Rich Stevens' Bird Trips
September 2003
Continued Sprague's Pipit Search 9/30-10/1
Seven cobirders accompanied me on the CoBus trip to Northeastern
Colorado the past two days. Our target bird was Sprague's Pipits.
Winds were about 10 mph and temperatures barely reached 60 degrees.
Wednesday 9/30
Most of the day was devoted to searching for Sprague's Pipits in
Sedgwick County. The center of the search was Sedgwick CR 30 & CR 59.
Most of Colorado's Sprague's Pipit reports come from this area.
However, most of the county south of I75 was covered during the day.
Finally, we had success! Two Sprague's Pipits were 0.4 miles
North of the intersection of CR 26 & 61! The birds were close
to the road and glad us all several minute looks! We continued
in hopes of finding additional birds, but did not.
Other birds found during the search:
Several McCown's Longspur were found in a flock of 200+ Horned Lark
(along Sedgwick CR 61). Two Swainson's Hawks were here also.
Five Harris's Sparrows were along the S. Platte River running south
of DePoorter Lake (Sedgwick). A covey of nine Northern Bobwhite
was also observed. Ovid Woods added 2 Eurasian Collared-Doves
and a male Red-bellied Woodpecker to our day list.
Our birding day ended at Sedgwick Draw in Northwest Sedgwick County.
The Short-eared Owl observed several days before, did not make an
appearance this evening.
Thursday 10/1
R. Danka showed us an Eastern Screech-Owl and Harris's Sparrow on
his ranch. After breakfast, we continued our Sprague's Pipit search.
Four birds were found on a private ranch along the Nebraska border.
Roger took us over to a friend's ranch and showed us 2 Long-eared Owls
(believed to be around for a month or more).
One of the Eurasian Collared-Doves was found at the Julesburg Elementary
School (Sedgwick). A flock of 28 Yellow-rumped Warblers was here also.
We returned to Denver, by way of Last Chance Rest Stop (Washington).
Few birds moved around there today.
Birding In The Mountains 9/29
Bryan Ehlmann led the CoBus trip to Guanella Pass today.
Winds were quite strong; skies partly sunny.
Six birders participated.
The trip was mostly a bust. A three-hour search at Guanella Pass did
not find any White-tailed Ptarmigan. No American Three-toed Woodpeckers
were found during an hour hike around Guanella Pass campground.
No Pine Grosbeaks could be located either. We did see some nice
fall colors along Guanella Pass Road and Highway 285.
After hiking, the G.P. summit our group split into two groups.
Davey King wanted to see a Pinyon Jay and Pine Grosbeak.
So the two of us headed south over the pass, ran into
Highway 285, and continued to Buena Vista.
A detour at Michigan Creek Road proved useful. We located
a pair of Pine Grosbeak close to the same location as last
Monday (9/22). The pair wandered either side of the road
to Georgia Pass approximately 0.2 miles west of the broken
down cabin on the south side of Michigan Creek Road.
A flock of Pinyon Jays (5) visited the Buena Vista Overlook (Chaffee)
an hour before sunset. We also observed Juniper Titmice and Bushtits.
The gravel road below the overlook and going south toward Salida
added Mountain Bluebirds to our trip list.
After dark, I tried out my owl tapes (Northern Pygmy-Owl &
Northern Saw-whet Owl) at Ruby Mountain and back up at the
overlook (forest to the north). No owls responded;
the hunt is always enjoyable.
Northeastern Plains 9/25-9/28
I had another great week of birding in the northeastern corner of Colorado.
I was hoping to find Sprague's Pipit (without success) and some owls.
The weather was fantastic this week. Crisp temperatures and
little wind made my trek quite enjoyable. It is a little early
for Sprague's Pipit migration, however I know of two
September reports of them in Colorado.
Thursday 25
My "sleep" clock was out of sync so I headed out to Jackson Reservoir
(Morgan) at 3:00am in pursuit of owls. I searched the western and
southern campgrounds and trees below the dam without success.
Eastern Screech-Owls have been heard this year at both locations,
but not this morning. Four Great Horned Owls were either heard
or observed on the western side.
At first light, I could make out the Kelp Gull along the western
edge of the reservoir. I then decided to hike around the reservoir
(counterclockwise). I could not find among the thousands of
shorebirds the Red Knots, Short-billed Dowitcher, or possible
Curlew Sandpiper reported last Sunday. However I did not walk
into the middle of the reservoir (between the separate ponds),
therefore they could have been present and missed.
The interesting warblers from last Sunday were not found either.
