Rich Stevens' Bird Trips
June 2001
Cherry Creek Reservoir 6/29
Rebecca Kosten and I traveled to Cherry Creek Reservoir in the late afternoon.
The skies clouded over at 7:30pm and temperatures cooled into the 80s.
Few birds stood on the telephone poles around the southwest marina.
One Great Blue Heron and one adult Black-crowned Night-Heron waited for fish.
We observed 10 additional Black-crowned Night-Herons at the wetlands east of
the Prairie Loop. One Green Heron also hunted for food here. Four Killdeer
were joined by three American Avocets. The area is drying up quickly.
The marsh along the main road and just west of where Cherry Creek crosses
under it is also drying up quickly. The Soras and Common Snipe found here
just last week have now moved on to wetter locations.
Jackson County 6/26-6/29
I spent four days up in the Colorado State Forest 80 miles west of Fort Collins.
The weather was sunny except for the summer afternoon rainstorms. I knew it
was hot down on the plains because it got quite warm most afternoons up here.
When it is hot at 9,000-11,000 feet, the plains must be also.
I did not find any unusual birds during my stay. Birds observed were
Red-naped Sapsuckers, Williamson's Sapsuckers, Swainson's Hawks,
Swainson's Thrushes, MacGillivray's Warblers, Wilson's Warblers,
Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and Townsend's Solitaires.
A male Rufous Hummingbird was observed visiting feeders in Gould on Tuesday 26th.
He was seen again on Friday 29th afternoon. No Calliope Hummingbirds appeared.
Birds heard were a Flammulated Owl and Boreal Owl. Both owl species
were in areas, which giving directions would be difficult. They were a
two-day hike from a drivable road. Motorized vehicles are not allowed
in the forest with exception of the few landowners who need access to
their property. Fortunately one of my friends lives in the area and
I did not have to hike that far.
One evening I drove to Steamboat and north to Hahn's Peak. I searched for
White-winged Crossbills near the sightings of August 6, 1997; without success.
This was at the junction of FR 500 & FR 550.
Just east of here is King Solomon's Creek. While hiking a mile up the creek
I found three gray-headed Fox Sparrows. Several MacGillivray's and Wilson's
Warblers were watched while I sat an hour back where the creek crossed FR 550.
I enjoy birding and camping in this beautiful area close to the Wyoming border
where there is always the possibility of a White-winged Crossbill sighting.
Many Sandhill Cranes were observed as I drove through Steamboat State Park.
They included adults and some immatures. Mountain Bluebirds flew about also.
An Osprey stood on one of the telephone poles along the main road into
the Arapahoe National Wildlife Refuge. Another treat was seeing a
Peregrine Falcon fly rapidly by while I was driving along highway 14.
Four Willets were observed as I passed Walden Reservoir on the trip back to
the Colorado State Forest. A brief stop at Delaney Buttes Wildlife Area
did not produce a Greater Sage-Grouse sighting this trip.
I did not find any Blue Grouse during this trip either.
Mt. Evans Wildlife Area 6/25
Ira Sanders and I spent several hours searching for the "possible"
Black-backed Woodpecker (sighted Saturday) in Mt. Evans WLA (Jefferson County).
We enjoyed no success in our endeavor; however enjoyed the hike through
the quiet (no people), but busy forest. Highlights were watching a
male Williamson's Sapsucker continually return to a small group of Aspens
and surely feeding young. Two Mountain Bluebirds frequently visited
a nesting box and were probably feeding young also.
One Swainson's Thrush collected bugs several yards from us.
We could hear several Yellow-rumped Warblers and Ruby-crowned Kinglets
making their presence known high up in the fir trees.
Many Chipping Sparrows and a first year Western Tanager flew by also.
An adult Red-tailed Hawk and Turkey Vulture hunted overhead too.
A flock of 14 Clark's Nutcrackers flew quickly through.
The highlight was finding a Northern Goshawk (probably female) along
the road north of the parking area. The bird was coarsely barred below
and therefore felt to be a female. The handsome bird is hard to mistake
with its blue-gray back and black cheek and crown.
Afterwards, we headed up to Windsor Lake (Weld County).
The notable bird there was a Common Tern.
We watched the bird with its black-tipped red-orange bill and
wings extended beyond the tail. We could clearly see the white
tail with its dark outer webs also. The bird was good cooperative
to fly around for us so we could see the distinctive dark wedge on its wings.
We returned several hours later and the bird was still standing on
the sandbar in the middle of the lake.
We drove over to Strauss Cabin Lake (Larimer County) next.
