Rich Stevens' Bird Trips
July 2000
South Denver Area 7/31
I traveled south to the Roxborough Park area this morning to investigate a female
Rose-breasted Grosbeak report. She turned out to be a Black-headed Grosbeak.
On the trip home, I stopped at Waterton Canyon and Chatfield Reservoir.
While hiking the first mile of Waterton Canyon, I observed many Cliff, Barn,
Bank, and a few Northern Rough-winged Swallows. There were several Spotted Towhees
and two Lazuli Buntings. One Indigo Bunting was within 0.5 miles of the entrance.
Along the South Platte River at the Southern end of Chatfield Reservoir
one American Redstart was observed. He was behind the yellow building.
Other usual suspects were found; nothing uncommon was observed in a two-hour search.
A Hectic Morning of Birding Around Denver 7/30
With only five hours to bird, Sally Ramer and I hustled
around to various local birding spots on this beautiful morning.
At 4400 Bowmar Drive (Tina Jones' home), we were fortunate to observe
3 female Calliope, 1 female Rufous, and several female Broad-tailed Hummingbirds.
Unfortunately, no male hummers made an appearance during our short visit.
We then drove to Red Rocks Park to search for White-throated Swifts.
Along with four White-throated Swifts, we observed an adult Golden Eagle,
two Virginia Warblers, four Canyon Wrens, many Common Ravens,
many House Wrens and two male Lazuli Buntings.
Our journey took us next to the Winkler Ranch south of Castlewood Canyon
State Park. This ranch is 1.5 miles south of the park, along Castlewood
Canyon Road.
At 0.4 miles south of the ranch entrance, we observed at least 3 male and 2 female
Bobolinks off to the east about 200 yards. Many Western and Mountain Bluebirds
are still using the nesting boxes along Castlewood Canyon Road.
One Lewis's Woodpecker was in the cottonwoods just north of the ranch itself.
We then hurried to get Sally to the airport on time.
Now on my own, I picked up Donna Fortney and we headed to Boulder and Weld counties.
We had no luck in finding the Caspian Terns that were at Union Reservoir the past
five days. There were many Snowy Egrets and American White Pelicans however.
On the way to Walden Ponds, we observed five Cattle Egrets at a small pond at
East County Line Road and Highway 52. There were few birds at Walden Ponds.
At Prince Lake #2, we observed one Great Egret. The Caspian Tern that was found
here several days ago, was no longer around.
After dropping Donna off, I traveled my owl loop north of DIA. Many Burrowing Owls
are still at the three Prairie Dog villages (see July 28).
Mountains and Foothills 7/29
Sally Ramer from Atlanta and I birded in the Mountains today.
Weather was warm, skies were clear, and the predicted storms did not materialize.
On the trip west to the mountains, we checked on the Upland Sandpiper sighting at
Crown Hill Cemetery. The one-hour search was unsuccessful; many people visited the nature
area this Saturday morning. One female Lark Bunting seemed out of place in this city park.
Our first stop in the mountains was at the town of Silver Plume. One Band-tailed Pigeon visited
the feeders at the house just North of the Gas Station at the end of the exit ramp of Interstate 70.
There were dozens of Broad-tailed Hummingbirds visiting the various feeders.
Many Cassin's Finches were in the trees as we hiked around this small mountain town.
We then back tracked to Georgetown. The feeders next to the White House at Rose & 2nd streets
had no birds visiting them. We continued Southward to Guanella Pass campground where many
Wilson's Warblers, White-crowned Sparrows, and Mountain Chickadees were observed.
One male Williamson's Sapsucker flew through the area. The highlight of our stop was
an adult female Three-toed Woodpecker feeding a juvenile male bird. We were fortunate to
watch the two birds for 15 minutes before they flew out of sight to the southwest corner of the CG.
During a two-hour search at the Guanella Pass Summit, we were not able to locate any
White-tailed Ptarmigan today. Many White-crowned Sparrows and three Brewer's Sparrows
were observed. One adult Red-tailed Hawk soared in the winds overhead. A Prairie Falcon
zipped by and took little time to traverse the valley. Several Wilson's Warblers were
nesting in the area too. One or two American Pipits scurried on the tundra.
Our trip then took us to A.M. Bailey Bird Sanctuary in Summit County. A male
Three-toed Woodpecker was observed along the main trail up to the sanctuary.
