Rich Stevens' Bird Trips
November 2006
Arapahoe County 11/27
While doing chores around town, I met up with Gary Zeeto.
We scoped Cherry Creek Reservoir for about 2 hours.
The wind and high waves made if difficult to see the waterfowl.
Especially since the diving ducks were actively feeding and
only on the water surface for short periods of time.
From the Lake Loop we were able to pick out the Long-tailed Duck
that I first saw on 11/22. The male Barrow's Goldeneye I first
reported on 11/13 was also among a group of Common Goldeneyes.
At least three Red-breasted Mergansers were by themselves on
the east side of the Lake Loop. At least two Bonaparte's Gulls
were diving for food among a large group of several hundred gulls
(mostly Ring-billed, some California, and several Herring Gulls).
We also scoped briefly from the northeast boat launch area. The
low southwestern sun made seeing much almost impossible.
Few birds were below the dam at the Tower Loop. No warblers
were found today at the Smoky Hill Group Picnic Area. A dog
walked along the swim beach, hence no gulls there.
We could not find the White-winged Scoter reported by Glenn
on 11/24. I missed it on the afternoon of 11/24 also.
With all the Tundra Swans around, I thought to check a few lakes.
Quincy Reservoir had many gulls, no unusual ones, loons, or swans.
My luck improved at Aurora Reservoir. Two white swans were in
the far southeastern corner. I parked at the east end of the dam
and hurriedly hiked 2 miles down the eastern side to obtain better
looks. They turned out to be Tundra Swans! I managed to make it
to Barr Lake just after sunset. No loons, scoters, or swans.
Boulder County Sunday Afternoon 11/26
Sunday afternoon, I was "dumped" by all my birding partners and
decided to drive up to Boulder County. It turned out to be a darn
good choice.
My first stop was Erie Reservoir where I watched the Yellow-billed
Loon for 30 minutes. It was nice to see it so close up (though
the one at Pueblo Reservoir several years ago would swim right
along the boat docks).
My second stop was McIntosh Lake. Several birders let me look at
the 2 Sandhill Cranes and the Brown Pelican through their scopes.
Several what I thought were Thayer's Gulls were standing on the
eastern shore. Perhaps one of them will turn out to be the 1st
year Slaty backed Gull?
Todd Deininger told me about the 17 Tundra Swans that had just
landed at Union Reservoir and that's where I headed. They were
pretty far out in the lake, but definitely looked like Tundra
Swans. Sue Ehlmann wrote a nice article about Swan Identification
in November's "Colorado Field Notes". The separation of the two
species is not necessarily as straight forward as one might expect.
My last stop was Barr Lake (Adams). While there were thousands of
geese, I did not see any uncommon ones. No loons or scoters on
the lake.
Eastern Plains 11/25 & 11/26
Roger Danka had been reporting several Le Conte's Sparrows on
his property for a couple of days. Bryan Ehlmann and I headed that
way. There were many great birding spots passed on the way up;
but we did not want to miss the opportunity to search for the sparrows.
We did stop briefly at Prewitt Reservoir (Logan/Washington
Counties). An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was observed flying
around. We did not see a Great Black-backed Gull. Several Ross's
Geese were counted and we took off. Not nearly enough time to
really see what was there. We searched for the Snow Buntings;
without success. However, they had not been reported since 11/17.
We also drove slowly around Jumbo Reservoir (Logan/Sedgwick
Counties). We counted 2 Greater White-fronted Goose and
2 Ross's Geese without stopping.
We walked to Roger's cattail pond and with some patience he
managed to find 3 Le Conte's Sparrows for us! Thanks much!
Two Harris's Sparrows and an eastern race Fox Sparrow coming to
his feeders. He also has an uncommon winter Red-naped Sapsucker
visiting. After dark we found at least 3 Eastern Screech-Owls.
The short days make daylight time invaluable so Bryan and I drove
down after dark to Wray to wait for sunrise.
