Rich Stevens' Bird Trips
May 2001
Douglas County Line at the Highline Canal 5/31
I had decided to miss the CoBus trip to Barr Lake today and get some work done.
I was making a donut run at Krispy Kreme when informed about Andrew Spencer's
Cerulean Warbler find. It took 5 minutes to arrive and I started searching
at 10:02am. Winds were mild and temperatures were around 70 degrees.
I had decided to give it a six-hour try and wandered back and forth along
the woods at the highline canal. I found a road that runs between the canal
as it doubles back (just uphill and west of where the water runs under the path).
After four hours I had all but given up hope, however I was enjoying sitting
and watching 50 yards of the woods with birds. I would change locations
every 30 minutes. At 2:50pm, I heard a "chup" that I had not heard before.
The "chup" was repeated six times. The female Cerulean Warbler called in
one of the tall willow trees above me.
The bird was located by following the two-track dirt road south just past
the hill to the east. I was sitting just south of the hill and west of
the slope down to the canal. I managed to watch her for 5 or 6 minutes.
When last observed she was working her way south.
Yellow Warblers made up the only warblers observed during the five-hour search.
One Townsend's Solitaire stopped in the woods for 15 minutes and called before
moving on to wherever (unusual May location for one).
One Black-capped Chickadee, many Bullock's Orioles, American Robins, and
Common Grackles made up the short list of birds found.
Rebecca Kosten led the CoBus trip to Barr Lake today. They found a
Plumbeous Vireo at mile marker 8.4. A Hermit Thrush was at mm 8.1.
Jefferson County 5/30
Rebecca Kosten and I were at Welchester Tree Park in Lakewood (Jefferson County)
at 5:45am. We watched the male Rose-breasted Grosbeak for most of 1.5 hours.
The bird stayed high in the trees and moved often from the northeast corner of
the park to the tree just north and east of the bridge over the canal.
When we walked the grass path on the north side of the canal to 0.4 miles west,
we found four Plumbeous Vireos. Also added to our list during this walk were
a Willow Flycatcher, Western Wood-pewee, 2 C. Nighthawks, and a W. Flycatcher.
I do not believe I have observed more Bullock's Orioles in one place before.
My count was 41 birds.
This is a gem of a small park for anyone in the area.
Clear Creek County 5/29
Rebecca Kosten and I took a couple of Ohio birders in search of
White-tailed Ptarmigan on Guanella Pass. Weather conditions were
horrible with strong winds and sometimes rain; we enjoyed no success.
We did see a female and unidentified second Three-toed Woodpecker
just south of the Guanella Pass Campground. Several Pine Grosbeaks
(2 males, 1 female) provided great looks from the switchbacks above
the campground. Two Wilson's Warblers fluttered about the creek.
No Rosy Finches were found at Silver Plume, Loveland Basin Ski Area,
and Echo Lake. One Red-tailed Hawk flew over the pass.
Fourteen Cassin's Finches were near the restaurant at Echo Lake.
Elbert County 5/27-28
Four of us (Bryan Ehlmann, Rebecca Kosten, Sue Dorsey, and I) spent
two days on a private ranch in Elbert County. This area was hit by
the tornados last evening and we are happy to be back in Denver.
Our Warbler count was 16 species; notables were (Tennessee Warbler,
Northern Parula, 2 Nashville Warblers, Chestnut-sided Warbler,
Magnolia Warbler, Black-and-White Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler,
Hooded Warbler, 2 Northern Waterthrush, and 2 American Redstarts.
Vireos observed were Blue-headed Vireo, 2 Plumbeous Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo,
Cassin's Vireo, and Warbling Vireo. One has to wonder how many birds could
be found at the various ranches on the eastern plains if all were birded?
A complete list follows below!
One the trip back Monday, we stopped at the late Joe Ten Brink's Dickcissel
location on Elbert Road. We observed at least six Dickcissels and two
male Bobolinks. The Bobolinks were west of creek in wet flat field
(a scope is handy to see them as they were quite far from the road).
Directions from Denver:
From the Intersection of Highway 83 and Highway 86; Franktown
Travel East on Hw 86; 15.5 miles
Turn South (Right) on Elbert Road
Dickcissels were found in field 0.5 miles North of Red Barn at 4.6 miles
(Birds are on east side of Elbert CR, approximately 4.1 miles from Hwy 86)
A brief stop at the Winkler Ranch (Castlewood Canyon Road, south of
the State Park) produced sightings of three additional male Bobolinks.
They were approximately 0.4 miles south of the ranch entrance (the flat
area of the field with many yellow flowers, just below hill 80 yards east.
We have been unable to locate any Lewis's Woodpeckers this year
(in seven trips). Perhaps they have moved on after spending two
years on the Winkler ranch.
