Rich Stevens' Bird Trips
August 1999
Birding Around Denver 8/30
I decided to once again check on some recent bird sightings of the Denver area.
Skies were clear and temperatures hovered around 90 degrees.
- Marsten Reservoir and Bowmar Drive
At sunrise the Pacific Loon (of 8/18) was feeding at the southern end of Marsten.
Scattered across the reservoir were at least four Common Loons.
Across the street at Tina Jones' home, the female Black-chinned Hummingbird arrived
at 7:10am. At 7:43am, a female Calliope Hummingbird searched the flowers in
the backyard for nectar. Throughout the two hours I sat and watched, many female
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds made appearances. One female Rufous also showed up,
per contra, I observed no males during my visit.
- Chatfield Reservoir
During a two-hour, hike south from Kingfisher Bridge, neither the White-eyed Vireo
nor the Ovenbird first spotted on 8/26, were observed. I did find a Plumbeous Vireo
along the paved path south of Kingfisher Bridge. At the southern end of the paved path,
a Northern Waterthrush walked along the water's edge. One hundred yards south of
the paved path, an adult male American Redstart in its orange and black splendor,
flew around the cottonwoods adjacent the Platte.
My trip then took me south several miles to the Discovery Pavilion area.
I sat for two hours along the Platte River hoping the Golden-winged Warbler (of 8/24)
would appear. I did not see the GWWA, but over a dozen Western Wood-pewees and
one immature male American Redstart did pass through the area.
Also there was one female Bullock's Oriole.
- Castlewood Canyon State Park and Winkler Ranch ( 1.5 miles south of park)
I sat for two hours 0.3 miles south of ranch entrance. During that time,
two male Bobolinks flew out of the tall grass east of Castlewood Canyon road.
They were about 100 yards north of the abandoned wooden barn.
Three Lewis's Woodpeckers were flying around the cottonwoods, north of the ranch house.
Another enjoyable day of birding ended with these sightings.
Birding Eastern Plains 8/23-8/27
I just concluded a great week of birding on Colorado's Eastern Plains.
The week contained my second best day of birding in Colorado.
August 23
The day was warm and clear. For once my trip did not start at 4:00am;
I left Denver around noon.
- Lake Henry (Crowley County)
There were no uncommon birds in the northwest woods (plenty of mosquitoes)!
In the southeast corner, two Common Terns stood along the shoreline.
- Lake Meredith
Two Red-necked Phalarope were swimming in the pond at Lane 20 and CR G.
At the feedlots along CR G, Blackbirds and
several Great-tailed Grackles searched for food.
- Blue Lake
No uncommon birds, however 14 species of shorebirds ran the shoreline.
- County Road 14 (from highway 50 to Blue Lake)
I walked between 0.5 and 1.7 miles north of highway 50
searching for Dickcissels observed in the past few weeks.
I did not find any, but 1.3 miles north of highway 50
a male Ladder-backed Woodpecker clung to a telephone pole.
While filming the LBWO, a Summer Tanager flew from bushes around
the white house. The bird worked bushes on East Side of road
for a while and then returned to west side.
- John Martin Reservoir
The Yellow-billed Cuckoo was still around the group campground at Lake Hasty.
Walking through campground, I found a Rose-breasted Grosbeak at campsite # 19.
At Picnic Island, one Least Tern was bathing at the north end.
Checking out Finger Island did not produce Brown Pelican sightings,
however, the Great Black-backed Gull was still there.
After sunset, returning from Finger Island, I came across five Burrowing Owls.
- Blue Lake
I decided to camp at Blue Lake and maybe scare up a Brown Pelican in the morning.
Along CR 14, there were 12 Burrowing Owls within 1.0 miles south of radio tower.
At 10:00pm, I walked Bent County Road VV, between CR 14 and CR 15.
Fourteen more Burrowing Owls were encountered.
August 24
- Blue Lake
Again, no Brown Pelicans or rare Shorebirds were observed.
- County Road 14
I relocated Ladder-backed Woodpecker, but could not find the Summer Tanager.
- Fort Lyons Wildlife Area (Bent CR HH and CR 16)
I quick stop to see if the Brown Pelicans had wandered to the western end of
John Martin Reservoir, produced no BRPE.
A Great Crested Flycatcher hawked insects near CR HH.
- John Martin Reservoir
While driving gravel road to Finger Island, 7 Burrowing Owls were observed.
On Finger Island stood; An adult Brown Pelican, an immature Brown Pelican,
the Great Black-backed Gull, and adult Neotropic Cormorant (first observed 8/22).