Bryan Ehlmann and I were in Wray. We drove around Yuma CR 45
looking for Greater Prairie-Chickens; without success. None were
expected; never hurts to try. We said "hi" to a friend, watched
a pair of Northern Cardinals come to her feeders and headed to
Bonny Reservoir.
There were few birds around the campgrounds at Bonny Reservoir.
The highlight was our second male Northern Cardinal of the day
(around Wagon Wheel Campground). A flock of 7 Eastern Bluebirds
were on the telephone wires along CR 4 (road to Hale Ponds).
A pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers worked the tall cottonwoods
west of the most southeastern Hale Pond.
A flock of sparrows caught our attention in the trees along CR 2
(near the entrance of Bonny Reservoir). They turned out to be
American Tree Sparrows and Song Sparrows.
CoBus Trip Into the Mountains 11/24
Six birders showed up for the CoBus trip to Clear Creek and
Summit Counties. The weather cooperated with clear skies,
calm winds, and temperatures in the 40s.
Our first stop was Silverthorne in a search for Rosy Finches.
A drive around town produced sightings of 9 Gray-crowned Rosy
Finches, 4 Brown-capped Rosy Finches, Pine Siskins, Mountain
Chickadees, 2 Pine Grosbeaks, and a flock of 5 Evening Grosbeaks.
Not a bad start to our day.
On the way out of town we stopped for 20 minutes at the Blue
River Water Treatment Plant. Six Barrow's Goldeneyes were
swimming around with several Green-winged Teal, Mallards,
and Common Goldeneyes. The previously reported Pine Warbler
was not found during our stay.
We then drove up Guanella Pass road. A stop at Clear Creek
Campgrounds did not find any birds.
Our next stop, Guanella Pass Campgrounds was more productive.
A flock of 6 male and 4 female Red Crossbills flew in and ate
pine cone seeds. We heard and later were able to observe a male
American Three-toed Woodpecker in the trees south of the restroom.
Luck was with us. It only took about 30 minutes to find two
White-tailed Ptarmigan just above (south) of the junction of
the Rosalie and 603 trails. It was a trill for all as 16 year
old Brandon Long was the first to spot them!
A stop at the Georgetown City Park added another 6 Red Crossbills,
American Crows, and Common Ravens to our day list.
Search for Snow Buntings 11/23
Bryan Ehlmann and I made a quick run up to Prewitt Reservoir
(Logan/Sedgwick Counties). We could not find the previously
reported Snow Buntings or Dunlins and headed back toward Denver.
A brief stop at Jackson Reservoir (Morgan) added 2 Bonaparte's
Gulls to our day list. We searched about an hour for Long-eared
Owls; without success.
We ended our birding day at Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe).
We found 2 Common Loons and a Pacific Loon. A juvenile
Thayer's Gull was among the 400+ gulls along the eastern side.
Another Trip to Cherry Creek Reservoir 11/22
While doing chores I again went over to Cherry Creek Reservoir
(Arapahoe County) to look for the Rusty Blackbird reported on
Tuesday by Bob Brown. I never found the bird, however did enjoy
the fantastic weather. I tried to cover as much of the southern
side of the reservoir as access allowed.
Highlights included during my stay (7:30am to 11:30am):
A Long-tailed Duck was with a raft of Common Goldeneyes (no
Barrow's, but I am not complaining) not far off the bird platform
at the Cottonwood Creek Loop. Many Eared Grebes and a couple
of Horned Grebes also in the group.
While searching the cattails around the bird platform, a Swamp
Sparrow flew up about 50 yards west of platform). I hiked to the
Lake Loop and back to the bird platform. Along this hike
approximately 200 yards west of the platform, I found a Long-eared
Owl in some deep cover between the main south side path and the
cattails.
I consider a flock of 11 Black-capped Chickadees a highlight.
It has been awhile since seeing even that small a flock. Not too
far in the past (4 or 5 years) I remember running into flocks
of 150+ and 100+ at Chatfield Reservoir. Whatever happened
to them, here's hoping they make a recovery.
