Rich Stevens' Bird Trips
June 2004
DIA Owl Loop 6/29
Rebecca Kosten & I walked the east side of Rocky Mountain Arsenal.
Buckley Road is closed to vehicle traffic now. This makes the
3-mile hike more interesting without the distractions. The east
side of the road is Adams County; the west side is Denver County.
We counted 11 Burrowing Owls along our trek. Also observed were
Song Sparrows, 2 Grasshopper Sparrows, 2 Swainson's Hawks,
1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Ferruginous Hawk, 3 Bullock's Orioles,
and one Loggerhead Shrike.
Additional Burrowing Owls were found along the DIA owl loop.
Six owls were 3.4 miles East of Tower Road & 96th avenue.
Two owls were at Powhaton & 128th avenue. Nine Lark Buntings
were observed at 112th avenue and Trussville Road.
Later we found the Black-chinned Hummingbird at Auckland & Whitaker
Streets (East of Cherry Creek Reservoir, Arapahoe County).
The hummingbird eventually flew back to the trees east of
the ranger's office.
Northern Colorado 6/26-6/27
Florida birder Mitchell Hiatt and I birded northern Colorado this
weekend. Rain poured down most of the weekend.
Saturday
After picking Mitchell up at the airport we headed to Doudy Draw.
We stopped at the Plateau Trailhead Open Space (Highways 128 & 93)
on the way. Here we found four or five Grasshopper Sparrows within
200 yards of the parking area. A couple of Vesper Sparrows and
many Western Meadowlarks were also observed.
At Doudy Draw, we hiked to the switchbacks about 3/4 miles south of
the parking area. The Scarlet Tanager reported earlier in the day
by Kilpatrick and Zorawowicz was unfortunately not relocated by us.
Along the trek we saw 17 Yellow-breasted Chats, 2 male Blue Grosbeaks,
2 Warbling Vireos, many Chipping Sparrows, a Clay-colored Sparrow,
several Song Sparrows, 3 Western Wood-pewees, and a dozen
Bullock's Orioles. Lightning became numerous and we retreated to our car.
Later we checked out South Mesa Trail (across Eldorado Springs Drive)
from Doudy Draw. We found none of the interesting birds reported by
T. Floyd several days earlier.
A quick stop at Tantra Lake afforded us looks at a pair of adult
Trumpeter Swans and 3 cygnets. The young's wings were just inches long.
Two Eurasian Collared Doves were observed as we drove through the
center of Dacono along Highway 52.
We found a male Bobolink along Kersey Road (CR 49) approximately
0.8 miles South of Weld County Road 30. He was my first Bobolink
sighing for Weld County!
Our next destination was Beebe Draw Ponds. Two Burrowing Owls
were 0.6 miles West of Kersey Road and Weld CR 42. Hundreds of
Yellow-headed Blackbirds walked the fields around Beebe Draw.
Two Black-necked Stilts, 7 American Avocets, a Greater Yellowlegs,
Cinnamon Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, and
Killdeer were also observed.
North at CR 48 (south side of Lower Latham Reservoir) we found a
Baird's Sandpiper, Franklin's Gulls, and many Wilson's Phalaropes.
Two Great-tailed Grackles were also counted.
We headed up to Pawnee National Grasslands (Weld County) to search
for Mountain Plover. The weather had deteriorated much by then.
No Mountain Plovers were found at the five locations reported this
year. We did find many McCown's Longspur along the gravel road
going North from CR 94 and CR 63. Burrowing Owls were all over
the place. We found them at 7 different locations including the
southeast corner of highway 14 & CR 51 and the southeast corner
of CR 94 & CR 65.
Visibility finally got so bad that we returned to Denver.
Sunday
Before sunrise we stopped to watch a Golden Eagle feeding young
on a nest in Meadow Park at Lyons.
We headed to Rocky Mountain National Park to be at Medicine
Bow Curve at sunrise. Two White-tailed Ptarmigan were found in
about an hour search. We checked the cliff view and lava cliffs
for Rosy Finches, however found none. At the curve we found
Brewer's Sparrows (Timberline?), many American Pipits
and many White-crowned Sparrows.
Both Clark's Nutcrackers and Gray Jays were found at Rainbow Curve.
Three male and a female Pine Grosbeaks stopped by also.
At Endovalley Picnic area we did not find any Three-toed Woodpeckers
today. We did watch several Red-naped Sapsuckers. I found a female
Williamson's Sapsucker (unfortunately Mitchell was searching elsewhere).
