Rich Stevens' Bird Trips
October 2004
Foothills Birding 10/31
Another cobirder and I traveled to the mountains Sunday.
Weather was not cooperative as we ran into high winds and snow.
Our searches for Northern Pygmy-Owls and White-tailed Ptarmigan were
not successful. A male Three-toed Woodpecker was located about 300
yards south of Pine Lake in Pine Valley Ranch Park (Jefferson County).
After failing to find White-tailed Ptarmigan at Guanella Pass, we
rushed back to Denver to miss the rain and snow there. The 1st
year Harris's Sparrow continues to come to the feeder behind the
Visitor's Center at Barr Lake (Adams).
Fifty plus Great-tailed Grackles are at usual ranch;
0.4 miles South of Picadilly Road & Bromley Lane.
Now at midnight, I my yard is covered with snow and winds are 20+ mph.
Cherry Creek Reservoir 10/30
I spent 3 hours at Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County) scoping
the birds. The Red-necked Grebe was not found, but could still be
there. The lake was scoped from all sides; Western Grebe count was
over 1400! Most enjoyable was sitting at the south end of the road
below the dam. Many Western Grebes swam pretty close and the air was
filled with their "kreek kreek".
A few days ago the American White Pelican count was over 40 birds;
today none were around. Dozens of Double-crested Cormorant remain
around the reservoir. No uncommon gulls were found. Count included
5 Herring, 41 California, and 200+ Ring-billed Gulls.
Five male Buffleheads circled the lake several times during my stay.
Not much else of interest!
Denver Parks 10/29
Another cobirder and I drove out to Barr Lake (Adams County) Friday
morning. He hiked down to the banding station while I checked the
feeders behind the Visitor Center. Two Harris's Sparrows had
recently been reported near the banding station and I figured
they might eventually end up at the feeders.
Sure enough, a 1st year Harris's Sparrow was feeding on the ground
below the tall weeds at the west end of the clearing behind the
center. After about 20 minutes, the bird came into the feeders.
At least one American Tree Sparrow and a dozen or so White-crowned
Sparrows were also in the area.
Two Red-breasted Nuthatches and a Townsend's Solitaire were observed
between the footbridge and the banding station. No sign of the
Black-throated Green Warbler reported earlier.
We next checked the creek that runs along Bromley Lane (previous
Swamp Sparrow report). Seventy-three+ Great-tailed Grackles searched
for food at the ranch (natural wood buildings) along Picadilly Road
and 0.4 miles South of Bromley Lane.
There was little activity along the creek today. I have tried to
find the name of the creek and failed in the past; anyone know?
The Landscape people looked and could not find it's name either.
We got a call from Terry Michaels reporting a Red-necked Grebe at
Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe County) and headed that way after lunch.
We also heard of a Red-necked Grebe at Cherry Creek Reservoir and
hoped to see two in one afternoon. Unfortunately, while we did find
the Red-necked Grebe at Aurora Reservoir, a hike of 2 miles (one
way) was required to see it. By the time we arrived at Cherry Creek
Reservoir, it was too dark to identify much. A Pacific Loon and
two Common Loons are also at Aurora Reservoir.
There has been an odd gull for a couple of weeks now at Cherry Creek
Reservoir that appears to be a California Gull with a mantle several
shades darker than normal. Not quite as dark as a Lesser Black-
backed Gull, but definitely easy to pick out among the California
Gulls. Anyway, we did not pick out the Red-necked Grebe from the
many Western Grebes in the center of the lake.
Eastern Plains 10/28
The four of us searched for Sprague's Pipits and Eastern Meadowlarks
in Sedgwick County. Winds were ridiculously strong. We did not
expect to find any uncommon birds and the winds did not help any
search. Red Crossbills seem to be all over Sedgwick County this
season. We found flocks at three locations (including Sand Draw
Wildlife Area).
We returned to Denver by way of Wray (Yuma County). Gary picked up
his Colorado Northern Cardinal at a friend's home. Several Eurasian
Collared-Doves were found around the Butte Motel. Bryan found the
bird of the day at the City Park. A Yellow-throated Vireo fluttered
high in the tall trees. This bird was quite a late find.
