Rich Stevens' Bird Trips
December 1999
Highline Canal 12/31
I sat at along the Highline Canal; 0.2 miles west of Franklin for three hours.
This is location of 12/22 sighting of a Carolina Wren. The Wren did not appear
while I was there. Several Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Dark-eyed Juncos were the
only birds that visited the feeders.
Birding Around Barr Lake 12/29
Pam Teague and I checked the feeders at Barr Lake in the afternoon;
nothing unusual was moving around. North of Barr at Picadilly and
152nd avenue, we did not observe the Great-tailed Grackles.
We watched a beautiful sunset while driving the roads north of DIA.
This area produces some Short-eared Owl sightings in the winter,
however, not today. There were 9 Northern Harriers and a
Prairie Falcon, so the evening was not a total lost.
Colorado Springs and Pueblo 12/28
I had to take some people down to Colorado Springs for a meeting. Skipping the meeting,
I traveled to Big Johnson Reservoir which was 98 percent frozen, so I drove to
Fountain Creek Regional Park. The Surf Scoter is still at the northern most pond.
From FCRP, I decided to travel down to Pueblo. Hiking along the Arkansas River from
Dwight Clark Stadium to Pueblo City Park, the Eurasian Wigeon was not found.
One White-throated Sparrow was with a flock of 24+ White-crowned Sparrows.
At Valco Ponds, two male and a female Barrow's Goldeneye were at pond number 3.
From the parking area to the ponds, 14 Bushtits were observed along the Arkansas River.
At Pueblo Reservoir, I found one Yellow-billed Loon, one Pacific Loon, and two Common Loons.
The Great Black-backed Gull was there, however I missed the Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
What a beautiful December day it was!
Pikes Peak Christmas Count 12/27
Bryan Ehlmann and I participated in the Pikes Peak Christmas Count.
Without a doubt, this day I would see fewer birds than any day of my birding experience.
We started at Falcon Trail on the Air Force Academy. A few Juncos and
Black-capped Chickadees were the only birds observed. Along Monument Creek,
we observed 193 Red-winged Blackbirds, Western Scrub-Jays, and Stellar Jays.
Searching the neighborhoods to the south, we found not much (House Finches).
In the woods along the foothills (Woodmen Water Tower) we observed all three
species of Nuthatches, Mountain Chickadees, and one Townsend's Solitaire.
On to Pikes Peak with high hopes, we found just two species of birds.
Four Common Ravens and 8 Mountain Chickadees were the sum total on the 19 mile trip.
If someone had bet us we would not see a Hawk all day, I would have lost my money!
Short-eared Owls and No American Woodcock 12/26
Sworn to secrecy, B.T. and I (and 51 other birders), searched for the
American Woodcock recently observed in Boulder County. It was not found.
There were five or six Long-eared Owls in the vicinity.
Guanella Pass and Georgetown 12/25
Bryan Ehlmann and I traveled to Georgetown and Guanella Pass on Christmas Day.
At Guanella Pass, we observed 4 or 5 White-tailed Ptarmigan. Two cobirders up the trail an hour
before us observed 30+ birds. They were on the hill, east-southeast of the highest parking area
(similar location that MA birder P. Davis found several weeks ago). Up the Rosalie Trail to fork,
take left fork (trail 603). We hiked about 450 yards up trail and birds were downhill about
40 yards. There were many WTPT tracks in the area. They also clucked softly.
At Guanella Pass Campground, we found at least two Pine Grosbeak. There has been
a Three-toed Woodpecker in that area (however, we did not take the time to locate it).
In Georgetown, there were no Rosy Finches at the Rose & Second Street feeders.
Talking to the owner of the house, she still indicates that Dec. 4 was the only day
that any (and only a few) have visited her this season.
Western Denver 12/24
I left home at 5:30am and expected to return by noon.
Returned at 7:00pm, plans changed on this uneventful but beautiful day to bird in Colorado.
In Arapahoe County, I sat at the Highline Canal (west of Franklin Street) from 7:00am to 12:00pm
hoping the Carolina Wren would make an appearance. It did not. Many Dark-eyed Junco,
two Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and one Spotted Towhee visited the feeders throughout the period.
With snow covered Mt. Evans to the west and the warm and sunny weather,
it was a pleasure to be there. Maybe someone else will re-locate the Carolina Wren.
