Rich Stevens' Bird Trips
March 2005
Birding Around Denver 3/29
Four of us went on the CoBus trip to Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe
County). Temperature was in the high 40s; winds 10-15 mph with
partly sunny skies.
We did not circle the reservoir today as few gulls were observed
upon our arrival. We scoped from the west end of the dam and the
marina. If any uncommon gulls were around, they were in the coves
at mile markers 2.5 & 3.0 (which we could not see).
A few Horned Larks were about all that were seen.
Valerie Barnes & I headed west around 10:00am. We decided to
sit for 2 hours at the wildlife area along the Highline Canal, south
of Quincy. The White-throated Sparrow showed up after about
40 minutes. Today it stayed under the bushes just west of the
wooden footbridge at the north end of the wildlife area.
Half a dozen White-crowned Sparrows were here also.
The Eastern Screech-Owls did not show today. We did talk to
a regular hiker/birder who said the two owls can be heard most
afternoons after 5:00pm. We also observed 3 races of Dark-eyed
Juncos, 2 Pygmy Nuthatches, 2 White-breasted Nuthatches, and
a dozen Black-capped Chickadees.
Our next stop was Chatfield Reservoir (Jefferson/Douglas Counties).
A Sage Sparrow was reported yesterday at Walden Ponds in Boulder,
so I figured perhaps one would show here. We walked around for
3 hours; without success.
However a 1st winter Glaucous Gull and the probable 2nd winter
Glaucous-winged Gull (formerly of Cherry Creek Reservoir and
Marston Reservoir) were on the sand spit by the boat rental place.
It started to rain with a little snow mix as we departed.
We did not find the male Barrow's Goldeneye at McLellan Reservoir.
(North side of C470 from Chatfield Reservoir).
On the way back, we checked Belmar Historic Park (Jefferson)
for American Avocet; without success. Nothing uncommon here.
Wheat Ridge Greenbelt (Jefferson) for Eastern Screech-Owls;
without success. Crown Hill Open Space (Jefferson) where
the adult Mew Gull continues along the northwest shore.
Burrowing Owl count was 2 at DIA Owl Loop (3.4 miles east
of Tower Road & 96th avenue, Adams County).
Sixty+ Great-tailed Grackles continue at the feedlots
0.4 miles South of Picadilly Road & Bromley Lane.
Jefferson County Birds 3/28
It is nice to stay home this week after two weeks of chasing
grouse and prairie chickens around Colorado during snowstorms.
Today the temperature went over 70 degrees; winds were mild.
Valerie Barnes wanted to look for Northern Pygmy-Owls so we timed
our trip to Reynolds Park (Jefferson County) to end near dusk.
We did not find any Northern Pygmy-Owls or Blue Grouse this trip.
We did see the male Three-toed Woodpecker that hangs around the
area of 30 yards south of Oxen Draw & Raven's Roost Trails.
On the trip up we stopped briefly and observed the adult Mew Gull
at Crown Hill Open Space (Jefferson). The Eastern Screech-Owls
were not out at Wheat Ridge Greenbelt.
We checked the east side of Red Rocks Park and the south side
of White Ranch Open Space for owls. None were heard tonight.
East Side of Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge 3/27
Rebecca Kosten & I hiked the eastern side of Rocky Mountain
Arsenal Sunday afternoon. Temperatures reached 65 degrees;
winds were calm.
The hike along Buckley Road from 56th avenue to 88th avenue is
4.0 miles one way. With the road permanently closed to vehicles,
hiking or biking is the only way to see this birdy area.
Traditionally, many nesting pairs of Burrowing Owls can be found
spring through fall. The view was spectacular today because to
the west were the snow covered mountains; Mt Evans, the Never
Summer Range, Longs Peak, and Rocky Mountain National Park.
We hiked the road with the songs of Western Meadowlarks filling
the air. Prairie Dogs let us know with their barking that they
were keeping an eye on us. Two Burrowing Owls were observed
2.2 miles north of 56th avenue & Buckley Road. It is about
the same distance to the owls from either 56th avenue or 88th avenue.
No uncommon birds were observed today; some interesting birds
should be coming through in just a few weeks. We did see 300+
American Robins, 6 adult Red-tailed Hawks, and our first
Swainson's Hawk of 2005! There may have been two or we observed
the same Swainson's Hawk twice? A Killdeer sat on a nest while
another loudly tried to avert our attention away from it.
Later we drove the DIA Owl Loop. There were 3 Burrowing Owls
at the prairie dog village at 3.4 miles east of 96th avenue and
Tower Road (only one was found last Friday).
The prairie dog colony at 0.7 miles east of Picadilly Road and
120th avenue seems to have disappeared. Also the 70+ prairie dogs
at 128th avenue and Powhaton Road also seem to have vanished.
Was there a disease or other factors involved?