It was in the same location that Francis Toldi and I found the bird on June 28.
Once at the bird nature area, we found many Wilson's Warblers, two males, and a female
MacGillivray's Warblers. Four or five Cordilleran Flycatchers hawked insects at the north end.
We also found two Hammond's and one Willow Flycatchers in the park to the south.
Several Fox Sparrows were singing and one popped up from the willows to give us
a brief glimpse. Two House Wrens chattered at Wilson's Warblers who dared stop in
their willow bush. Pine Siskins fed on the dandelions that were scattered about.
As we drove back to Denver, Northern Rough-winged Swallows were found along the Blue River.
We stopped at Lair 'O the Bear Park for the last hour of daylight. Several Spotted Towhees
worked the bushes along Creekside trail. Two more Lincoln's Sparrows were found.
While an American Dipper put on quite a show for us. Jumping into the cold waters
to find insects on the bottom of the creek and then hopping back up on the rocks to feed.
It finally stopped to dry out and preen itself on a large rock not 5 yards from us.
Several Yellow Warblers, Lesser Goldfinch, and Pine Siskin sang from the trees above
as we hiked back to our car. Mountain and Black-capped Chickadees fluttered about also.
Birding Adams County 7/28
Sally Ramer and I birded North of Barr Lake on this warm summer day.
Along Buckley Road (East of Rocky Mountain Arsenal), we found a flock of 6 Northern
Bullock's Orioles, many Lark Buntings, Vesper Sparrows, and several Swainson's Hawks.
On the North side of Barr Lake (off 144th avenue), we hiked from mile marker 5 to 4.
Along the hike, we observed several Great-tailed Grackles and one male Bullock's Oriole.
Three Lark Sparrows were found and one immature Franklin's Gull.
The Yellow-headed Blackbirds that nested here, appear to have departed.
At Lochbuie (Exit 25 of Interstate 76) a Swainson's Hawk stood guard over the ponds from
one of the snags. Four Snowy Egrets hunted in the northwest pond. An American Bittern
called from the eastern pond. Along the outlet canal, one juvenile Spotted Sandpiper was
with four Baird's Sandpipers. A couple of Great Blue Herons hunted at the ponds also.
At the intersection of CR 2 and Harvest Road, there were many Ring-billed Gulls,
a dozen California Gulls and a lone adult Franklin's Gull.
Two Great-tailed Grackles were just south of the intersection of Picadilly Road and
152nd avenue. The canal here contained much water; no Common Snipe were observed today.
We then proceeded to take my favorite owl loop and found many Burrowing Owls.
At 0.5 miles south of Picadilly Road and 128th avenues, over 41 birds were standing about.
At 0.7 miles east of Picadilly Road and 120th avenue, 17 plus birds were just north of road.
At 3.4 miles east of Tower Road and 96th avenue, another 12 plus birds were observed.
Along the route, six Swainson's Hawks, a female Northern Harrier, many Lark Buntings,
a dozen Vesper Sparrows, many Western Meadowlarks, and Red-winged Blackbirds were
observed. As temperatures cooled, we enjoyed the pleasant drive in the last two hours of daylight.
Pike National Forest 7/26-7/27
I spent the last two days in Pike National Forest near Buffalo Creek east of
last month's wildfires. Temperatures were warm and it rained several times.
Two Three-toed Woodpeckers were found during the trip:
7/26 (Colorado Trail, 1 mile North of parking area off FR 550, 250 yds west of trail
7/27 (150 yds west/ Baldy Tr & 100 yds north/ Gashouse Tr., near rock cropping
The two day hike went from Buffalo Creek up FR 543, South on Tramway Trail to the
Colorado Trail, back West on FR 550 to Gashouse Gulch Trail, North on Gashouse Trail
to Baldy Trail, East on Baldy Trail to FR 543 and back along the creek to Buffalo Creek.
An intensive search to observe any owls proved fruitless. I did hear a
Northern Pygmy Owl along highway 126 (southwest of Buffalo Creek).
Other birds observed were White-breasted, Red-breasted, and Pygmy Nuthatches;
Brown Creepers; and one Northern Goshawk. No Williamson's Sapsuckers could be found.
An attempt to locate the Flammulated Owl heard last summer was not successful either.
