Rich Stevens' Bird Trips
May 2003
San Luis Valley; Search for Bendire's Thrashers 5/27-5/29
Inserted by Lisa Novin 5/30
Bryan Ehlmann and I headed for the San Luis Valley in search of
Bendire's Thrashers. Winds have been strong and temperatures warm.
We have also run into two thunderstorms.
Tuesday 27
We stopped briefly at Fountain Creek Regional Park, El Paso County.
The area was quiet; we did see a Green Heron at the pond below
the visitor's center. A couple of Great Blue Herons and
Great-tailed Grackles were also in the area.
Fortune was with us, it took only 15 minutes to find the
Yellow-throated Warbler at Pueblo City Park. The bird was
around the Frisbee golf course as stated by David Silverman.
A drive up the Swallows Road on the west side of Pueblo Reservoir
added a nesting pair of Curve-billed Thrashers, 2 Scaled Quail,
a Loggerhead Shrike and several Mountain Bluebirds to our trip list.
At Temple Canyon State Park, Fremont County, we found a nice variety
of birds, which included Gray Flycatcher, Gray Vireo, Evening Grosbeak,
Juniper Titmice, Cordilleran Flycatcher, and Pinyon Jays.
Our birding day ended at Hayden Creek Campground south of Coaldale,
Fremont County. The hike between Coaldale CG and Hayden CG is one
of my favorite summer hikes. Along the wild plum and honeysuckle
lined road we observed Western Tanagers, Evening Grosbeaks,
Black-headed Grosbeaks, Warbling Vireos, Cordilleran and
Hammond's Flycatchers, and more common mountain birds.
It is a colorful 1/2 mile hike with the wild flowers and birds.
Wednesday 28
We spent the morning searching for BETH north of Del Norte,
Rio Grande County and ventured north into Saguache County.
No luck today. Pinyon Jays and Sage Thrashers (numerous)
were encountered at several locations.
In the afternoon we checked John Rawinski's sighting of the BETH
near Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. Unfortunately access
for a further search was not to be.
The last two hours of daylight we spent driving the roads south of
Monte Vista. We came across two Mountain Plovers,
American Bitterns, Sage Sparrows, etc.
Thursday 29
Again we searched first north of Del Norte and then south for BETH.
A nesting pair was found and taped in Saguache County!
Sage Thrashers were numerous, Pinyon Jays less so.
We drove south to Conejos counting birds and just for the experience.
Our last stop of the day was Home Lake Wildlife Area.
A Black-and-White Warbler fluttered about the cottonwoods.
We could not figure where to bird at the Alamosa Golf Course?
(home of some great bird reports last year).
We have decided to continue birding the area through the weekend.
Eastern Plains Trip Continued 5/24-5/26
Our eastern birding trip continued. We have few birds to report
since most of our bird counting was on private land. The weather
finally turned nice with temperatures in the 70s and mild winds.
Saturday 24
We woke up to a Black-throated Green Warbler at Richard's strip
of cottonwoods along his creek. The creek runs for a little over
half a mile through his ranch. It usually has some water in it.
The swampy area contained a Harris's Sparrow. We could not
find the Lewis's Woodpecker this morning.
We headed out to Elbert County by way of Yuma, Akron, and Anton.
Brief stops in Holyoke and Haxtun (Phillips County) did not produce
sightings of R. Linfield's birds reported earlier in the week.
Sandsage Wildlife Area (Yuma County) west of Yuma was quiet.
The Wray Fishing Unit was quiet also. A flock of Cedar Waxwings
and an Eastern Phoebe were the only interesting birds about.
We stopped for 15 minutes and checked below the dam and the southeast
corners of Flagler Reservoir (Kit Carson). A few Bullock's Orioles
and a Northern Mockingbird were all that were seen. A couple of
Eurasian Collared Doves were in Flagler at 4th & Ouray.
Siebert had an Eurasian Collared-Dove also.
A search of a friend's ranch near Kit Carson did not add any birds
to our day list. He continues to report Greater Prairie-Chickens
on his ranch, but we have yet to confirm them.
We turned west and visited Hugo, Kinney Lake, and Karval Reservoir
Wildlife Areas in Lincoln County. It was not the best time of day
to bird and few were found. A flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers was
at Karval. A hummingbird at Hugo turned out to be a Broad-tailed
(unfortunately not a Ruby-throated).
Several Great-tailed Grackles were in the city of Hugo.
Sunday 25
After spending the night in Limon we turned north to Last Chance.
We thought and overnight storm would drop some birds into the Rest Stop.
Unfortunately, it did not. Skies were foggy and cloudy most of the day.
Winds were quite strong and hinted that a storm was coming (it never did).