The highlight of the Owl Loop was while looking for Burrowing Owls
at the 0.7 miles east of Picadilly Lane & 120th avenue sight,
a Savannah Sparrow flew up from the weeds along the northern fence
line. It perched on the barb wire fence and gave us good looks
for over a minute!
Sixty plus Great-tailed Grackles were at the feed lot 0.4 miles
South of Picadilly Road & Bromley Lane (152nd avenue).
Cherry Creek Reservoir 3/26
Rebecca Kosten & I birded at Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe
County) twice Saturday. Temperatures were in the middle 40s;
winds were mild.
At around 12:00pm, the reported possible Glaucous-winged Gull
was on the beach west of the picnic area (covers look like gull
wings). No gulls were on the southwest marina poles. One 1st
year Glaucous Gull swam 100 yards northwest of the marina.
Most gulls were in the middle of the reservoir and too far away to
identify. An adult and 1st year Bald Eagle were at the Cottonwood
Creek Loop. A few American Tree Sparrows are still at the campgrounds.
A nide of Ring-necked Pheasants was at the old horse stable area.
After an early dinner we returned to Cherry Creek Reservoir at
6:00pm. Now many gulls stood on the southwest marina's poles
(for those not familiar with the area, the telephone poles defining
the outer border of marina). The count was 14 Herring, 1 possible
Glaucous-winged, 3 California, and 151 Ring-billed Gulls. The two
adult Glaucous Gulls reported yesterday never could be found.
Two Double-crested Cormorants joined one American White Pelican.
A dozen additional White Pelicans swam around the reservoir.
Double crested Cormorants numbers were over 40 birds.
On the drive up to the ranger's office, we found a Northern Shrike.
At the 12-mile beaver pond, we observed 2 Virginia Rails
(near group picnic area), 2 Cinnamon Teal, and a Marsh Wren.
Barr Lake & Surrounding Area 3/25
Bryan Ehlmann & I birded around Barr Lake late this afternoon.
It was cloudy and quite dark by 2:00pm; winds were mild.
Great-tailed Grackles were still in the area. We observed
60+ birds at the feeding area just north of the log house
0.4 miles North of Barr Lake's entrance. Another four birds
were at the corral 1.1 miles east of Picadilly & Bromley.
Birders have been checking the DIA Owl Loop for the past week.
We were fortunate to find just one Burrowing Owl at 3.4 miles
East of Tower Road & 96th avenue. The owl was just south of
the bridge and directly west of the fence west of 96th avenue.
We checked the other locations along the route; no additional
owls were found. Two Ferruginous Hawks were along 112th avenue.
We wanted to walk the east side of Rocky Mountain Arsenal, but
were too tired. The road is closed and requires a 4 mile hike
round trip to check the Burrowing Owl/Prairie Dog colonies.
No birds were visiting the feeders at the visitor's center.
We did find a Great Horned Owl north of the Pioneer Trail and
a Barn Owl in the wind breaks. Several Red-tailed Hawks and
one Rough-legged Hawk were also in the park.
Grouse Trip 3/21-3/25
I am sitting home looking out at the snow coming down. It would
be a nice scene except that we have spent the last two weeks
driving around in snowstorms and trying not to get stuck.
This spring so far has been difficult on anyone trying to drive
an 1800-mile grouse tour around Colorado. We again ran into
snowstorms, closed roads, and frankly roads that should not
have been driven.
We did manage to find Greater Prairie-Chickens on Monday. None
were on public access land or roads however. Birds were scarce
in Wray (Yuma County) and at Sandsage Wildlife Area.
Tuesday we watched three Lesser Prairie-Chickens on the Campo Lek.
Western Screech-Owls, Rufous-crowned Sparrows, Canyon Towhees, and
an Eastern Phoebe were seen at Cottonwood Canyon (Baca County).
Mountain Bluebirds dotted the scenery with their bright blue
colors. A Cooper's Hawk sat on a nest east of Carrizo Creek.
Greater Roadrunners were finally observed on the road into Carrizo
Creek Picnic Area. Scaled Quail were found at Picture Canyon.
Absent still are Lark Buntings, Cassin's Sparrows, and any
swallows (to us anyway). When roads were not snow covered,
they had turned to soupy mush from the snow and rain.
We spent a day and a half searching for Gunnison Sage-Grouse;
this week without success. Predicted additional snow convinced
us to return back to Denver Friday afternoon.
Return to Aurora Reservoir 3/21
Inserted by Gary Weston:
"Bryan Ehlmann, Sue Ehlmann, Di Weston, Richard Stevens, Jim Wankel,
Irin Hykan and I returned to Aurora Reservoir this morning.
It was very windy and cold. There were only about half the number
of gulls than Sunday. The two Bonaparte's Gulls and Franklin's
Gulls hunkered down at mile marker 2.5. The adult Lesser Black-
backed Gull was at mile marker 4.5.