One American Golden-Plover, 2 Black-bellied Plovers, 2 Semipalmated Plovers,
Killdeer, American Avocets, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs,
Solitary Sandpipers, Willet, 4 Marbled Godwits, Sanderlings,
Pectoral Sandpipers, Baird's, Western, and Least Sandpipers,
Semipalmated Sandpipers, Stilt Sandpipers, Long-billed Dowitchers,
Spotted Sandpipers, Wilson's Phalaropes, and 4 Red-necked Phalaropes
and 2 Wilson's Snipes were counted on the trip.
A juvenile Sabine's Gull flew along the northeast shore.
The afternoon was spent hiking around Prewitt Reservoir (Washington/Logan).
Again no uncommon passerines were observed. The many shorebirds included
a Black-bellied Plover, a Snowy Plover, and several Red-necked Phalaropes.
The grove of Russian Olive trees below the dam was extremely quiet.
One Common Yellowthroat was in a marshy area along the eastern side.
After dusk, I searched/listened for Eastern Screech-Owls;
again without success.
Friday 26
Before first light I again searched for owls (specifically Eastern
Screech-Owls). Neither Pioneer Park nor Overland Park in Sterling
(Logan County) produced any sightings (hearings?). A pair of
Wilson's Snipes was the only movement at Overland Park.
My next stop was Sterling Reservoir (Logan). Not much of interest
moved about, it was becoming light and if any Eastern Screech-Owls
were around, they did not call out.
A quick hour stop at Tamarack Ranch WLA (Logan) added only
a Red-bellied Woodpecker to my trip list. The bird was found
along the S. Platte River as I walked over the Highway 55 bridge.
I did not find any Bell's Vireos or Towhees today. Bell's Vireos
are sometimes found into early October (my late date is 9/19).
I looked at every meadowlark hoping for a stray Eastern Meadowlark;
without success.
A drive around the Logan County Roads north of Jumbo did not locate
any Sprague's Pipits. I drove around Jumbo Reservoir (Logan/Sedgwick),
but did not stop to walk into the northern woods.
No uncommon shorebirds or gulls were observed.
Little Jumbo Reservoir was slow also. So I drove west on highway 138
back toward Tamarack Ranch. Half a dozen Burrowing Owls were still
just north of hwy 138 and west of Red Lion WLA. I did not expect
any Upland Sandpipers. They usually leave by the end of August,
however there are two late September records.
At dusk I drove the 7 mile road through the eastern side of
Tamarack Ranch WLA. I then back tracked to section 2E.
I have twice found Sharp-tailed Grouse while doing this
(out of 3 dozen or so tries). However the successful
attempts were back in 1992 & 1994.
An Eastern Screech-Owl was heard in the tall cottonwoods
along the S. Platte River (just east of section 2E).
The bird moved on without being seen.
Saturday 27
Roger D. and I went out before first light and found an
Eastern Screech-Owl on his ranch (Sedgwick). He pointed out
two White-throated Sparrows and an immature Harris's Sparrow,
which have been hanging around for months.
Most of the day was spent driving the roads of Sedgwick and
eastern Logan Counties in search of Sprague's Pipits and any
other interesting birds.
We tried to drive every road in Sedgwick County (think we hit
them all). No Sprague's Pipits were found; however hundreds
of American Pipits were counted.
Highlights:
North of Sedgwick Cemetery, a pair of Great-tailed Grackles was
at an abandoned farmhouse at CR 32 & 15. A Red-bellied Woodpecker
wandered around the cemetery. A White-throated Sparrow was at
a farmhouse on CR 34.
Sedgwick Bar WLA was quiet. We saw a couple of Eastern Bluebirds
at the eastern end. Sand Draw WLA was even slower.
A probable Greater Prairie-Chicken ran across CR 12 near Mark's Butte.
Roger believes he observed the barred underparts.
The bird was definitely not a pheasant. The area is a
little south of Sharp-tailed Grouse reports (territory)?
Also observed during the long day: female Lazuli Bunting,
a male & female Blue Grosbeak, 2 male Lesser Goldfinch!,
1 male & 2 female Bullock's Orioles (not same locations),
6 or 7 Red Crossbills!, and a Western Scrub-Jay (the most
further northeastern one I have seen since one visited
my Denver home last year).
At dusk Roger directed me to Sedgwick Draw in the northwest corner
of the county. Our birding day ended by spotting a Short-eared Owl
flying low over an empty field.
Sunday 28
We continued our search for Sprague's Pipits by wandering down
to Phillips County. Again we did not have success, but did
map out potential fields for the coming weeks.
We made it down as far south as Holyoke and Frenchman Creek WLA.
Neither was exciting. We wandered back to Roger's ranch by
the most eastern Colorado roads, stopping several times to
inspect meadowlarks.
I dropped Roger off and headed for Denver. Was going to stop at
Jackson Reservoir, but I heard that the Kelp Gull was not found today.