Bird Counts from Private Ranch (BM) Associated with RMORC Project:
SPECIES Number Date (May 27/28)
GREBES
Pied-billed Grebe 4 27/28
PELICANS
American White Pelican 7 27/28
CORMORANTS
Double-crested Cormorant 18 27/28
BITTERNS & HERONS
American Bittern 1 27
Great Blue Heron 2 27/28
Cattle Egret 6 27/28
SWANS, GEESE, & DUCKS
Canada Goose 30+ 27/28
Wood Duck 1 pair 27/28
Green-winged Teal 10 27/28
Mallard 18 27/28
Northern Pintail Duck 1 pair 27/28
Cinnamon Teal 2 pairs 27/28
Redhead 2 m, 1f 27/28
Common Merganser 2 28
AMERICAN VULTURES
Turkey Vulture 2 27
KITES, HAWKS, EAGLES,HARRIERS
Northern Harrier 1m, 2f 27/28
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 28
Swainson's Hawk 6+ 27/28
Red-tailed Hawk 3 27/28
CARACARAS & FALCONS
American Kestrel 8 27/28
Prairie Falcon 2 27/28
QUAIL, GROUSE, & TURKEY
Ring-necked Pheasant 9 (some heard) 27/28
Wild Turkey 14 27
Scaled Quail 2 28
RAILS, GALLINULES, & COOTS
Virginia Rail 1 heard 27
Sora 1 heard 27
American Coot 14 27/28
PLOVERS & LAPWINGS
Semipalmated Plover 1 27
Killdeer 18 27/28
Mountain Plover 2 27
SANDPIPERS & PHALAROPES
Greater Yellowlegs 1 28
Solitary Sandpiper 2 27/28
Western Sandpiper 2 27/28
Long-billed Dowitcher 8 27/28
Common Snipe 4 27/28
Wilson's Phalarope 32 27/28
Red-necked Phalarope 4 27/28
GULLS, TERNS, & SKIMMERS
Ring-billed Gull 8 27/28
Franklin's Gull 40 27/28
Forster's Tern 2 27
PIGEONS & DOVES
Rock Dove 120 27/28
Mourning Dove 22 27/28
BARN OWLS
Barn Owl 1 28
TYPICAL OWLS
Great Horned Owl 4 27/28
Burrowing Owl 2 27/28
Spotted Owl
Barred Owl
Short-eared Owl 1 or 2 28
GOATSUCKERS
Common Nighthawk 4 27/28
HUMMINGBIRDS
Broad-tailed Hummingbird 1m 27
KINGFISHERS
Belted Kingfisher 2m, 1f 27/28
WOODPECKERS
Red-headed Woodpecker 2 27
Ladder-backed Woodpecker 1m 28
Downy Woodpecker 4m, 3f 27/28
Northern Flicker 6+ 27/28
TYRANT FLYCATCHERS
Western Wood-Pewee 4 27/28
Willow Flycatcher 2+ 27/28
Least Flycatcher 1+ 27/28
Cordilleran Flycatcher 2 27/28
Eastern Phoebe 1 28
Say's Phoebe 5 27/28
Cassin's Kingbird 1 27
Western Kingbird 12+ 27/28
Eastern Kingbird 8 27/28
LARKS
Horned Lark 110 27/28
SWALLOWS
Tree Swallow 18 27/28
Violet-green Swallow 4 27/28
N. Rough-winged Swallow 2 27/28
Bank Swallow 12 27/28
Cliff Swallow 30 27/28
Barn Swallow 14 27/28
JAYS, MAGPIES, & CROWS
Blue Jay 8 27/28
Western Scrub Jay 6 27/28
Black-billed Magpie 50+ 27/28
American Crow 20 27/28
Chihuahuan Raven 2 27/28
Common Raven 4 27/28
CHICKADEES & TITMICE
Black-capped Chickadee 12+ 27/28
NUTHATCHES
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 28
White-breasted Nuthatch 5 27/28
WRENS
Rock Wren 6 27/28
Canyon Wren 2 27/28
Bewick's Wren 2 28
House Wren 12 27/28
OLD WORLD WARBERS, OLD
WORLD FLYCATCHERS, &
THRUSHES
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 27/28
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 4 27/28
Eastern Bluebird m, f 27
Western Bluebird 2m, 2f 27/28
Mountain Bluebird 6m, 2f 27/28
Swainson's Thrush 21 27/28
Hermit Thrush 1 27
American Robin 50+ 27/28
MOCKINGBIRDS & THRASHERS
Gray Catbird 2 27/28
Northern Mockingbird 5 27/28
Sage Thrasher 4 27/28
Brown Thrasher 1 27/28
WAXWINGS
Cedar Waxwing 3 27
SHRIKES
Loggerhead Shrike 2 27/28
STARLINGS & MYNAS
European Starling 100+ 27/28
VIREOS
Plumbeous Vireo 2 27/28
Blue-headed Vireo 1 27
Cassin's Vireo 1 27/28
Warbling Vireo 2 27/28
Red-eyed Vireo 1 28
WOOD-WARBLERS, TANAGERS
Tennessee Warbler 1 27
Orange-crowned Warbler 2 27/28
Nashville Warbler 2 27
Northern Parula 1m 27/28
Yellow Warbler 10 27/28
Chestnut-sided Warbler 1f 27
Magnolia Warbler 1m 27/28
Yellow-rumped Warbler 26 27/28
Blackpoll Warbler 1 27
Black & White Warbler 1 27
American Redstart 2 27/28
Northern Waterthrush 2 27/28
MacGillivray's Warbler 2m 27/28
Common Yellowthroat 6m, 3f 27/28
Hooded Warbler 1 27
Wilson's Warbler 2 27/28
Yellow-breasted Chat 4 27/28
Black-headed Grosbeak 1m, 1f 28
Blue Grosbeak 4m, 2f 27/28
Dickcissel 2+ 27/28
Spotted Towhee 1 28
SPARROWS & BLACKBIRDS
Cassin's Sparrow 2 27
Chipping Sparrow 10 27/28
Clay-colored Sparrow 2 27/28
Brewer's Sparrow 2 27/28
Vesper Sparrow 20 27/28
Lark Sparrow 12 27/28
Lark Bunting 14m, 5f 27/28
Savannah Sparrow 6 27/28
Grasshopper Sparrow 12+ 27/28
Song Sparrow 6+ 27/28
Lincoln's Sparrow 2 27
White-throated Sparrow 1 28
White-crowned Sparrow 4+ 27/28
Dark-eyed Junco 24 27/28
Red-winged Blackbird 200+ 27/28
Western Meadowlark 24+ 27/28
Yellow-headed Blackbird 12+ 27/28
Brewer's Blackbird 12+ 27/28
Great-tailed Grackle 2 27/28
Common Grackle 10 27/28
Brown-headed Cowbird 6 27/28
Orchard Oriole 4m 27/28
Bullock's Oriole 12m, 3f 27/28
NORTHERN FINCHES
House Finch 36+ 27/28
Lesser Goldfinch 2 nesting? 27/28
American Goldfinch 4m, 3f 27/28
OLD WORLD SPARROWS
House Sparrow 100+ 27/28
Boulder County 5/26
Bryan Ehlmann, Rebecca Kosten, Sue Dorsey, and I followed up on
Loch Kilpatrick's report of a Magnolia Warbler. We spent three
hours at Doudy Draw without finding the bird. It was overcast
and rained briefly several times.