Birding In Westminster 7/24
This morning I traveled to Westminster to check on a Gilded Flicker report.
Skies were clear, temperatures rose quickly, and there was no wind.
After an hour search, we found the bird that was in question yesterday.
It exhibited the head characteristics of a Red-shafted Flicker (red moustache,
tan forehead, and gray nape). The underwing linings and base of tail were yellow.
We were happy to locate the bird and confirm that it was a hybrid Red-shafted-
Yellow-shafted Flicker. This was much better than never knowing its identity.
As I hiked into the area, a Ringed Turtle-Dove was on the roof of the house
at 93rd and North Lamar Streets. The bird interested me and I made a note
to return later to check up on it.
As it turned out, the homeowner raises Ringed Turtle-Doves. He stated that
he had several dozen birds. At times, they are allowed to fly around his yard.
When asked if some ever escape, he stated yes, and that he had lost two
just last week. Maybe this is a source of the Ringed Turtle-Doves showing
up along the front range.
On the trip home, I drove my favorite owl route north of DIA
(Denver International Airport). There were many Burrowing Owls
at the three Prairie Dog villages previously described (See July 1 trip report).
Marsten Reservoir & 4400 Bowmar Drive 7/22
I spent three hours Saturday at Tina Jones' house. Thanks much to Tina for
allowing birders to sit in her backyard and experience this beautiful habitat.
During my stay, I observed two female Calliope Hummingbirds.
A female Rufous Hummingbird made brief appearances also. She was chased
off three times by a female Broad-tailed Hummingbird (one of several in the area).
Marsten Reservoir (across the street) was quite low and there were few birds there.
Eastern Plains 7/17-7/21
Bryan Ehlmann and I spent the week birding on the Colorado Plains. Everywhere we
traveled, storms were encountered. Along the way, we observed two funnel clouds
(one too close for comfort). A few birds were found between the rains and strong winds.
July 17
We started our trip by searching for the Inca Doves at Rocky Ford. None were found
today; several Bullock's Orioles were observed during our hike around Virginia and
Washington Streets. We did find two Eurasian Collared-Doves over on CR FF.5.
On the way down, we stopped at Lake Henry where there was little activity.
At Lake Meredith there were Great-tailed Grackles at the feedlots and
Burrowing Owls on the West side along highway 71.
A brief stop at Higbee Cemetery south of La Junta did not produce a sighting of the
Vermilion Flycatchers that nested. Several Northern Mockingbirds, Mountain Bluebirds,
and a Curve-billed Thrasher fluttered about in the surrounding area.
On private land in Las Animas County, we checked on the nesting Hepatic Tanagers. We
were fortunate to get a brief look at one fledgling accompanied by the male and female!
No Western Screech-Owls called during the night as we camped at Cottonwood Canyon.
July 18
Tuesday started out with a hike 1.5 miles to the east of the camping area along Carrizo Creek.
Along the way, we observed 10 Mississippi Kites, 7 Rufous-crowned Sparrows, 2 Indigo Buntings,
2 Lazuli Buntings, at least 3 Yellow-billed Cuckoos, 9 Wild Turkeys, and a Greater Roadrunner.
Back up the South Draw, we found a Ladder-backed Woodpecker. Of course the many
Lewis's Woodpeckers were around the camping area. The Northern Cardinal was not
observed today. There was no sighting of the possible Painted Bunting heard last month.
Our trip took us to Springfield where a male and female Great-tailed Grackle and one
Eurasian Collared-Dove were found at the defunct Allstates Motel along highway 385.
We looked for the White-winged Dove along 2nd street, however did not locate it.
We skipped Two Buttes Reservoir because it was afternoon. At Lamar Community College
few birds were moving around. Just north at Willow Creek Park, we observed two more
Mississippi Kites. A male Red-bellied Woodpecker worked the trees along the east side.
Two Chimney Swifts flew overhead several times. One Red-tailed Hawk also appeared.
At the south end of Upper Queens Reservoir we found 11 species of sandpipers, however
nothing unusual. There were Snowy Egrets and one Great-tailed Grackle (along eastern side).
The water level at Neenoshe Reservoir is still high and there was little shoreline to accommodate
shorebirds. One Great Egret with several Great Blue Herons were along the eastern shoreline.