A trip to Red Rocks Park (Jefferson County) did not produce any unusual sightings.
Finally, I stopped at Wheat Ridge Greenbelt (Jefferson) to see if the Greater Scaup,
Eastern Screech-Owl, or a Winter Wren would pop-up.
No sightings, however the sunset was spectacular!
Christmas Counts On The Eastern Plains 12/20-12/23
Bryan Ehlmann and I took off for the Eastern Plains and several Christmas Counts.
December 20
Under snowy and windy conditions, we counted at Jackson Reservoir.
The only birds of interest observed were two Long-eared Owls.
There were a few Dark-eyed Juncos and many Northern Flickers.
Several hundred Robins worked the Russian Olive Trees on the western side.
In late afternoon, a stop at Prewitt Reservoir produced a White-throated Sparrow
sighting below the dam at the outlet canal behind the manager's residence.
Except for a few Northern Flickers, not much else was observed.
December 21
The weather was warmer and less windy for our count
at Tamarack Ranch WLA and Jumbo Reservoir WLA.
At Tamarack, we observed a male Northern Cardinal between the manager's residence and
Tamarack Pond. Six Eastern Bluebirds were also in this area. Hiking along the Platte River
(west from camping area) we observed a male Red-bellied Woodpecker. There were
two Spotted Towhee in the area just east of parking area number 2.
Several Killdeer along with one Great Blue Heron searched for food at the river's edge.
At Jumbo Reservoir, we located a Long-eared Owl in the Riparian Area at the north end.
One lone Common Loon swam in the Reservoir. There were many Juncos and
three Black-capped Chickadees (our first of the day) in the camping area
along the reservoir's eastern edge. At dusk, while standing at the high point
of the road (southeast corner), we observed to the east, a Short-eared Owl.
December 22
We were greeted by a colorful sunrise, warm temperatures, and a day with no wind.
At Ovid Woods (behind the maintenance building) there were a male and female
Red-bellied Woodpecker. Several Black-capped Chickadees and White-crowned Sparrows
fluttered through the woods; nothing unusual made an appearance. South of highway 138
along Lodgepole Creek, one Brown Thrasher searched in the willows and leaves near the bridge.
Feeders along Monroe Street were visited by many House Finches, House Sparrows, and a few
White-crowned Sparrows. (A few days earlier, a Purple Finch had been around. I keep missing
it however!) Feeders in the southwest corner of Ovid were visited by a male Northern Cardinal!
A few Northern Flickers and not much else were observed during our stay.
On the trip to Julesburg, we observed four White-fronted Geese at the private pond located
just south of Sedgwick County Roads 28 and 31.5. Many Canadas also sunned
themselves around the pond. One Golden Eagle stood on a telephone pole back on CR 28.
At Julesburg Wayside Stop and De Poorter Lake, we found many American Tree Sparrows and
a few White-crowned Sparrows. There were several Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, and
American Kestrel hunting in the area (Red-winged Blackbirds and Western Meadowlarks also).
We left Sedgwick County without a Harris's or White-throated Sparrow sighting.
In Yuma County at Sandsage Wildlife Area we found several interesting sparrows. At the island
just north of the parking area, there was a Harris's Sparrow. At the western end (along the creek)
three Swamp Sparrows were "pished" into showing themselves. Two Great Horned Owls stood
in the tall cottonwoods back near the barn. The tall grasses along the creek hid many
American Tree and White-crowned Sparrows. Again, we found no White-throated Sparrows.
After dark, an Eastern Screech-Owl responded to our tapes.
December 23
We camped at Hale Ponds of the Republican Wildlife Area. During the night (4:00am) we heard
an Eastern Screech-Owl (north of the ponds). The day turned out to be a good one for owls.
Warm weather, clear, windless skies greeted us again.
At Hale Ponds we took a three mile hike along the Republican River.
Fourteen Eastern Bluebirds and a male and female Red-bellied Woodpecker were just west
of Kansas. An unidentified thrush flew across the border before we could identify it (boo!).
There was a male Common Yellowthroat along the river as we walked back to our campsite.
In the cattails north of Hale Ponds, a Swamp Sparrow was observed. One Sharp-shinned Hawk
hunted along the Republican River to the west of camp.
We searched the thickets near Hale (the town) and found little of interest.