We reached Bonny Reservoir just before dark. No Short-eared or
Long-eared Owls could be found. However an Eastern Screech-Owl
answered our tapes (played along CR 3).
Arapahoe County Reservoirs 10/27
Gary Weston, Bryan Ehlmann, another cobirder, and I checked several
Arapahoe County lakes for jaegers. Unfortunately none were found.
A second Common Loon joined the Pacific Loon and Common Loon at
Aurora Reservoir. Not much else was found when we circled the
7.8-mile loop.
Quincy Reservoir had few birds on it.
Cherry Creek Reservoir was also quiet. We found no loons or jaegers.
We decided to head to Jackson Reservoir (Morgan County). However
with the shorter days, we arrived too late to identify much on the
lake. After dark, we searched for owls (no Eastern Screech-Owls
Short-eared Owls or Long-eared Owls could be found).
Chatfield Reservoir 10/26
I visited Chatfield Reservoir this morning.
The Red-throated Loon was observed off the Swim Beach as I looked
toward the Heron Rookery Overlook. A Common Loon swam below
the overlook. Dozens of Western Grebes were also out there.
I drove around to the Lakeview Campgrounds where I could get
a better look at the loons. The Surf Scoter reported yesterday
by Glenn Walbek was not relocated.
No Jaegers could be found in a 2 hour search at Cherry Creek Reservoir.
American Bittern Near McWilliams Park, Denver 10/25
The American Bittern is still along the creek near McWilliams Park.
It was under the white fence at the end of the alley reached by:
Go south on Josephine (one block east of University). Park just
north of the bridge between Vassar and Yale. Go east on the bike
path--beside the Jehovah's Witness office/house--about 10 yards or so.
I uploaded photos of the American Bittern near McWilliams Park
(Denver County) to the CoBus photo library. Thanks again to
Thornton-Kolbe for finding and reporting the bird!
I searched this afternoon for 2 hours at Cherry Creek Reservoir and
did not find any jaegers (or the Surf Scoter). I hope to check
Aurora Reservoir, Cherry Creek Reservoir, and Quincy Reservoir
(between first two lakes) tomorrow. I did not observed any uncommon
birds at Cherry Creek Reservoir this afternoon. There were a couple
of adult Herring Gulls. No sparrows, a few Dark-eyed Juncos, some
Pelicans, and many Double-crested Cormorants.
Birding in the Mountains 10/23-10/24
Jeffrey Auer and I went up in the mountains on Saturday and Sunday
searching for owls and such. Weather was an interesting mix of
sunshine, rain, and snow.
Saturday 23
Jeff & I looked for Three-toed Woodpeckers at Pine Valley Ranch Park
(Jefferson County). We found a male along Buck Gulch trail about
300 yards uphill (south) of Pine Lake. A second male was observed
100 yards further south. A flock of 8 Pygmy Nuthatches peeped
constantly near the trailhead. Two Red-breasted Nuthatches were
also found.
We continued around to the Parkview trail hoping to run into the
Northern Pygmy-Owl reported last week by M. Brown; without success.
Our trek continued to Guanella Pass (Clear Creek County) by way of
Grant. It took about 3 hours, but we managed to find 2 White-tailed
Ptarmigan. The birds were observed approximately 25 yards below the
Rosalie Trail (as the trail runs north-south along the east side of
the hill south-southeast of the upper parking area).
A Prairie Falcon flew by while we searched for the Ptarmigan!
Not much else moved around.
We looked unsuccessfully for additional Three-toed Woodpeckers
around the Guanella Pass Campgrounds. A flock of 6-8 Red Crossbills
were added to our trip list.
No Band-tailed Pigeons were found at Empire (may be gone for
winter). One Pine Grosbeak came to the feeders at Sunny Avenue and
Main Street. No birds flew around Silver Plume. I do not remember
any Rosy Finch sightings here last year?
We sat at the Loveland Ski Basin for an hour. We were rewarded
with a brief appearance of 3 Brown-capped Rosy Finches that
stopped on the fir trees before flying to the east. A pair of
Gray Jays also came through the area.