Belmar Historic Park 9/24
I observed the juvenile Yellow-crowned Night-Heron again this
morning at Belmar Historic Park. At 6:43am (sunrise 6:51 am)
the bird flew from the island in Kountze Lake to its favorite spot
under the Russian Olive tree at the southeast corner of the lake.
It went up into the tree when a woman walking a dog allowed her
pet to walk along the water’s edge. Two adults and an immature
Black-crowned Night-Herons flew back and forth to the same area.
Michigan Creek Road 9/22-9/23
Gary Weston & I birded in the Michigan Creek/Georgia Pass area
(Park County) the last two days. Weather cooperated and it
was gorgeous up there. The Aspen leaves are starting to change
at higher altitudes and contrast nicely with the green firs.
This once was one of the most reliable places to see American
Three-toed Woodpeckers. We hoped to find some owls also.
Monday 22
We camped up Michigan Creek Road just North of the burn area
that is 3.8 miles North of the gate to Michigan Creek Campground
(sorry that is my only reference point). We arrived in mid
afternoon and hiked the trail/road that goes south from
Michigan Creek Road (4.1 miles west of MC campground).
No American Three-toed Woodpeckers were found so we hiked
up (west) the road toward Georgia Pass.
Approximately 0.2 miles west of the broken down cabin on the
south side of MC road, we spotted a male & female Pine Grosbeak.
The usual mountain birds were seen along the hike (Mountain Chickadees,
Pine Siskins, Townsend's Solitaires, Red-breasted Nuthatches,
Pygmy Nuthatches and many Dark-eyed Juncos).
Just before the summit (cleared area) of Georgia Pass we ran
upon a flock of 12-18 Red Crossbills.
We waited until dark and headed back down the road to our
camp (a mile east). The night was windless and we could
hear the many sounds of the forest well! Georgia Pass is
11,410 feet and accessed by a 4-wheel drive road (though
a 2-wheel vehicle could make the trip).
The only owl heard this night was a Flammulated Owl found
(heard) on the west side of the pass.
Tuesday 23
An hour before first light, we hiked back up toward Georgia Pass.
A Northern Pygmy-Owl was heard about 0.2 miles up the road.
It appeared to be at the northwest end of the open valley below
Michigan Creek Road (east of the S curve near our camp).
On our return trip, we observed a Blue Grouse walking across
the road. It headed up the clearing located 0.1 miles from
our camp. The clearing looks like an old avalanche area.
We ate breakfast under partly cloudy skies. Bald Mountain
stood to our southwest and Boreas Mountain to the southeast.
At 9:00am we heard the drumming of an American Three-toed Woodpecker.
We hiked 0.2 miles southwest on the trail and around the forest to
the north. We found a male American Three-toed Woodpecker working
the trees about 100 yards from our camp (at Michigan Creek Road and
French Creek trail). No further Woodpeckers were found so we broke camp.
Lost Park added a couple of Clark's Nutcrackers to our trip list.
We ended our birding day at Kenosha Pass (10,001 feet).
Our hike went from the east side of Highway 285 along the road
and later trail to Twin Cone Peaks. One female/immature
Broad-tailed Hummingbird was lingering up there.
A late male Williamson's Sapsucker also was observed (just south of
the red cabin/house). Half a dozen Wilson's Warblers were in the
willows along the road. Two Red-naped Sapsuckers were also found.
A Hermit Thrush called from across the marsh/willow area.
After dark we walked about 3 miles back to our car.
No owls were found.
Morgan & Weld Counties 9/21
Paul Langendorfer & I traveled to Morgan and Weld Counties
this morning. What a beautiful day & weather!
Highlights follow:
Jackson Reservoir (Morgan)
Probable Kelp Gull south side/North mud flats #16
Red Knot (juvenile) south side/ North of #18
Red Knot (adult) south side/North of #64
Marbled Godwit (4) south side/North of #54
Short-billed Dowitcher south side/North of #52
Semipalmated Plover south side/North of #52
Many other species of shorebirds!
Cassin's Kingbird (1 to 3 birds, below dam/south #18
out in the distance on barbwire to the east-southeast)
The number of shorebirds is fantastic! This is the place
to come and study shorebirds in Colorado this year.
I counted 21 species (and missed Red-necked Phalarope
and Long-billed Curlews reported by others.)
Other birds of interest:
In marsh below dam at #39:
37 Wilson's Warblers
1 MacGillivray's Warbler
1 Hermit Thrush
m, f Common Yellowthroat
Clay-colored Sparrow
Brewer's Sparrow
Could find no Red-necked Phalarope or Sabine's Gull.
We next drove North from Jackson Reservoir along Morgan CR 4.
Somewhere between 4-6 miles north of the reservoir there is
a small pond on East side of CR (In Weld County)
This pond had several hundred McCown's Longspurs and at
least two Chestnut-collared Longspurs.