We did observe a pair of Blue Grosbeaks, Yellow-rumped Warblers,
Bullock's Orioles, Western Tanagers, Yellow-breasted Chats,
many Yellow Warblers, one Orange-crowned Warbler, Gray Catbirds,
Spotted Towhees, Western Wood-Pewees, a Cordilleran Flycatcher,
a male Lazuli Bunting, and one Lewis's Woodpecker.
We also checked Mesa Trail South (north of highway 170 from
Doudy Draw). No new species were found in a 30 minute walk.
A nice time was had by all (would have been better without
all the unleashed dogs and their owners). My first trip up
there on a weekend and hopefully last.
Chatfield Reservoir 5/25
Bryan Ehlmann and I spent seven hours birding Chatfield Reservoir
(Jefferson/Douglas Counties) Friday. One thing was missing today
contrary to the rest of the week; there was no wind until 11:30am.
It was a pleasant morning without a hint of a breeze!
We encountered 27 Western Wood-pewees between Kingfisher Bridge (K.B.) and
Waterton Canyon Bridge. Lesser Goldfinch outnumbered American 68 to 31.
Two Least Flycatchers and one Willow Flycatcher were among eleven
"Empidonax" species observed. Seven Swainson's Thrushes were the
only thrushes found today.
Three American Redstarts (adult male, 1st year male, adult female)
were found from the end of the paved path at K.B. to 100 yards south
(traditional White-eyed Vireo location; no White-eyed Vireos today).
The bird of the day was a spring female Black-throated Green Warbler.
She was very difficult to follow even after both of us observed her.
She stayed high in the trees. Follow the path along the Platte River,
south past White-eyed Vireo location until the path almost enters
the river (the path drops down several feet onto gravel edge of river).
The Black-throated Green Warbler was high in the cottonwoods
approximately 50 yards west of here.
A Plumbeous Vireo was found approximately 0.5 miles south of the
Plum Creek Delta as we hiked about a mile south.
We believed to have found female Hooded Warbler at the Balloon launch area
where bridge crosses creek. However we did not record it as the looks
were only a few seconds long.
One adult Bonaparte's Gull remains. The bird was at the swim beach at 6:30am.
It looked to have difficulty flying (maybe why the bird remains here) and
eventually swam toward the southeast marina.
We did not locate the Black-legged Kittiwake today (last reported 5/14).
We came upon many Yellow-breasted Chats, Gray Catbirds, Spotted Towhees,
Bullock's Orioles and numerous House Wrens. No Yellow-rumped Warblers
were found; no Yellow-billed Cuckoos heard.
Mosquitoes are increasing in number.
Eastern Plains 5/21-24
I enjoyed four interesting days of birding on Colorado's Eastern Plains.
Weather was quite mixed with sunshine, rain, and much wind.
Monday 21
I walked the shoreline of Bonny Reservoir starting at first light.
The long day produced some good sightings.
The Ruddy Turnstone reported Sunday was still present along with
three Black-bellied Plovers, and two White-rumped Sandpipers.
A Great Crested Flycatcher was west of Foster's Grove Campground.
A Black-and-White Warbler was in the taller trees west of Foster's CG.
An American Redstart was found here also.
A second male American Redstart was at North Cove campground.
Wagon Wheel Campground had several Yellow Warblers and Red-headed Woodpeckers.
My day ended at Hale Ponds where the third American Redstart of the day was
located. A male and female Red-bellied Woodpecker and a flock of nine
Eastern Bluebird were also in the area east of Hale Ponds.
Two Yellow-billed Cuckoos called near the Kansas-Colorado border.
Tuesday 22
I headed to Goodland, Kansas at first light. The Eurasian Collared-Doves
found several years ago were not located today. An American Redstart was
sighted near the medical center (2nd & Sherman). A Blackpoll Warbler
was a few blocks west at Kansas Street.
I checked out a wildlife area along the Republican River east of
the Colorado Border and found few interesting birds.
My day ended back at Bonny Reservoir. Few interesting birds were
found at Hopper Ponds. Two Wild Turkeys crossed county road 2.
The two White-rumped Sandpipers were still along the shoreline.
I could not find the Black-bellied Plovers or Ruddy Turnstone.
A search for owls after dark turned up empty.
Wednesday 23
First light found me south of the Tamarack Ranch area at Sedgwick CR 46 & 89.
Greater Prairie-Chickens were booming here in May 1999. Sharp-tailed Grouse
are also in the area in the south section of Tamarack Ranch Wildlife Area.
Neither species was encountered today.
My trek then took me to the northern section of Tamarack Ranch.
I hiked two miles west of County Road 55 & then two miles east.
A male Red-bellied Woodpecker was just west of highway 55.