It is early in the season and I would not expect many Rosy Finch
sightings yet. This time of year, it is best to look for them
during a snowstorm. Sometimes that will drive them down
from higher elevations.
After dark, Jeff and I hiked the Saints John Trail near Montezuma.
No owls called this night. We stayed in a cabin near the edge of
Frisco and heard a Northern Saw-whet Owl outside about 5:00am.
Sunday 24
A male Barrow's Goldeneye swam at the Blue River Water Treatment
Plant (Summit County).
Wolford Mountain Recreation Area (Grand) was slow. No birds came
to the empty feeders in Kremmling. I do not expect any Rosy Finches
again this year as the woman who kept the feeders full has moved to
the western slope.
Windy Gap Reservoir had a few birds. Two Barrow's Goldeneye and
several Ring-necked Ducks swam in the distance. We continued to
Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake (also Grand County).
Four male and two female Barrow's Goldeneyes were found here.
We back tracked to Highway 125 and headed to Gould by way of Rand.
The route was scenic, but lacked many birds. Jeffrey did add
several Clark's Nutcrackers to his trip list.
Coalmont Greater Sage-Grouse Lek was checked just for the heck of
it. We of course did not find any grouse and wondered how many hid
just out of sight in the sage. The sunset was quite beautiful and
made the side trip worthwhile.
After dark, several locations were checked for Boreal Owls. We did
not hear any in the howling winds (had to be 30+ mph along highway 14
and at Cameron Pass (it was snowing quite hard by 10:00pm).
Pennock Pass was checked for Flammulated Owls in spite of it being
late in the season. We had GPS coordinates from my sightings last
summer. No owls were found and we headed back to Denver
(arriving around 2:00am).
Cherry Creek Reservoir 10/22
I managed to find time to scope Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe
County) this afternoon. Winds measured 24+ mph; skies were cloudy.
The female/immature Surf Scoter remains feeding in the northeast
corner of the lake (jet ski rental area).
I could not locate a Common Loon or any loons. Hoped for a
Red-necked Grebe, but none were found. Double-crested Cormorants
numbered 249, American White Pelicans 31, Western Grebes over 200,
no Clark's Grebes found. I did observe 1 Horned Grebe, at least
2 Eared Grebes, and 2 Pied-billed Grebes. Several hundred gulls
were all Ring-billed except for 30 California Gulls.
A Northern Shrike stood on a small tree along the bike path
as I walked out of the park (towards Parker Road).
Aurora Reservoir 10/21
Gary Zeeto, Gary Weston, and I enjoyed a great birding day at Aurora
Reservoir (Arapahoe County). This in spite of winds at times of 20+ mph.
When we first arrived at 8:00am there was a group of gulls (2000+)
at the northwest end of the dam (mile marker 7.0 of 7.8). While
trying to find an uncommon gull, I mentioned that they seemed rather
nervous (as we were not that close)? They all took off flying as an
adult non-breeding Parasitic Jaeger flew by and chased them.
The Jaeger managed to knock down (ride) several gulls to the water
while we watched them during the next two hours. The gulls and
Jaeger flew from the northwest corner of the dam to the swim beach
(mm 0.0) to the cove at mm 1.0. After the gulls settled, the Jaeger
would chase them again. After about five incidents like this, the
gulls moved to the cove at mm 2.5 (while the Jaeger swam at mm 1.0).
When the Jaeger flew to the southeast corner, we decided to wait for
an hour or so to see if it came back (rather than go on a wild goose
(jaeger) chase. When this did not happen, a friend of mine was
windsurfing (waiting for the wind which had died down to nothing).
Bob had a mountain bike which I borrowing a rode to mm 2.5.
Of course the Parasitic Jaeger came back to the swim beach while
I was doing this.
At the mm 2.5 cove, I was amazed at seeing 4000+ gulls and a second
(different) Jaeger. This Jaeger also scared up the gulls, which
moved back to the swim beach and then to the scuba cove (mm 6.0).
Gary(s) got to briefly observe the 2 jaegers together.