Along CR C (western side of Neegronda Reservoir), we observed a pair of Chihuahuan Ravens.
Three Burrowing Owls were also there. On the north side, there was a good collection of
shorebirds, again nothing uncommon or unexpected today. After watching a beautiful sunset,
we headed to Burlington. We passed Sheridan Lake too late to see if any shorebirds.
July 19
An early morning 3-mile hike at Hale Ponds produced sightings of two Yellow-billed Cuckoos,
a male Red-bellied Woodpecker, and 9 Eastern Bluebirds. A male Common Yellowthroat was
along the Republican River just west of Kansas. Twelve Northern Bobwhite were scattered about.
Few birds moved around at Wagon Wheel Campground. At the picnic area west of the
campground, we observed an Osprey. A male Baltimore Oriole was found while hiking a mile
west of the picnic pond. Several Blue Grosbeaks and many Bullock's Orioles were in the area.
Hearing about the Red Phalarope at Jumbo Reservoir, we quickly headed up that way. After the
130-mile drive North, we were fortunate to observe the female Red Phalarope in almost complete
breeding plumage. Thanks much to Doug Faulkner for reporting the bird!
At Tamarack Ranch, we heard a Yellow-billed Cuckoo (west of CR 55). One male
Red-bellied Woodpecker worked the trees along the South Platte and just west of
the highway. Many mosquitoes and not much else was found as we hiked west for several miles.
The weather deteriorated much in late afternoon. There were several tornadoes just south of us.
July 20
Thursday saw another day of storms on the Eastern Plains. We started the day at Ovid Woods.
Along Lodgepole Creek north of highway 138, we found a male Northern Cardinal and a male
Red-bellied Woodpecker. We encountered few other birds at the woods and at the sewage ponds.
Nothing unusual was found at Julesburg Wildlife area. Julesburg Wayside Stop was not productive.
We then headed up to the northeastern corner of the state in search of Dickcissels. None could
be located as the winds started to pickup. Sedgwick Cemetery was uneventful also.
July 21
At first light we walked around Sterling at Cortez Street. Around the corner on Delaware,
we found an Eurasian Collared-Dove. We never found the other two birds that have been reported.
We then hiked along the South Platte River at Overland Park (south side of Sterling). We had
hoped to find both Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos. One Yellow-billed Cuckoo
was heard about 6:30am. The cottonwood leaves were quite thick and we never did observe the
bird. No Black-billed Cuckoos called. We did see a Baltimore Oriole and many Bullock's Orioles.
Nothing unusual was sighted at Pioneer Park on the West Side of Sterling.
We then headed west to Prewitt Reservoir. A Great Crested Flycatcher was observed
below the dam while hiking the second outlet canal (east of manager's residence).
The Red-bellied Woodpecker was not found today. There were many shorebirds at
the western end of the reservoir though nothing uncommon was observed. Again the
weather turned for the worse and we cut the day short and hurried for home.
Castlewood Canyon State Park 7/14
Rebecca Kosten and I trekked south to Castlewood Canyon. Again the
day was hot and overcast. Summer storms rolled in around 2:00PM.
Along the trail to the eastern overlook we found White-breasted,
Red-breasted, and Pygmy Nuthatches. A Canyon Wren sang in the cliffs
below the overlook. Several Turkey Vultures and Red-tailed Hawks
flew overhead. One Golden Eagle also made an appearance.
We then visited the Winkler Ranch south of the State Park (along
Castlewood Canyon Road). There were still several Bobolinks in the
field 0.4 miles south of the ranch entrance. We could not locate
the Lewis's Woodpeckers observed this summer by other birders.
Many Western and Mountain Bluebirds are around the bluebird boxes
along Castlewood Canyon Road. Western Scrub Jays were in the scrub
oak west of the road. There were many Red-winged Blackbirds, however
not as many, Brewer's Blackbirds as found last month. Two Cordilleran
flycatchers were also in the area. Violet-green and Tree Swallows
are still competing for the bluebird boxes (several successfully).
Chatfield Reservoir 7/13
Rebecca Kosten and I traveled south of Denver to Chatfield Reservoir.
The temperatures were in the low nineties under overcast skies.
Two Lazuli Buntings and an Indigo Bunting were observed while hiking
west up Waterton Canyon. There were many Spotted Towhees in the area.