We turned around and headed for Matheson (Elbert County).
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak reported by T. Jones on Saturday
was not found. A male Black-headed Grosbeak sang from a telephone
wire near Big Sandy Creek. Two Northern Mockingbirds were nearby.
The town was quite birdy, however no uncommon birds were observed.
Our next stop was Ramah Reservoir Wildlife Area. A small flock of
sandpipers perked our interest. Three White-rumped Sandpipers were
with Wilson's Phalaropes and Semipalmated Sandpipers.
Two Great-tailed Grackles were at the southeast corner.
We sat for an hour at the "Dickcissel field" along Elbert Road
(Elbert County Road, 4.2 miles south of Highway 86). They sang
periodically in spite of the high winds and cloudy skies.
The field east of Elbert Road is wet this year. Many Red-winged
Blackbirds and one male Yellow-headed Blackbird flew up now and
then from the tall grasses. No Bobolinks were observed however.
Our birding day ended on Castlewood Canyon Road (southwest side of
Castlewood Canyon State Park). Mountain Bluebirds are using the
bluebird boxes south of the Winkler/Jones ranch. At least 6 male
Bobolinks flew up from the wet meadow 0.3 miles south of the
ranch's entrance. About a mile north of the ranch's entrance
Western Bluebirds are using those nesting boxes.
A male and possible female Eastern Bluebird were observed also.
A Wild Turkey came out of the woods facing to the North toward
the State Park's southwest entrance.
Several Broad-tailed Hummingbirds visited the feeder at the
last house before entering the state park.
Monday 26
We spent the night at a private ranch in Elbert County and at first
light drove back east to visit several locations where Common Poorwills
have nested in past years. None were found this morning.
Later we drove south to search for the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
reported by Cross on Saturday. The subdivision west of Black Forest
Road (at Woodman) and several areas to the north) were checked.
We continued south and searched for Mountain Plover on Squirrel
Creek Road (the T Cross Ranch area). None were found today.
Our birding day ended back at Castlewood Canyon Road and the
State Park. The highlight of the day was a male Purple Finch on
the scrub oaks near the first restrooms south of the old ranch house.
The bird stood atop a bush and sang for a good 10 minutes!
He eventually flew west across the road and uphill.
Several Black-headed Grosbeaks and many Spotted Towhees were
observed also. A dozen Turkey Vultures flew overhead and
a Golden Eagle passed by too.
This ended our long week of birding!
Eastern Plains of Colorado 5/19-5/23
Inserted by Lisa Novin 5/23
Sue Dorsey, Rebecca Kosten, Bryan Ehlmann and I started out
on an 8-day birding trip to Northeast Colorado. We are fortunate
to stay at a friend's "birding ranch" near Julesburg. We hope to find
as many birds as possible in Sedgwick, Logan, and Phillips counties.
Monday 19
Winds were quite strong today, 15-25 mph with gusts into the 30s.
A two-hour stop at Jackson Reservoir (Morgan County) found
few birds. May American Robins and Northern Flickers were
around; the only uncommon bird was a male American Redstart
(in trees along southwest edge of the dam).
A brief stop at Brush Wildlife area (Morgan) did not find the
interesting birds reported on 5/14.
Prewitt Reservoir (Washington/Logan) was more interesting
as we checked the woods at the western end, below the
dam at the outlet canal and eastern ends. Winds were still
strong which made birding difficult.
The trees at the outlet canal contained a male American Redstart
and male Blackburnian Warbler. While a Northern Waterthrush
walked along the creek as it ran from north to east.
Tuesday 20
We spent the night in Sterling and birded our way towards Julesburg.
Again winds were in the 15-25mph range; at least temperatures were warm.
Sterling Reservoir as usual is not birdy (never have figured out why?).
We did find an American Redstart and Black-and-White Warbler,
but few other birds. Pioneer Park at the eastern end of Sterling and
Overland Trail Park at the western end added few birds to our list.
Tamarack Ranch Wildlife Area picked up our interest. We hiked the
section west of Highway 55 first. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo called
from the tall cottonwoods near parking area 1W. An American Redstart
and Black-and-White Warbler fluttered about in the lower trees at 2W.
A male Red-bellied woodpecker called along the river at 4W.
The eastern sections of the WLA were just as interesting.
We found a Black-throated Green Warbler at 2E.
An Eastern Screech-Owl answered our tape at 9E-R.
A male Northern Cardinal was observed flying north
of Tamarack Ranch Pond at section 13E.
A Palm Warbler was observed briefly at 15E.