This continued until about 1:45 pm, when the gulls again split into
two groups and we lost track of the unidentified Jaeger. We are
split on the id of the 2nd Jaeger and I will write more on that
tomorrow. About half the gulls eventually flew toward the west-
northwest (Quincy Reservoir is about 6.0 miles and Cherry Creek
Reservoir 9.0 miles in that direction from Aurora Reservoir).
The Parasitic Jaeger was observed resting and again harassing the
gulls until about 5:00pm.
We took turns circling the 7.8-mile bike path around the reservoir.
Approximately up to 80 percent of the reservoir can be observed
(scoped) from any one point that I can find (best being the group
picnic tables north of the swim beach).
We all found a Common Loon (mm 2.4) and Pacific Loon (mm 3.0).
Gary Zeeto found a Harris's Sparrow about 50 yards south of the
picnic table at mm 1.8. GW later relocated this bird. I went
around first and did not attempt to relocate the sparrow.
Other birds observed during are trips: Canvasback (3) Redhead (5)
Ruddy Duck (3) Horned Grebe (2) Eared Grebe (6) Western Grebe
(hundred+) Pied-billed Grebe (7) No other sparrows (wind may have
kept them low in brush). We really wanted better looks at the
second Jaeger and did not stop long for other birds. However no
scoters or uncommon gulls were observed throughout the day.
Later we were told that the reservoir was stocked last week and this
may have contributed to the high number of gulls. I thought last
weekend that the gull count at Cherry Creek Reservoir was quite low.
It may be worth extra looks at Quincy and Cherry Creek Reservoirs
for jaegers moving about.
I took about 7 photos and 16 seconds of video. While I do not
expect much, they should provide good witness shots. I am spending
the night at GWs house; his computer does not allow us to look at
the photos or video.
Now, concerning the two jaegers at Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe):
When the 2 Garys and I peaked over to look at the northwest corner
of the reservoir (at the west end of dam), 2000+ gulls stood around
rather nervously. I noticed a Jaeger flying up from the south. The
gulls took off and the Jaeger chased the birds around this corner
for the next 20 minutes. The Jaeger seemed more interested in the
gulls than us, as it was less than 20 yards from us. Several times
it attacked a gull from above and forced them to the water. It
appeared to then steal food from the gulls.
In order that we softly called out field marks, the Jaeger has
medium sized, slender, had a mostly black bill, long pointed wings,
showed a white flash on the lower wing, but appeared dark on the
upper wing, had a brown cap that did not extend far below the eye,
had a light brown breast band, and showed a tinge of yellow around
the neck. Central tail feathers seemed pointed, but not long. The
wing beat was definitely faster than the Jaeger below. We all
concluded this to be a light phase adult Parasitic Jaeger.
Later, as we tried to get additional looks at the Parasitic Jaeger,
a second Jaeger appeared to be chasing gulls at the southeast end of
the reservoir. This bird stayed further toward the center and
northeastern corner of the reservoir.
We all agreed that this Jaeger (by now we had observed two at one
time) appeared to be bulkier than the Parasitic Jaeger, had a darker
body, had a darker and more extensive dark brown or black cap, had
only slightly longer central tail feathers, but could not tell if it
was rounded or sharp. We also could not tell bill color from the
distance of observation.
The mark that confused us was the lack of a breast band. It was not
until last night that Gary was reminded that not all male Pomarine
Jaegers have the dark breast band. Looking back at the field guides
this morning, the bird did appear to be an adult light phase
Pomarine Jaeger.
This is further advanced by the sightings this weekend of adult
Parasitic and Pomarine Jaegers at Cherry Creek Reservoir. Only nine
miles from Aurora Reservoir, it is highly likely that the two birds
are the same.
Steve Spencer believes that it was the adult Pomarine Jaeger that he
relocated at Aurora Reservoir on Friday. It was the only Jaeger found.
Crow Valley Campground 10/20
Louise Marienau & I enjoyed this beautiful fall day filled with
birding! Winds were mild today; temperatures in the middle 60s.
Our first stop was Crow Valley campground (Weld County).
It took an hour, but the Varied Thrush was finally observed!
I was walking Crow Creek behind (South) of campsite #7.
A flock of 6-8 White-crowned Sparrows (2 adults, 6+ immatures)
foraged in the small clearing north of the bushes 20 yards
north of the juniper trees (southwest corner).
