Rich Stevens' Bird Trips
June 2002
Baca County 6/28-6/30
Friday 6/28
Friday afternoon I headed down to Baca County. I met up with
several birders who had searched for the Vermilion Flycatchers
and Painted Buntings reported near Baca CR 5 & CR J.
Eleven birders did not relocate the birds since the June 23 reports.
Bill Rums found Rufous-crowned Sparrows in Cottonwood Canyon 1.4 miles
southeast of the camping area along Carrizo Creek. Jason Castor and I
found two Yellow-billed Cuckoos up the draw across from the camping area.
After dark we were able to see one and hear a second Western Screech-Owl
around the camping area. Mississippi Kites, Lewis's Woodpeckers,
Canyon Towhees, Say's Phoebes, Wild Turkeys, Greater Roadrunners,
Common Nighthawks, and Eastern Phoebes were common in the canyon.
Saturday 6/29
The temperatures reached 106 degrees today.
Winds were negligible and it felt quite hot!
During a horseback ride just north of the New Mexico border Bill, Jason,
and I found a pair of Hepatic Tanagers in a small Ponderosa Pine grove.
I have not heard of any other Hepatic Tanager sightings in Baca County
(but will check on this further). Cassin's Kingbirds were common during
our four-hour trek. One location had four Cassin's Sparrows several
of which were singing and doing their mating flight.
The dozen or so hummingbirds were observed turned out to be
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds and one Black-chinned Hummingbird.
Unfortunately no Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were among them.
After dark we walked Furnish Canyon for two hours and heard
one Northern Saw-whet Owl and two Western Screech-Owls.
Sunday 6/30
We continued to wander around and found a pair of Juniper Titmice,
one Gray Vireo, and a surprising Lewis's Woodpecker (possibly two).
The Hepatic Tanager pair was relocated in the late afternoon.
After dark we relocated the Western Screech-Owls,
but the Northern Saw-whet Owl did not call.
Search for Little Blue Heron 6/28
I could not resist looking for the Little Blue Heron Friday morning
even though I have to be 300 miles away by 4:00pm. The morning
was beautiful with temperatures in the 60s and no wind.
At first light I walked around Crown Hill Lake (Jefferson County).
Two Snowy Egrets walked around in the shallow water.
The Little Blue Heron was nowhere to be seen. I also checked
Belmar Historic Park (3.6 miles south-southeast) and Prospect Pond
at Wheat Ridge Greenbelt (2.0 miles northwest).
The Little Blue Heron was not found at either.
Two American Avocets and many Redheads were at Belmar Historic Park.
Return to Cherry Creek Reservoir 6/26
I returned to Cherry Creek Reservoir to try and get some better photo
opportunities than Monday. I did not search for the Swamp Sparrow
that I observed at the Prairie Loop Wetlands on Monday (first reported
6/15 by Glenn Hageman).
Two Violet-green Swallows were the only new birds observed since Monday.
At first light Spotted Sandpipers, Common Snipes, Red-winged Blackbirds,
Song Sparrows and Common Yellowthroats were singing loudly.
The Virginia Rails made an appearance after sunrise.
The Great Horned Owls did not show today.
One Yellow-headed Blackbird again was observed out on the pond.
Cinnamon and Blue-winged Teals were also out there.
The day warmed up quickly and by 11:00am it was quite hot.
A few better photos were added to the photo library.
In late afternoon I drove my favorite owl loop.
Thirty-one Burrowing Owls were counted at the four prairie dog
villages North of Denver International Airport Runways.
No Lark Buntings were found today.
Cherry Creek Reservoir 6/24
I enjoyed 5 hours of birding at Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County)
this morning. I timed my bike ride to arrive at the northeastern entrance
at 5:00am (sunrise was 5:23am). I enjoyed much the sounds as I rode the
2 miles over to the Prairie Loop Wetlands. Over two dozen deer fed near
the bike path as I passed through.
When I arrived at the Prairie Loop Wetlands (east of model airplane area)
I observed one Green Heron and 29 Black-crowned Night-Herons.