No Black Swifts flew among the dozens of Tree Swallows at the
Alluvial Fan area. Two American Dippers searched for insects
in the shallow waters.
In the neighborhood of Fish creek road we observed 2 Green-tailed
Towhees, many Cassin's Finches, and dozens of Pygmy Nuthatches.
A check at Cow Creek Trail did not produce a Williamson's Sapsucker
sighting. We had on good authority that a pair is nesting in the
meadow north of the research cabins. We walked around in a deluge
for an hour, but were unsuccessful. Five additional Green-tailed
Towhees and several Hammond's Flycatchers were found! A check along
the Gem Lake trail did not find a Williamson's Sapsucker; we did have
great looks at a Cordilleran Flycatcher.
Tired of the rain we decided to drop back down to the plains.
We got great looks at Chestnut-collared Longspurs at the southeast
corner of highway 85 and Weld CR 114. At least six pairs of the
longspurs and many Horned Larks were here. One pair of Chestnut-
collared Longspurs landed 20 feet from us, allowing fantastic
looks at their breeding plumage.
We worked our way to highway 14 and CR 51 by way of CR 114 east
to CR 49 south. Along the way we found 2 Prairie Falcons,
a Ferruginous Hawk, and thousands of Lark Buntings. Our luck was
better at hwy 14 & CR 51. We found 4 juvenile Mountain Plovers
walking just below the hill to the southeast. Nine Burrowing Owls
flew back and forth also.
Our final stop of the day was west of Fort Collins at Lory State
Park. Our search for a Common Poorwill was dampened by the
torrent rainstorm. Again we headed back to Denver thinking
that no respectable owl would be out either.
Cherry Creek Reservoir 6/26
What a beautiful day it is. Temperatures in the high 60s; no wind!
While waiting for some birders to fly into Denver International Airport,
I drove over to Cherry Creek Reservoir. The male Black-chinned Hummingbird
was back again on his favorite tree at the southeast corner of the fence
surrounding the ranger's office. I watched him fly over to the feeder
at Auckland and Whittaker Streets (see 6/21 report for details).
Seven Burrowing Owls were at 3.4 miles East of Tower Road & 96th avenue.
Trip to Southeastern Colorado 6/23-6/25
The purpose of the trip to southern Colorado was to photograph
Hepatic Tanagers. There are pairs them in isolated Ponderosa
Pine areas. While I found two pairs, safe (for the birds) and
undetected approach was never accomplished. Both pairs
were on private property (Las Animas County).
The female of one pair was sitting on a nest for the two days
I watched her. The male from the other pair was actively hunting
for insects and flying back to the same group of trees. Unfortunately
this pair was on private property which I had no access.
On 6/23, I ventured over to Cottonwood Canyon (Baca County) in
the afternoon. When I arrived a heard a singing male Painted Bunting in
the draw across from the camping area (this is draw with the broken
down cabin). The bird sang for quite a while before disappearing up
the draw (south). Twice in the past, a singing male has signaled
the presence of a female bunting. None were found on this trip.
The canyon is one of my favorite birding locations in Colorado.
Many birds were found during a walk 1.5 miles east and back
to 1.0 miles west.
Some of the nesting birds include Eastern Phoebes, Ash-throated
Flycatchers, Bewick's Wrens, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Mississippi
Kites, and Lewis's Woodpeckers. A drive east for 2 miles added
Blue Grosbeaks, Western Kingbirds, and Cassin's Kingbirds to my
trip list. A Common Poorwill and several Yellow-billed Cuckoos
were heard near dusk. After dark, 2 Western Screech-Owls called
not far from the camping area at CR 5 & Carrizo Creek.
I drove over to the Carrizo Creek Picnic Area (off CR M) to listen
for additional owls and camp for the night. A Great Horned Owl
called from the picnic area.
In the morning, I explored Furnish Canyon and drove back to
Cottonwood Canyon. Several Greater Roadrunners were encountered
along CR M. Lark Buntings, Cliff Swallows, Tree Swallows, and
Barn Swallows were also observed along the drive. Bullock's Orioles
nested in the taller cottonwood trees. Common Nighthawks flew
overhead at dawn.
I hiked again from the camping area at Carrizo Creek & CR 5 to the
cattle guard 1.5 miles to the southeast. The Painted Bunting was
not heard or observed at the south draw. A Painted Bunting was
heard singing when I was 0.4 miles east-southeast of the camping
area. This seemed quite far for the bird to move during the night.