A Gray Catbird joined them and minutes later the Varied Thrush
also came out of the above bushes. About an hour earlier, Joe Himmel
had observed the thrush in the large locust tree next to the yellow
cottonwood in the southern corner (south of junipers). Point being,
that the thrush is wandering the length of bushes in this corner.
Thanks much to Steve Messick for finding and reporting the bird yesterday!
When I first arrived, I found that walking around the area was not
productive. Louise sat on the bench (only one up on the hill) and
I stood at the north end in Crow Creek. A flock of 20+ Ruby-crowned
Kinglets and 30+ Pine Siskins were also in the area. Two American
Robins and 6 Townsend's Solitaires completed the list of birds in
this corner.
However as I first walked the gully here from Crow Creek to the
southern corner, I heard a bird scratching in the leaves. Thinking
I was lucky and did not have to wait 1.5 hours like Joe, I waited
briefly and observed a first winter Golden-crowned Sparrow!
The bird was along the edge of the gully and just east of the
five dead trees (northeast of the 3 junipers).
Afterward, I went to the northwest corner of the group camping area
(where Fox Sparrow(s) had been reported several days before).
No Fox Sparrows were found, however I did find an adult and 1st winter
White-throated Sparrow in willows just north of the covered picnic table!
Joe mentioned that a Fox Sparrow (red form) has been seen in the
bushes either side of the handicap path as it goes southwest and
crossed Crow Creek. Perhaps the same bird observed recently in
the northwest corner of the campgrounds.
On the drive back to Denver, we observed a Prairie Falcon,
Ferruginous Hawk, and 3 Red-tailed Hawks within a mile south
of Briggsdale.
Our final stop of the day was Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe).
The Surf Scoter is still in the northeast corner of the lake (near
the jet ski rental area). We could not locate the Common Loon
reported yesterday.
Boulder County Highlights 10/18
I headed up to Walden Ponds (Boulder County) early afternoon.
The Palm Warbler reported by Floyd was not found in 1.5 hours.
I looked at every tree possible from the locked gate of the
sewage pond. If the bird flew west unto private property,
I was not able to search for it. Wind was dead calm during
my search. Highlight of the area was a singing male Red Crossbill.
By the time I arrived at Jim Hamm Park (Boulder), winds had
increased to 20mph+. I thought the Tennessee Warbler had to have
been blown to Kansas, but checked anyway. I located the bird in
the line of Russian Olive Trees that run west-east at the North
edge of the park. It was even with the middle of the lake,
however eventually moved eastward.
A Black-and-White Warbler and White-throated Sparrow were
also observed between initial sighting point and the eastern end
of the line of Russian Olive trees! Thanks to J. Beason for the
initial heads up!
The only additional birds found were a few American Robins
clinging on the limbs so as to not be blown away and half
a dozen White-crowned Sparrows foraging on the ground.
A Swainson's Hawk flew along the northern edge of Barr Lake.
I have observed at least one Swainson's Hawk for the last
three days (and at three different locations).
Drive around DIA Owl Loop & Barr Lake 10/17
We drove over to Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe County) around
10:00am. The Surf Scoter (female/immature) was near the shore at
the northeast corner of the lake (near jet ski rental area).
The bird stayed fairly close to the shore until two dog owners
allowed their pets to jump in after the duck.
We then drove the DIA Owl Loop (Adams). The late Burrowing Owl
observed yesterday was still at the southwest corner of Trussville
Road and 112th avenue. It perched on one of the yellow posts for
us (see CoBus photo library).
Our next stop was Barr Lake (Adams). A Harris's Sparrow was
banded several days ago and we thought it might end up at the
Visitor Center's feeders. If it has discovered them, it did not
show in the hour of our watch. A White-winged Junco did make
several appearances however.
I went to bed around 7:00pm to try and catch up on some sleep
(15 hours total for the previous 6 nights). Bryan Ehlmann called
around 9:00pm and suggested that we try and look for the
Northern Saw-whet Owl banded at Barr Lake on last Monday.
So what the heck? We drove over.