Three males and two female American Redstarts were found while hiking from
the Discovery Pavilion to Kingfisher Bridge. We did not locate any
Yellow-billed Cuckoos today. There were many House Wrens, Spotted Towhees,
Gray Catbirds, Cedar Waxwings, Yellow-breasted Chats and a few Bullock's Orioles.
Warbling Vireos sang overhead and Black-capped Chickadees fluttered about.
Colorado Mountain Birding 7/10-7/12
Rebecca Kosten and I escaped the summer heat by birding in the mountains.
We experienced cool temperatures and a mixture of weather including high winds,
rain, and snow for a few minutes (on Guanella Pass).
July 10
We returned to Rocky Mountain National Park to again search for the Winter Wren.
A three hour search, 1 mile either side of a previous sighting was not successful.
On the trip up Fall River Road, we did find a Three-toed Woodpecker just
south of a dried up bog along the road. This was the same location that one or
two birds were heard last week. The TTWO worked its way south of the bog.
There were many Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets along the drive.
A male and female Williamson's Sapsucker were also observed. Several
Red Crossbills flew overhead; no White-winged Crossbills showed up again today.
We stopped at Medicine Bow Curve for two hours, however we missed the
White-tailed Ptarmigan again. There were dozens of American Pipits and
at least two Brewer's Sparrows. Two Mountain Bluebirds were also observed.
No Rosy Finches made an appearance at the Lava Cliffs.
At Fern Lake Trail, we found a Three-toed Woodpecker about 0.5 miles from
the trailhead. More Ruby-crowned Kinglets, two Hermit Thrushes, and a
Swainson's Thrush were found along the trip.
Not much was found at Grand Lake, and we continued on our way.
July 11
We started the day at A.M. Bailey Bird Sanctuary north of Silverthorne.
About halfway up the trail, we found a male Three-toed Woodpecker.
The TTWO was 60 yards east of the trail (close to location of last week's sighting).
There were many Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets singing in the
trees above. A male and female Red-naped Sapsucker flew around the aspens
north of the sanctuary's meadow. Many Wilson's Warblers chased around in the willows.
Two MacGillivray's Warblers were north of the path that enters the sanctuary's meadow.
Off to the west a Hermit Thrush sang. We found an American Dipper along Rock Creek.
This is the highest altitude that I have observed the interesting Blue-gray bird.
As we walked south down the meadow, I was still surprised by the absence of flycatchers
this year. In the past, it was not unusual to see a dozen of several empidonax species.
There would be a couple of Olive-sided Flycatchers too. They have not shown up this year.
We did get brief glimpses of three Fox Sparrows. They would fly to the top of the willows,
sing a bit, and then hide again in the thick foliage. Many Lincoln's Sparrows were also
present. One Song Sparrow sang along Rock Creek. A male Broad-tailed Hummingbird
chased several females around. Surprisingly, the mosquitoes were still not too numerous.
Our trek then took us to Spruce Creek, which is located about nine miles south of Breckenridge.
We expected to find the same species as the Bailey Bird Sanctuary. Added to our daily list
were Hammond's and Willow Flycatchers. Three Western Tanagers were along the 4-mile hike.
Many Warbling Vireos sang above with the usual suspects observed earlier in the day.
We ended the day at Hooser Pass. A walk to the west produced sightings of a dozen
Gray Jays, two Clark's Nutcrackers, and many American Pipits. Several Broad-tailed
Hummingbirds also flew around the few trees. Summit county hikers consider this
the most beautiful hike of their county. Some spectacular mountains overlook the
relatively flat hike. Off to the south is a good view of South Park.
July 12
After staying the night in Georgetown, we back tracked to Silver Plume. The feeders
near the gas station (below westbound exit of Interstate 70) were visited by a dozen
Band-tailed Pigeons. No Rosy Finches came during our stay, however many Cassin's Finches did.
At Rose and 2nd streets in Georgetown, the feeders were also visited by several
Band-tailed Pigeons. A Downy Woodpecker made a quick stop, however not much else.
At the summit of Guanella Pass, I was fortunate again. It took less than 30 minutes
to locate two White-tailed Ptarmigans. The birds were south-southeast of the
intersection of Rosalie and 603 trails. Circling around to the south side of the hill,
we ran into two more WTPT! I did not complain for in nine trips last summer, WTPT were
only observed one time. We also found four Mountain Bluebirds and many American Pipits.