However, there was no way to determine if there were two of them.
A Cooper's Hawk was the only new bird found during the trek.
I headed back to Las Animas County.
After dark on the second night, I was able to hear a Northern
Saw-whet Owl on the private ranch where I was staying. A hike
around the area did not however produce a sighting of the bird.
Friday, I headed back to Denver by way of Trinidad. I looked briefly
at last year's locations of Hepatic Tanager and Grace's Warbler.
Neither birds were around this trip (or reported this year).
A request to search for the previous Acorn Woodpecker, Eurasian
Collared-Dove, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak was never connected,
so I did not go up to Aguilar for a look. The weather was poor
and getting worse, so I did not stay until dark to search for owls
along highway 165 as planned.
I returned to Denver in time to go by the eastern side of Cherry Creek
Reservoir. The Black-chinned Hummingbird was back at one of his
favorite trees at the southeast corner of the fence around the
Ranger's Office. I watched the bird fly over to the hummingbird
feeder at Auckland and Whittaker Streets, then headed for home.
Trip to Big Johnson Reservoir 6/22
Donna Fortney and I headed down to Big Johnson Reservoir (El Paso
County) to search for the Royal Tern. It was leisure trip as the
tern was being reported most often between 3:00-330pm.
Along Castlewood Canyon Road (west side of Castlewood Canyon
State Park) we found 2 male Bobolinks in their usual field. The wet
field 0.4 miles south of the Winkler Ranch Entrance is best.
The WR entrance is 1.5 miles south of the southern entrance to the
State Park. The rancher is starting to harvest his fields, so the
Bobolinks may soon be forced to move. Also observed along the road
were 2 Western Bluebirds (where roads runs west-east, bluebird box
42) and 7 Mountain Bluebirds (where road runs north-south).
We next drove over to Elbert County Road (Elbert County) and took it
south to Highway 24 and Colorado Springs. Three or four Dickcissels
were observed in the field 4.1 miles south of highway 86 (usual
field). Many Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles were also
here; no Bobolinks have been found this year. Again the rancher is
harvesting his fields and the Dickcissels may soon be forced to move.
Approximately 0.8 miles north of Highway 24, we came upon a sparrow
singing from the barbwire fence. A Cassin's Sparrow gave us great
views for about 5 minutes before we continued our trip.
Finally reaching Big Johnson Reservoir, the Royal Tern was nowhere
to be seen from the parking area. We did see a Common Tern,
4 Forster's Terns, and 2 unidentified small terns. I eventually
decided to hike to the north side of the reservoir (which must be
about a mile walk along the Bluestem Prairie Open Space trail).
Curiously, others have stated that the walk was useless and MOST
of the reservoir can be observed from the northeast corner.
When I arrived at the northern end, I found a large black-headed
tern "hiding" among two-dozen American White Pelicans.
I watched the tern for 20 minutes or more before seeing it's
underwings, back, head, and bill well enough to determine it
was the Royal Tern or not?
The last of our daylight was used as I hiked back to the North end
of the reservoir for another look at the tern.
Back to Gregory Canyon, Boulder County 6/21
My birding choices Monday were to drive 60 miles south and
miss the Royal Tern for the third time or drive 20 miles north
and miss the Blue-winged Warbler for the fourth time.
The shorter trip won the mental coin toss.
When I arrived in Boulder it was raining as hard as I have ever
experienced in Colorado. I walked around for 2.5 hours in the
deluge at Gregory Canyon. Once in a while, the rain would
change to just a steady downpour, which was welcomed.
In the first five minutes of my visit, the Blue-winged Warbler
was observed briefly in the thickets just north of the Saddle Rock
Trailhead along the Gregory Trail. Over the next 2 hours, it would
come to the outside edge of the thickets several times before I
procured a sufficient view of it. Once he was directly overhead
and allowed good looks of his distinctive yellow underparts and
white undertail coverts.
Surprisingly, the Hooded Warbler sang several times during my stay.
The male bird was heard just west of the restrooms. Once he briefly
came out of the bushes looking east to the parking area.
It is always amazing to me how many birds will sing in the rain.
Perhaps once one sings, the others cannot let the airwaves be
filled with only that bird's songs. I heard singing Gray Catbirds,
Black-headed Grosbeaks, Warbling Vireos, and Spotted Towhees.