Other birds counted in the WLA were Spotted Towhees (no Eastern located),
Red-headed Woodpeckers, Common Yellowthroats, Bell's Vireos (section 1W),
Yellow-breasted Chats, House Wrens, Sparrows (Song, Brewer's,
Clay-colored, Chipping, Vesper, Lark, Savannah, Grasshopper,
Lincoln, White-crowned, White-throated [section 14E], and White-crowned).
A surprise find was two Cassin's Sparrows in the field west of
the parking area along CR 93. This area is usually good for a
Bobolink but none were observed today.
Sue noticed an Upland Sandpiper as we drove along Highway 138.
The bird was in the historical location just west of Red Lion
Wildlife Area (Logan). A brief stop at Red Lion WLA and a drive
through Jumbo Reservoir did not add uncommon birds to our day list.
Wednesday 21
Our birding day started at Ovid (Sedgwick County). Winds finally
diminished and birding was more productive and pleasant.
A hike along the Ovid North Woods was quite interesting.
One Red-bellied Woodpecker worked the trees east of the bus shed.
A Northern Cardinal flew from north to south along the eastern
side of Lodgepole Creek.
The best bird of the day was a Mourning Warbler. The bird popped
out of the thicker weeds at the north end of the woods (east side
of the creek). We came across an American Redstart on the western
side as we returned to our car. The Ovid sewage pond area was quiet
this morning (Song, White-crowned, Lincoln's, and Chipping sparrows).
Julesburg WLA was also quiet, except for many, many ticks.
We back tracked to Julesburg for lunch and stopped at Julesburg WLA after.
The area was not birdy. Two Chimney Swifts flew overhead. A couple of
Spotted Towhees (no Eastern) and a few Bullock's Orioles (no Baltimore)
were observed. Again many ticks were encountered especially around
Snowberry bushes.
A quick hike to the river from the parking area at DePoorter Lake
added Northern Bobwhite to our trip list. A Field Sparrow was among
many White-crowned Sparrows in the bushes near the dump at the river.
Our next stop was Sedgwick-Bar WLA (Logan). Two Upland Sandpipers
were observed as we hiked from the western parking area.
Several Eastern Bluebirds fluttered about in the trees along the
S. Platte River. A Red-bellied Woodpecker worked the trees also.
The section from the eastern parking area was more productive.
A male Kentucky Warbler sang from the tall cottonwoods west of the
parking area. Another flock of Eastern Bluebirds roamed the area.
Thursday 22
We spent most the day driving around the county roads north of Julesburg.
Most birds observed today were on or over private lands.
Richard Danka's ranch had a Swamp Sparrow and two Harris's Sparrows.
Other areas added uncommon birds such as Virginia Rail, Sora,
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Long-eared Owls, Short-eared Owl,
Eastern Phoebe, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Magnolia Warbler,
Chestnut-sided, and Cape May Warbler to our trip list.
Our first Dickcissels of the year were found along Sedgwick County Road 32.
Steve Spencer and friends joined us and on the trip up relocated the
Mourning Warbler and Northern Cardinal at the north Ovid Woods.
Steve searched for the Kentucky Warbler at Sedgwick-Bar.
They did not find it, however did see the Upland Sandpipers
and Red-bellied Woodpeckers.
Friday 23
This morning brought several surprises to the Danka Ranch.
We woke up to a Lewis's Woodpecker, which Richard
thinks has been around for at least four days!
The trees along his creek had a warbler fallout.
A Nashville, male Black-throated Blue and two
Tennessee Warblers fluttered about to entertain us!
We took the Spencer party to relocate the Cape May Warbler,
but did not enjoy success.
Most of the day was spent in Phillips County where birds were
in short supply. We did not locate the interesting birds
reported by Roger Linfield in Holyoke and Haxtun.
Sand Draw Wildlife area (Sedgwick County) had few birds.
A male Lazuli Bunting and a Field Sparrow were the
interesting birds for the day.
Not expecting any, we searched Sedgwick CR 30 & 51 for
Sprague's Pipits; without success. We searched several
areas for Eastern Meadowlarks; without success there either.
We ended our birding day along Sedgwick CR 46 & 89.
I have found Greater Prairie-Chickens near the windmill
and in the field to the north (about 1 mile) in the past.
None were found today.
Steve Spencer and friends ended their day further west.
They relocated the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Bell's Vireos,
Black-and-White Warbler, and Red-bellied Woodpecker
at the western sections of Tamarack Ranch WLA.
They ran out of daylight before reaching the eastern sections.
Cherry Creek Reservoir 5/18
Terry & JoAnn Michaels, Rebecca Kosten & I spent several
hours at Cherry Creek State Park today. Temperatures were
cool and wilds were quite strong.
No uncommon gulls were among the few gulls around today.
No terns or sandpipers could be found along the crowded shore line.
The weekend does bring out many people to enjoy the state park.