We heard some Sandhill Cranes flying overhead, but never saw them.
Other gulls included California, Herring, and many Ring-billed Gulls.
D and I went over to Denver City Park while Richard's group headed East.
Hundreds of Double crested Cormorants are now back at Duck Pond in
Denver City Park. What a change from a week ago when there were
only a dozen. One pair of Black Crowned Night Herons was in a
nest on the lower limbs. It appears that all the higher up DCCO
nests are already taken. No BCNH were on the island in Ferril Lake."
Birding Around Denver 3/20
Six of us circled the 7.8-mile bike path around Aurora Reservoir
this morning. Winds were 10+ mph; temperatures around 55 degrees.
However it felt cold.
It was a gull fest. Perhaps the gulls were influenced by the weather
to head east. We discovered later in the day, as we went westward
the weather got much worse. We saw rain (Cherry Creek Reservoir),
snow (Bass Lake), and sunshine (Aurora Reservoir).
Our gull count was: Lesser Black-backed Gull (adult, probably gull
reported yesterday at Cherry Creek Reservoir) Bonaparte's Gull (2),
Franklin's Gull (9), California Gull (27), Herring Gull (12),
Ring-billed Gull (2200+) Odd hybrid (1st year Glaucous-winged Gull?,
it did not fit anything)
American Tree Sparrow (11)
Song Sparrow (4)
Northern Harrier (pair)
Double-crested Cormorant
American White Pelican
Afterward, we split up and Rebecca Kosten and I took Terry
Michaels back to Lakewood. The adult Mew Gull was back at
the northwest shore. I took some new photos (now on CoBus
photo library) as light was a nice diffused sunlight.
The Eastern Screech-Owls were not out at Wheat Ridge Greenbelt.
Prospect Pond had three species of mergansers. Cherry Creek
Reservoir was really quiet. Six American White Pelican, four
Double-crested Cormorants, 2 pairs of Great Horned Owls,
and an adult Bald Eagle (at campground).
Foothills Birding 3/19
Tim Rose & I drove into the foothills and looked for owls before
sunrise at Reynolds Park (Jefferson County). It was nasty cold,
had to be in the middle 20s with winds 10+ mph.
We heard a Northern Pygmy-Owl just south (uphill) along
the draw at the intersection of Oxen Draw and Elkhorn Trails.
The darn little bird was never seen however.
From there we hiked up Oxen Draw to Eagle's View & Raven's Roost.
A male American Three-toed Woodpecker was encountered
about 30 yards north (downhill) from the intersection.
Tim found a Blue Grouse scurrying along the ground uphill
and slightly east of the same intersection.
All three nuthatches, several Brown Creepers, Pine Siskins, and
Mountain Chickadees were observed during our hike.
We flirted with the idea of going to Guanella Pass in search of
White-tailed Ptarmigan, but decided not to attempt it. There has
been much snow up there lately. My last two trips required a
4-wheel drive vehicle to reach the upper parking area.
Some organization is counting Ptarmigan up there on 4/2;
that might be worth a trip up to participate. They probably
will meet by 8 or 9am.
By the way, for anyone needing snowshoes to walk around up at
Guanella Pass, before I purchased my own, I used to rent them
from Breeze Rentals. They are located not far from Georgetown
at Interstate 70 & Dumont (Exit 234). Hours 7:00am to 8:00pm
(9:00pm on weekends). I have no interest in the company;
they are close so that the snowshoes can be returned on the
same day. Rental fee is $19.99/day.
I dropped Tim off at DIA and headed over to Cherry Creek
Reservoir. Here I ran into Stan Roth and all. We never
found the Brant or Glaucous-winged Gull. I did find an adult
Lesser Black-backed Gull on the sandbar in the eastern corner.
Stan found a 1st year Glaucous Gull in the cove east of the dam tower.
Birders had a good day at Marston Reservoir (Denver County).
It appears that the gulls recently at Cherry Creek Reservoir
may have moved over to Marston Reservoir.
I was afraid that once they opened up the southwest marina to
boats (which they did a few days ago), that the gulls would move
on rather than having to deal with the boats. No gulls came to
the poles around the marina even by sunset.
American White Pelican count was up to four today. Double-crested
Cormorant count was 6. An adult Bald Eagle was at the new section
of campgrounds. A few American Tree Sparrows continue (however
may be moving north any day now).
I drove by Utah Park (Arapahoe) on my way home. Thought maybe the
Brant or Greater White-fronted Goose flew over there. The park
had a total of 4 Canada Geese and the usual horde of American Wigeons.
Others thought that the Brant was not the same one as visited
Inverness Office Complex for several weeks (4 miles South of
Cherry Creek Reservoir). I took photos Friday afternoon.