My bird count along this 0.3-mile walk from trailhead to Baseline
Road was: Black-headed Grosbeak (3 males, 2 females) Gray Catbird
(11) Spotted Towhee (5) Blue-winged Warbler (1 male) Hooded Warbler
(1 male) Warbling Vireo (5) Song Sparrow (2) House Finch (1 male).
A male Warbling Vireo fed a female Warbling Vireo on a nest several times.
The torrent rains stretched the limits of my rain gear. Eventually I was
soaked and departed, however enjoyed the birding experience much.
In late afternoon, chores took me by Cherry Creek Reservoir
(Arapahoe County). I finally discovered one of the favorite
hummingbird feeders of the Black-chinned Hummingbird.
He visited several times in 30 minutes the feeder at
Auckland and Whittaker Streets.
For those that have not read it in my Trip Reports on the CoBus
website, I pass the subdivision of homes along Parker Road many
times while on chores. One can drive in on Chenango Drive and
follow it around to the eastern edge of Cherry Creek Reservoir.
The Black-chinned Hummingbird favors the trees with dead branches
along the fence line here (especially the one at the southeast
corner of fence surrounding the ranger's office). You can see
all the way to the parking area (where the bird sometimes wanders).
This is private property, please be respectful. The gates are
usually closed on the weekends and after 5:30pm on weekdays.
I asked for permission once and was told that when the gates
were open, driving through was okay.
Clear Creek County 6/20
We headed toward the mountains to bird Sunday.
Fortune shined on us today. We found a male and juvenile male
American Three-toed Woodpecker at the Guanella Pass Campground
(Clear Creek County). The male visited one of his favorite trees
along the main road and about 20 yards from the restrooms. The
juvenile was observed in the woods about 65 yards southeast of here.
It took four of us equipped with radios about 2.75 hours to find a
White-tailed Ptarmigan on Guanella Pass. Then shortly after that
we found 2 additional birds (that was okay)! The first bird was
300 yards south (uphill) of the intersection of the Rosalie & 603
trails. The bird was 150 yards west of the 603 trail (in one of
the gullies). We then went to the top of the hill, hiked east, and
dropped down about 120 yards to the Rosalie Trail. Then hiked
the Rosalie Trail north and west back to our car. A pair of
White-tailed Ptarmigan was the bowl 100 yards (west/uphill) from
the Rosalie Trail (as it runs directly north-south).
Other birds observed along this hike and a walk down to the pond
below the parking area included Brewer's Sparrow (we believe might
be Timberline), Wilson's Warblers, Horned Lark, White-crowned
Sparrows, 1 MacGillivray's Warbler, and a Prairie Falcon (flyover).
Another highlight was a gray form Fox Sparrow. Was it late
migrating or trying to nest in the area (interesting question).
We stopped several times on the way back to Georgetown looking for
Swamp Sparrows (seen in previous summers); without success. We did
come across a pair of Pine Grosbeaks, 1 male Williamson's Sapsucker
(Clear Creek GC), and 3 Red-naped Sapsuckers. Mountain Chickadees,
Lesser Goldfinches, and Pine Siskins were numerous.
Our final stop of the day was Empire (Clear Creek County).
Two Band-tailed Pigeons were back at Main & Sunny Avenues.
Several Cassin's Finches also visited the feeders.
Pawnee National Grasslands 6/19
Four of us headed north to bird Saturday.
We again missed the Blue-winged Warbler at Gregory Canyon in Boulder
(Boulder County). The Hooded Warbler was along the creek and east
of the restrooms. No sign of a Black-throated Blue Warbler. We did
see several Broad-tailed Hummingbirds, a Virginia's Warbler, and a
male Black-headed Grosbeak. A male Lazuli Bunting was 200 yards up
the west trail.
We next headed to Pawnee National Grasslands (Weld). Two Mountain
Plover were quickly found at Highway 14 and CR 51. Another was seen
on the hill at the intersections of CR 51 & 90. Burrowing Owls were
found at Hwy 14 & CR 5 and CR 94 and CR 61.
We searched for Cassin's Sparrows at the reported site CR 96 & 49;
without success. There are quite a few reports of Cassin's Sparrows
on the Pawnee National Grasslands this year. We however were not
able to find any all day. While searching for Cassin's Sparrows
in the field north of CR 92 & 65, we came across another Mountain
Plover (about 0.8 miles north of intersection and 0.4 miles west
of the gravel road heading north of this intersection).
It took quite a while to find a Chestnut-collared Longspur.