Then heading east I found 2 Greater Scaup in the very southeastern
corner of the reservoir. It requires some bushwhacking to reach
this corner.
I scoped the three large groups of feeding gulls, did not find any
kittiwakes or Bonaparte's Gulls. No loons that I could find, some
Double-crested Cormorants and American White Pelicans continue
on the reservoir.
My only warblers of the day were at the Smoking Hill Group Picnic
Area. A few American Tree Sparrows were at the thicket piles at
the north end of the campgrounds. Also found a Great Horned Owl
around the campgrounds. Asked several campers if they were
hearing any owls at night; this owl was probably one of the
calling owls heard.
A hike down to the 12 mile group picnic area beaver pond did not
find much. I briefly heard a Virginia Rail, never did see it.
Raptors included 2 Western Red-tailed Hawks, 1 dark morph Red-
tailed Hawk, 1 Rough-legged Hawk, 2 female Northern Harriers,
1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1 Cooper's Hawk, and 3 American Kestrels.
I have not looked at my photos yet, however at least have witness
shots of the Long-eared Owl, Swamp Sparrow, and Greater Scaup.
Historically, Thanksgiving is a great day to bird in Colorado as
much seems to be past through the state. Two Yellow billed Loons
(Union and Erie Reservoirs) should be a nice start.
Happy Thanksgiving, see you on the birding trail!
Cherry Creek Reservoir Again 11/13
While doing chores we stopped by Cherry Creek Reservoir
(Arapahoe County) again. We wanted to see how many birders
stayed through yesterday's snowstorm.
Five Common Loons swam off the northern point of the Lake Loop.
Two groups of Common Goldeneyes were not around several
days ago. One group of 58 was northwest of the Lake Loop.
The other was quite far off the northeast corner. There was
a male Barrow's Goldeneye with this group.
A large group of gulls swam and fed to the east. It took quite
awhile, but we were able to eventually pick out the juvenile and
adult Black-legged Kittiwake. Three or four Bonaparte's Gulls
also were mixed in this group. A juvenile Thayer's Gull was nice
enough to fly up to help confirm its ID.
Over 100 American White Pelicans were on the sandbar north
of the southwest marina.
Eared Grebes were still numerous. Horned Grebe numbers appeared
down. We only found one Pied-billed Grebe. We could not find the
Red-necked Grebes, however did find 1 Clark's Grebe with dozens
of Western Grebes.
Raptors included 7 Red-tailed Hawks and 2 Northern Harriers.
A Great Horned Owl was flying around the woods east of the campgrounds.
I managed to get photos of a Northern Shrike that was in the lone
tree next to the Deer Watching Pullover at the flats below the
Ranger's Office.
Daylight ended before we could checkout the 300+ gulls standing
on the swim beach.
Trip to Pueblo Reservoir 11/11
Great weekend of birding! Saturday, I joined the DFO trip to
Pueblo Reservoir (Pueblo County, no surprise). The temperature
was around 30 degrees at 6:30am and not yet 40 degrees by noon.
Winds were mild.
We were quite fortunate to see a large number of birds which
included (in somewhat the order I saw them):
Brant
The adult western Brant stayed around the Rock Canyon Swim Beach
Area along with several dozen Canada Geese (did not see any
Cackling Geese among them).
Red-necked Grebe
A basic adult Red-necked Grebe swam below the cliff at the West
Fisherman's Point area.
The Little Gull (adult)
A basic adult Little Gull gave us great looks of its dark
underwings. Then it nicely swam around and allowed us to
additionally study it.
Great Black-backed Gull (2nd year, adult)
The 2nd year gull was first found at the south marina. The adult
gull which is believed to have returned for more than a decade
swam below the southern end of the dam. He caught a crawfish
and carried in on shore to eat. Then he flew back toward
the south marina.
Lesser Black-backed Gull (3 adults, 2nd year, 1st year)
Several adults stood on the south marina. The younger birds swam
off the Jet Ski Launch area. However, all moved around quite a bit.