Many of the Black-crowned Night-Herons and the Green Heron later flew
to the trees where Cherry Creek crosses under the main road and the
12-mile beaver pond. Eventually I counted 37 Black-crowned Night-Herons
of various ages at the wetland pond.
A Swamp Sparrow sang from 5:23 to 5:29am. He was 40 yards east and
below the dam of this small pond. Once he quit, I did not hear him again
during my 1.5-hour stay in this area. Two male Yellow Warblers and several
Song Sparrows were also in this area. One Great Blue Heron flew in and also
hunted. A Swainson's Hawk hovered over the pond for 15 minutes or so.
I walked over to the bird observatory area and observed two male
Orchard Orioles (my first of Arapahoe county).
Next I sat at the southern end of the 12-mile Beaver Pond. This area was
quite birdy today. I found my first male Yellow-headed Blackbird and male
Black-headed Grosbeak of Arapahoe County here also. A Common Snipe
stood atop the willows and called for hours. Two Spotted Sandpipers
flew up and sang while performing their mating flight.
I watched three adult and two little black juvenile Virginia Rails come
in and out of the cattails. American Goldfinches, Red-winged Blackbirds,
Mourning Doves, Common Yellowthroats, Song Sparrows, and
Brown-headed Cowbirds came down to take a bath.
Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal swam in the distance. A female
Belted Kingfisher from the snags at the north end dove for fish.
The air over the pond was filled with bird sounds. A Neat Morning!
Birds in Aurora (Arapahoe County) 6/23
My brother and I played a round of golf at the Country Club just south
of Cherry Creek Reservoir. After reading about the concern of lower numbers
of Western Wood-pewees on our sister listserve "cobirds", I was interested
in the count at this golf course. I attended a two-day golf tournament the same
time of year in 2001 and counted Western Wood-pewees and one Eastern Wood-pewee.
The Western Wood-pewee count was 2 less than last year (19).
No Eastern Wood-pewees this year, although several of the Wood-pewees
did not sing or call. The four hole is especially good for the flycatchers.
The golf course list included a Great Blue Heron, 2 Black-crowned Night-Herons,
5 Bullock's Orioles, 2 Yellow Warblers, and an Orange-crowned Warbler.
Later in the afternoon, I biked over to an Aurora neighborhood where
a Band-tailed Pigeon was reported between 6/12-6/20. Interestingly,
Sue Dorsey, Donna Fortney, and I had found a Band-tailed Pigeon at
Barr Lake on 6/12. This was the day after a huge rain storm.
I watched the yard for 2.5 hours and walked around the neighborhood
for another hour. No Band-tailed Pigeons were found. A greenbelt
bike path cuts through the neighborhood and many of the homes have
great habitats for birds (many feeders & older trees). There was one
Western Wood-pewee and a female Broad-tailed Hummingbird at one house.
Note: I have found the Western Wood-pewee count at Chatfield Reservoir
between Kingfisher and Waterton Canyon bridges to be about the same as
past years. A major water source the South Platte River runs through here.
Southeastern Colorado 6/16-6/21
This week Bryan Ehlmann & I traveled to southeastern Colorado.
The weather varied from hot and sunny to rainy at times.
Temperatures were in the 80s and 90s.
Sunday 16
We spent the afternoon in Cottonwood Canyon (Baca County).
Two Yellow-billed Cuckoos called from behind the broken down cabin
across from the camping area. Rufous-crowned Sparrows were found
1.4 miles up CR 5, east of the camping area. Several Eastern Phoebes
are nesting in the canyon. Mississippi Kites, Lewis's Woodpeckers,
and a Lazuli Bunting were also found.
Blue Grosbeaks were east of CR J. Cassin's & Western Kingbirds are
nesting in the canyon. Common Nighthawks were overhead. Half a dozen
Greater Roadrunners called from the canyon walls. Several Wild Turkeys
walked across the road. After dark, we located a Western Screech-Owl
back at the camping area.
Monday 17
We spent most of the day searching for Hepatic Tanagers.