Finally we found one about 0.2 miles north of CR 96 (about
0.3 miles East of the windmill located 2.0 miles west of CR 77.
McCown's Longspurs were no problem as they were all over the place.
We also were fortunate enough to come across two Ferruginous Hawks
and see a Prairie Falcon fly by.
Crow Valley Campground was relatively quiet. Several Common
Nighthawks, a Brown Thrasher, Orchard Oriole, Bullock's Oriole,
House Wren, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Northern Mockingbird
were observed.
We sat for an hour at the Upland Sandpiper field along highway 392
(approximately 7-8 miles south of Briggsdale). No Upland Sandpipers
flew up out of the top grasses.
Ran out of daylight and we headed back to Denver. Two additional
Burrowing Owls were observed along Weld CR 42; 0.6 miles
East of Kersey Road.
Search for a Royal Tern 6/18
Another cobirder and I traveled down to Bluestem Prairie Open Space
and Big Johnson Reservoir (El Paso County) in hopes that the
Royal Tern had stayed the night. We were not able to find the bird in
a two-hour search. One or two Common Terns, several Forster's Terns,
and four Black Terns were there however. It drizzled most of our
time there and few birds moved about except for the hundreds of
swallows (Barn, Violet-green, Northern Rough-winged, Cliff, and
Tree). The lake held hundreds of Western Grebes, several Double-
crested Cormorants, and a few Great Blue Herons (along the shoreline).
Our next stop was Fountain Creek Regional Park (El Paso).
Birding was slow here, however we did find Song Sparrows,
Common Yellowthroats, House Wrens, Blue Jays, and one
Clark's Grebe (on South Rice's Pond). A Mississippi Kite had
been found the day before; unfortunately we did not see it today.
From there we headed up to Green Mountain Falls. Visibility was
close to zero and we could not see any Black Swifts flying around
(if they even were doing so). Eight Band-tailed Pigeons stood in
the trees next to the last two houses up Hondo Avenue (near gate
to Catamount Falls). Several Cassin's Finches sang in the fir trees.
It took quite a while to find them hiding from the rain and fog.
Our final stop was Castlewood Canyon Road. Weather had gotten
worse, which we had not believed possible. Again visibility was
down to 20 feet and rain poured down. A Bobolink flew up briefly
at the usual field (East side of road, 0.3 miles south of the entrance
to the Winkler ranch, 1.5 miles south of the State Park entrance).
Several Mountain Bluebirds flew about Castlewood Canyon Road
(where it runs north-south). A Western Bluebird caught bugs
and fed a mate at bluebird box 42 (where road runs east-west).
Rain came down faster and we retreated to home.
Arapahoe, Denver, and Adams Counties 6/17
I met up with Steve Spencer and another cobirder and we searched for
the Rose-breasted and Blue Grosbeaks reported by Steve Kennedy at
Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County). The weather was sunny
with calm winds until 11:00am; then storm clouds rolled in to the park.
Our search area was from Shop Creek parking area, along the trail
west to Cherry Creek, then south along the paved path running
along the east side of the creek south back to the main road.
This is about a 1-mile loop.
We heard a grosbeak about 150 yards south of the Shop Creek and
Cherry Creek trails. The melodious song was smooth like a Rose-
breasted Grosbeak and not choppy like that of the Black-headed
Grosbeak. After a while, a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak appeared
in the tall cottonwoods that border the large open field to the south.
Other birds encountered along the loop (in order of appearance)
included Bullock's Orioles, Yellow-breasted Chat, Song Sparrows,
1 Lincoln's Sparrow, House Finches, American Goldfinches,
2 Lesser Goldfinches, many American Robins, a dozen
Brewer's Blackbirds, many Red-winged Blackbirds,
a Red-tailed Hawk, a Swainson's Hawk, and 2 Black-billed Magpies.
We made the loop twice however never found the Blue Grosbeak.
Then we headed up to the Ranger's Station where a male
Black-chinned Hummingbird stood on the leafless limbs on
the trees around the parking area. He moved around several
times going southeast for several hundred yards and to the
west side of the office building. We never observed two birds
at the same time.
During our watch, a male American Kestrel caught a field mouse
in front of us. After taking a few bites, he flew over to the
kestrel box and fed his mate.
The Black-chinned Hummingbird flew all the way down to the Shop
Creek parking area. We followed him down, however when he
returned back toward the Ranger's office, we left. I made a
final loop around Shop Creek again not finding the Blue Grosbeak.