The bird looks like the same one to me.
Birding Around Denver 3/18
Rebecca Kosten, Tim Rose, and I stopped by Cherry Creek Reservoir
about 30 minutes ago. The Brant was feeding with 9 Canada Geese
at the north end of the Lake Loop.
One 1st winter Glaucous Gull stood on the poles around the
southwest marina. Someone was fishing around the marina and
few gulls were there; we did not have time to stay until sunset
which seems to be when most of the gulls return to the marina
area (if no fishermen are around).
Earlier we went up to Lair o' Bear Park chasing a report
of a Northern Pygmy Owl. It had left before we arrived.
We did find an American Dipper along Bear Creek.
The adult Mew Gull was at the NW corner of Crown Hill Park Pond.
No Eastern Screech Owls were out at Wheat ridge Greenbelt.
Grouse Trip 3/14-3/17
I finished my first of six 2005 grouse trips this week. It was
not a good week for favorable weather conditions. We dodged
snowstorms all week and had to dig our vehicle out of snow on
one occasion. No one on the trip needed to see White-tailed
Ptarmigan, so we did not experience the snowy conditions on
Guanella Pass (Clear Creek County).
March 14
Three of us drove the roads in Yuma County before sunrise and
found Greater Prairie-Chickens on a private ranch. We checked
Yuma County Road 45 later in the morning but did not locate any
additional birds. This is probably the best shot at finding
Prairie Chickens from a public road this year. Hopefully some
will show later in the season.
We worked our way down to the Lesser Prairie-Chicken lek at
Campo (Baca County).
The woods at Lamar (Prowers) were quiet. A couple of Blue Jays,
no Northern Cardinals were seen today. Two Buttes Reservoir was
also slow. Six Eurasian Collared-Doves were north of the grain
elevators in Springfield. Two Burrowing Owls were near the
windmill at Pasture G (across from the Washington Work Center).
We spent about 2 hours in Cottonwood Canyon (Baca). Rufous-
crowned Sparrows were easy to find around the rocks 1.4 miles east
of the camping area at Carrizo Creek. An Eastern Phoebe was found
along the creek about 0.3 miles east of where Carrizo Creek
crosses CR 5. Mountain Bluebirds, Say's Phoebes, Canyon Towhees,
Cedar Waxwings, and Wild Turkeys were also found. No Greater
Roadrunners could be located.
On the way to the lek, we saw several Ferruginous Hawks, a Golden
Eagle, and two Prairie Falcons. Three Lesser Prairie-Chickens
showed at the lek. We ran into the snowstorm on our way out.
We decided to head back to Cottonwood Canyon to search for
Western Screech-Owls. It was snowing pretty hard when we arrived.
Two Western Screech-Owls did make a short appearance.
No Barn Owls were found at the Research Center on the trip over.
Unfortunately, we decided to leave the canyon by driving west up
to CR M. This turned out to be a mistake as several snowdrifts
blocked the road (we got stuck in one of them).
The decision to turn around was easy to make and we headed back
to Springfield. By now, visibility was close to zero.
Instead of driving to Gunnison, we stayed the night in Springfield.
March 15
Snowstorms were hitting Gunnison and Highway 50 pretty hard, so
the decision was made to head back to Lamar instead of driving
highway 160 west (this road is pretty deserted and does not
offer much help if one gets in trouble).
Steve Spencer had called about the white crane near Thurston
Reservoir (Prowers). We managed to locate the bird along
CR 7 & CR TT. The crane appeared to be a white Sandhill Crane
to us. It was quite small, lacked the red malar stripe and
black on the head of a Whooping Crane.
Our trek continued east along highway 50 toward Gunnison
(280 miles to the west).
We stopped at Rocky Ford Wildlife Area (Otero) and located the
Long-eared Owls and White-throated Sparrows found last week.
A stop at highway 202 & Industrial Drive added 9 White-winged Doves
and a dozen Eurasian Collared-Doves to our trip list.
Scaled Quail were found along the Swallows Road west of Pueblo
West (Pueblo). No Sage Thrashers or Curve-billed Thrashers could
be found. However we did manage to find a Curve-billed Thrasher
on private land in Canon City (Fremont).
Along 807 road (Waunita Hot Springs Lek road) we got lucky.
A Gunnison Sage-Grouse stood on top of a Sage bush up the
hill to the west of the lek. It allowed all good looks.
Having seen a Gunnison Sage-Grouse and after studying the weather
predictions for the rest of the week (snow was predicted for many
parts of the state throughout the week) we decided to not visit
the lek in the morning, but head west. By now, we were tiring of snow.
March 16
We again were lucky and found a Sage Sparrow during a short drive
into Escalante Wildlife Area (East Walker Tract, Delta). Just
before the road descends to the creek the road passes cliffs on
the west side and hills to the east side. We walked here for 15
minutes.