An adult alternate plumage Least Tern was flying overhead and
landed on the near shoreline for us to observe for several minutes.
The Pacific Loon was still there along with five Caspian Terns.
The Tricolored Heron did not make an appearance in the hour
we watched the lake.
Birds Along The Front Range 6/22
I stayed around home this morning doing a few chores in hope that someone
would find the Tricolored Heron at Strauss Cabin Lake near Fort Collins.
Thanks much to Steve Dinsmore for reporting the bird around noon.
I picked up Donna Fortney and we headed north to Strauss Cabin Lake
(Larimer County). The Pacific Loon was easy to spot.
Eight Caspian Terns flew in while we searched for the heron.
After an hour and 20 minutes, the Tricolored Heron flew in from
a nook in the northeast corner of the lake.
Twenty-two Snowy Egrets also walked about. A small
black-capped tern flew by and overhead for a short bit of
time before it disappeared to the south.
We drove by Barr Lake (Adams County) on the trip back to Denver.
An interesting heron, possible Little Blue Heron was in the wetlands
south and east of Picadilly Road and 152nd avenue.
Concerning the heron has anyone observed this bird (please write
me if you have any further details). It looked similar to an adult
nonbreeding Little Blue Heron in color and shape with a white head
and some white patches in its wings. Anyone know if the molting
pattern of a white immature Little Blue Heron would produce such a bird?
The bird eventually flew to the marshes below the dam at Barr Lake.
I then drove my favorite owl loop south of Barr Lake.
No burrowing owls were 0.5 miles south of Picadilly Road and 128th avenue.
There were only three Burrowing Owls 0.7 miles east of Picadilly Road and
120th avenue. Three Swainson's Hawks stood in the middle of this prairie
dog village. We were amazed that in the field to the south of 120th avenue,
a minimum of 56 additional Swainson's Hawks was counted as we headed
east toward Trussville Road. Another 8 Swainson's Hawks were counted
in the field north of 114th avenue (north of DIA runways).
Five more Burrowing Owls were at the prairie dog village 3.4 miles
east of Tower Road and 96th avenue. Two Killdeer and one Wilson's
Phalarope walked about the flooded field on the east side of the road.
Birding the Western Slope 6/18-6/21
I finished up an eleven-day trip to the western slope last night
(felt like I was gone a month). The trip included exploring
some new locations and returning to some old favorites.
Monday 18
My trip continued from Montrose around to the Uncompahgre Plateau
as described by Holt "A Birder's Guide to Colorado" (Montrose County).
Investigating the groups of trees on top of the plateau is always intriguing.
Carson's Hole produced sightings of White-throated Swifts and two
Red-naped Sapsuckers. The Telephone Pole trail is a captivating oasis
on top of the plateau. I found several Williamson's Sapsuckers,
Lewis's Woodpeckers, Mountain Bluebirds, Western Wood-pewees and
2 Grace's Warblers. A Flammulated Owl called in the early morning.
Tuesday 19
I swung around to Ouray (Ouray County) where two Black Swifts flew
around Box Canyon Falls. Few birds were found while walking around town;
however exploring this small mountain town is always fascinating.
(I enjoyed a great breakfast anyway).
Afterwards, I drove to the top of Camp Bird Road in search of Rosy Finches
and White-tailed Ptarmigan, however neither was found. Two Pine Grosbeaks,
a flock of Red Crossbills, and a Three-toed Woodpecker were located.
Next I drove up Kepler Pass Road (Gunnison) to the old cemetery. I searched
several hours where a possible Black-backed Woodpecker was reported last fall.
I then headed west and north to McClure Pass (Gunnison County).
While hiking Old McClure Pass road, I observed a Blue Grouse near sunset.
I always enjoy hiking this road, which ends at private property about 2 miles
east of the pass summit. I suppose the lack of people using this road makes
it appealing. Several MacGillivray's Warblers flew about the willows along
the road. One Purple Martin flew by below the cliffs (I could not relocate
him in the morning?). After dark, a Northern Pygmy-Owl called from southwest
of the road (this would be toward the campground that is accessed from hwy 133).
Others have found nesting Chestnut-sided Warblers in the past;
they continue to elude me however.
Wednesday 20
After having breakfast with a friend who lives near Marble, I hiked up
the road to Schofield Pass. White-tailed Ptarmigan were found in the past;
none were sighted today. Williamson's Sapsuckers, Red-naped Sapsuckers,
and several small flocks of Red Crossbills were observed during the hike.
I continue to hold out hope that White-winged Crossbill will show up here.