On the way to Bonny Reservoir and Wagon Wheel Campground a Short-eared Owl stood in
the cottonwoods to the south of the campgrounds. An Eastern Screech-Owl responded to tapes
near campsite number 42! (it has been in the same vicinity for several weeks).
One Red-naped Sapsucker flew between the trees around the campground.
Many American Goldfinch, two Mourning Doves, and four Black-capped Chickadees were
also found. A Red-tailed Hawk flew in the picnic area. West along Bonny's shoreline
we saw many Snow Geese, several dozen Ross's Geese, and one Bald Eagle.
Foster's Grove Campground added nothing new. Earlier in the count week,
a Greater Prairie Chicken was again observed near the Ranger's office.
However, we could not find it.
Just before sunset, we stopped at Flagler Reservoir. Below the dam, Short-eared Owls
have been observed in the past. None appeared this evening. There were many
American and White-crowned Sparrows (no Harris's or White-throated).
Birding Aurora 12/18
In the cold strong winds, I searched Aurora, Quincy, and Cherry Creek Reservoirs.
Out on the plains, Aurora Reservoir was experiencing quite strong winds. There were
a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers, many Redheads, and many Canvasbacks.
Little else of interest could be spotted in the high waves.
Quincy Reservoir was almost void of birds. There was more ice here,
than the other two reservoirs.
Cherry Creek Reservoir again experienced high winds and waves. The adult Thayer's
Gull and several Bonaparte's Gulls were in the northwest corner (swim beach area).
I could not pick out the Pomarine Jaeger and observed no Loons.
Hunt For A Snowy Owl 12/16-12/17
After reading about a possible Snowy Owl north of Denver, I hopped in my car and headed north.
There were only 90 minutes of daylight left. Unfortunately, highway 7 east of Interstate 70
is quite busy this time of night.
I drove east from Interstate 25 to highway 85. Then the trip proceeded up Adams county roads
15-21, each time to county road 8. No success in spotting a Snowy Owl, however a dozen
Red-tailed Hawks and one Krider's Red-tailed Hawk added interest to the trip.
Saturday morning, I repeated the process again without much success. I did find the Krider's'
Red-tailed Hawk again! Maybe someone else will have more success than I.
On the trip home, a stop at Cherry Creek Reservoir produced sightings of two Bonaparte's Gulls
and an adult Thayer's Gull. The strong winds made identification of any birds on the water
almost impossible. I did not see the Pomarine Jaeger, however it could still be there.
Birding South of Denver 12/12
Today, Bryan Ehlmann and I traveled to several locations south of Denver.
There was little wind and temperatures were around 45 degrees.
- Chatfield Reservoir
With our scopes, we hiked the dam at Chatfield Reservoir.
In the northeast corner, we observed two Pacific Loons.
Around the corner north of the Heron Rookery, we found the Red-throated Loon.
Nothing was observed on a short walk south of Kingfisher Bridge.
- Castlewood Canyon State Park
We found two Ruby-crowned Kinglets in trees northeast of the visitors center.
A Canyon Wren called from somewhere west of the highway bridge at the overlook.
Along the cliffs to the north, we observed all three nuthatch species!
We were hoping for a Northern Goshawk, however none made an appearance today.
- Winkler Ranch
There were several Mountain Bluebirds south of the ranch's entrance.
We did not observe any Lewis's Woodpeckers today.
After dark, we listened for Northern Saw-whet Owls near the Falls back at
Castlewood Canyon SP. We did not hear any; none responded to Bryan's tapes.
Aurora Reservoir 12/11
With the one of the White-winged Scoters reported to still be a Aurora Reservoir
on Tuesday 12/7, I decided to see if it was still around.
The day was overcast, windy, and quite cold. Many waterfowl stayed in the middle of
the reservoir. I could not pick out a White-winged Scoter. I did not find the Loons
that have been hanging around the last two weeks.
Birding the Southern Front Range 12/8-12/10
December 8
The snow was not as bad as expected, so I headed for southern Colorado.
- Pueblo Reservoir
It was rather windy and birds were more difficult to observe.
I did search the western edge of reservoir where the Common Redpolls
were reported last week. None were with the small flock of Goldfinch
and House Finches that were feeding on the sunflower stalks.
Red-necked Grebe
Red-throated Loon
Common Loon (2)
Great Black-backed Gull
Little Gull
Bonaparte's Gull (12+)
- Swallows Road (south of reservoir)
Scaled Quail (2)
Northern Shrike
Mountain Bluebird (3)
- Pueblo Wildlife Area (north and west of reservoir)
I searched for Western Screech-Owls that are periodically reported here.