One pair was found in a small grove of Ponderosa Pines on a private ranch
(Las Animas). Cassin's Kingbirds were in many locations. A Long-eared Owl
was kicked up at another grove. After dark, we located a Northern
Saw-whet Owl calling on the same ranch. Chipping Sparrows were
fluttering about at several locations.
Tuesday 18
After watching the Hepatic Tanager pair again, we drove around Comanche
National Grasslands searching for Mountain Plovers. Pairs were found
nesting at two locations. Cassin's Sparrows were found at five locations.
Picture Canyon and North Canyon (Baca County) were quiet.
A covey of Scaled Quail ran around the rocks at the entrance.
We searched for Short-eared Owls on the Upland Bird Management Area
in Baca County; without success. Common Nighthawks flew around
back at Carrizo Mountain; no Lesser Nighthawks were among them.
Wednesday 19
We drove into New Mexico. The same common birds were found here as
southern Baca County (habitat is similar). No Acorn Woodpeckers were
found at Lake Dorothey Wildlife Area (Las Animas County, accessed from N.M.).
We did find Hammond's, Willow, Western, and one Gray Flycatcher however.
Rumor has it that the wildlife area will soon be closed due to fire danger.
Thursday 20
Bryan and I decided because of the Million forest fire not to go into
the San Luis Valley. Bosque del Oso Wildlife Area (Las Animas County)
is also closed. Instead we again searched for Hepatic Tanagers and
Scott's Orioles in Las Animas County; without success.
We found a lone Long-billed Curlew just east of Kim.
Our trek next took us to Otero County Road E. We found one
Black-throated Sparrow about a mile west of highway 109.
Conditions were quite dry here as all over Colorado.
We ended our birding day at Higbee Cemetery (Otero County).
Two Northern Mockingbirds and a Curve-billed Thrasher were
found singing near sunset. Not much else moved around
the cemetery. No Vermilion Flycatchers were located.
Friday 21
We decided to hike 4.5 miles into Picket Wire Canyonlands in search of
Scott's Orioles, Black-throated Sparrows, and Rufous-crowned Sparrows.
The hike drops down to the Purgatory River and then southwest.
No Scott's Orioles were found. Two Rufous-crowned Sparrows were found
in the rocks along the hill as the trail drops steeply down toward
the river. Two Black-throated Sparrows were singing along the trail
after we were down on level ground. One Empidonax species
(not Western) was observed along the river.
I drove my favorite owl loop after we returned to Denver.
This evening I counted 32 Burrowing Owls on the four
prairie dog colonies North of DIA's runways.
Swainson's Hawks numbered only 7 this evening.
Many Vesper Sparrows and Horned Lark were observed.
No Lark Buntings have showed up yet this year.
Douglas & Arapahoe Counties 6/15
Bryan Ehlmann & I went to Castlewood Canyon State Park.
Temperatures reached the high 80s; winds were medium.
We arrived before first light to listen for owls.
We hoped to hear a Northern Saw-whet Owl at the southern
end of the state park (along Castlewood Canyon Road).
No owls were heard or observed. Few birds moved around.
No uncommon birds were found; our list consisted of the nesting birds.
Our day list included:
Spotted Towhee, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, White-breasted Nuthatch,
Red-breasted Nuthatch, Pygmy Nuthatch, Red-tailed Hawk, Swainson's Hawk,
Turkey Vulture, Black-capped Chickadee, Mountain Chickadee, Canyon Wren,
House Wren, American Robin, Plumbeous Vireo, American Goldfinch,
Great Blue Heron and south of the park Mountain and Western Bluebirds.
Near sunset I drove over to Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County).
I searched around the wetlands east of the model airplane area for
the Swamp Sparrow reported this morning. It was not found.
Nine Black-crowned Night-Herons and 2 Great Blue Herons were
at the pond East of the Prairie Loop.
Few birds were at the 12-mile beaver pond.
No Green Herons were observed today.
Denver County 6/14
I took a day off from birding and played tennis at Denver City Park with
Gary Weston. We took time off to watch nesting Double-crested Cormorants,
Great Blue Herons, and Black-crowned Night-Herons at the pond outside
of the Denver City Zoo (across from the tennis courts).