With snow predicted for the western slope and Steamboat Springs
for Thursday, we cut our trip a day short, wanting to get back
to the eastern slope before Friday. So many places had to be
skipped. We did not get the chance to search for the Harris's
Sparrow at Confluence Park (Delta), the Trumpeter Swans at Rio
Blanco Reservoir (Rio Blanco), or the White-winged & Eurasian
Collared-Doves in Meeker.
A quick drive through the Colorado National Monument added
Gambel's Quail (just outside of southern entrance), Pinyon Jays
(from campgrounds), and Juniper Titmouse behind visitor's center.
We skipped searching for Northern Pygmy-Owls & Western Screech-
Owls at Connected Lakes and Lewis's Woodpeckers in Palisade.
A quick stop at Cameo (Mesa County) found a Chukar east of
the first pipe gate. A Black-throated Sparrow was heard,
never observed.
Our birding day ended at the 20-Road Sharp-tailed Grouse lek
(Routt) where two birds flew in just before it was too dark
to see them.
March 17
Our birding day started by scoping the Coalmont Lek for Greater
Sage-Grouse (Jackson). We could see several dozen birds through
our scopes. As stated by others, you can no longer legally drive
to the parking area for the lek and must scope from Jackson County
Road 26.
The traditional Rosy Finch yard in Walden has not seen many
finches in several years now. The yard lacked any birds during
our stop. It was snowing on Cameron Pass when we arrived.
The decision to hang around until dark (to search for Boreal Owls)
was going to be a waste of time in the high winds and snow and
we headed back to Denver.
Birding Eastern Plains 3/13
Gerti Kronefeld & I birded the eastern plains. We left Denver
in the late morning to give the snow on the roads time to melt.
Temperature was 30 degrees; winds mild.
I was able to put a scope on a Long-eared Owl at Jackson Reservoir
(Morgan County). Gerti cannot walk long distances; I was lucky to
find one close to the edge of the woods. Not much else moved
about (many American Robins and Northern Flickers).
We headed up to Pawnee National Grasslands by way of Weld CR 105.
A small flock of Lapland Longspurs was along CR 85. Horned Larks
seemed to be everywhere.
Crow Valley Campground was slow. Three Mountain Bluebirds
were north of the entrance. A couple of Song Sparrows and
White-crowned Sparrows were all found in the campground area.
We could not find any owls today (at campgrounds, cemetery,
or work center).
Next we drove the self-guiding auto tour. At 1.5 miles west of
CR 77 & CR 96, we found a small flock of McCown's Longspurs.
When we turned north on CR 69, a Chestnut-collared Longspur
flew across the road. It was only the second time in ten years that
I had observed all three species of longspurs in the same day.
Other birds seen during our trip included Red-tailed Hawks,
one Rough-legged Hawk, two Ferruginous Hawks, American Kestrels,
two Prairie Falcons, and one Golden Eagle.
I took Gerti to DIA (she continued her USA trip southward to
Texas). I scoped the southwest marina at Cherry Creek Reservoir
(Arapahoe County). The adult & two 1st year Glaucous Gulls were
not convinced to move on by the snowstorm and remain at the marina.
Mountain Birding 3/12
Gerti Kronefeld & I birded in the mountains today.
We left early trying to beat the predicted snowstorm,
which never materialized. Winds however were strong at 25+ mph.
We drove around the Wildernest area of Silverthorne and
found 3 species of Rosy Finches, 3 species of nuthatches,
Mountain Chickadees, Pine Grosbeaks, Pine Siskins,
Gray Jays, and 2 Clark's Nutcrackers.
Half a dozen Barrow's Goldeneyes remain at Blue River Water
Treatment Plant. We received a note from the manager of the
complex. He wanted to point out that this facility is NOT a
waste treatment plant, but a water treatment plant to ensure
that the Blue River remains a Gold Metal quality stream.
We drove up Loveland Pass, however did not find any White-tailed
Ptarmigan within sight of Highway 6. No Band-tailed Pigeons were
found in Silver Plume or Empire (Clear Creek County). We did find
a small flock of Cassin's Finches in Empire.
After dropping Gerti off back in Denver, I ventured over to
Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe). The adult and two
1st year Glaucous Gulls stood on the southwest marina.
Four Double-crested Cormorants were on the marina's logs.
Rebecca Kosten & I on the way to a dinner party, passed through
Denver City Park (Denver County). Double-crested Cormorants
now numbered 102 birds.
Birding Around Denver 3/11
The task today was to find as many birds as possible for German
birder Gertrude Kronefeld. She is on crutches; therefore range
is limited.
The 2 Eastern Screech-Owls were at the favorite hole at Wheat
Ridge Greenbelt (Jefferson County).