A Yellow-billed Cuckoo called just west of the parking for area 1.
A search for Eastern Towhees between highway 55 and parking area 2
turned up empty. Two male Baltimore Orioles flew along the South Platte.
A Great Crested Flycatcher and second Baltimore Oriole were
chanced upon while hiking the eastern side.
A search for the Cassin's Sparrow reported near I76 and CO 55
turned up empty. I could not find any Bobolink either.
After lunch, I headed for Ovid. Two Upland Sandpipers were in
the field west of Red Lion Wildlife Area. A quick drive through
Jumbo Reservoir found few birds and nothing uncommon.
A brief stop at Sedgwick-Bar Wildlife Area did not add to my day list.
Ovid Woods was quiet. Almost no birds fluttered about this
four blocks of woods along Lodgepole Creek.
I then drove to Julesburg Wayside Rest Stop. Two Chimney Swifts flew overhead
along the river. A male Baltimore Oriole was 0.5 miles from the parking area.
Not much else moved about.
My day ended with a hike at DePoorter Lake (just north of the rest stop).
A covey of Northern Bobwhite (12+ birds) was kicked up along the road to
the river (south of the lake). The many sparrows included one
White-throated Sparrow, Song, Chipping, White-crowned, Savannah,
Clay-colored, Brewer's, and Lark Sparrows.
Two male Eastern Bluebirds stood in the trees along the South Platte River.
No snipes or woodcocks could be located.
Thursday 24
Julesburg Wayside Rest Stop was checked at first light. The male
Baltimore Oriole was re-located. The objects of my search (Eastern Towhees)
were not found. Three Chimney Swifts were back again.
Ovid Woods had a female Red-bellied Woodpecker. No Northern Cardinals
were seen at the woods or the Julesburg Wildlife Area south of town.
The Barn Owls of Ovid did not come back this year.
Sedgwick Cemetery had few birds and I headed back to Tamarack Ranch.
This time I hiked from the manager's residence to highway 55 and back.
A male Northern Cardinal was between the home and ponds.
Over 12 Red-headed Woodpeckers seen during the hike.
An interesting "ammodramus" sparrow was seen halfway between the residence
and highway 55. However, my looks at the bird were not long enough for an
identification. A Black-throated Green Warbler (BTNW) was high in
the trees 1.2 miles east of hwy 55). Many Common Yellowthroats worked
the willows along the river. Two American Redstarts were west of the BTNW.
The bird of the day was observed on the hike back to my car.
A juvenile Broad-winged Hawk was observed in the cottonwoods
along the south side of the river 1.5 miles east of highway 55.
I crossed hwy 55 and hiked 2 miles west. The Yellow-billed Cuckoo was
heard again. The male Red-bellied Woodpecker gave me a quick look also.
Several more Red-headed Woodpeckers were found. Two Bell's Vireos
were identified between hwy 55 and the parking for area 1. Several
Spotted Towhees were about; I could not find any Eastern Towhees.
Common Yellowthroats were everywhere.
Again few uncommon birds were observed at Red Lion Wildlife Area and
Jumbo Reservoir. I did not see the Upland Sandpipers today.
My next stop was Prewitt Reservoir. A Black-and-White Warbler was in
the cottonwoods below the dam at the eastern parking area. I hiked east
and south to the end of the dam. Several Spotted Towhees and one
Gray Catbird were below the dam. Again I could find no Eastern Towhees.
My hike next to the manager's residence added only an American Redstart
to my warbler day list. Two Common Snipes were in the marshy area at
the outlet canal. Several unidentified "empidonax" species eluded
identification (they made no noise at all).
No unusual sandpipers were at the western end of the reservoir.
So, I headed for home. The list of migrating warblers observed
was disappointing; the White-rumped Sandpiper and Ruddy Turnstone
made up for it however.
Chatfield Reservoir 5/20
I decided to beat the storm front predicted for early afternoon and drive down to
Chatfield Reservoir in search of the birds located earlier by Paul & Verla Priest.
I parked at the Discovery Pavilion and hiked to the South Platte River and then
south to Waterton Canyon Bridge. There was a male American Redstart to the
south of the yellow building near the Platte River.
The male Northern Parula was high in the trees just east of the Waterton Canyon
bridge. The bird sang constantly and moved about quite a bit.
My trek then took me north to Kingfisher Bridge. An adult male and first year
male American Redstart were 100 yards south of the paved path (west side of river).
A Least Flycatcher and Willow Flycatcher were singing in the same group of
willows. It was almost like they were competition with each other.
Other birds observed along the 6-mile hike were Yellow-breasted Chats,
Yellow Warblers, House Wrens, Wilson's Warblers, Spotted Towhees,
a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and a Gray Catbird.
I did not find the Black-legged Kittiwake after I drove over to the swim beach.
It started to snow as I departed; blizzard conditions existed by the time
I reached home (forty-five miles to the northeast).
Barr Lake 5/19
I had several hours to kill between pickups and drop-offs of friends to DIA
(airport) today. Under cloudy skies, sometimes rain, and calm winds,
I birded Barr Lake (Adams County).
Just east of the Nature Center Bridge (mile marker 0.0 & 9.0) there were
a Plumbeous and Warbling Vireos. Continuing east, I observed several
Yellow Warblers, a Swainson's Thrush at mm 8.5 (banding station), and
one Lincoln's Sparrow.
Song Sparrows, Chipping Sparrows, one White-crowned Sparrow, and one
Lark Sparrow (mm 7.2) were included on my sparrow list for the day.
A male and female Western Tanagers were at the Pioneer Trailhead (mm 8.2).