We checked several likely locations that the Northern Saw-whet Owl
might roost; without success. A Barn Owl called from below the dam!
A Great Horned Owl called from the Pioneer Trail.
Having not found a Saw-whet, we decided to check several metro
locations for Northern Pygmy-Owls. We did not have success here
either (Red Rocks Park, Golden Gate State Park, Apex Park all in
Jefferson County).
Speed Birding 10/16
I got a taste of speeding birding yesterday as Dave Carter and I had
too many places to check in one day. Don't like it. It is much more
satisfying birding a few places and enjoying the birds.
Before civil twilight, we sat at Reynolds Park (Jefferson County).
A Northern Pygmy-Owl called briefly from the south side of the field
south of the main parking area. We then hiked up the Oven Trail to
the end of Eagle's View (and back of course :-).
Three or four Three-toed Woodpeckers were heard along our trek.
One just north of the intersection of Eagle's View, Oven, and Elkhorn.
Another 100 yards south of there (along Oven). A Blue Grouse called
briefly from the top of Eagle's View. We could not find a Green-tailed
Towhee (there were half a dozen two weeks ago).
Our next stop was Pine Valley Ranch Park. Two or three Three-toed
Woodpeckers called along the Buck Gulch Trail as it leads south from
Pine Lake. Best locations are 200-400 yards south of Pine Lake.
Several flocks of Pygmy Nuthatches entertained us with their
constant peeping, peeping, peeping.
An American Dipper showed behavior that we had never seen before.
It acted just like a flycatcher going after some type of moth on
Pine Lake. It was quite hilarious. The dipper continually did
this for the 15 minutes that we watched.
At Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe) Dave watched his lifebird
Western Grebes. We could not pick out the one or two Clark's Grebes
that have been there for several months. We missed the Surf Scoter
that Karen Carlson called in as we did just have enough time to
scope the lake properly.
Along the DIA owl loop, we were fortunate to find a late Burrowing
Owl. One or two Burrowing Owls were at the prairie dog village at
the southwest corner of Trussville & 112th avenue. This was a new
location for me as I drive this loop several times every week.
Must be a brief stop over on the owl's trip southward?
We had just enough time to check the north end of the dam at Barr
Lake (Adams). Five Franklin's Gulls and 3 Lesser Yellowlegs walked
the shoreline below the dam.
On the drive into the airport, Dave found his lifebird Swainson's
Hawk. A late bird stood on top of one of the light poles near
Pena Blvd & the Toll Highway.
We rushed to the airport; hope Dave made his flight back home to
Alaska!
Denver Birding 10/15
I was to lead the CoBus trip to Pine Valley Ranch Park (Jefferson
County). However it was cancelled due to rain/snow. So I headed
over to Plaster Reservoir (Broomfield).
The male Hooded Warbler was found lurking below and in front of
the cattails in the southwest corner at the lake. Two Chipping Sparrows
fluttered about the willows about 50 yards upstream to the west.
Many Red-winged Blackbirds and European Starlings contributed
plenty of noise to the airwaves.
I stopped and watched the feeders at Connie Kogler's sister home
in Broomfield. Lauren has been seeing a female Rose-breasted
Grosbeak for the past 3 mornings. It did not show during my
one hour sit.
Scouting for Saturday's trip, I went over to Wheat Ridge Greenbelt
(Jefferson). Few birds moved about and none were on Prospect Pond.
My final stop was Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe).
Eighty+ White Pelicans and ninety+ Double-crested Cormorant
stood on the southwest marina. A first year Bonaparte's Gull circled
overhead with hundreds of Ring-billed Gulls and dozens of California
Gulls. Several hundred Western Grebes swam further out.
No Clark's Grebes, loons, or scoters were spotted.
Six Chipping Sparrows flew around the brush near the Kayak Club
building. The juvenile Swainson's Hawk continues to hunt along the
east side of the Cottonwood Wetlands Pond. Three Red-tailed Hawks
soared around the park.
Weld County 10/14
Bryan Ehlmann and I drove up to Pawnee National Grasslands (Weld County)
to see what birds were still up there after the recent cold spell.
We found 4 McCown's Longspurs but no Chestnut-collared
in the field at the southeast corner of Highway 85 & CR 114.