At the 12-mile Beaver Pond, we did hear a couple of Wilson's Snipe.
Two Virginia Rails made brief appearances along the southeast corner.
The Great Horned Owls at Cottonwood Loop (formerly the Prairie Loop)
have fledged. A pair of Swainson's Hawks are nesting in the area now.
A Great Egret and 8 Black-crowned Night-Herons were on the
Cottonwood Wetlands Pond. Song Sparrows sang from the cattails.
Four mile hike at Barr Lake 5/17
My two-hour hike at Barr Lake (Adams County) produced a couple of
new county sightings. A colorful and musical male Baltimore Oriole
searched for insects along the main trail at mile marker 8.5.
A Red-headed Woodpecker flew between the Pioneer Trail (mm 8.2)
and the banding area (mm 8.7). Both were new county birds for me!
A pair of male Blue Grosbeaks were just west along the Pioneer Trail!
Other birds observed were two Western Wood-pewees, Bullock's Orioles,
many Western Kingbirds, several Eastern Kingbirds, Swainson's Hawks,
Northern Harrier, Yellow Warblers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, one
Orange-crowned Warbler, a Green-tailed Towhee and one Hermit's Thrush.
Final Grouse Trek of 2003 5/11-5/16
I finished my six weeks of Grouse treks today. Two thousand,
one hundred and eighty three additional miles were added this week
bringing the total distance traveled in the past six weeks to 14,813
and all in Colorado! I knew it was an ambitious schedule before the
start and probably not one to be repeated next year or any time soon.
May 11
We headed up to Pawnee National Grasslands (Weld County).
(Participants were Joan Gaiti, Keri Roper, and Fred Hatch.)
A stop at Lower Latham Reservoir where a Glossy Ibis was reported
yesterday did not find the bird. Beebe Draw Ponds area was quiet.
We also did not find the Whimbrel and Black-bellied Plovers
reported yesterday along Highway 392. However, we did locate
an Upland Sandpiper in their traditional summer location
along hwy 392 (approximately 7 miles south of Briggsdale).
Crow Valley Campground was quite birdy. We found a Gray-cheeked
Thrush and many Swainson's Thrushes. A Blackpoll Warbler was in
the group picnic area. A Plumbeous Vireo was north of the group
picnic pavilion. An Ovenbird was along the southern border.
We headed out on the prairie after exhausting the possibilities
at the campground. Many McCown's Longspurs were along CR 96
a mile West of CR 77. Two Chestnut-collared Longspurs were
0.4 miles east of the windmill two miles west of CR 77.
We continued west and located Burrowing Owls south of Weld
CR 94 & 63. Several more were at the intersection of CR 51
and Highway 14. A Mountain Plover was observed here too!
Two Ferruginous Hawks and a Prairie Falcon flew by during
our drive. Two Sage Thrashers were south of CR 51 & 90.
Our birding day ended by watching 3 Greater Prairie-Chickens
on a private ranch in Yuma County.
May 12
We stayed the night in Wray and continued on to Bonny Reservoir.
Bonny Reservoir was birdy. The 2 White-rumped Sandpipers and
Pectoral Sandpiper reported by Gary Zeeto were still on the
north shore of the reservoir. A male Baltimore Oriole,
2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers, 3 Eastern Bluebirds and
2 Wild Turkeys were still along the road running along the
south shore. The Prairie Warbler found on 5/9 was not relocated.
We headed South and stopped at Sheridan Lake (Kiowa).
Two Long-billed Curlews were on the eastern shore.
Several Grasshopper Sparrows flew up from the field
south of the gas station and north of the dry lake.
We next headed for Neenoshe Reservoir (Kiowa). The infamous
locust grove was quiet. A Black-and-White Warbler was
located in the cottonwoods just south of the western
boat dock. A Least Flycatcher was north of here.
A quick stop at Upper Queens Reservoir did not locate the
White-rumped Sandpipers reported several days earlier.
A lone Mountain Plover walked through the short grass
prairie west of the reservoir.
Our next stop was Lamar Community College (Prowers).
A Tennessee Warbler and the male Northern Cardinal
were in the southern end of the woods.
We had to make a brief search for the Acorn Woodpecker
reported 5/9 by McConnell in Cottonwood Canyon, without success.
The trip down there is never a bust as Eastern Phoebes,
Say's Phoebes, Western and Cassin's Kingbirds,
Rufous-crowned Sparrows, Ash-throated Flycatchers,
Bewick's Wrens, Canyon Wrens, Rock Wrens,
Chihuahuan Ravens and Mississippi Kites were observed.
Mountain Plover were located at two locations including
Pasture 14G (north of Baca CR W).