With many Double-crested Cormorants at the west end of John Martin, I wonder why
Neotropic would be alone at Finger Island? Is he more familiar standing
between two Brown Pelicans? Would that make any difference to him?
- Neesopah, Neenoshe, Upper Queens, Lower Queens, and Thurston Reservoirs
Not much; Water levels were high at all reservoirs and no shorebirds were found.
The south end of Upper Queens did have 210 Cattle Egrets.
One Great Egret hunted for food at the southeastern end of Neenoshe Reservoir.
Even Jet Lake lacked shorebirds today! (Water level is down because of irrigation.)
- Lamar Community College
A Great Crested Flycatcher and two adult Red-headed Woodpeckers were
joined by many mosquitoes. In 98-degree temperatures, few birds moved around.
- My trip was planned to arrive after dark at Two Buttes Reservoir.
Baca CR VV entrance was used. Within 0.5 to 1.0 miles of highway 385,
forty-nine Burrowing Owls stood!
- Two Buttes Reservoir
At 10:00pm, I hiked the path along northern cliffs below the dam.
Toward the eastern end, an angry Barn Owl startled me and
almost knocked me off the trail. I camped to the sound of
two Great Horned Owls and many insects calling.
August 25
The day started slowly, but may have been my best fall day of birding!
- Two Buttes Reservoir
At first light, I hiked across the dam and to south side cliffs.
After two hours and few bird sightings, I dropped below the cliffs and headed north.
In cottonwoods along southwestern edge of the pond, an Eastern Wood-Pewee
called. I managed to record 18 seconds of the call and take two photos.
After searching the area for another hour, I decided to leave; quite content
with my EAWP sighting. This was quite an uncommon sighting for Colorado.
I figured that the Philadelphia Vireo of 8/22 was long gone.
From the Russian Olive trees lining the first parking area,
a Great Crested Flycatcher flew.
While filming the GCFL, the Philadelphia Vireo appeared from nowhere.
I watched the PHVI for 30 seconds (and of course had already put my camera away).
Retrieving my camera and staying for 2 more hours in hope of taking a picture,
I observed the PHVI in the tall cottonwood along pond and parking area.
However, it never returned close enough to the ground for a photograph.
During the wait for the Philadelphia Vireo to reappear,
an Eastern Phoebe and two Least Flycatchers made appearances.
- Lamar Community College
Today the Great Crested Flycatcher was joined by a flock of
five immature and two adult Red-headed Woodpeckers.
Two Mississippi Kites and two Chimney Swifts flew overhead.
- Sheridan Lake
Reaching Sheridan Lake an hour before sunset, I made the 1.5-mile hike around it.
In the northwestern corner, there were two Black-bellied Plovers,
still in breeding plumage.
At the southeastern corner, there were two juvenile American Golden-Plovers.
Also near the southeastern end, were two Red-necked Phalaropes
with thirteen species of shorebirds.
- I camped at Karval Reservoir Wildlife Area in Lincoln County
The only owls observed were two Great Horned.
August 26
- Karval Reservoir WLA
This seldom visited WLA appears to have great potential, however
my bird list for here is short. Not much was observed again this morning.
- Flagler Wildlife Area
I walked the eastern and southern edges of Flagler.
The water is higher than encountered previously.
With the creek 20 feet wide, it was difficult to believe the creek is normally three feet.
From the southeastern boat ramp to 0.5 miles south (where the creek turns west)
three Northern Waterthrush were encountered.
I was following a flock of nine Yellow Warblers and
two male Wilson's Warblers as they worked the trees along the water's edge.
At the bend of the creek, an Orchard Oriole was my only oriole sighting of the week.
Not much was observed in the northeastern corner of the reservoir. Below the dam,
not many birds moved around. Just two male Common Yellowthroats were singing.
- Bonny Reservoir
In the late afternoon, I checked the picnic area and campgrounds of Wagon Wheel.
There was one Northern Waterthrush at the pond of the picnic area.
One male Red-bellied Woodpecker was near campsite 41.
Foster Grove and North Cove did not improve my bird list.
I camped at Hale Ponds of the Republican Wildlife Area.
August 27
- Hale Ponds
An Eastern Screech-Owl started calling around 4:00am.
At first light, I hiked a three-mile loop along the Republican River.
Approximately, 0.5 miles from the Kansas border,
a female Northern Parula fed in some willows and Russian Olive trees.
Twenty-one Eastern Bluebirds joined two Red-bellied Woodpeckers.
