8.5) I ran into a flock of birds which included two
Red-breasted Nuthatches, two White-breasted Nuthatches, 6 Yellow Warblers,
8 Black-capped Chickadees, a Blue-headed Vireo, 1 or 2 Red-eyed Vireos
(I never observed both birds at the same time), a Plumbeous Vireo, two
Warbling Vireos, and a Townsend's Warbler. Of course there were many House Wrens too!
I watched the Blue-headed Vireo with its gray-blue head and olive-green back for about
six minutes. It contrasted much with the Plumbeous Vireo that was all blue-gray above.
This flock of birds eventually moved north onto the finger of land jutting into Barr Lake.
Moving down to west of the footbridge mm 0.3, I ran into Don Belts who was watching another
flock of birds that included another Plumbeous Vireo and a Cassin's Vireo. We watched the
Cassin's Vireo for several minutes with its olive-green back and head. It appeared smaller than
the Plumbeous Vireo. This flock eventually flew west to the trees south of the wooden nature trail.
On our trip back to the banding station, we ran into a flock of birds at mm 8.8 that included
another Plumbeous Vireo. This flock seemed to consist of the birds that I had observed earlier
at the banding station mm 8.5.
We could not relocate the Blue-headed Vireo or Townsend's Warbler.
Other birds observed were three Western Flycatchers, two Hammond's Flycatchers,
two Brewer's Sparrows, one Clay-colored Sparrow, one Red-tailed Hawk and
three Swainson's Hawks. Many Great-blue Herons were on the island.
Birding Clear Creek County 8/16
Mike Williams (from Missouri) and I traveled into the mountains and birded Clear Creek County
today. The forecast was for rain and we knew that we only had a window of good weather in
the morning hours. The hope was that the inclement weather would force the Rosy Finches
down to a lower altitude and give us a chance to see some.
At first light, eight Band-tailed Pigeons were at the feeders in Silver Plume. To reach them,
take the westbound exit for Silver Plume and park in the lot at the end of the ramp.
Hike around the gas station to the first house north. The BTPI seem to feed here early
in the day. After people start moving around town, the BTPI abandon the area and fly north
into the forested area. (I have visited six times at various hours; this seems to be the pattern).
We then back tracked to Georgetown and Guanella Pass road. The feeders by the white house
at Rose and 2nd streets were empty of seeds. No birds at all came to them.
At Guanella Pass Campground, we managed to find the female Three-toed Woodpecker
(first observed feeding a juvenile male on July 29). She visited a favorite tree along
Guanella Pass road, just south of the resident manager's trailer. She then hunted in the
southeast part of the campground. This seemed to follow the same pattern we noticed on July 29.
There was no sign of the juvenile male bird.
At the Guanella Pass summit, it only took us 2.5 hours to locate a White-tailed Ptarmigan today.
We checked the spots that were successful earlier in the summer (south of intersection of Rosalie
and 603 trails); these were unsuccessful. We then hiked south over the hill and found two WTPT
on the southwest side (about 60 yards from the top and 100 yards southwest of above intersection.
On the drive to Mount Evans summit, we stopped at Echo Lake. The Three-toed Woodpeckers
that "hangout" here, were not found today. By now, the weather was quite bad and we were
wearing rain suits. Unfortunately, we did not find any Rosy Finches at the top of Mount Evans.
In addition, the beautiful view was obstructed by the clouds.
Return to the Northeastern Reservoirs 8/15
Mike Williams and I searched for sandpipers at several of the northeastern reservoirs today.
After birding in Arizona over the weekend, the 90 degree temperatures seemed a little cool.
At least it was tolerable, however still quite warm.
We started out at Lochbuie Ponds where the American Bittern, Snowy Egrets, and Great-tailed
Grackles observed last week were located again. Several Swainson's Hawks also flew overhead.
At the western end of Prewitt Reservoir, we watched hundreds of sandpipers hunt for food.
No uncommon birds were found in the mix. No migrant birds were found below the dam.
Any day now, this area should be a good location to hunt for the occasional eastern bird.
At Jackson Reservoir, we experienced the same fortune as last week. Hundreds of
sandpipers were observed, however no uncommon ones. One Golden Eagle flew past us!
We ended the day by driving the roads north of Denver International Airport. The Burrowing
Owls are still at their four locations (see August 5), I expect them to leave for South America
in a few weeks. Many Lark Buntings and Western Meadowlarks looked for food in the fields.
Nine Swainson's Hawks hunted overhead, one Red-tailed Hawk and one Northern Harrier too!
Birding Northeast of Denver 8/9
Bryan Ehlmann and I traveled to Prewitt Reservoir today. Along the drive, we stopped
at several other spots along Interstate 76. Temperatures were in the high 90's.