Again Scaled Quail made an appearance near the woodpile
at CR G & 36. Lark Buntings are more numerous now and
we ran across several flocks. A Curve-billed Thrash
and nesting pair of Swainson's Hawks were found along CR J.
Our birding day ended by watching Lesser Prairie-Chickens
and Cassin's Sparrows from the parking area of the Campo Lek (Baca).
May 13
A totally exhausted group watched Gunnison Sage Grouse at
their lek outside of Gunnison (Gunnison County).
We found two Blue Grouse in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
I managed to find the Northern Pygmy Owl during the daytime!
It seems to be nesting in the area west of the western end of the
south rim. White-throated Swifts flew back and forth over the canyon!
Our next stop was Uravan. We watched the two Black Phoebes
for 15 minutes and headed north. A Northern Saw-whet Owl was
found on the Uncompahgre Plateau and we continued north.
The Colorado National Monument (Mesa) was visited next.
We observed a Gray Vireo, two Black-throated Gray Warblers,
Juniper Titmice, Pinyon Jays, White-throated Swifts and
Gambel's Quail. Two Lewis's Woodpeckers were located in
Palisade (CR G.4) Chukars at Cameo were missed and our
group headed to Hayden.
May 14
We watched Sharp-tailed Grouse on the Hayden Lek (Routt)
on 20-road and then headed to 80 route. There we found
two Greater Sage Grouse and decided not to go to the
Coalmont Lek outside of Walden in Jackson County.
The majority was up for a short birding day and
maybe some sleep so we headed back to Denver.
A brief stop at Kremmling (Grand) produced sightings
of all three species of Rosy Finches. A stop at
Windy Gap Recreation Area (Grand) did not add any
Barrow's Goldeneye to our trip list. We drove around
Empire (Gilpin) and found 3 Band-tailed Pigeons.
May 15
Our group joined Gary Weston's trip at Waterton Canyon
and Chatfield Reservoir (Jefferson/Douglas Counties).
Some of us walked 2 miles up Waterton Canyon and then back
north through Chatfield Reservoir along the S. Platte river.
Others did parts of the trek and met up in their cars.
Waterton Canyon added many Yellow-breasted Chats,
Yellow Warblers, Spotted Towhees, several male Lazuli Buntings,
one male Indigo Bunting, and a Golden Eagle to our trip list.
A Red-eyed Vireo and female American Redstart were observed
along the river halfway between where the tall metal electric
poles cross the river and the Steven Kuhlke footbridge.
Two males and a female American Redstart fluttering about in the
woods south of the Discovery Pavilion's crème/brown pump house.
An immature Broad-winged Hawk was on the West side of the S. Platte
between the paved path south of Kingfisher bridge and the scuba ponds.
The highlight of the day was a male Kentucky Warbler on the
west side of the S. Platte and North of Kingfisher bridge.
We observed a Northern Waterthrush while standing on the rocks
along the creek below Wadsworth Blvd at the Balloon launch area.
We were caught in a huge downpour around 2:00pm.
(For reference, cell phones are not water proof :-(
May 16
At 6:00am our group of four met Bryan Ehlmann and Sue Dorsey
at Wheat Ridge Greenbelt (Jefferson). A flock of Yellow-rumped
Warblers feeding at the Russian Olive Trees along the west side
of Prospect Pond included one male Magnolia Warbler.
The Magnolia Warbler eventually flew north to the taller
cottonwoods (still in the park).
The trees and willows south of Bass Lake were quite birdy.
We lost track of Yellow Warblers at 80+. We ran across an
Eastern Screech-Owl south of Clear Creek and west of the
chain link fence. Two Eastern Screech-Owls were observed
last Saturday (after Friday nights snowstorm) in their
usually location along the walking path and west of the
western parking area; by A. Peters).
Our group of four headed to Pike National Forest (Jefferson) after
the fog lifted. We enjoyed success at Pine Valley Ranch Park.
Two American Dippers were under the second footbridge along the
Narrow Gauge Railroad trail. A male and female Three-toed Woodpeckers
were 100+ yards south of Pine Lake and along the Buck Gulch Trail.
I rushed my group to DIA to catch their flight.
Afterwards, ten Burrowing Owls were found along the Owl Loop
North of DIA (Adams County). I kept my eyes out for the
reported Swallow-tailed Kite, but did not see one.
Mountain Birding 5/10
I picked up Joan Gaiti, Keri Roper, and Fred Hatch from DIA and
tried to find some place to bird where the snowy roads were not
a problem. We tried to stay on major highways and therefore
headed to Loveland Ski Basin (Clear Creek County).
(For those not in Colorado, we received somewhere between
six inches to another foot of snow Friday night.)