The bird of the day was a Gray-cheeked Thrush found between mm 8.1 & 8.2
(just as the trail turns north). Shortly after seeing the Gray-cheeked Thrush,
I found my first Yellow-rumped Warblers of the day at mm 8.1.
I realized that my hike was 2 hours old and only one mile had been covered.
I continued around below the dam where in a 0.5-mile stretch fourteen male
and three female Common Yellowthroats were observed.
I thought it would be a "hoot" if I could find an interesting bird at the
Bird Observatory while they were down in Pueblo on their convention.
So my trek continued north for a search at mile marker 6.0.
At the trees between the trail and the Bird Observatory office, I found
a male MacGillivray's Warbler. While watching the MacGillivray's Warbler,
an adult male Chestnut-sided Warbler started to sing above me. He sang
the 20 minutes I watched him gather green worms 10 feet above my head.
A Plumbeous Vireo passed through as I sat watching the warblers.
My trip was now 3 miles and 4 hours old, so I returned back to my car.
I tried to speed up, however the return trip took another 3 hours.
Thrushes were much more active on the return trip. I observed a
Hermit's Thrush along with 2 Swainson's Thrushes at mm 8.1.
The Gray-cheeked Thrush was still in the same foliage as before.
Additional Swainson's Thrushes were observed at mm 8.5, 8.7, 8.8, and 8.9.
Three male and a female Western Tanager were at mm 8.1. At the banding
station (mm 8.5), a male Wilson's Warbler jumped out of the willows.
Black-billed Magpies and Common Grackles chased a Great Horned Owl at mm 8.6.
Three Green-tailed Towhees hunted for food back at mm 8.9.
I observed one Willow Flycatcher, one Western Flycatcher (in all probability
Cordilleran, it did not call), and six additional unidentified
Empidonax species. House Wrens, Bullock's Orioles, and Western Kingbirds
were everywhere. Eastern Kingbirds (11) "hawked" insects between mm 7.5 & 6.5.
A sharp eye was kept out for Northern Waterthrush and Ovenbirds; none were found.
A Long Day; Clear Creek and Weld Counties 5/18
Friday turned out to be a long day with many miles traveled.
At first light, I took Larry and Terry Duloge of North Carolina to Guanella Pass
(Clear Creek County). It was one of those lucky days where we found two
White-tailed Ptarmigan within 10 minutes of leaving our car.
The birds were just southeast of Rosalie and 603 trails.
Lucky again, we located a female Three-toed Woodpecker within 5 minutes
of stepping out of the car. The bird was on one of her favorite trees
(just south along the main road from Guanella Pass Campground).
After taking them to the airport, I picked up Donna Fortney and we headed
for Crow Valley Campground (Weld County). We arrived at 2:00pm.
Birds observed included a male Black-throated Blue Warbler, male Hooded Warbler,
Worm-eating Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Magnolia Warbler
(thanks Andrew Spencer), Veery (thanks again A. Spencer),
male Lazuli Bunting, Common Nighthawk, Red-eyed Vireo,
two Cordilleran Flycatchers, three Common Yellowthroats,
Broad-tailed and a Black-chinned Hummingbirds and many Swainson's Thrushes.
Western Kingbirds, Brown Thrashers, Bullock's Orioles, and a few Orchard Orioles
were spread around the campground, a pair of Black-head Grosbeaks too!
Others observed two American Redstarts and a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Donna observed the Costa's Hummingbird twice. Once for a minute in the trees
just south of the famous currant bush at campsite 8 (at 5:30pm) and again for
30 seconds in trees near the handicap-hiking path (at 6:55pm). Shortly after
pointing out the bird to me it flew south to the currant bushes under the
big cottonwood near the southern border. A few minutes later Andrew Spencer
relocated the bird and got a quick look.
On the trip back to Denver, we located Burrowing Owls along highway 392
approximately 5 miles south of Briggsdale and a pair 1.2 miles south of
Weld CR 22.
Many miles on the old body; however it was a great day!
Pike National Forest 5/17
After birding three days in southeast Colorado this week, I ventured up to
Pike National Forest near Bailey on Thursday. Daniela Garrett accompanied
me and we met Merlynn Brown who guided us through a four-mile hike.
We found two pairs and an additional single female Three-toed Woodpeckers.
Not bad, considering our walk was through rain (downpour) most of the day.
We also watched two Western Flycatchers, Yellow-rumped Warblers,
a male and female Western Bluebird, Pine Siskins,
White-breasted Nuthatches, and many Hairy Woodpeckers.
American Dippers were nesting along the creek west of the parking area
for Pine Valley Ranch Park.
Southern Colorado 5/14-5/16
Three days were spent birding in southern Colorado under windy conditions.
May 14
The woods at Lake Henry contained few birds. Several Bullock's Orioles and
a Barn Owl were at the eastern end of the trees at the northwestern end.
Fort Lyons Wildlife Area contained few migrant birds. A Great Crested Flycatcher
called several times. It took me 30 minutes to find the bird however.
A Yellow-billed Cuckoo also called; I never did see it.
Hasty Campground at John Martin Reservoir had a male and female Rose-breasted
Grosbeak. Several Swainson's Thrushes were near the shower area. My second
Great Crested Flycatcher of the day was found in the trees east of the showers.
A male Blackpoll Warbler fluttered about near the picnic area.
The woods behind Lamar Community College were quiet also. A Northern Waterthrush
walked the shoreline across from the dormitories. The Cardinals were not around.
The locust grove at Neenoshe Reservoir had a Red-eyed Vireo. In addition,
my second Blackpoll Warbler of the day made an appearance.
Upper Queens Reservoir produced no further sightings for my day list.