- Wagon Wheel Campground
Not much observed.
- Last Chance Rest Stop (Washington County)
The few birds were mostly House Sparrows.
Saturday at 4400 Bowmar Drive 8/21
I revisited Tina Jones' home in Bowmar.
While hummingbird migration is slowing at Tina Jones' yard,
the backyard flowers were visited several times by
a female Calliope and female Black-chinned Hummingbird.
At sunset, across the street on the northern third of Marsten Reservoir,
there were five Common Loons and a Pacific Loon.
Four of the Common Loons stuck close together,
while the other Common Loon and Pacific Loon searched for food by themselves.
Birding Colorado Mountains 8/18-8/20
In spite of much rain, I enjoyed a good week of birding in the Colorado Mountains.
I returned to Grand county hoping to observe three loon species in the fall season
(Repeating the feat of three species observed in summer season; quite rare for Colorado).
August 18
- Wolford Mountain Recreation Area (Grand county)
Red-throated Loon
- Grand Lake
Several Red Crossbills, not much else.
- Rocky Mountain National Park (Fern Lake trail)
Search for Three-toed Woodpeckers, not successful
August 19
- Medicine Bow Curve (Trail Ridge road, Rocky Mountain National Park)
White-tailed Ptarmigan (required three-hour search)
The bird was located 200 yards north of parking area and
thirty yards downhill or west of trail)
- Search for Three-toed Woodpeckers at several locations, not successful.
- No Owls or Hummingbirds found in RMNP or Estes Park.
August 20
- Copeland Lake (Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park) (Larimer)
Black Swift (2, flying high over lake and tree line to north)
(I was there for five hours, they turned out to not be as easy a find as was advertised)
- I hiked from Copeland Lake to picnic area 1.0-mile west
Red-naped Sapsucker (2 males, 2 females, 3 juveniles)
Williamson's Sapsucker (male and female, south of Copeland Lake)
Three-toed Woodpecker (male was working trees north of road
at picnic table with square green garbage can, 1.0 miles west of the ranger's station)
- Culver Ponds (Boulder county)
Trumpeter Swan (immature)
Great Egret (2)
- Baseline Reservoir (Boulder)
Pacific Loon
Return to Pike National Forest 8/16
David King, Charles Lamb, and I returned to search for Woodpeckers in
Pike National Forest. It was overcast but warm.
First, we checked Tramway Trail at Forest Road 550. No Woodpeckers were spotted.
Two female and one male Western Tanager were west of trail at FR 543.
We then drove to Skipper Trail and hiked to Strawberry Jack Trail.
Along Buck Creek 0.2 miles west of Skipper Trail, there was
a male Three-toed Woodpecker. Just north of the bridge
across Buck Creek, a male Williamson's Sapsucker was feeding.
The trek continued to water tank along Strawberry Jack Trail (North of Homestead Trail).
A female TTWO was 75 yards west and 30 yards south of the water tank.
Also observed were a female Hairy Woodpecker and male Downy Woodpecker.
The many White-breasted Nuthatches, Pygmy Nuthatches, and
several Brown Creepers are still wandering around.
We did not find the Black-backed Woodpecker, nor did any Bluebirds show up today.
Sunday in Boulder 8/15
Donna Fortney and I traveled to Boulder to check on several previous sightings.
Temperature was cool and skies overcast.
- Baseline Reservoir
Pacific Loon of 7/27 was still swimming around in middle of reservoir.
- Culver Ponds
Two Great Egrets are still at the ponds.
We could not find Trumpeter Swan in 30-minute search.
Many inlets can not be seen. Bird may still be there.
- Walden Ponds
Not much!
Saturday Afternoon in Denver 8/14
Two Colorado Birders and I enjoyed sitting 3 hours
at Tina Jones' beautiful yard (4400 Bowmar Drive).
The flowers were visited by a female Calliope Hummingbird,
several Rufous and many Broad-tailed Hummingbirds.
There was at least one Common Loon on Marsten Reservoir.
We observed it from just south of Bowmar Drive and Sunset.
Birding South of Denver
This week I journeyed South to look for owls and
check on a Black-backed Woodpecker report in Teller County.
The temperature was cool, and as so often happens this time of year in Colorado
it starts raining late afternoons to put a damper on owling!
August 11
The day started around first light at Manitou Experimental Forest.
A three-hour search by four birders did not produce a sighting of a BBWO.
There were several sightings of a male Williamson's Sapsucker and his young son!
A flock of several dozen Western Tanagers passed by and
three species of nuthatches accompanied by a Brown Creeper!