The storm helped the birding there as 70+ Rosy Finches came to
the feeder at lift #1. The count included 2 Black, 11+ Gray-crowned,
and 57+ Brown-capped. As we started to leave, the White-throated
Sparrow made an appearance also. We observed Mountain and
Black-capped Chickadees, 4+ Pine Grosbeaks, and a Gray Jay.
Our next stop was the Loveland Pass' summit. Winds were strong
(20+mph) and temps in the 20s. Five White-tailed Ptarmigan
were observed on the west side of the summit.
We drove the DIA owl loop (Adams) before returning to their
motel. Twenty+ Burrowing Owls were counted at four locations.
Yet Another Galliform Search 5/4-5/9
Bob Siemons, Hal Henderson, and I drove the state in search of Galliforms
and other interesting birds this week. I added another 2581 miles to my
body (which brings the five week total to 12,630 miles all in Colorado).
We ran into rain and snow at Byers on our return to Denver tonight.
High winds hampered our birding the last two days.
May 4
After picking them up at DIA, we made a brief stop at Bob's relatives in
Castle Rock, so we went by way of Castlewood Canyon State Park (Douglas).
Two Wild Turkeys were on Castlewood Canyon Road (1.0 miles south of
southern entrance to state park). Several dozen Mountain and two
Western Bluebirds are using the bluebird boxes along the road.
I observed my first Lark Sparrows of the year along with several
Brewer's and Clay-colored Sparrows.
After lunch we stopped for two hours at Chatfield Reservoir (Jefferson/Douglas).
Our best sighting was a male Black-throated Green Warbler high in the
cottonwoods near the old tower (1.5 miles south of Kingfisher Bridge).
I picked up many first year sightings including 4 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers,
one Yellow-breasted Chat, 1 Gray Catbird, and a Yellow Warbler. Many
House Wrens, Yellow-rumped Warblers, a male Common Yellowthroat
and an adult Bald Eagle were also in the area.
Our next stop was the Mountain Plover loop on the Pawnee National Grasslands.
We found Mountain Plovers in three locations including highway 14 & CR 51.
Several Burrowing Owls were also at this location.
After dinner and sunset we went searching for owls. Two Flammulated Owls
were located 1-2 miles west of the summit of Pennock Pass (Larimer).
Several hours later, we heard a Boreal Owl while at the summit to
Cameron Pass (Jackson).
May 5
Our birding day started by watching 72+ Greater Sage-Grouse at the
Coalmont Lek (Jackson). A Golden Eagle flew overhead during our stay.
We spent most of the day birding north of Steamboat Springs.
Our search for White-winged Crossbills was not successful.
We did see several Sandhill Cranes west of Steamboat Springs State Park.
A hunt for Three-toed Woodpeckers in the Fall Creek area was not successful.
We did hear a Boreal Owl down from Fish Creek Falls (Routt).
May 6
Our birding day started by watching 11 Sharp-tailed Grouse at
the 20-road Lek, south of Hayden (Routt).
We then headed over to the book cliffs north of Grand Junction.
Two Chukars were found at Cameo (Mesa). Lewis's Woodpeckers
were found at Palisade. A Western Screech-Owl and Barn Owl were
found North of Grand Junction. We relocated the Scott's Oriole on
Baxter Pass and found another one on Brewer's Ridge in Mesa County.
Our stop at the Colorado National Monument (Mesa) was successful.
It added Gray Vireo, Pinyon Jays, Black-throated Gray Warbler,
Juniper Titmouse, and Bushtits to our trip list.
Fruita State Park (Mesa) added Great-tailed Grackles.
We buzzed down to Uravan where two Black Phoebes and
several Broad-tailed Hummingbirds were observed from
the bridge over the San Miguel River (Montrose County).
Two Blue Grouse were observed as we drove to the western end
of the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
(Gunnison). A Northern Pygmy-Owl was heard and observed
briefly at dusk. The bird was 600+ yards west of the western
end of the self-guiding car tour.
May 7
Our birding day started by watching 7 Gunnison Sage-Grouse at
their Lek outside of Gunnison (Gunnison County).
We next drove through the San Luis Valley. Several Swainson's Hawks
were along highway 50. We searched unsuccessfully for the
Vermilion Flycatcher reported outside of Hooper, CO. Our only clue
that the bird was 1-2 miles south of Hooper was not enough information.
Our birding day ended at a private ranch in Las Animas County.
Cassin's Kingbirds were quite prevalent. We could not find a male
Hepatic Tanager that was reported yesterday. A pair successfully
nested on the ranch the last two years. We got good looks at a
Northern Saw-whet Owl that has been on the ranch the past four years.