No success in that endeavor.
- St. Charles Trail (San Isabel National Forest)
Northern Saw-whet Owl (just east of South Creek Trailhead; which is 0.1
miles south of St. Charles Trailhead). Directions are on Birding Spots link.
December 9
- Lake Dorothey Wildlife Area
A rather cold night was spent camping in the wildlife area.
This area was the site of the 1994 Acorn Woodpecker sightings.
No birds were observed in wildlife area.
On the drive out, a lone Wild Turkey crossed the road near the visitors center.
- Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico
There were two dozen Sandhill Cranes, hundreds of Snow Geese,
several dozen Blue Geese, a couple of Vesper Sparrows, and
one Red-headed Woodpecker! The Woodpecker added color to
a rather drab landscape. It was surprising to see one this late in the year.
- Trinidad State Park
The weather was much better than yesterday, still it was cold.
Common Loons (2)
Not much else observed. Trinidad SP is so large, scoping of the whole
area is quite difficult. Or at least, I have not figured out how to adequately
survey the area yet. Maybe with more trips, a better search plan will be worked out.
- Lathrop State Park
There were few waterfowl on Martin or Horseshoe Lakes. I did find two
Greater Roadrunners in the northwest corner of the park.
December 10
- Pueblo Reservoir
After a good nights sleep in a motel in Pueblo, I checked out the reservoir again.
Sightings were fewer than Wednesday:
Great Black-backed Gull
Bonaparte's Gull (20+)
Common Loon (4)
- Brush Hollow Wildlife Area
Bushtit (10+)
Juniper Titmouse (2)
Pinyon Jay (5, at old dump, south-southeast below the dam)
- Fort Carson
Not much at the Bird Farm or Gale Reservoir (north of office)
I ran out of daylight before Big Johnson Reservoir could be checked.
Birding Aurora 12/6-12/7
My birding has been limited to Aurora (Arapahoe County) the last two days.
November 6
- Aurora Reservoir
I had to walk through the wind and snow yesterday. Two Pacific Loons and
two Common Loons are still in the southeastern corner of the reservoir.
The light faded before I could get to Cherry Creek Reservoir.
November 7
- Cherry Creek Reservoir (at sunset)
The Pomarine Jaeger is still "chasing" gulls. I could not pick out any interesting gulls tonight.
There were several Bonaparte's Gulls hanging around.
It was a cold trip.
Still in Aurora 12/1-12/2
I continued to bird around Aurora this week. With the snow coming down,
I cancelled my trip downtown today to search for Peregrine Falcon.
December 2
- Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe County):
Paul Strauss and I returned to AR in the morning.
Two Pacific Loons were in the cove, north of second restroom (south of eastern end of dam)
(on western side of bike path; so I can add all compass directions :-)
Three Pacific Loons were observed on my trip to AR on December 1.
Two Common Loons (one adult and one immature) swam in the southeastern
end of the reservoir. This is close to where they were observed
on December 1 (cove north of RR3). The two Red-breasted Mergansers
were still there with many other waterfowl.
No Scoters were observed today or yesterday.
- Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County):
In the late afternoon, Daniela Garrett and I birded at the swim beach.
The Pomarine Jaeger is still flying after gulls in the middle of the reservoir.
At one time it flew to the outlet dam and nearly overhead.
One Pacific Loon swam off shore near the Lake Loop.
A Lesser Black-backed Gull (looks like 3rd winter) came to the swim beach
10 minutes before sunset. This bird has been reported 11/28, 11/29 and 12/2.
Third basic bird sightings are quite rare; we were wondering about a hybrid.
I sent photos to some friends on East Coast this morning.
Maybe more birders will see the bird this weekend (in spite of the snowstorm).
December 1
- Cherry Creek Reservoir
Donna Fortney, Paul and Jeanne Strauss and I observed near sunset
a first basic Lesser Black-backed Gull at the swim beach.
The pattern has been that the gulls (over 4000) come into the swim beach about 3:30 PM.
They stay until 45 minutes after sunset and all fly towards the boat dock.
Where they come from or go, I have not determined.
More Bird Trips
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Rich Stevens at the following address:
E-mail:cobus@worldnet.att.net