There was a flock of 9 Band-tailed Pigeons around my friend's home.
Visiting birders can search this small group of homes and the falls above.
Please respect that the area including roads are private property.
The campground near highway 133 did not add to my trip list.
I looked again for nesting Purple Martins below McClure pass;
none could be found. Yesterday I watched a male Purple Martin;
where he disappeared to, confounds me.
Thursday 21
I camped overnight at A.M. Bailey Bird Sanctuary in Summit County.
In the morning, two Fox Sparrows and three Empidonax species
(Dusky, Hammond's, Cordilleran) were found.
A male Williamson's Sapsucker was in the aspens east of the sanctuary.
Feeling energetic, I decided to hike up the road several miles.
The road ends in about two miles and the faintly defined trail becomes
rather steep. The bird(s) of the day were a female White-tailed Ptarmigan
and two young. They were located approximately 2.5 miles north of A.M. Bailey.
On the trip back to my car, a male Three-toed Woodpecker was heard and
located in the woods (approx. 0.5 north of the parking area).
This is not far from last year's sightings.
I had heard a Three-toed Woodpecker drumming earlier on the west side
of Rock Creek, west of the pasture (park) at the sanctuary.
However, the creek was too deep to cross for a closer look.
My trek next took me to the Guanella Pass summit (Clear Creek County)
where I gave the White-tailed Ptarmigan an hour to make an appearance.
None did, and I left. Many White-crowned Sparrows and several
Brewer's Sparrows were in the willows along the Rosalie Trail.
A female Three-toed Woodpecker was located just south and east of
Guanella Pass campground as I headed back to Georgetown.
A hike around the campground did not produce any Pine Grosbeak sightings.
Many Wilson's Warblers and a two MacGillivray's Warblers were watched.
I reached home, exhausted and full of great memories of the birding trip.
Birding the Western Slope 6/15-6/17
I continued my western slope birding trip through the weekend.
Temperatures were in the high 90s. Still no Common Black-Hawk sighting.
Friday 15
I headed up Escalante Wildlife Area (E. Walker tract) (Delta County).
Eleven Chukars were in the rancher's field 2-3 miles west of highway 50
(first ranch on south side of road). I walked around the sagebrush area to
the north and found two Sage Sparrows. While hiking the road I also
observed a Western Wood-pewee, Say's Phoebe, and Great Blue Heron.
I went owling up the road past the campground after dark; heard no owls.
Saturday 16
At first light, I found a male Scott's Oriole in the small group of trees
south of I70 (exit 2) (Mesa County). I also checked Brewster's Ridge
CR M.8 & Utah border) and the north end of Mesa CR 18 (without success).
I wandered around Rabbit Valley north of I70 and checked several locations
that I had found Scott's Orioles in the past. No additional Scott's Orioles
were found. At the location mentioned by Holt along CR M.6 I observed a
Rock Wren, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Mockingbird, 2 Ash-throated
Flycatchers, and 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. While camping, a Northern
Mockingbird kept me up as it called most of the night.
Sunday 17
At first light, I walked south of the southeastern entrance to the
Colorado National Monument (Mesa) and found 2 Gambel's Quail.
The CNM added Gray Vireo, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Plumbeous Vireo,
Cassin's Kingbird, Western Kingbird and Lazuli Bunting to my trip list.
Seven Black-chinned Hummingbirds appeared at the southeast picnic area.
Later in the hot afternoon, I searched for additional Scott's Orioles.
Again I did not enjoy any further success.
I ended my day back at the Black Canyon National Monument (Montrose County).
A Blue Grouse walked across the main road near the western end.
Two Common Poorwills and half a dozen White-throated Swifts were also
added to my day list. No Peregrine Falcons or Common Black-Hawks found.
Birding the Western Slope 6/11-6/14
I have enjoyed a good week of birding with some interesting weather
thrown in to the mix. I went from birding the San Luis Valley in
90-degree temperatures to trying to avoid snow the last few days.
Monday 11
My trek centered around trying to locate Bendire's Thrashers in the
San Luis Valley. Many Sage Thrashers and a flock of 14 Pinyon Jays
were located in the FR 660 (Saguache County) area.
Russell Lakes area produced few surprises.
Tuesday 12
The search for Bendire's Thrashers continued north of Del Norte.
I left the San Luis Valley in time to be at Wolf Creek Pass (Mineral)
in the late afternoon. Two Black Swifts appeared while I sat for
two hours at the western overlook. Many Tree Swallows flew around also.