At the Red Rocks Picnic Area and Trailhead, a Northern Goshawk stood in a tree.
I returned in the early afternoon and gave the BBWO another try; unsuccessfully.
Missouri Gulch produced few bird sightings.
At Manitou Lake I did observe a Sora at dusk, but found no Veerys.
For several hours after 10:00pm, I hiked Missouri Gulch, but observed and heard no owls.
August 12
- Big Johnson Reservoir
A two-hour hike at first light produced few bird sightings.
Four American White Pelicans, many Western Grebes, and no Sandpipers!
- Pueblo Reservoir
There was not much of interest at the North or South Marina.
Valco Ponds was rather slow also.
- Penrose and Brush Hollow Wildlife Area
A short stop to walk around Penrose and inspect Brush Hollow WLA for Pinyon Jays
produced no PIJA sightings. I did find one Juniper Titmouse.
- Temple Canyon State Park
It was rather warm and I did not arrive until afternoon.
Several Gray Flycatchers, many Black-headed Grosbeaks, and
two Juniper Titmice were among the birds observed.
- South Creek Trail, St. Charles Trail, and Ophir Creek
Not much!
- Owling after 10:00pm
In the rain, I visited Davenport Campground, Ophir Creek Campground, and
several spots along highway 165; no success in hearing any owls.
August 13
I camped at South Creek; no owls were heard during the night!
Traveling before first light, a Common Poorwill was standing
on the gravel road leading out of the forest.
- Lake Beckwith
The Common Loon first reported on June 5, was still swimming around the lake.
- Burnt Mill Road (traditional Black Phoebe bridge)
Not much around, several Blue Grosbeak, Western Kingbirds, and Lesser Goldfinches.
- Colorado Springs Wildlife Area
I found nest with dead adult and juvenile Scissor-tailed Flycatcher.
There was much deterioration of bodies, but length of adult's tail and extent of
white on primaries and secondaries of juvenile indicate STFL and
not Western Kingbird. This could be birthplace of juvenile STFL
found 0.5 miles north (7/30) by California birder.
- Colorado Springs (Woodman and Black Forest Roads)
Search for STFL was unsuccessful, bird has not been reported since July 16.
On August 3, the Western Kingbird I observed copulating with the male STFL
was on a nest at first telephone from intersection. She was not there today.
I hope this does not mean, the nesting attempt failed.
In a two hour wait, she did not return to nest (so probably is not feeding young).
- Castlewood Canyon SP and Winkler Ranch 1.0 miles south of State Park
Two male Bobolinks were 300 yards north of barn (0.4 miles south of ranch entrance)
Three Lewis's Woodpeckers flew around the cottonwoods just north of ranch house.
- Elbert Road
Next a check on Dickcissel site (4.8 miles south of highway 86 and Elbert Road)
Two Dickcissels were 0.4 miles north of Red Barn!
Thus ended another great birding trip; not as successful as most, but quite enjoyable.
Birding Around Denver 8/6
I returned home 2:00am and rose 4:30am to be at Lochbuie exit of
Interstate 76 at first light. Because of the fog and drizzle,
it was not bright enough to see until 6:00am.
The Little Blue Heron (immature) flew from the southwest corner of exit 25
to southeast pond at 6:25am.
At 6:38am it followed a Great Blue Heron east toward tall electric power poles.
Another birder and I stayed until 9:00am without further sightings.
I did capture 35 seconds of the bird on video. Its distinctive features were:
1. A bill that was grayish, turning darker at the tip.
2. Grayish or greenish legs with no contrast between legs and feet.
3. A white body and wings with grayish tips!
I then traveled downtown Denver and searched for the Peregrine Falcon of
California and 17th. A two-hour hunt was not successful.
On the way, home I checked on the Burrowing Owl colonies north of DIA
(the birds were still there).
Birding Southeastern Colorado 8/3-8/5
I enjoyed another good week of birding in the rain, rain, and more rain.
August 3
- Colorado Springs (El Paso County) (Woodmen/ Black Forest)
Did not find Scissor-tailed Flycatcher,
but possible Western Kingbird mate is sitting on nest at first telephone pole).