May 8
Our birding day started by watching 7 Lesser Prairie-Chickens on
the Campo Lek (Baca). Two Cassin's Sparrows did their mating
flight as we left the Lek. A Sage Thrasher continues on the
road North from the Lek road. Scaled Quail continue at
CR J and CR 36 (Baca). Lark Sparrows and Lark Buntings were
everywhere. Vesper Sparrows were numerous also.
Many Burrowing Owls are nesting in Pasture 14G (Baca).
At least one Mountain Plover pair maybe trying to nest here also.
Two Buttes Reservoir (Baca) was birdy. A Northern Waterthrush
walked the water's edge below the dam. A Worm-eating Warbler
was below the cliffs to the south. Wild Turkeys and Turkey Vultures
are around also. We missed any thrushes, but did see two Brown Thrashers.
We stopped at a friend's home in Prowers County. He has a pair
of nesting Scissor-tailed Flycatchers (for the second year in a row
and third in five years). There is a second nesting pair within
15 miles at the Radio Tower along Highway 385/287.
We birded in Lamar under adverse conditions. Winds were 15-20 mph
with gusts twice as strong. Bob found a Plumbeous Vireo at the
Lamar Cemetery. I found a Yellow-throated Warbler while trying
to relocate the vireo. We stopped briefly at the Community College,
but winds made birding difficult. Two Mississippi Kites and
three Chimney Swifts were observed overhead.
Our birding day ended by watching 3 Greater Prairie-Chickens
at a private ranch in Yuma county.
May 9
Six of us conducted the CoBus spring count at Bonny Reservoir (Yuma).
Winds were not as strong as yesterday, but still 10-15 mph.
The area was quite birdy and with the help of radios, we all
observed the following birds:
Prairie Warbler (male) was in the woods along CR 2 (southern
entrance to reservoir). The area is east of where the road turns
south for the first time (Location #2 in Holt's Colorado bird guide).
A Black-and-White Warbler was along the reservoir and North of
Wagon Wheel Campground. Several unidentified "empidonax" were here.
The mile of woods along the south side of the reservoir added
a male Baltimore Oriole, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, and
Eastern Bluebirds to our day list.
The woods around Hale Ponds added additional Red-bellied Woodpeckers
and Eastern Bluebirds. More Eastern Bluebirds were below the dam.
The Long-eared Owls reported last month in the windbreak around the
Hale store could not be found. Many Cedar Waxwings remain however.
The highlight of the count was two White-rumped Sandpipers first
located by Gary Zeeto on the north shore of the reservoir.
Bob, Hal, and I split up with Gary, Sue, and Karen and headed
for Flagler Reservoir (Kit Carson) (they for Last Chance).
We found a Northern Waterthrush along the southeast shoreline.
An Olive-sided Flycatcher sang from a snag on the south end
of the reservoir. A Hooded Warbler was found below the dam
(north end of the property).
Eurasian Collared-Doves and Great-tailed Grackles continue
around Flagler (city park and 4th & Ouray streets).
Another Galliform Hunt 4/28-5/3
Tom Slagel and I drove the state searching for Galliforms.
In past 4 weeks I have now traveled 10,049 miles and not left Colorado.
We did stand on a plaque in southeastern Colorado where one can be
in three states at one time (New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Colorado).
April 28
After picking Tom up at DIA we headed to the summit of Loveland Pass
(Clear Creek County). We quickly found three White-tailed Ptarmigan
just west and north of the summit.
At Loveland Ski Basin we watched 50+ Rosy Finches (including 2 Blacks,
17 Gray-crowned, 31+ Brown-capped). The White-throated Sparrow
visited the feeder next to Lift #1 also. Two or three Pine Grosbeaks
and two Red Crossbills were observed. Joe Halpin & Chris Arnold
first reported the Crossbills on April 12.
All three species of Rosy Finches came to the feeder at 409 S. Fifth
Street in Kremmling (Grand). The nesting Ospreys are still along
highway 9 and near the Blue River Water Treatment Plant (Summit).
Sixty-two male and 7 female Greater Sage Grouse came to the Coalmont Lek.
April 29
We found 11 Sharp-tailed Grouse at the 20-road Lek South of Hayden.
A quick drive to the 80-route leks added 3 Greater Sage Grouse and
another Sharp-tailed Grouse to our trip list.
Our next stop was the Colorado National Monument (Mesa).
Eight Pinyon Jays and a Black-throated Gray Warbler were spotted
in the campgrounds next to the visitor's center. White-throated
Swifts and Golden Eagles flew overhead. A Gray Vireo was
found on a mile hike on the trail North of the visitor's center.
Juniper Titmice were found along the road to Glade.
Our birding day ended with sightings of a Northern Saw-whet Owl
and two Flammulated Owls on the Uncompahgre Plateau (Mesa).