My day ended at Fosset Gulch Road (Archuleta County); site of the
June 23, 1999 Whip-poor-will sighting. Several Cordilleran and
Hammond's Flycatchers were encountered during a 2-mile hike up the road.
Wednesday 13
Traveling to Vallecito Reservoir (La Plata County) during the night,
I heard a Flammulated Owl near the same location as 1999.
Few birds were observed in the morning around the reservoir.
Two Acorn Woodpeckers were at their usual location at Wildcat Canyon
(La Plata) in the mid morning. A Grace's Warbler flew about the
evergreen trees at the end of the road.
McPhee Reservoir (Montezuma County) added few birds to the trip list.
My trek next took me through Cortez to Slick Rock (San Miguel County).
I setup two hummingbird feeders (on my red car) and walked several miles
south up highway 141. A Gray Vireo and several Ash-throated Flycatchers
were observed during the hike. When I returned to my car, the hummingbird
feeders were being visited by two Black-chinned Hummingbirds.
I searched for thrashers along hwy 141 during a four mile hike after driving
into Disappointment Valley several miles east of Slick Rock.
My next target was Black Phoebes. I stopped at several bridges over the
San Miguel River as I drove up hwy 141 to Uravan. Two Black Phoebes were
observed from the first bridge south of Uravan.
At Uravan, another Black-chinned Hummingbird was found along with a
pair of Blue Grosbeaks. Andrews & Righter "Colorado Birds" does not show
Blue Grosbeaks as being common in western Montrose County.
I rushed to Montrose to avoid the incoming weather.
Thursday 14
My plan was to rest most of today. I headed over to the Black Canyon
National Monument (Montrose County) ever watching the skies above
in hopes of a sighting of the Common Black-Hawk (CBHA) reported by
Steve Dinsmore on June 9 (without success; there is always tomorrow).
A Blue Grouse walked across the road at the first turnout/trail west of
the manager's office. White-throated Swifts flew through the canyon.
No CBHA or Peregrine Falcons came through during my stay.
The weather improved today; however winds were 10-20 mph.
My plan is to head north for Chukars, Sage Sparrows, and
Black-throated Sparrows tomorrow. However, I hope to return
in a day or two for another chance sighting of the CBHA.
Cherry Creek Reservoir 6/10
Donna Fortney and I made a quick trip to CCK Reservoir today.
Winds were strong; temperatures were in the low 90s.
The Caspian Tern did not make an appearance during our 2-hour visit.
A Great Blue Heron and Black-crowned Night-Heron were at the Southwest marina.
The many people at the reservoir kept most of the birds hidden.
A pair of Western Kingbirds were building a nest behind the restrooms.
A Sora and Common Snipe were heard in the marsh, east of the parking area,
west of where Cherry Creek runs under the main road.
The northeast entrance was "guarded" by the Red-tailed Hawk with
leather strap on its leg (possible escapee from a Falconer).
Birding Metro Denver 6/6
Sue Dorsey and I checked several previous bird sightings. Skies were clear;
the temperature reached 80 degrees; and winds were quite strong.
We had an enjoyable time at Red Rocks Park in spite of not finding the
male Golden-winged Warbler reported Tuesday.
Eight White-throated Swifts flew around at the tunnel. We watched them put on
a show for about 30 minutes and were surprised at the speed of their flight.
They flew within a few feet of us on several of their passes overhead.
A Canyon Wren sang on the rocks above the White-throated Swifts' nests.
We searched the ditch east and north of the Trading Post for two hours for
the Golden-winged Warbler. Many Bullock's Orioles, a Virginia Warbler,
two Yellow Warblers, and a Yellow-breasted Chat were found however.
A male Indigo Bunting was in the draw 0.2 miles north of the Trading Post.
Two Lazuli Buntings were along the creek just north of the chapel.
We then traveled a mile over to Morrison Park on Bear Creek Road.
The Eastern Wood-Pewee was singing and calling about 30 yards south of
the red bridge. A Western Wood-Pewee called at 70 yards south of the
bridge and provided a nice comparison of the two calls!
Our next stop was Cherry Creek Reservoir. We sat near the southwest marina
for 2 hours. The Caspian Tern did not appear during our stay.
One adult Herring Gull was among the many Ring-billed and few
California Gulls on the telephone poles that border the marina.
We found one Sora in the marsh east of the parking area west of where
Cherry Creek crosses under the main road. Two Common Snipe were
"kicked up" about 60 yards north of the main road.
Few other uncommon birds were found during our 3-hour stay.