May 15
While camping at Fort Lyons Wildlife area, I heard an American Bittern
during the night. Early in the morning I could hear at least two Black Rails.
The Least Bittern could not be located at first light. The only uncommon
bird located was a Red-eyed Vireo deep in the woods.
The woods 1.5 miles east of CR JJ & CR 16 contained a Black-throated Blue
Warbler. I searched 30 minutes in the area of the LeConte's Sparrow sighting
of several weeks ago (without success).
No uncommon birds were found during a drive of the north side of
John Martin Reservoir. The male and female Rose-breasted Grosbeak
were still at Hasty Campground.
It appeared that most of the migrants found last weekend had moved on and so did I.
A male and female Vermilion Flycatchers were in the trees along the canal, east
of Higbee Cemetery. I finally found a Black-throated Sparrow at Otero County
Road E (after about 20 trips). There were several Cassin's Sparrows in the area.
The rest of the day was spent on a private ranch in Baca County. Added to my
day list were 2 male and a female Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, two Yellow-billed
Cuckoos, Cassin's Kingbirds, Blue Grosbeaks, and a flock of Cedar Waxwings.
After dark, I heard a Great Horned Owl, Western Screech-Owl and Northern Pygmy.
While this ranch has had nesting Hepatic Tanagers the past three years,
none have shown up yet this year. Maybe next trip they will arrive.
San Luis Valley 5/16
I took off in early morning (4:00am) to search for Bendire's Thrashers in
the San Luis Valley north of Del Norte. Sage Thrashers were all over
the place. I found one Curve-billed Thrasher along Forest Road 660.
Russell Lakes area was checked in the afternoon. I could not locate
the Glossy Ibis reported last week. One Peregrine Falcon flew
swiftly overhead. No additional uncommon birds were observed.
My day ended at the Buena Vista Overlook. I could hear several Pinyon Jays
at the KOA campground below the overlook. Two Juniper Titmice fluttered
about the junipers at the overlook. A flock of 14 Bushtits came through also.
Lake Estes 5/13
Donna Fortney, Sue Dorsey, Cindy Earnhardt and I traveled up to
Lake Estes (Larimer County) in the late afternoon.
After a 1.5-hour search in the Matthews-Reeser Bird Sanctuary,
I found the Chestnut-sided Warbler in the willows just north of
the power plant. The bird stayed in the same group of willows
from 7:30pm to 8:10pm. It was still there when we departed.
We did not locate the Prothonotary Warbler reported earlier in the day.
Several Common Yellowthroats and a Northern Mockingbird were in the same area.
Return to Cherry Creek Reservoir 5/12
Four of us decided to drive over to CCK Reservoir before our board meeting.
The afternoon was warm, windy, and noisy from all the cars driving around.
We searched for 2 hours at location where Cherry Creek goes underneath
the main road (near group picnic area of state park). We hiked at least
500 yards in both directions along Cherry Creek.
The only warblers observed were 1 male and 3 female Yellow Warblers.
Two Blue-gray Gnatcatchers appeared in the same area as Friday.
Hundreds of American Goldfinch were also around.
A Sora and Virginia Rail called on the south side of the road.
We then hiked south of the group picnic area to the large pond where
Green Herons had been reported last week. We found no Green Herons
and did not expect success with all the people around on the weekend.
Two additional Soras called from the north end of the pond.
A second Virginia Rail was also heard in this area.
The group of trees at the south end of the pond was checked for migrants
without finding any birds. Success has occurred here in the past, not today.
No Terns or uncommon Gulls were found at the southwest marina.
The swim beach area was filled with many, many people.
Belmar Historic Park & Cherry Creek Reservoir 5/11
On my return home from PNF, I birded 5 hours at Belmar Historic Park).
It was a cold morning, however it warmed up nicely; winds were mild.
At 6:05 am, the Cassin's Vireo (reported Thursday by Loch Kilpatrick) was in
the trees at the northern edge of Kountze Lake. It later flew to the island.
Birds along the shoreline at Kountze Lake included fourteen American Avocets,
seven Spotted Sandpipers, and dozens of baby Canada Geese.
The waterfowl on the lake included 3 male and 2 female Redhead Ducks and
a lone Double-crested Cormorant.
At 8:30 am, a Northern Waterthrush, Western Flycatcher, and Green-tailed Towhee
jumped out of the canal at the horse path on the northwest corner of the ponds.
This was near the stake with a small blue sign (City of Lakewood).
A nice collection of sparrows were found including 9 Brewer's Sparrows,
20 Clay-colored, 1 Lincoln's Sparrow, 7 Song Sparrows, 10+ Savannah,
3 Chipping Sparrows, 1 Lark Sparrow, and 2 White-crowned Sparrows
(one "leucophrys" and one "gambelii").
Another notable birds were a calling Sora, 2 Swainson's Thrushes,
a female Lazuli Bunting, a Solitary Sandpiper, a Western Wood-Pewee
and an adult Black-crowned Night-Heron. A second Empidonax species
was silent and not identifiable (by me anyway).
In the afternoon I picked up Rebecca Kosten and we drove over to
Cherry Creek Reservoir. We did not find the Black-throated Gray Warbler
reported yesterday (where Cherry Creek runs under the main road).
A male Townsend's Warbler fluttered about in the area along with
four Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. No terns or uncommon gulls were found today.
Pike National Forest 5/10
Thursday my trek took me to Pike National Forest. It was a cold night
as I camped near the Colorado Trail off Forest Road 550.
At first light I drove back to Pine Valley Ranch Park and hiked into the forest
along Buck Gulch Trail. A male and female Three-toed Woodpecker were
along the Buck Trail (50 yards south of the park boundary sign).