April 30
Nine Gunnison Sage-Grouse were at their Lek outside of Gunnison.
We were invited to a private ranch where several additional
birds were counted. We were treated to one of the best
lunches that I have enjoyed in many years.
We ended our birding day at Black Canyon of the Gunnison
National Park. Two Blue Grouse were located 120 yards from
the west end of the south rim self-guiding tour.
A Northern Pygmy Owl was heard 600 yards west of the western end.
May 1
Two Black Phoebes were found in the morning along the
San Miguel River and south of the bridge at Uravan (Montrose).
We spent most of the day birding in Delta County.
Confluence Park in Delta was quiet.
Marbled Godwit and Bonaparte's Gulls were found at
Fruitgrower's Reservoir. Semipalmated Plovers and
Bonaparte's Gulls were observed at Payne's Pond
(pond south of CO 92).
We observed 1 and heard 2 Boreal Owls on the Grand Mesa
(Delta county side). No Northern Pygmy-Owl could be found
at the Powderhorn Ski Area (Mesa).
May 2
We checked for Black Swifts at Hanging Lake; without success.
Then headed for Wray. Our trip was delayed by a brief stop
at Barr Lake (Adams) and Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe).
As we drove into Barr Lake State Park a birder was looking at
sparrows in the field between the visitor's center picnic area
and Cottonwood picnic area. We stopped and he showed us a
Field Sparrow (my first for Adams County).
Tom and I split up and I went to check on the Palm Warbler
while he searched for the previously reported Summer Tanager
near the Pioneer Trail. The Summer Tanager was not found,
but I radioed Tom that I had found the Palm Warbler.
I met Tom at the visitor's center and we hiked back to the
boardwalk to the gazebo (mile marker 1.5) to see the Palm Warbler.
On the way we found a hummingbird searching for food along
the east side of the canal at mm 0.6. The hummer was to
our surprise a male Black-chinned Hummingbird! He flew
west toward the water and then turned around and went to
the yard of the white house w/red roof.
A Peregrine Falcon was in a tree at the west end of the
wildlife observatory at mm 0.8. It eventually flew along
the shoreline and toward the visitor's center.
After relocating the Palm Warbler, Tom continued toward
mile marker 2.5 and I went back to retrieve the car.
We stopped briefly at Cherry Creek State Park next.
Fourteen Whimbrels and five Willets stood on the telephone
poles (in the water) around the southwest marina. Two
Black-crowned Night-Herons and a Great Blue Heron were here also.
After watching 9 Great-tailed Grackles in Idalia, our birding
day ended while watching three Greater Prairie-Chickens on
a private ranch in Yuma County.
May 3
We started our birding day at the Campo Lek in Baca County.
Tom watched 9 Lesser Prairie-Chickens while I hiked a road
a few miles away on the Comanche National Grasslands.
We both found several Cassin's Sparrows (various locations)
and two Sage Thrashers (on road running North from Lek).
Two Scaled Quail were observed along Baca CR G.
We stopped to look for the reported Scissor-tailed Flycatchers
south of Lamar (Prowers). We did not find any, however only
had 10 minutes to search. I received a report of a nesting
pair on a private ranch near the ATT tower and hope
to check that report out next week.
I dropped Tom off at DIA 20 minutes before his plane took off.
Hope you made your flight Tom!
Since I had to pick up a friend at DIA at 6:00pm, I decided to
return to Barr Lake (about 10 miles North of the airport).
I hiked back to the gazebo trail to search for the Palm Warbler.
Mostly to prove to myself that I should have had my camera with
me on Friday when the Palm Warbler was 12 feet from me for over
15 minutes. Of course, the Palm Warbler was not found today.
I did see three male Bullock's Orioles (there was only one on Friday).
A dozen Yellow-rumped Warblers and many House Wrens fluttered about.
Half a dozen Western Kingbirds and two Eastern Kingbirds joined the mix.
On the trip back to my car, several Western Kingbirds and a
Say's Phoebe were observed along the main road.
I stopped to watch a male and female Downy Woodpecker both
drumming on nearby snags. A pair of eyes caught my attention
in the corner of my eyes. They belonged to a young Great Horned Owl.
His parent was close by on another limb.
While hiking north from the visitor's center, I noticed an
Eastern Phoebe in the edge of the woods at mile marker 8.9.
The bird eventually flew to the few small trees on the east
side of the canal between the visitor's center and Cottonwood
picnic areas. Two Green-tailed and a Spotted Towhee were here also.
A lone Turkey Vulture stood in a tree at mile marker 8.9.
It repeatedly flew down to some carrion near Cottonwood Picnic area.
More Bird Trips
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