I took a short side trip on my own and found a White-throated
Sparrow west of the marsh west of the Tree Bridge trail as it
goes uphill.
While I was talking to Sue Romero (the young lady who sits inside
the infamous window at building #4, Denver Office Complex, Gerti
saw the Pine Warbler in the Pine Trees at the corner. Sue said
the bird came down to the feeder about 30 minutes after we left.
The adult Mew Gull was at the northwest corner of Crown Hill Park.
All three mergansers could be found at Prospect Ponds (Wheat Ridge
Greenbelt) and Crown Hill Park Pond. One Double-crested Cormorant
was at Belmar Historic Park.
We decided to sit at the Highline Canal just south of Quincy
(Arapahoe County). The White-throated Sparrow walked across the
grass road about 30 yards west of the gate to the wildlife area.
Other birds observed included 3 nuthatch species, Spotted Towhees,
White-crowned Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, and a
male Belted Kingfisher. The Eastern Screech-Owls did not come out.
A Sharp-shinned Hawk stood in a cottonwood at Three Ponds Park
(just north of Quincy & Colorado Blvd).
Our next stop was the Inverness Office Complex. There were no
geese around the pond south of the ball fields (so Gerti was
spared the walk). Our third stop was the pond behind building #56.
The Greater White-fronted Goose swam in the pond.
Eventually it swam toward us and stopped about 20 feet
from us as we sat on the picnic table! We never found
the Brant or white goose (neither did we try too hard as
both of us had seen them before).
Our birding day ended at Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe).
The adult and two 1st year Glaucous Gulls stood on the southwest
marina telephone poles. Many Herring and Ring-billed Gulls were
here also. Two Double-crested Cormorants flew overhead toward
the golf course. With special permission I was able to drive
to the northwest corner of the campgrounds. Here we observed
a Northern Shrike and many American Tree Sparrows!
During the day we also observed a Red-tailed Hawk, Mallards,
Gadwalls, Northern Shovelers, Buffleheads, Green-winged Teals,
Common Goldeneyes, Wood Ducks, Northern Pintail Ducks,
American Wigeons, Canvasbacks, Ring-necked Ducks,
Redhead Ducks, Lesser Scaups, and a Rough-legged Hawk!
Eastern Plains 3/8-3/10
Bryan Ehlmann and I set out to search for Inca Doves this week.
In this we did not have success, however what a great week to hike
around Colorado. Temperatures were in the 50s; winds were strong.
March 8
Our first stop was Flagler Reservoir. Birding was slow.
A flock of common sparrows (American Tree, Song, and
White-crowned) was about it. No woodpeckers,
Common Redpolls, or waxwings found today.
We walked around Kit Carson (Cheyenne County, why is Kit Carson
not in Kit Carson County?) for about an hour. The Inca Dove
previously reported at Park Avenue & 2nd street was not found.
We back tracked to Hugo and Karval Wildlife Areas. Again no
uncommon birds were found. We stayed at Karval until dark
hoping for a Short-eared Owl. None came about.
March 9
At 5:00am, we hiked to the northeast corner of Lake Henry (Crowley
County). A Western Screech-Owl answered our tapes. Just before
sunrise, a Barn Owl flew out of the sparse woods. We picked a
location where we thought Short-eared Owls might hunt. Instead,
a Great Horned Owl flew in and stood calling from one of the sign
posts along the southwest side of the lake.
The day was overcast, windy, and cold in Rocky Ford. A drive over
to highway 202 & Industrial Drive added 7 White-winged Doves and
2-dozen Eurasian Collared-Doves to our trip list. This was not
the end of our Eurasian Collared-Dove sightings for the day
(not by far).
Our next stop was Washington & Virginia Streets previous location
of nesting Inca Doves. We did not find any today (checked all
the way over to Burrell Avenue. Good luck hearing an Inca Dove
call if any is in the neighborhood. We counted over 250 Eurasian
Collared-Doves in six square blocks. They were everywhere and
calling loudly.
A drive over to 19th street & FF.5 (and to 19th & GG) added
another 112 Eurasian Collared-Doves to our day list.
Rocky Ford Sewage Ponds were dry (no sandpipers or gulls today).
We drove over to Rocky Ford Wildlife Area and hiked for 2 hours.
We parked at the most eastern parking area, hiked south to the
Arkansas River, then west to the path under the telephone wires,
to the most western parking area, and then back to our car.
Two White-throated Sparrows were found along the eastern fence
line (just north of the first cattails and pond). Many White-
crowned Sparrows and a Northern Shrike (getting late?) were
also in the area.
At the windbreak (consisting of mixed junipers and Russian Olive
trees) we found 2 Long-eared Owls and a Barn Owl.
A large flock of sparrows were observed at the most western water
filled ditch below the telephone wires. Further inspection found
a Harris's Sparrow among 52 White-crowned Sparrows
(between the ditch and the Arkansas River to the south).