Pacific Loon
The Pacific Loon was also off the Jet Ski Launch Area. It was
accompanied by 2 Common Loons which gave us great looks
and comparisons of the two species.
Common Loon (5+)
Spread around the lake, except for the two 15 yards off shore
with the Pacific Loon.
Many other interesting birds
Mountain Bluebirds (flew about the evergreens near the south
marina.
Canyon Towhee:
Two were under evergreen trees southeast of the same marina.
Was the adult Great Black-backed Gull the same one seen in
Arapahoe County (Aurora Reservoir, 9/23 & 9/24, 10/13 & 10/14) and
Cherry Creek Reservoir (10/13 & 10/15) DON?T KNOW? If it was
found at Pueblo Reservoir first on 11/10? Where was it in between?
Birding in the Mountains & Cherry Creek Reservoir 11/10
Five of us went on the CoBus trip to Guanella Pass (Clear Creek
County) this morning. Skies were clear; however winds were 40+mph.
Fortunately, we decided first to look under the four or five fir
trees just north of the parking area. Two White-tailed Ptarmigan
were partially hidden underneath one of them. Thanks, they saved
us from hiking in the high winds up the hill to the southeast.
Next, we stopped at Guanella Pass campgrounds. A flock of eight
Red Crossbills came by the restroom area, giving us all great
looks. A male Pine Grosbeak also passed through. The highlight
was a male American Three-toed Woodpecker. He worked
the trees south of the campgrounds. He allowed us great looks
and time to study his distinct drumming.
A side trip to Silver Plume did not add Rosy Finches to our day
list. No White-throated Sparrow was found at Red Rocks Park
(Jefferson).
Late this afternoon I stopped by Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe)
while doing chores. It proved quite interesting.
At the eastern side of the Lake Loop, John Drummond pointed out
a juvenile Black-legged Kittiwake (quite far away in the middle
of a large group of gulls). I returned the favor by pointing out
two Red-necked Grebes (that were much closer to the northeastern
point of the Lake Loop.
There were still plenty of Bonaparte's Gulls, four additional
species of grebes, and some Pelicans. John had found a lone
Sandhill Crane that I was never able to find in my scope.
We had missed the Black Scoter and headed over to the southwest
marina. John quickly found the Black Scoter off the northern
point of the Lake Loop; thanks much! Off the marina, we observed
a row of 7 Common Loons (made 9 with the 2 I had counted
from the Lake Loop).
I ended up at the swim beach (where another birder, Karl S. had
seen previously seen several Thayer's Gulls). I found a juvenile
and adult Thayer's Gull standing on the swim beach!
Several additional Bonaparte's Gulls were here also! A lone
Clark's Grebe completed the six Grebe day!
The Chestnut-sided Warbler photos are now on the CoBus photo
library. Look soon, as they are not very good and will not stay
up long. Before I go to bed tonight, I will add photos of the
Varied Thrush that we found last week at a private ranch near
Julesburg (It was the cover of November's "Colorado Field Notes")!
Search for Chestnut-Sided Warbler 11/9
I arrived at Belmar Historic Park (Jefferson County) at around
6:20am (sunrise was 6:38am). It was clear that the morning was
going to be overcast; winds were at least mild.
I walked around the business complex east of Belmar Historic Park.
For the most part, I avoided the couple of trees that I believed
the Chestnut-sided Warbler to be in (wanted to wait until I could
see well). A Yellow-rumped Warbler was fluttering about the
cottonwoods on the north side of the east arm of the parking area.
At 6:50am, I scoped the fir tree just outside the north door to
the Muller Engineering (building #4). The Chestnut-sided Warbler
was actively feeding up and down the lone fir. I watched the bird
for about 40 minutes (it was still in the same tree when I left).
Not much else was found around Belmar Historic Park and
I departed.
It was still early and I headed over to Wheat Ridge Greenbelt.