A hike about 1.0 mile to the windmill to the southeast and back
found few birds other than Horned Larks.
My favorite route from this field to Crow Valley Campground is east
on CR 114 to CR 49, south on CR 49 to CR 90, east on CR 90 to CR 51,
then south on CR 51 to Highway 14. This passes some of my favorite
birding areas on Pawnee National Grasslands.
Along CR 49 we encountered a juvenile Golden Eagle, 2 Ferruginous
Hawks, and a Prairie Falcon. Sage Thrashers seem to have migrated
south (as we had found over 2 dozen just a few weeks ago).
No Burrowing Owls or Mountain Plover were found at their usual
location at CR 51 & 90. None were found at CR 51 & Hwy 14 either.
A few McCown's Longspur were seen along my favorite Mountain Plover Loop.
Crow Valley Campground was slow. Two Chipping Sparrows and two
Townsend's Solitaires were about all found. No owls could be found today.
Colorado Eastern Plains 10/10-10/13
Earlier in the week, Bryan Ehlmann, Sue Dorsey, and I traveled to
Northeastern Colorado. We attempted to time our trip so that there
was a possibility of finding Sprague's Pipits and possibly Smith's
Longspurs. No Smith's Longspurs or Sharp-tailed Sparrows were
found, however the prospect kept our hopes high. A possibility of
an Eastern Meadowlark is interesting also!
We stayed with my friend Roger Danka for three days (thanks much
again Roger!) and used his ranch as our home base. Our luck with
Sprague's Pipits was pretty good (or so we thought). A total of
eleven birds were found at four locations. The only public location
was at the intersection of Sedgwick CR 61 & 26. These birds were
found on 10/10.
Bird numbers at Roger's ranch are decreasing also as winter
approaches. An Eastern Screech-Owl called every night as he does
most nights. Roger found a Tennessee Warbler and Harris's Sparrow
for us (they continued to be seen 10/9-10/11).
Over three days we covered most of Sedgwick and Phillips Counties.
We could not locate any Short-eared Owls or Greater Prairie-Chickens
this trip. The weather did not cooperate as we experienced high
winds and rain several times. Four Red Crossbills showed up at
Sand Draw Wildlife Area on 10/10 (Surprisingly few sparrows).
On Wednesday we headed toward Wray to visit another friend.
Again winds were high especially in the afternoon.
Our search continued mostly East of Holyoke (roads less traveled in
previous bird counts). Bryan found another Sprague's Pipit along
Philips CR 61 (south of CR 8). We ran into a large flock of Horned
Larks, which included 6+ McCown's Longspurs (unfortunately no
Chestnut-collared Longspurs).
My friend's pair of Northern Cardinals has hung around 3 years now.
Sandsage Wildlife Area, the Wray Fishing Unit, and City Park were
very quiet (under high winds). Most sparrows at Sandsage WLA were
White-crowned with a dozen or so Chipping. This may have been the
first visit of mine where no Harris's or White-throated Sparrows
were observed.
Thursday we continued south after hearing about Nathan Pieplow's
Sprague's Pipit sightings in Yuma County. We were not able to
duplicate his sightings (and did not find any Yuma County Sprague's
Pipits). Winds continued to hamper our search and we headed west.
The Summer Tanager reported earlier in the week at Beecher Island
also could not be found. I always enjoy walking this historic
battle ground. Few birds moved around however.
A quick stop at the South Republican Wildlife Area (Hale Ponds)
added 2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers to our trip list. Two Wild Turkeys
were west of the Wagon Wheel picnic area. The campgrounds were
completely still.
Our birding day ended at Flagler Reservoir (Kit Carson). A Red-
bellied Woodpecker was along the east side. No Short-eared Owls
appeared at dusk (usual locations are hills to northeast of
the dam and west of the trees below the dam.
Birding Around Denver 10/9
Went by a friend's home where a Common Poorwill is being kept.
The goatsucker hit a glass window in the Denver Tech Center and was
retrieved by my friend. I put photos of the bird on the CoBus photo
library. There is some disagreement of the identity of the bird.