My next stop was a bike ride along the 3-mile east side of Rocky
Mountain Arsenal (Denver/Adams counties). This road is now closed
to motor vehicles (not walk-ins or bikes). Seven Burrowing Owls
were observed (mostly north of the Eagle Watch Bunker, both sides
of Buckley Road). A Grasshopper Sparrow was observed on the fence
0.4 miles north of the bunker. Other birds found included
Bullock's Orioles, 1 Loggerhead Shrike, Black-billed Magpies,
American Robins, Song Sparrows, and several Brewer's Sparrows.
My final trek was driving the DIA owl loop. Five Burrowing Owls
were observed 3.4 miles East of Tower Road and 96th avenue.
Another 3 Burrowing Owls were found at the intersection of
Powhaton Road and 128th avenue.
Boulder & Arapahoe Counties 6/13
Bryan Ehlmann and I searched for the Blue-winged Warbler reported
yesterday morning by Loch Kilpatrick at Gregory Canyon in Boulder;
without any luck unfortunately. We did briefly see the Hooded
Warbler. After dark we found two Common Poorwill along the east
side of Gross Reservoir. A Flammulated Owl on Flagstaff Mt Road.
And a Northern Pygmy Owl along the south side of Gross Reservoir.
We could not find any owls at Walden Ponds or the trail west of
Baseline Reservoir. Did not get back to Denver until 5:30am,
it was a long interesting night.
Specific location of Flammulated Owl search: Driving up Flagstaff
Mountain from Boulder you pass restaurant on north side of road.
Continue past here to first road that drops down from Flagstaff
Road. We played a tape at the first pullover near here. Note:
You are still in the park where a daily pass is required to stop.
Specific location of Northern Pygmy-Owl: We stopped and parked
near the sign with map of Gross Reservoir (south end of the reservoir,
near manager's office/home). We then hiked west into the property.
Our technique was to play a tape about every 0.1 miles.
Success was had at our third stop!
Specific location of Common Poorwills: Drive South along the road
that goes north to south along the East side of Gross Reservoir.
The road drops down and turns sharply left (East). There is then
a switchback going down and west (this then turns back south).
We stopped every 0.1 miles and played a Common Poorwill tape.
Success was had at the turn where road headed south again.
Specific location of Hooded Warbler: We were quite fortunate
that the bird was along the stream in the thick foliage just
southeast of the main parking area!
In the afternoon, I went over to Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe
County). The Black-chinned Hummingbird was back at his usual tree
southeast of the corner of fence surrounding the ranger's office.
I did not go into the State Park (as I sometimes do). Instead,
a good look of the area can be obtained from the subdivision off
Parker Road. The gates are not always open (mostly not weekends);
occasionally I get lucky as I pass while doing chores. The gates
have always been open weekdays (at least to 5:30pm). I go in
and out of this area by way of East Chenango Drive.
Remember to respect private property (as this is obviously
to be a gated community someday soon).
Cherry Creek Area 6/12
What a beautiful day Friday was! Maybe winds were a little strong
in the afternoon, but the chill from the mountain winds kept the
temperatures quite agreeable!
Steve Spencer, Mike Williams, Bryan Ehlmann and I counted birds at
Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County). We are in the middle of
nesting time and for the most part the only birds found were the
usual. Virginia Rails, Soras, and Wilson's Snipe can be found at
the southern end of the 12-mile picnic area beaver pond.
Cottonwood Creek Wetlands pond is slow. American Coots and White
Pelicans swam around the lake. We did not find any Green Herons.
Our two highlights were a Caspian Tern on the sandbar in the
southeast corner of the reservoir. Eventually this bird flew
towards the dam. Second, a Black-chinned Hummingbird continues
to stand sentinel on the dead limbs of trees along the fence
behind (East) of the Ranger’s Offices (East side of park).
In the afternoon, several of us played golf at Kennedy Golf Course
(below the Cherry Creek dam). The course is quite birdy. Many
birds were observed including Double-crested Cormorant, Black-
crowned Night-Heron, Great Blue Heron, American Robins (many),
Common Grackle, Western Wood-pewee, 1 Cordilleran Flycatcher!,
Yellow Warbler (12+), Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler,
a Red-tailed Hawk, 2 Swainson's Hawks, and European Starling.
The highlight was a male Chestnut-sided Warbler. This bird was 450
yards upstream along Cherry Creek from Dartmouth & Havana streets.
It was in the trees around the 3rd tee of the Creek Course.
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