Unfortunately, few birds flew around here. The Eastern Screech-
Owl was not out at his traditional tree.
The previously reported White-throated Sparrow was not
found at Red Rocks Park (Jefferson) during my 1.5 hour stay.
Lunch!
We spent the last hour of daylight at Cherry Creek Reservoir
(Arapahoe County). That is not nearly enough time, but all we
had. Winds were 10+mph; temperatures in the high 40s. Quite a
change from the 80 degree day yesterday.
The adult and 2 juvenile Black-legged Kittiwakes were not far off
shore at the southeast corner of the Lake Loop. The darker
mantled Gull (some call Lesser Black-backed Gull, others a dark
California Gull) was also there. Many Eared Grebe, Horned Grebe,
Western Grebes, and 1 Pied-billed Grebe. Quite a few Pelicans in
the southeast corner. I could only find 2 Common Loons; however
I did not scope below the dam before it was too dark to see.
This morning as stated by others, I watched the Chestnut-sided
Warbler for about an hour. It was in the lone fir tree outside of
the Muller Engineering Building which shares a parking area with
Belmar Historic Park (though I believe it is their parking lot,
not the park's).
I did get several photos and will try and get them on the CoBus
Photo Library before I go to bed tonight. Thanks much to Patricia
Todovich and her husband for the Summer Tanager photos!
Return to Cherry Creek Reservoir 11/8
What another fantastic November day in Colorado! Temperatures
almost reached 80 degrees; winds were mild.
I managed to get an hour of birding in at Cherry Creek Reservoir
(Arapahoe County) during the late afternoon. I watched six
Common Loons in a tight row fishing off the eastern side of
the Lake Loop. Two additional Common Loons were found
below the dam's tower.
Gulls were actively feeding further out toward the center of
the lake today. I could pick out over a dozen Bonaparte's Gulls.
I was not able to find any kittiwakes.
American White Pelicans still numbered over 91; Double-crested
Cormorants over 8. Many Eared Grebes, Horned Grebes, and
Western Grebes continue. I found one Clark's Grebe below and
south of the dam's tower.
There was not much time for further study of the gulls.
Chatfield Reservoir 11/6
Just returned from driving the DIA Owl Loop. No Short-eared Owls,
however as I was driving 128th avenue just west of Piccadilly Road
I observed an owl flying north toward the first farm south of Barr
Lake. It turned out to be a Barn Owl.
Yesterday, I managed to squeeze in an hour of birding at Chatfield
Reservoir (Jefferson/Douglas Counties). At 11:00am there was
little wind and the lake was smooth as glass. I watched three
Common Loons feeding at the inlet near Plum Creek Delta.
All of a sudden, the Red-throated Loon appeared and also feeding.
Then the Pacific Loon showed up also. Great to watch all three
species at the same time. Only thing that would have made it
better of course, would have been a Yellow-billed Loon.
The rest of the lake was pretty quiet. I could not find the
previously reported Red-necked Grebe. There were six or seven
dozen Western Grebes. One Bonaparte's Gull was among a
group of Ring-billed Gulls along the eastern shore.
I searched briefly for the Harris's Sparrow previously reported
near the scuba ponds. No luck with it, however there was a lone
Common Loon on the ponds.
Across Highway 470, McClellan Reservoir was slow also. A few
Common Goldeneyes and American Coots were about it.
Cherry Creek Reservoir 11/5
I managed to get over to Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County)
late this afternoon. Found the following birds (quicker because
of the help of Glenn Walbek; thanks!)
Black legged Kittiwake (adult)
Black legged Kittiwake (2 juveniles, both in same photo)
Clark's Grebe (1, below the dam)
Common Loons (4, 1 below dam, 3 off east side of Lake Loop)
Lesser Black backed Gull (off dam and later lake loop)
Thayer's Gull (adult, southwest marina)
Thought this was super special until I heard that Bryan Ehlmann
had one at Bonny Reservoir (Yuma) and Tony Leukering found one
at Union Reservoir (Weld). Still special!