- Colorado Springs WLA (exit 123, I25)
Did not find immature Scissor-tailed Flycatcher of 7/30
- Rocky Ford (Otero County)
Mississippi Kite (2, circling over highway 50 and 1st street)
Eurasian Collared-Dove (2)
- La Junta Sewage Ponds
Twelve species of shorebirds including:
Snowy Plover
Pectoral Sandpiper
- Bent County Road 14 (to Blue Lake)
Dickcissel (2; 1.7 miles north of hwy 50)
Common Nighthawk (2, photo website)
- Blue Lake (Bent County)
Semipalmated Sandpiper (2; sand spit east of boat ramp)
Long-billed Curlew (3) (sandy shore west of CR 10/ CR VV)
- John Martin Reservoir (Bent County)
Caspian Tern (picnic area)
Laughing Gull (adult; picnic area)
Least Tern (8+; picnic island)
Black-backed Gull (Finger Island)
Piping Plover (1; finger island)
Burrowing Owl (2; north of reservoir on way to finger island)
- Hasty CG
Yellow-billed Cuckoo (2; group picnic area)
August 4
- Fort Lyons WLA (Bent County)
American Bittern
Sora
Did not hear Least Bitterns or Black Rails
(However, it rained from 8:00pm the night before until 6:30am)
- Blue Lake (Bent)
Brown Pelican (subadult; island north of boat dock, 7:00am)
- County Road 14 (Blue Lake to highway 50)
Burrowing Owls (5)
Dickcissel (3)
- John Martin Reservoir (Bent)
Black-backed Gull (Finger Island; directions of CoBus website)
Laughing Gull (adult) (Finger Island)
Burrowing Owls (10+; north of Finger Island)
Piping Plover (Picnic Island; east of picnic area)
Least Tern (6+; picnic island, one sitting on nest)
Barn Owl (3) Several hours after first light a female was flying overhead.
I pulled out camcorder and recorded bird as she dove right at me.
Further inspection revealed two fledglings in building just above my head.
- Lake Hasty CG (below dam, John Martin)
Yellow-billed Cuckoo (group picnic area)
- Jet Lake (Kiowa County)
Least Sandpipers, 7 shorebird species plus two Pectoral Sandpipers
- CR SS, South of Thurston Reservoir
Merlin
- Neenoshe, Upper Queens, and Lower Queens Reservoirs (Kiowa)
Not much! Sixty Cattle Egret south of LQR
- Two Buttes Reservoir (Baca)
Not much!
August 5
- Cottonwood Canyon (Baca)
Northern Cardinal (male) I was hoping to glimpse possible female
that may also be in area; without success.
Western Screech-Owl (2, calling at 4:00am)
Rufous-crowned Sparrow (2, 1.4 miles east of camping area)
Mississippi Kite (3)
- Picture Canyon (Baca)
Not much!
- Springfield
I could not locate Eurasian Collared-Doves.
- Lamar (Prowers)
Mississippi Kite (4)
Not much at Lamar Community College
Looking For The Back-backed Woodpecker 8/2
Under overcast skies with cool temperatures, I made my most extensive search today.
See Trail Map for Pike National Forest on CoBus Website
The hike was from Gashouse Trailhead, north to Miller's Gulch then west to FR 553.
Back again past Gashouse Trailhead, east to Homestead Trail.
From here, I hiked north and west to intersection with Strawberry Jack.
Checking Strawberry Jack Trail north to the water tank
produced a male and female Three-toed Woodpecker.
Returning to Homestead and Skipper, I took Skipper trail to kiosk.
There was a male TTWO about 100 yards north of Buck Creek (West Side).
The male and juvenile male Williamson's Sapsuckers were also along creek.
Returning to Skipper Trail, I connected with Miller's Trail and again trekked south.
Connecting with Baldy Trail, the journey led east and south.
Meeting up with Forest Road 543, I hiked to Tramway Creek.
Continuing along FR 543 to FR 550, I took FR 550 back to my car.
Several hundred yards west of Tramway Trail, there was my fourth TTWO of the day!
No BBWO sightings, but quite a long and interesting day!
The search totals over seven days, 57 hours and many miles.
While this forest is beautiful to experience, it is another birder's turn to
find the BBWO. The search has been a much enjoyable experience!
Birding Around Denver 8/1
I ventured out on the weekend, which I seldom do. It was cloudy and cool.
- Cherry Creek Reservoir
There was not much at the reservoir.
A dozen or so Black Terns flew around hawking insects.
The only gulls were California and Ring-billed.
- Around Denver International Airport
I checked on the Burrowing Owl colonies around the airport.
- (2) 3.4 miles east of 96th avenue and Tower Road
- (3) 0.5 miles south of 128th avenue and Picadilly Road
- (2) Buckley Rd/56th avenue; 1.2 miles north of Eagle Watch Bunker
- Barr Lake
Not much moving around except for many mosquitoes!
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