We searched for the Eastern Screech-Owl that is nesting near the
playground area (east of tennis courts and south of the Zoo).
The bird did not come out during our stay.
Later we heard an Eastern Screech-Owl calling near his home.
Elbert County 6/13
Bryan Ehlmann & I birded in Elbert County.
The day was in the cool 70s; winds were mild.
We have staked out a nesting Common Poorwill.
It is necessary to keep location secret, but
I will report on the progress.
Only one Dickcissel could be found today on
Elbert County Road (4.6 miles south of hwy 86).
No Bobolinks have shown up this year. Possibly
the dry year has limited their nesting areas.
Barr Lake Area 6/12
(Added) We were surprised to see an adult Band-tailed Pigeon at
mile marker 8.9. The bird was observed for over 10 minutes from
20 yards or so. It could be that the forest fires have forced
some birds that normally stay in the foothills and mountains
down to the prairies. It was an odd sighting in any case!
(Excerpt from Sue D. email)
After work on Wednesday Richard Stevens took Donna Fortney and
myself to Barr Lake in Adams county.
We walked between the Visitor's center to the boat ramp to the north.
Many Bullock's Orioles flew around chasing the thousands and thousands
of Miller Moths. The Miller Moths seemed to prefer the willow trees.
Three Black-crowned Night-Herons and two Great Blue Herons were at the
pond near the Pioneer trail. The pond has much less water than two weeks ago.
Many Eastern Kingbirds, some Western Kingbirds, two Cordilleran Flycatchers,
one Western Wood-pewee, and many Robins joined the many House Wrens.
No warblers were seen at all.
We had great success while driving Richard's owl loop north of DIA.
Burrowing Owls were seen at:
15 --0.5 miles south of Picadilly road and 128th ave
14 --0.7 miles east of Picadilly road and 120th ave
6 --Powhaton road and 128th ave
10 --3.4 miles east of 96th ave and Tower road
Three additional birds were scattered on the fence posts nowhere near
a prairie dog village. Two Lark Buntings were near Trussville Road.
Birding Clear Creek County 6/12
We had a difficult time selecting a mountain location to bird this morning.
The terrible wildfires continue and forest access is limited.
The day was beautiful with temperatures in the 70s and mild winds.
Four of us went to Guanella pass. White-tailed Ptarmigan are more
difficult to locate during nesting season. Today was no different and we
did not find any. Next we birded Guanella Pass Campground below the summit.
No Three-toed Woodpeckers could be found. Two Wilson's Warblers, a House Wren,
and a male MacGillivray's Warbler were observed along the creek at the campground.
We checked several small aspen groves on the drive back to Georgetown.
No Red-naped or Williamson's Sapsuckers made an appearance.
Our trek took us next to Echo Lake. Many Broad-tailed Hummingbirds were at the
restaurant area at the eastern end of the lake. A male Three-toed Woodpecker
was found southwest of the lake (near the telephone pole line). Several
Red-naped Sapsuckers were at the northwest corner. Lincoln's Sparrows,
Song Sparrows, House Wrens, and a Spotted Towhee hung out in the area also.
The elevation seemed a little high for a Spotted Towhee. There may not
be any previous reports of Spotted Towhee in Clear Creek County?
We have noticed from the reports coming in that the wildfires may be
causing birds to move to areas they normally are not found.
Western Slope Bird Trip 6/3-6/10 (Finished)
Monday 6/3
I am on my annual birding trip to the western slopes this week.
Minnesota birder Craig Riste is accompanying me.
We started out Monday morning on the CoBus trip to Chatfield Reservoir
(Jefferson/Douglas Counties). A Green Heron was along the shoreline
of the southern most pond east of the Discovery Pavilion.
Two male American Redstarts were south of the old pump house along
the South Platte River. We found a female American Redstart about
1/2 mile north of here. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo called in the
tall cottonwoods a little further north.
A brief stop at Loveland Ski Basin did not find any Rosy Finches.