Usually suspects still there, Eared Grebes, Horned Grebes, Pied
billed Grebes, Western Grebes, White Pelican (51+), Double crested
Cormorants, Redheads, Ruddy Ducks, Herring Gull (2), many
California Gulls, more Ring billed Gulls.
The light was poor, however I put several photos on the CoBus
Photo Library.
Birding Around Denver 11/4
This morning Bryan Ehlmann, Gary Zeeto, and I returned to
Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County). I missed the juvenile
Bonaparte's Gull yesterday afternoon and wanted to try again.
It was a beautiful morning with warm temps and mild winds.
This time we had no trouble finding the juvenile Black-legged
Kittiwake. It was below the dam's tower at the northwest corner.
We did not find the adult Black-legged Kittiwake. Two Bonaparte's
Gulls flew by while we searched for the Kittiwake.
Common Loons were numerous today. I only found one yesterday
and my search was quite extensive. Did 8 or 9 Common Loons fly
in overnight? If so, the turnover is impressive. There were 7 or 8
five days ago, only one or two recently, and now another 10!
Horned Grebes seem to outnumber Eared Grebes now.
Many Western Grebes were out in the middle of the lake.
We could not pick out a Clark's Grebe today.
About a hundred Pelicans continue to rest here.
Besides our trip to Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County) this
morning, after lunch we drove north. The White winged Scoter was
still at the west end of Lake Crest (viewed from west end of
Gateway Park, Denver County).
We walked the whole rather large lake. The two male Greater Scaup
were still there also. Not much on Emerald Strand Pond (east of
Lake Crest). I can only find 3 Surf, 2 Black, and now 2 White
winged Scoter records for Denver County (in past 50 years).
We then headed over to Barr Lake. A Common Loon was swimming
below the dam (viewed from boat ramp). Thousands of geese were
in the field and along the shore west of the Nature Center
Footbridge. They included at least 6 Snow Geese, 1 Ross's Goose,
and 2 Greater White fronted Geese. The only sparrows were White
crowned. No sign of last Saturday's Harris's Sparrow.
Forgot to mention, that we looked for Short eared Owls along the
DIA Owl Loop; without success. We did find 2 Ferruginous Hawks
(along 114th avenue) and 3 Northern Harriers (between 114th and
128th). Beautiful sunset on the plains tonight. Took some great
photos of the full moon going and coming out of the clouds!
Arapahoe County Reservoir 11/3
This morning on the CoBus trip to Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe
County), four of us took the leisure 7.8 mile hike around the
lake.
We counted over 2100+ Ring-billed Gulls, 51+ California Gulls,
2 Herring Gulls.
At Senac Cove (mm 2.0) Bryan pointed out the female Greater Scaup.
The Scaup has been around for over a week now. At Lonetree Cove
(mm 3.0) a Common Loon was swimming about 20 yards offshore.
Sparrows found included 3 American Tree, 9 Song, 2 White-crowned,
and 1 Lincoln's Sparrow!
Other notables included: Redhead Ducks, Ruddy Ducks, Northern
Pintail Ducks, American Coots, 2 Double-crested Cormorants,
Buffleheads, and Green-winged Teal. No scoters were found today.
The weather was fantastic. Winds were calm; temperatures reached
into the high 60s.
Quincy Reservoir is now closed for the year. From outside their
fence we did not see any uncommon birds.
In the late afternoon, we checked Cherry Creek Reservoir
(Arapahoe) for the Black-legged Kittiwake that Glenn Walbek
found yesterday (and Joe Roller today). Unfortunately, we could
not locate the bird.
There were many Ring-billed and California Gulls. The only small
gulls found were 2 Bonaparte's Gulls. American White Pelicans
numbered 97+; Double-crested Cormorants 31+. No loons were found.
There are still many grebes (Western, Horned, Eared, and 1 Clark's Grebe).
We were not able to find the Red-necked Grebe reported last week.
More Bird Trips
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