Another pair of Three-toed Woodpeckers was along the Strawberry Jack Trail
(300 yards from the junction with Buck Trail).
I doubled back and hiked Buck Gulch Trail. At 0.5 miles south of the park
boundary sign a single female TTWO was found. 0.25 miles further another
pair of TTWO was feeding. Five Hairy Woodpeckers moved around here.
Along the Skipper Trail near Buck Creek another female bird was found.
Later in the day, a third pair of TTWO was located west of the Tramway Trail
along Forest Road 543. A Northern Goshawk was also in this area.
A third lone female TTWO was just west of FR 550 and the Tramway Trailhead.
After dark, I wandered around several areas where Flammulated and
Northern Pygmy Owls had been found in the past. No owls responded to my
tapes this night. After another cold night, I headed back to Denver.
Southeastern Colorado 5/7-5/9
Monday 5/7
I left Denver in early afternoon. My early date for Bobolink at
the Winkler Ranch south of Castlewood Canyon State Park was May 8.
A male Bobolink was drinking from a small puddle at the south end
of the ranch near Lake Gulch Road (and Castlewood Canyon Road).
Therefore I got a new first date for my Bobolink sightings!
After dinner in Colorado Springs, I went owling in Teller County.
I found no owls to respond to my tapes in the National Forest
south of Manitou Lake nor north of the town of Divide.
Tuesday 5/8
Today was quite warm as I did a whirlwind tour of southeast Colorado.
At Lake Henry, a male Chestnut-sided Warbler flew high in the canopy.
A Red-eyed Vireo was low in the trees at the western end of the woods.
At the Fort Lyons Wildlife Area near CR 16 & CR HH, I located
a Gray-cheeked Thrush, Veery, male Magnolia Warbler, Ovenbird,
Black Rail, American Bittern, and Least Flycatcher.
I gave the LeConte's Sparrow a shot back on CR 16, west of CR JJ.
He did not appear for me. No uncommon birds were found.
At the Hasty Campground (below John Martin Reservoir) the pair
of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were still around. Few other birds were.
I checked several locations in Lamar. No success was had at the high school
(14th & Yucca). Nor could I find any birds at the Lamar Cemetery.
The woods behind Lamar Community College produced several nice sightings.
My second Gray-cheeked Thrush of the day, a Northern Waterthrush, and
Tennessee Warbler (north end of woods) were added to my day list.
Further North at Willow Creek Park, a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak and
male Red-bellied Woodpecker increased my daily list.
No birds were found at Jet Lake (northwest of Upper Queens Reservoir)
No birds moved around the Locust Grove at Neenoshe Reservoir.
A Black-and-White Warbler flew high in the trees near the boat dock.
My day ended at Upper Queens Reservoir. I walked around searching for
the Hermit Warbler reported earlier in the week. I did not find the bird.
The search to find the Long-billed Curlews and Mountain Plovers I observed
last week turned up empty. The day ended under a beautiful sunset.
Wednesday 5/9
My day started at Two Buttes Reservoir. Wild Turkeys stood in the
trees at the eastern end of the wildlife area (below the dam).
A Northern Waterthrush walked along the water's edge near the rock outcropping.
A Red-eyed Vireo worked the trees just below the dam.
I missed the Greater Roadrunner found on most of my previous trips.
Back at Lamar Community College, the Northern Waterthrush made an appearance.
At Willow Creek Park, the pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks was still around.
I did not locate much more of interest at the Lamar Cemetery and High School
and decided to head back west.
A drive along the southern and northern ends of John Martin Reservoir did not
add many birds to my daily list. The bird of the day was a lone Gray Vireo.
This is the second time in four years that I have found a Gray Vireo south of J.M.
The other John Martin Gray Vireo sighting was May 19, 1998.
Hasty Campground was quiet.
Lake Cheraw had few birds. Lake Holbrook did not add much to my day list either.
Lakes Meredith and Henry were quiet and I decided to try Pike National Forest
back near Bailey (for Three-toed Woodpeckers and such).
I camped near Forest Road 550 and the Colorado Trail. No owls responded to my
tapes as I walked west down FR 550 for several hours.
Barr Lake 5/6
Rebecca Kosten and I spent several hours at Barr Lake searching for the
Nashville Warbler reported this morning. While it rained in the surrounding
areas, Barr Lake missed the downpours. However, winds were quite strong.
We did not locate the Nashville Warbler, however did find several nice birds.
At Mile markers 8.8 & 8.1 there were Swainson's Thrushes.
A Brewer's Sparrow popped up at mm 8.5 (banding station).
A Lincoln's Sparrow showed at mm 8.1 (Pioneer Trailhead).
Several flocks of Yellow-rumped Warblers, four Orange-crowned Warblers,
eleven House Wrens (more heard), and three Swainson's Hawks were observed.
Two or more Burrowing Owls were found at each of the three Prairie Dog Villages
along my favorite Owl Loop north of Denver International Airport.
At 0.7 miles east of Picadilly Road and 128th avenue, a Ferruginous Hawk
stood on one of the prairie dog mounds.
Cherry Creek Reservoir 5/5
Rebecca Kosten and I went into the "big city" for a movie.
The theater just happen to be near Cherry Creek Reservoir :-)
The rain stopped by 6:00PM, temperature was 50 degrees, winds were calm.
We entered the park from the north side. Many American White Pelicans
and Western Grebes could be observed from below the dam's tower.
Cherry Creek was running wild over the main road and we had to leave the
park and circle over the dam to reach the south side of the state park.
We found two Spotted Sandpipers along the shoreline near the boat ramp.