We did see a pair of Pine Grosbeaks coming to the feeder.
A brief drive around the Ponds at Dotsero (Exit 133 of Interstate 70,
Eagle County) did not find the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher reported
by Merchant two weeks ago.
Our next stop was Hanging Lake (Garfield). The steep hike up to
the lake was worthwhile. Two Black Swifts were flying about
in the canyon to the north (just before we reached the lake).
A stop a Cameo added two Chukars, a Black-throated Sparrow,
Lazuli Bunting, and Turkey Vulture to our trip list.
Our birding day ended at the top of the Grand Mesa (Mesa County).
We were able to find two Boreal Owls (one heard & one observed briefly).
Tuesday 6/4
We spent the morning at the Colorado National Monument where we
observed Gambel's Quail, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Gray Vireo,
Black-throated Gray Warbler, Western Kingbird, Cassin's Kingbird,
Ash-throated Flycatcher, and Pinyon Jays.
We then headed north in search of Scott's Orioles in Rabbit Valley.
We checked the various locations of previous reports.
One male Scott's Oriole was found at Brewster's Ridge (Mesa).
Four other locations did not produce a sighting. We also found
the Burrowing Owl along M.8 road (0.5 miles east of M.6).
Another flock of Pinyon Jays was 0.6 miles south of this
(in canyon 0.3 miles east of M.6).
Our next stop was Baxter Pass Road (Garfield). We found the
male and female Scott's Oriole close to the location reported
by Richard Levad on May 19.
We ended our birding day on Douglas Pass Road where we were
able to find a Northern Saw-whet Owl and hear a Flammulated Owl.
Along the way we found 2 Sage Thrashers and 3 Sage Sparrows.
Both species were observed in Mesa & Garfield County. We enjoyed
exploring this interesting habitat that I seldom pass through.
Wednesday 6/5
We looked for the bluebirds of Tiara Rado Golf Course.
All three species have been reported in the past.
Only Western Bluebirds were found this morning.
We head south to the Uncompahgre Plateau after lunch.
Wednesday 6/5 afternoon
Craig Riste & I continue our west slope birding trip.
We stopped just north of the Delta/Montrose County Line and observed
a Black Swift flying overhead. The bird disappeared several times
however returned over the highway 141.
On the Uncompahgre Plateau we found several Red-naped Sapsuckers
and Grace's Warblers. The warblers were just South of Carson Hole Overlook.
Many White-throated Swifts flew back and forth below us at the overlook.
After dark, we heard two Flammulated Owls while parked at the
Telephone Trail. I have now enjoyed success here 4 of the past 5 years.
Thursday 6/6
We stopped at Uravan, however did not find any Black Phoebes.
We did see a Black-chinned and several Broad-tailed Hummingbirds.
Blue Grosbeaks, Ash-throated Flycatchers, Western Wood-pewees,
Turkey Vultures, and a male Indigo Bunting were added to our day list.
We stopped briefly at several locations but did not see any Black Swifts
along the Dolores River. A male MacGillivray's Warbler lurked at one stop.
We back tracked to Black Canyon National Monument (Montrose) to end our
birding day. Again White-throated Swifts flew up and down the canyon.
Two Green-tailed Towhees called from the oaks as we drove to the
eastern campgrounds along the river. We found several Blue Grouse
on the drive to the western end of the South Rim. After dark we
located the Northern Pygmy-Owl that Richard Rowland and I had observed
back in April at the trail at the western end of the self-driving tour.
No Peregrine Falcons were around this trip.
Friday 7
Craig Riste & I just returned from our week birding trip on the western slope.
I hope I am the only one with a splitting headache from all the smoke produced
by the 7 wildfires burning down Colorado. It is quite amazing that the
Hayman fire that started at Lake George has burned 76,000 acres.
Ashes were falling on my head as I walked to my mailbox tonight.
We spent the night in Montrose and headed into Ouray County for the day.
We found two Black Swifts at Box Canyon Falls. We decided to try and
look for White-tailed Ptarmigan above Little Molas Lake (previously
reported by Jim Beatty). In a four-hour search, no Ptarmigan were found.