With a tail almost equal length with the wings (much longer in a
Whip-poor-will) and no white bars such as in Nightjars, this bird
has to be a Common Poorwill. I welcome any disagreement.
We have tried to call several rehab places (including Greenwood
Village, Birds of Prey, and the DOW) without getting any help.
Anyone who has a suggestion would be welcomed to email me privately.
I searched 1.5 hours for the American Golden-Plover (photos on
website) at Chatfield Reservoir (Jefferson/Douglas Counties) this
afternoon; without success.
A stop by Cherry Creek Reservoir's south marina and eastern boat
ramps did not locate the Lesser Black-backed Gull reported yesterday
morning. The Bonaparte's Gull (photo on website) was back on the
telephone poles around the southwest marina.
Denver Reservoirs 10/6
Rebecca Kosten and I while out doing chores stopped by Chatfield
Reservoir (Jefferson/Douglas Counties).
The American Golden-Plover was on the northern most sand spit
observed from Fox Run Picnic area. A Sanderling was also next to
the plover. I put photos of both birds on the CoBus photo library.
We ran into downpours between DIA and Chatfield Reservoir.
An opening in the clouds allowed a 15-minute hike to see the
shorebirds. One Swainson's Hawk was near the horse stable area.
We stopped briefly at Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe) on the way
home. Unfortunately, a sailboat when by the southwest marina just as
we pulled in the parking area. The hundreds of gulls and dozens of
Double-crested Cormorant flew away. We did not wait for them to
return. A juvenile Swainson's Hawk stood in the tree at the east
end of the Cottonwood Creek Wetlands Pond.
Southern Colorado 10/4-10/5
Went to Southern Colorado to search for several Lesser Nighthawks
recently reported to CoBus. Bryan Ehlmann and Sue Dorsey headed
down the day before. We encountered no luck in our searches.
On the trip south I checked on two Flammulated Owl sites in
Teller County (seen earlier in the summer). I struck out there also.
One Swainson's Hawk was soaring over the Black Forest area,
north of Colorado Springs (El Paso).
Cottonwood Canyon (Baca) still has Western Screech-Owls,
Rufous-crowned Sparrows, and a few Eastern Phoebes.
Found a Cooper's Hawk also, but no nighthawks.
We could not relocate the Common Poorwill that Bryan
and Sue had found the night before.
Las Animas County still has some Cassin's Kingbirds (4 observed),
Western Kingbirds (2 observed), and a few Eastern Kingbirds
(2 observed), Blue Grosbeaks (flock of 14), and Ash-throated
Flycatchers (3 observed).
We did not find any Hepatic Tanagers (however we did not really
expect to find any) or additional owls this trip. Added Western
Scrub-Jay and Steller's Jay to my Las Animas County list. Best bird
was a Black-throated Sparrow in Las Animas County (south of Kim).
Struck out on Acorn Woodpeckers at the Gulnare Site (Las Animas
County). No Painted Bunting, Short-billed Dowitcher, or Eastern
Phoebe at Pueblo County sites. No Sabine's Gulls or Common Terns
found at Pueblo Reservoir (Pueblo).
I stopped at Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe) on my way home.
A Bonaparte's Gull was on the telephone poles surrounding the
southwest marina. No Sabine's Gull or terns at either boat ramp
or marina. I put photos of the Bonaparte's Gull on the CoBus
photo library.
Barr Lake 10/2
I hiked from mile marker 7.2 to 9.0 and back at Barr Lake (Arapahoe
County) today. Temperatures were in the high 60s; winds were mild.
Birding was slow. I did find a Barn Owl and 2 Great Horned Owls in
the taller cottonwoods at mile marker 7.9-8.1. One House Wren and
a Western Kingbird were also in this area.
A flock of 11 Yellow-rumped Warblers stayed high in the cottonwoods
at mile marker 8.4. If the Black-throated Blue Warbler was with
them, I did not find it. Two Red-breasted Nuthatches were observed
while watching the warblers.
Few additional birds were found. One Herring Gull was with a few
California Gulls and many Ring-billed Gulls in the northeast corner
of the reservoir. Hundreds of Barn Swallows flew over the lake.
More Bird Trips
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