White-crowned Sparrows were plentiful. They filled the air with their songs.
We stopped at Guanella Pass Campground below the summit. While watching several
Wilson's Warblers along the creek, two Pine Grosbeaks came in for a drink of water.
Cassin's Finches, Black-capped Chickadees, and Mountain Chickadees were
quite numerous. The lack of flycatchers again made us ask where they are this year?
Our trip took us the Pike National Forest north of Bailey. We had hoped to search for
Three-toed Woodpeckers in the area devastated by recent wildfires. A downpour changed
our minds and we headed back to Denver (saving this search for another day).
Reservoirs Around Metro Denver 7/9
With the possible departure of the Pomarine Jaeger from Pueblo Reservoir, I traveled
around Denver scoping the reservoirs to check if the bird had decided to fly North.
I birded from my car and checked water surfaces for the most part.
Temperatures were in the middle 80's, skies were mostly overcast, and there was some wind.
Aurora Reservoir did not have many birds. There were few gulls and little waterfowl.
Quincy Reservoir had a few Ring-billed Gulls and several California Gulls, not much else.
Chatfield Reservoir was similar to the other reservoirs. Many boaters were out.
Cherry Creek Reservoir had more Ring-billed and California Gulls than the others.
Quite a few American White Pelicans were observed during the afternoon.
No Jaegers were found! No uncommon gulls or terns made an appearance.
Many Burrowing Owls were found along my owl loop, north of DIA (see 7/1).
Rocky Mountain National Park 7/7
Scott Roederer, Julie Roederer, Susan Ward, Jim Malone and I birded RMNP today.
It was great to escape the heat on the plains; temperatures were 100 degrees when
I birded downtown Denver yesterday. While we missed our five target birds, we ran
into many birds to watch and enjoy. The day was overcast, little wind, 70 degree temps.
We drove up Fall River Road. Along the way Golden-crowned Kinglets were observed
feeding young. A young Black-capped Chickadee also hid in the foliage.
Many Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a Hermit Thrush, and Swainson's Thrush were singing.
Near a dried up bog, one or two Three-toed Woodpeckers were heard.
A female Williamson's Sapsucker worked several pine trees in the area.
A two-hour search for the Winter Wren proved unsuccessful. We stopped many
times and heard Red Crossbills, however never ran across any White-winged Crossbills.
At Medicine Bow Curve, we could not locate White-tailed Ptarmigan today.
It did not help that many tourists were hiking the area and watching the Elk.
At the Lava Cliffs, no Brown-capped Rosy Finches showed up today.
We did watch a pair of Mountain Bluebirds and many swallows fly around!
At Upper Beaver Meadows, the Williamson's Sapsuckers did not appear, nor did the
Three-toed Woodpeckers. The Williamson's Sapsuckers and Fox Sparrows along
Endovalley Road hid from view also. One or two Wilson's Warblers called in the willows.
A few Lincoln's Sparrows flew out, sang, and continued on their way.
Jim Malone and I ended the evening at Wild Basin (7 miles or so south of RMNP proper
(still part of the park though). This area is along highway 7, south of Estes Park.
At the pond, just west of the entrance we observed one or two Black Swifts along with
many Tree and Violet-green Swallows. Just north of the first parking area west of the pond,
a female Williamson's Sapsucker worked the trees. A half-mile west, a male Williamson's was
observed. He worked his way from bottom to top of a Ponderosa Pine and moved to the next tree.
This ended a cool day of birding in the Colorado Mountains.
Birding In Downtown Denver 7/6
Bryan Ehlmann and I decided to eat in downtown Denver. Therefore we took advantage
of the trip location and did some birding down there. We went on the tour of Coors Field
(Home of Denver's Rockies Baseball Team). While we did not see the Barn Owl reported
there several times in past weeks, there was evidence of an owl's presence.
(By the way, the tour is six dollars per person for those interested in taking it.)
Afterwards, we wandered East, centering our new search around California and 17th street.
This is the area of many previous sightings of 1 or 2 Peregrine Falcons. We did not succeed
in this endeavor. After dinner, we continued the search for another hour, again without success.