Winds had become increasingly strong by 6:00pm.
Cherry Creek Reservoir 6/5
I biked through Cherry Creek Reservoir at 4:30pm Tuesday.
The afternoon was fantastic with cool 60 degree temps and partly cloudy skies.
The Caspian Tern first found by Paul Langendorfer on Monday was at
the southwest marina from 5:00 to 6:30pm. Three Great Blue Herons
also stood on the telephone poles that surround the marina.
A Black-crowned Night-Heron flew overhead during my visit.
I found several interesting birds at the marsh just east of the parking area
west of where the main road is crossed by Cherry Creek. Two Soras came out
of the weeds 15 yards north of the main road. I could hear the winnowing of
2 Common Snipe approximately 30 yards further north. A Virginia Rail called
from the cattails on the south side of the main road.
In the trees along the bike path, north of the horse stables I found
three Bullock's Orioles, a Western Kingbird, and a Western Flycatcher.
A male Western Tanager flew by also.
A male Kestrel was guarding the Kestrel box near the north entrance to the park.
One Red-tailed Hawk flew over the fields south of the same entrance.
A Great Horned Owl called at the southeast corner of the campground.
Return to Welchester Tree Park; Jefferson County 6/4
I returned to W.T.P. to search for Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Northern Waterthrush
reported yesterday. It was foggy, rainy, and cool most of my 3-hour search.
The male Rose-breasted Grosbeak was singing near the canal bridge as I arrived.
I did not locate the Yellow-billed Cuckoo or Northern Waterthrush.
A Red-eyed Vireo was in trees northeast of the creek bridge.
One Plumbeous Vireo was northwest of the creek bridge; a second was northwest
of the canal bridge. Few other birds were moving around in the soupy weather.
Few birds were observed during a three-hour search at Wheat Ridge Greenbelt.
Weld County 6/2
I accompanied the DFO on their trip through the Pawnee National Grasslands.
The weather was superb with 70-degree temps and mild afternoon winds.
An Upland Sandpiper was in the field on the west side of highway 392
7.2 miles south of highway 14 & hwy 392. The bird flew in full view
to the pasture on the east side of the road.
Crow Valley Campground was slow. We did see a Red-headed Woodpecker
in the northern section (uncommon for this location). An Olive-sided Flycatcher
stood atop willows in the southwest section. The only warblers of the day were
Yellow Warblers. Several Swainson's Thrushes were the only thrushes observed.
Two Chimney Swifts were my first ever observed on Pawnee National Grasslands.
Three Common Nighthawks also flew over/through the campground.
The campground was full of Western Wood-Pewees, Bullock's Orioles,
House Wrens, Western Kingbirds and Orchard Orioles. An occasional
Lark Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, and Eastern Kingbird also appeared.
We found many McCown's Longspur and three Chestnut-collared Longspur
on the self-guided car tour north of the campground. The most promising
location was west of Murphy's Pasture.
Directions: Go 3 miles north of Crow Valley CG on paved CR 77. Turn into
grasslands on CR 96. Drive 1.6 miles west and search pasture to north of road.
You are about 0.3 miles from the road to the windmill southwest of CR 96.
We stuck out in our search of Mountain Plover. Many locations were checked
and no birds were to be found.
A Burrowing Owl was observed just southwest of CR 61 & CR 94.
While stopped at CR 63 & CR 94, we observed a Kingbird. The group
identified the bird as a Cassin's Kingbird. The bird was quite dark
gray for a kingbird with little white anywhere on the tail. I could not
convince myself that it was a Cassin's Kingbird and for me it remained
unidentifiable.
Few birds were on the mud flats south of Lower Latham Reservoir. I did see
one Red-necked Phalarope among many Wilson's Phalaropes.
One Savannah Sparrow flew up from the tall grasses along the road and
gave us a 30 second viewing. A male Great-tailed Grackle was observed
north of CR 48 and later another flew over Beebe Draw Ponds.
Another Burrowing Owl was located at CR 45 & CR 46. This was promising
Upland Sandpiper territory (with a sighting of one at CR 46 & CR 47 recently).
None were found today. The Peregrine Falcons that frequent the area
did not fly by during our visit either.
At Beebe Draw Ponds, a pair of Black-necked Stilts was feeding. The bird
of the day was on an eastern pond. One lone White-rumped Sandpiper was
feeding with several Wilson's Phalaropes. The bird eventually flew to the
western ponds (more traditionally known as Beebe Ponds).
We ended the day by being entertained by two young Killdeer just south
of CR 42 at Beebe Ponds (west).
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