While scoping the logs around the southwest marina, we located two
Foster's Terns among 620+ gulls. The gulls were 2/3 Ring-billed, the
rest were California gulls. These were the only two species.
A third tern flew in from the east as we watched the two Foster's Terns.
This bird had a narrower bill, a gray body that did not contrast with
its mantle, short legs, and its tail did not extend beyond its wings.
Clearly, we were fortunate to locate a Common Tern.
We ran out of daylight before checking the rest of the south side.
Barr Lake Area 5/4
I walked the nine miles around Barr Lake while it rained all day today.
Temperatures were warmer than yesterday, in the middle 40's.
Few birds moved around.
A male Great-tailed Grackle was in the cattails west of mile marker 3.0.
The Pine Warbler reported earlier in the week was not located today.
A flock of 27 Yellow-rumped Warblers was in the woods at mm 0.5.
One unidentified Empidonax species was near the banding station mm 8.5.
A wet Western Kingbird flew about at mile marker 7.8.
Several Swainson's Hawks were also in this area.
No uncommon birds were on the reservoir proper.
The highlight again today was returning to my car for dry socks!
There were a few Burrowing Owls out at all three Prairie Dog Villages
along my favorite Owl Loop North of Denver International Airport.
My trek ended today with a drive along the north side of Rocky Mountain Arsenal.
This was approximately my 250th trip along the northern side in search of
Upland Sandpipers. I have never observed one here........one of these days.
The cattail marsh is rather dry this year; it is a little early in the year too.
I did not see any Burrowing Owls along the eastern side of RMA (Buckley Road).
Two Swainson's Hawks and a Red-tailed Hawk were off in the distance.
One Great Horned Owl searched for food at the south end of the arsenal.
Chatfield Reservoir 5/3
I spent 10 hours birding at Chatfield Reservoir (Jefferson/Douglas Counties).
For the first several hours of daylight, the snow was almost horizontal.
By 2:00pm, the precipitation was mostly rain. Temperatures were around
40 degrees, winds mild to strong, and precipitation never stopped.
Keeping my equipment dry and clean was a chore all day.
Several hours (two trips) were spent at the south marina sand spit
(it is not that big either). The only birds observed were one
male Lazuli Bunting, an unidentified Empidonax species, and
31 Chipping Sparrows. One adult Bonaparte's Gull searched for
food along the shoreline for about an hour. The bird was quite
reluctant to fly and I do not blame him. Winds were strong,
fog was thick, and the snow spewed down.
I next hiked to Plum Creek Delta. One Willet walked the shoreline eastward.
A Black-and-White Warbler was in the tall cottonwoods along Plum Creek.
Returning westward, another Willet was observed along the shoreline by the trees
west of the southeast marina. Thirty-one Yellow-rumped Warblers (mixed flock of
male Audubon's and Myrtle's) fluttered about these trees. A male Indigo Bunting
and male Mountain Bluebird were also here.
I then hiked the bike and horse paths to the west and south to Kingfisher Bridge.
A male Northern Parula was in the large grove of trees west of the maintenance
buildings. The grove is approximately 400 yards north of the old heron rookery.
Once at Kingfisher Bridge area, I first walked 1.0 miles of the east side of
the Platte River. A flock of 27 Yellow-rumped Warblers did not include the
Philadelphia Vireo reported Wednesday. One Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was behind
the restroom. A Spotted Towhee called in the distance.
I crossed the Platte River and hiked 2 miles south along the western side.
Three flocks of Yellow-rumped Warblers were found in the first 1.0 mile.
While watching the first flock (approximately 75 yards south of main road),
I observed three vireos. There was a Warbling Vireo and Plumbeous Vireo
quietly foraging the upper canopy. A Cassin's Vireo was observed and
heard singing for about 15 minutes. The humorous part was trying to listen
to my bird song tapes and keep everything dry. I could definitely hear
the difference between the three vireo songs and picked out the Cassin's Vireo
(besides be given good looks at the bird).
I was amazed all day at how many birds sang in spite of the weather conditions.
One Gray Catbird and one Spotted Towhee were approximately 0.7 miles south
of the main road. The second flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers contained
one Wilson's Warbler. Two House Wrens also popped out of the wet willows.
No birds were added to my day list by hiking north of Kingfisher Bridge.
My hike continued north along the west side of the reservoir. A flock of
37 Mountain Bluebirds (about 2/3 males) was in the western fields.
A second flock of 21 birds was a little further north.
Over 347 Chipping Sparrows were encountered in the next two miles
(I lost count at 713 Chipping Sparrows for the day).
Many American Pipits (over 300) were around the reservoir.
It was a good day for studying sparrows. I observed 713+ Chipping Sparrows,
4 Lincoln's Sparrows, 52+ Vesper Sparrows, 27 Savannah Sparrows,
24+ Lark Sparrows, 16+ Brewer's Sparrows, 6+ White-crowned Sparrows,
2 Clay-colored Sparrows, and 2 Grasshopper Sparrows.
The Black-legged Kittiwake was behind the swim beach buildings.
Few birds were at the balloon launch area.
One Swainson's Hawk stood sentinel over the area.
A big highlight of the day was returning to my car and putting on dry socks.
(After ten hours and little over 13 miles in wet socks)
Pike National Forest 5/2
Today Bryan and I escorted two out-of-state birders to Pike National Forest.
We knew the rainy weather would inhibit our success in locating any birds
(Three-toed Woodpeckers, Northern Pygmy-Owls, and such).
Few birds moved about during our stay. A pair of Williamson's Sapsuckers,
six Mountain Chickadees, and a Hairy Woodpecker were the few birds observed.
More Bird Trips
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