A male Three-toed Woodpecker was located below the lake.
Searches for Grace's Warblers and later Flammulated Owls at Chris Park,
Haviland Lake, and Purgatory CG were not successful.
Saturday 8
We found 3 Acorn Woodpeckers at the Wildcat Canyon location.
Our trek then took us up McElmo Canyon. We finally experienced success
for Black Phoebes, finding two birds near CR J area of the McElmo Creek.
We ran into a birder who had a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak at a private
residence. However the bird was not there when we returned with him.
While there are records for La Plata County, I cannot find any for
Montezuma County.
We drove through down to New Mexico. Looked around for Black-chinned
Sparrows and returned without finding any. We did see Black-throated
and Sage Sparrows in Colorado.
Sunday 9
After spending the night in Cortez (Montezuma), we headed to McPhee Reservoir,
which was quiet. Lone Dome Recreation Area (Dolores) was not too productive
for us. We could not find the Hooded Warbler reported by Hill on 5/27 and
last year We did see one Black Phoebe (find one on a trip, then find many).
Later we missed finding the Purple Martins at Groundhog Reservoir (Dolores).
No Red-necked Phalaropes were around either.
For the fun of it, we checked Fosset Creek (La Plata) location of the
June 19, 1999 Whip-poor-will record. None found today, however we did
find a Grace's Warbler, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Hammond's Flycatcher, and
Dusky Flycatcher.
A stop at Wolf Creek Pass (Mineral) before dusk did not find any Black Swifts
or Peregrine Falcons. We headed to Del Norte (Rio Grande) for the night.
Monday 10
We spent the morning looking for Bendire's Thrashers north of Del Norte.
A stop south of Fort Garland (Costilla) added a Sage Sparrow to our day list.
After dropping Craig off at Denver International Airport (Adams),
I drove my favorite owl loop. Twenty Burrowing Owls
were counted between the four locations along the loop.
Crow Valley Campground 6/1
I lead the CoBus trip to Crow Valley Campground (Weld County).
The temperatures were in the 80s; winds were mild; skies were
cloudy. It rained some as the wind picked up.
Most of the uncommon birds found last weekend were not found.
I located the Gray-cheeked Thrush east of the group picnic
pavilion and south of the property fence. Bryan Ehlmann found
a Plumbeous Vireo in the group picnic area.
Other birds observed:
One Hermit Thrush, 1 Swainson's Thrush, many Common Nighthawks,
1 Chimney Swift!, pair Orchard Orioles, 8 Bullock's Orioles,
pair Black-headed Grosbeaks, Western Kingbirds, Eastern Kingbirds,
1 female Western Tanager, 1 Loggerhead Shrike, 2 Song Sparrows,
2 Northern Mockingbirds, 7 Brown Thrashers, and 1 Western Flycatcher.
Along highway 392 at 2.1 miles south of highway 14, Sue Dorsey and
I found one Upland Sandpiper. The bird was on a fence post,
30 yards west of highway 392 along a two track dirt road
running west between two fenced-in fields.
Along highway 392 at 5.4 miles south of highway 14, we found
one Sage Thrasher. The bird was just over the fence on the
west side of the highway.
We checked the flooded fields east of Kersey and south of Latham
for the Glossy Ibises reported last weekend. None were found.
No White-rumped Sandpipers (reported last week) could be located.
I could not resist ending my birding day by driving my favorite
owl loop North of DIA's runways. I enjoyed a more successful
time than Friday's trip.
Burrowing Owls found:
1 @ 0.5 miles south of Picadilly Road & 128th ave.
11 @ 0.7 miles east of Picadilly Road & 120th ave.
4 @ Powhaton Road & 128th ave.
9 @ 3.4 miles east of Tower Road & 96th ave.
1 @ Northwest corner of Lochbuie Ponds
The field south of the prairie dog village at 0.7 miles east of
Picadilly Road & 120th avenue had 47 Swainson's Hawks in it.
Several dark-morph and intermediate morphs were included in the mix.
More Bird Trips
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