At Lochbuie Ponds ( Interstate 76, exit 25), the American Bittern again called briefly
before sunrise. There were three Snowy Egrets on the northwest pond. A pair of
Great-tailed Grackles continues in the cottonwoods to the south.
At Prewitt Reservoir, we found many sandpipers at the western end. Unfortunately,
no uncommon sandpipers were observed. Hundreds of Baird's and Western Sandpipers
scurried about however. The usual 4 or 5 dozen Great Blue Herons were joined by many
American White Pelicans. A few California Gulls were among many Ring-billed Gulls.
The only terns we identified were Forester's Terns.
At Jackson Reservoir, we observed hundreds of Sandpipers. Again no uncommon birds
were among them. Baird's, Western, Least, Spotted, Stilt, and several Pectoral
Sandpipers were included in the count. Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs were also plentiful.
Burrowing Owls are still at the four locations north of Denver International Airport.
(See August 5 trip for exact locations).
Jefferson County 8/8
I traveled to Tina Jones' home (4400 Bowmar Drive, Jefferson County) this morning,
hoping to get a glimpse of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak reported last Friday.
While the morning was cool, temperatures rose to 98 degrees by afternoon.
There were 5-7 female Rufous Hummingbirds. Several were quite aggressive and
attacked the others. Rumor has it; one of them died yesterday in territorial fights.
At least one female Calliope Hummingbird attempted to feed on the flowers in the backyard.
I managed to film her for several minutes in one of her successful ventures into the area.
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak did not make an appearance, however a Red-eyed Vireo did
(also observed by several other birders). Other birds passing by were a male and female
Red-breasted Nuthatch, Belted Kingfisher, House Wrens (with young), House Finches,
Black-capped Chickadees, and many Lesser Goldfinches.
On the drive out of bowmar, I checked Marsten Reservoir (across the street from Jones' home).
There were many Great Blue Herons, Double-crested Cormorants, Ring-billed and California Gulls.
No uncommon waterfowl or Loons were on the reservoir today.
I then drove south to Chatfield Reservoir (Jefferson County side at Kingfisher Bridge)
in hopes of finding a White-eyed Vireo that seems to show up every fall. No success there,
however there were an adult male American Redstart, many Western Wood-Pewees,
Yellow-breasted Chats, and two Blue Grosbeak. No Orioles were found.
A quick hike up the first mile of Waterton Canyon produced sightings of several Spotted Towhees
and a pair of Lazuli Buntings. Cliff, Violet-green, Barn, and a few Tree Swallows flew overhead.
Nothing else uncommon was observed today.
Owl Loop North of Denver International Airport 8/5
I had intended on resting today, however talked three non-birding friends into watching
the sunset on the plains North of DIA. I could not pass up the chance of introducing
them to birding out there.
The Lark Buntings, Northern Harriers, Red-tailed Hawks, and Swainson's Hawks caught
their attention for a few minutes. Maybe one of them has a peaked interest in birding!
The hits of the trip were the Burrowing Owls. We observed quite a few:
12 at: 3.4 miles east of 96 avenue and Tower Road
17 at: 0.7 miles east of Picadilly Road and 120th avenue
43 at: 0.5 miles south of Picadilly Road and 128th avenue
2 at: along Tower Road, just north of Pena Blvd (this is new location)
2 at: west of USA long term parking at Tower Road/Pena (suggested by another cobirder)
(Access is limited, unless one is willing to pay to enter the parking area)
Loop is Pena Blvd to 56th avenue. East on 56th to Buckley avenue. North on Buckley to
88th avenue. East on 88th avenue to Tower Road. North on Tower Road to 96th avenue.
East and north on 96th avenue. Follow it around to 120th avenue and travel west to
Picadilly Road. North on Picadilly Road to 128th. West on 128th to Tower Road.
South on Tower Road back to 56th avenue. (Detour, Picadilly Road at 128th
1 mile North to Barr Lake). Watch for Short-eared Owls in late fall and winter.
One Snowy Owl recorded here in winter of 1998! This takes one through the
plains of Colorado (sadly; in the near future to be filled with houses).
By the way, the sunset was fantastic too!
Rocky Mountain National Park 8/4
Anna Kopitov and I visited RMNP today. The second best part of the day was that
we were cold. That beat the 94-degree temperature back in Denver.
At our first stop, as we exited the car there were seven females and a male Red Crossbill
singing from the top of the firs at Endovalley Picnic area. During a quick hike around
the loop, we found a Hairy Woodpecker, two Wilson's Warblers, a Red-naped Sapsucker,
White and Red-breasted Nuthatches, a Great Blue Heron and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
As we drove up Fall River Road, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Mountain Chickadees,
Common Ravens, a Brown Creeper, and another Ruby-crowned Kinglet were found.