Unfortunately much cutting back of trees was taken place.
Cover for birds has been greatly reduced. The pond on
the north side of County Road 80.5 has been reduced to
almost nothing (most of the surrounding trees cut down).
The cattails around the small puddle contained 14
Song Sparrows and a Marsh Wren.
Three Red-tailed Hawks and a Rough-legged Hawk hunted in
the wildlife area. We were hoping for a Broad-winged Hawk
or Red-shouldered Hawk (this area is known for both).
Note: (added 3/11) I almost forgot our side trip to Lake Cheraw.
We found our first Baird's Sandpipers at the northeast corner!
We headed west along highway 50 and stopped at Fowler.
It was easy to spot the aviary at the south end of the City Park.
Many Eurasian Collared-Doves were in or near the aviary.
No Inca Doves were observed. If they were, could they be counted?
Or are they semi-pets? Fowler was loaded with Eurasian Collared-Doves
(again is the town being overrun with escapees from the aviary?
Our trek continued westward along Highway 50. Avondale also had
a dozen Eurasian Collared-Doves. At Blende we detoured to Frontier
& Zinc Streets, a previous location of Eurasian Collared-Doves.
Another 60+ Eurasian Collared-Doves were counted here.
At the south side of Pueblo we drove the service road from Exit 94
of Interstate 25 south until good looks of the CF&I Lakes was
possible. The three Tundra Swans were swimming close to the
shore in the southern quarter of the lakes. They would come
in and out of view (so may require some time to see).
We were lucky to observe them in 5 minutes.
Our next stop was Pueblo City Park where we took photos of the
male Eurasian Wigeon. (Photos on the CoBus photo library).
An hour search for the previously reported Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers
(both east and west sides of the park) was not successful. I did
find a White-winged Dove among 9-10 Eurasian Collared-Doves.
We decided to by pass Pueblo Reservoir and headed to the Swallows
Road. Here we found a Sage Thrasher & 2 Scaled Quail (no Curve-
billed Thrashers today).
After dinner we went owling.
A Northern Pygmy-Owl was heard at Beaver Creek Wildlife Area.
The owl was 600 yards south of the most northwestern parking area.
We checked the northeastern parking area also (no additional owls
were heard). The Northern Saw-whet Owl observed in February at
Oro Juno (2/3) was not relocated.
We drove up Phantom Canyon Road in search of additional owls;
without success.
March 10
Our birding day started early (actually never ended from
yesterday) with some owling in Teller County. Most of our finds
today will be kept secret. We did located 3 Northern Pygmy-Owls
and 2 Northern Saw-whet Owls. While it is about 4 weeks early,
we hoped to locate a Flammulated Owl (none we found). If anyone
would like to see any owl, we would be happy to try and locate
one with him or her (without revealing the location publicly).
After sleeping most of the morning, we headed back to Denver.
We took a detour from Interstate 25 and drove east on East Upper
Lake Gulch Road (ULG) (Douglas). Four Turkey Vultures were
the first of the year for us! Three Wild Turkeys were also found.
A herd of 50+ Elk was quite a surprise.
Castlewood Canyon Road (CC) was slow except for a dozen or so
pairs of Mountain Bluebirds (both along CC Road and ULG Road).
Our second surprise of the day was a Mountain Lion crossing
CC Road about 0.5 miles north of the southern entrance to
Castlewood Canyon State Park.
I scoped the gulls at Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe) while
Bryan drove over to pick up Sue Dorsey & Rebecca Kosten.
The adult and two 1st year Glaucous Gulls stood on the outer
edge for the hour I watched.
We headed back to Castlewood Canyon State Park for some owling.
We enjoyed some success and found a Northern Saw-whet Owl in
the park. A second Northern Saw-whet Owl was located outside
the park (southwest of Franktown).
Arapahoe County 3/7
Sue Dorsey and I started our day birding the highline canal south
of Quincy Avenue (Arapahoe County). What a beautiful day with
temperatures in the high 50s and little wind.
An Eastern Screech-Owl stood in a hole of the cottonwood tree
just east of the north end of the yellow house (first house
along highline canal, south of Quincy). This is not the
location of the bird previously observed (and could be the
second Eastern Screech-Owl that local birders had mentioned).
We looked for the White-throated Sparrow, without success and
continued to walk south. A Great Horned Owl was observed in
a large cottonwood about a mile south of Quincy (and this was
mentioned to me last week)!
On the trip back, Sue noticed an Eastern Screech-Owl in the large
cottonwood again on the east side of the canal and even with the
parking area for Kent Academy. Therefore we believe there to be
at least 3 Eastern Screech-Owls in the area.