Total downtown species count was five; House Sparrows, Tree Swallows, House Finches,
Rock Doves, and Chimney Swifts. The temperature reached 100 degrees around 3:00PM.
Wheat Ridge Greenbelt 7/5
On this windy and hot day (temperatures almost 100), I birded
at Wheat Ridge Greenbelt and the South Platte River at 88th avenue.
As expected, not much was observed at Wheat Ridge Greenbelt.
The singing Yellow-breasted Chat was still at it. There are nesting
Bullock's Orioles and Black-crowned Night-Herons. Few other birds
were moving around even at 8:00AM.
Few birds were found during my hike along the South Platte River
between 88th avenue and highway 224. The nesting Loggerhead Shrike
is still on the nest. I missed the Green Heron today. The purpose
of the trip was to check on a nest that was identified as an Osprey's.
While the nest looked new this year, there is no sign that it currently used.
Elbert and Adams Counties 7/4
I took a group of three birders to Elbert County this afternoon.
It was hot; there was little wind; did I mention it was hot?
There were 5+ Dickcissels in the field along Elbert County Road
(4.1 miles south of highway 86). We did not find much at the late
Joe Tenbrink's favorite birding spot in Elbert County.
North of DIA (Denver's International Airport) we observed the
Burrowing Owls (see 7/1). The 7/1 Swainson's Hawks were not to be seen.
South of Denver 7/3
Terry Fortney and I traveled to Castlewood Canyon in late afternoon. We were
hoping to locate the Lewis's Woodpeckers observed along Castlewood Canyon Road
last week. This was little wind; temperatures were in the low 90's.
We had no success in finding Lewis's Woodpeckers. There were at least five
Bobolinks (0.4 miles south of the entrance to the Winkler Ranch; 1.9 miles
south of the southern entrance to Castlewood Canyon State Park.
There were many Western and Mountain Bluebirds again. Also Violet-green and
Tree Swallows flew around the bluebird boxes. One Turkey Vulture flew overhead.
Our travels found us at Cherry Creek Reservoir at sunset. We checked the ponds
south of the 12-mile group picnic area for the Green Heron observed last week.
We did not find the Green Heron, however there were two Great Blue Herons
and eight Black-crowned Night-Herons. The only shorebirds were four Killdeer.
Search for the Fort Lupton "Streptopelia" Dove 7/1
Donna Fortney and I traveled to Fort Lupton (Weld County) in search of the
"Streptopelia" Dove sighting of last week by the Norfleets. We were hoping for
a "Streptopelia decaocto", Eurasian Collared-Dove (ECDO).
We found a "Streptopelia risoria", Ringed Turtle-Dove after a several hour search.
I first thought we would be disappointed when I heard the mild "coo-hr-r-r-rooh" of
the Turtle-Dove, instead of the loud "coo-coo-coo" of the ECDO. Minutes later the
Ringed Turtle-Dove appeared above us. It later flew down and ate below the Norfleet's feeders.
The RTDO is whiter, smaller, and notice the gray primaries (rather than black primaries of ECDO).
Photos at Most Recent Bird Photos Link. I also show a photo of the white RTDO undertail coverts.
Also found during our search in Fort Lupton were a nesting Swainson's Hawk, two Chimney Swifts,
and many nesting Western Kingbirds. Several WEKI would chase the SWHA when overhead.
On the trip back to Denver, we did my favorite owl loop north of DIA.
Burrowing Owls were again observed:
25 at 0.7 miles east of Picadilly Road and 120th avenue
14 at 0.5 miles south of Picadilly Road and 128th avenue
12 at 3.4 miles east of Tower Road and 96th avenue
3 just north of DIA runways
We experienced a delightful side show at the Tower Road/96 avenue site. When we
pulled up, an adult Coyote was leading six juveniles down to the Prairie Dog village.
They scattered when I stopped my car. The juveniles were half the size of their
parent and looked rather silly as they tried to scramble uphill to join the adult.
Fourteen Swainson's Hawks were together on fence posts just west of 120th avenue and Powhaton
(east of Picadilly and 120th). Near here were many singing Lark Buntings, two Brewer's Sparrows,
and several Horned Larks. Western Meadowlarks filled the air with their songs too!
More Bird Trips
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Rich Stevens at the following address:
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