An adult male Western Tanager was accompanied by a juvenile male bird.
We then stopped at Medicine Bow Curve and hiked the first 0.5 miles to the north.
On the trip back to our car, we found a female White-tailed Ptarmigan and seven juveniles.
We were fascinated by the interaction of the birds as the female continually called to
her young as they fed on the buttercups on the tundra. In one brief moment, they became
silent as a Prairie Falcon flew overhead just 8 feet off the ground. The Prairie Falcon
sat on a bush for five minutes watching the area and then took off to the south. The
White-tailed Ptarmigan juveniles then continued to peep away and their mother called again.
This 30-minute show was definitely the highlight of our day.
Twelve American Pipits were feeding on the snow banks below the Trading Center at
Trail Ridge Road's summit. In the distance, there was a herd of sixty Elk or so.
We then stopped at Lava Cliffs to search for Rosy Finches. None were found again today;
several more American Pipits were feeding along the snow banks just below us.
A Mountain Bluebird pair and many Violet-green Swallows put on a show as they
flew around the rocks below. There were many Marmots and a few Picas too.
At the Forest Canyon Overlook, the usual number of Clark's Nutcrackers were being fed by
the tourists. Not many other birds were here today. It was quite windy and cold.
Our trip then led to Estes Park where we spent two hours driving around the forested
neighborhoods looking for feeders. Broad-tailed and a few Rufous Hummingbirds were
flying about. Many Pine Siskins took advantage of the feeders. At one, a beautiful male
Black-headed Grosbeak made an appearance. Violet-green Swallows were nesting in several
Bluebird boxes. Western Flycatchers flew about in the wooded areas.
Several Band-tailed Pigeons also visited the feeders at the south end of town.
North of Fish Creek Road, two Lewis's Woodpeckers were on a large snag.
Unfortunately, we did not find any Pine Grosbeaks during our search.
Heading south, we stopped at Lilly Lake along highway 7. There were two Soras feeding in
the wet marsh just south of the lake. A Hammond's Flycatcher caught insects along the nature
trail. A female Mallard was accompanied by one young; while a female Ring-necked Duck
had five juveniles following her. Two Olive-sided Flycatchers were also along the nature hike.
We then stopped briefly at Copeland Lake in the Wild Basin area of RMNP.
At 1:00PM, not many birds were active in the area. We did not find any
Black Swifts flying over the lake today. However, a lone Turkey Vulture soared above!
Not the best time of day for a visit from the Black Swifts, early morning and evening seem better.
On the drive along highway 7 down to Lyons, we stopped several times to search for birds.
A male Red Crossbill was observed at one stop. Many Pine Siskins and Lesser Goldfinch
were observed. Again, we did not find any Pine Grosbeak; they had eluded us all day.
Now our trip lead us to Boulder Valley Ranch (just north of the city of Boulder along US 36).
As we drove to the parking area a mile east of highway 36, there were two Sage Thrashers
under the small Aspen tree 0.7 miles east of the highway. We exited our vehicle and observed
seven more birds in the gully just north of the road. These sightings made us quite happy.
We were tired from rising at 3:30AM and were not looking forward to hiking the trail south
in search of the thrashers, especially in heat of the late afternoon.
Several Lark Buntings, Vesper Sparrows, and one Say's Phoebe were also in the area.
After Anna departed to catch a plane at DIA, I traveled my owl loop north of the airport.
Fifty-nine Burrowing Owls were in total at the three Prairie Dog villages along the drive.
(See August 5, for exact locations). This ended a great, but tiring day of birding.
Wheat Ridge Greenbelt 8/3
I made a short trip to Wheat Ridge Greenbelt at 5:30 AM. The temperature was already
warm; there was no wind (however many mosquitoes). The 4.5 hour search proved fruitless.
I did not locate the Rose-breasted Grosbeak found several days earlier.
The number of birds observed were down much from several weeks ago.
Two immature Cooper's Hawks were just west of the eastern parking area.
A flock of 14 Black-capped Chickadees were accompanied by two Yellow Warblers and
three Chipping Sparrows. There were several immature Chipping Sparrows and many
immature House Finches. No orioles, tanagers, and grosbeaks were found.
The Yellow-breasted Chat so vocal for several months now, was not heard today.
There were four adult Black-crowned Night-Herons on the banks of Clear Creek.
Two Blue Jays, three Common Yellowthroat and one Ruby-crowned Kinglet were added to
the short list of species counted. Twenty-seven species is not much for a 4.5 hour search.
More Bird Trips
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