When we arrived back at the north end of the wildlife area, we
stood for about an hour. A sparrow was walking the shore just
west of the gate (for grass road) for the wildlife area.
Unfortunately, it turned out to be a Song Sparrow. However the
White-throated Sparrow followed the Song Sparrow along the shore.
It even climbed the small tree next to the gate! Eventually it
flew over to the bushes along the west side of the canal.
Other birds seen included a Brown Creeper, 3 species of
nuthatches, and many flickers.
I took Sue back to the office and went to play golf with my
brother in from California. A notable bird seen was 2 Pygmy
Nuthatches. I thought the Pygmy Nuthatches observed last
week at the highline canal to be rare in Arapahoe County.
Now I have observed them at two Arapahoe County locations!
Northeastern Plains 3/6
Troy Engel & I started Sunday birding by watching 3 Greater
Prairie-Chickens boom on a lek at a private Yuma County Ranch.
So they are back; spring is soon.
We passed by Jackson Reservoir and added a couple of
Long-eared Owls to our day list. American Robins numbered
over 60; Northern Flickers 39. No unusual sparrows today.
On the Pawnee National Grasslands, a McCown's Longspur was
observed on Weld County Road 61. Lapland Longspurs were
numerous. Crow Valley Campground was slow. We did see a
flock of eleven Mountain Bluebirds.
After dropping Troy at DIA I drove over to Cherry Creek Reservoir.
During the day the remaining gulls seem to stay at the eastern
sandbar or in the center of the lake. After sunset, they tend to
stand on the telephone poles defining the southwest marina.
This afternoon at 5:55pm, I observed an adult Glaucous Gull and
two 1st year Glaucous Gulls. At 5:15pm, an adult Thayer's Gull
was on the eastern sandbar.
There are at least two nesting pairs of Great Horned Owls around
the park. Red-tailed Hawks numbered 7. No Eagles, one flock of
American Tree Sparrows consisted of 9 birds.
Mountain Birding 3/5
This morning Troy Engel & I birded into the mountains.
At first light we hiked up Reynolds Park (Jefferson County).
A Blue Grouse was observed uphill (south) of Raven’s Roost and
Oxen Draw Trails. We found a male Three-toed Woodpecker
about 40 yards downhill (north) of same intersection.
All three nuthatches and a Brown Creeper were encountered
on our trip down. No Northern Pygmy-Owls could be found.
Next we drove up to Loveland Pass (Summit County) to see if
any White-tailed Ptarmigan were an easy sighting. None were
found among the many snowboarders and skiers.
We drove around Silverthorne in search of Rosy Finches.
We were willing to stay until sunset, but it was not needed.
Three species of Rosy Finches flying around the Wildernest area.
Two Pine Grosbeaks, Downy & Hairy Woodpeckers, and the
three species of nuthatches also were observed.
Five Barrow's Goldeneyes were still at Blue River Water
Treatment Plant (Summit).
No Cassin's Finches could be found in Georgetown or
below the rocks (falling?) at Silver Plume. The report
earlier in the week about the 20 ton about to fall rock
at Silver Plume kept us quite cautious.
Arapahoe County Reservoirs 3/4
Gary Weston Trip Report, inserted by Lisa Novin:
"Yesterday, the CoBus sponsored trip was to Aurora Reservoir
and other Arapahoe County lakes.
Four of us (Bryan Ehlmann, Richard Stevens, Gary Zeeto & myself)
circled the 8 mile bike path. Growth is coming here too.
Many new homes are to the west and the new high school to
the south. New roads are pretty close to the south end now.
The highlight was an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull which was
probably the Cherry Creek State Park bird reported a day or two
earlier. CCK must be about 9 miles away. Several dozen Herring
Gulls remain. California Gull numbers were up from two weeks ago.
We counted 17. Ring -billed Gulls numbered 229, which we thought low.
We did see our first Cinnamon Teal of the year! All three
mergansers were found. Redheads, 2 Canvasbacks, Ring-necked
Ducks, Common Goldeneyes, Mallards, Gadwalls, and Coots filled
the bays. A Northern Mocking bird was in the southeast corner
and quite a surprise! This seems early for him.
A dozen or so Tree Sparrows are still around. Two Song Sparrows
were the only others. Two Double-crested Cormorants have
returned. Two Great Blue Herons and a pair of Northern Harriers
were counted.
A Red-tailed Hawk was below the dam. Twenty-nine Sandhill Cranes
flew over and headed northeast.
Quincy Reservoir had many Ring-billed, 9 Herring Gulls, and
2 California Gulls.
Cherry Creek State Park had a dozen Herring Gulls, definitely
down from two weeks ago. We did not see any Glaucous Gulls.
Common Merganser numbers are down.
Our last stop of the day was to watch the Brant at the pond
north of the ball fields at Inverness Office Complex or is
it called Denver Tech Center?"
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