About 3-4 miles North of this pond, two Cassin's Kingbirds
were on a east-west fence line to east of a CR that only
went west. What's with all the Cassin's Kingbirds so
far North this year?
Our next stop was Crow Valley Campground (Weld).
Many birds included a Cassin's Vireo that gave us great
looks. Bird was in northwest corner of the campground.
We also observed a Brown Thrasher, two Gray Catbirds,
many immature White-crowned Sparrows, many Chipping Sparrows,
several Wilson's Warblers, and dozens of Ruby-crowned Kinglets!
Several Denver Locations 9/20
Got home at 6:30am from a week of birding in Southern Colorado
and New Mexico. After a few hours sleep, I headed to Belmar
Historic Park where Karleen Schofield reported a juvenile
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron on Friday.
The young bird was eating crawfish in the southeast corner
of Koonze Lake. It could be seen from the covered footbridge
area of the park (by looking south-southeast).
Photos are in the CoBus Photo Library.
I stopped at Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe) on the way home.
The water level is quite high and little sandy shoreline exists
for sandpipers this year. One Bonaparte's Gull flew overhead.
Six American White Pelicans were on the southeast sandbar.
I also drove the DIA Owl Loop on the way home.
Nine Burrowing Owls were 3.4 miles east of Tower Road & 96th Avenue.
Three owls were observed along the Eastern side of Rocky Mountain
Arsenal (Buckley Road, North of 56th Avenue).
Two owls were at Powhaton & 128th Avenue.
Southern Colorado & New Mexico (9/14-9/19)
Gary Weston, Gary Zeeto, and I continued our fall counts in
Southern Colorado this week. Again, weather cooperated with
mild winds and temperatures in the high 80s.
Sunday 14
Our first count was at Big Johnson Reservoir (El Paso County).
Uncommon birds were few. We did see an adult Sabine's Gull fly
along the western shore. The two Garys thought they observed
a 1st year Barrow's Goldeneye (I missed it).
Fountain Creek Regional Park (El Paso) was our next stop.
A Green Heron stood on cattails along the pond below the
visitor's center. A Northern Waterthrush was observed
along the southern outlet to the same pond.
Pueblo Reservoir (Pueblo) added a second Sabine's Gull and
3 Common Terns to our trip list. A Curve-billed Thrasher,
2 Scaled Quail, and 2 Loggerhead Shrike were located on
the Swallows Road. A Great Horned Owl called as we
stood at the Swallows Cemetery at dusk.
We headed to Canon City to spend the night. After reading
about the Piratic Flycatcher near Fort Sumner, New Mexico,
the decision was made to turn around and drive all night
to search for the bird on Monday.
Monday 15
We did not arrive at Bosque Redondo Park until late morning.
The Piratic Flycatcher came out of the Russian Olive tree
with several Western Tanagers. We did not get a long look
at the bird, but it was still identifiable.
We decided to return to Colorado by way of highway 159 and
bird in Costilla County. A NM birder gave us directions to
a possible Boreal Owl location. I believe Sue Dorsey reported
the Boreal Owl we heard in Costilla County. In fact, we had
to get to the area by way of Costilla County, Colorado,
but the owl was near Costilla, Taos County, NM.
Tuesday 16
Our fall count today was Colorado highway 12 (the loop through
the Spanish Peaks area; Huerfano County). Two Grace's Warblers
were definitely the highlight of the day!
On 9/2/1996, an Acorn Woodpecker was reported near the Spanish Peaks.
We specifically checked the area; without success.
Our birding day ended with a four-hour hike around Dorothey
Wildlife Area (Las Animas). Four Acorn Woodpeckers were reported
here 8/6-9/5/1994. None have been reported since. We did see
a MacGillivray's Warbler, Cordilleran Flycatchers, a Bewick's Wren,
Hammond's Flycatchers, and 6 species of swallows. Two Wild Turkeys
crossed the road on the way into the wildlife area (just south
of the visitor's center).
Wednesday 17
Our fall count was at Trinidad State Park today.
Highlights were two juvenile Sabine's Gulls (flying
along shore) and a Black-and-White Warbler (at campground).
Other birds of interest: Merlin, 2 Ospreys, Bewick's Wrens (7),
Marsh Wrens (2), Juniper Titmice (4), Bushtits (27), and a pair
of Western Tanagers.
A friend at a private ranch in Las Animas County reported
a successful nesting of Vermilion Flycatchers in June.
We drove over a spent an hour walking his property.
Gary Weston first spotted a male Vermilion Flycatcher.
Bewick's Wrens, Northern Mockingbird, a Curve-billed
Thrasher, and two Rufous-crowned Sparrows were also found.
Our birding day ended searching for owls at the CoBus bird ranch
in Las Animas County. Cassin's Kingbirds were still rather numerous.
After dark, we searched previous locations of Northern Saw-whet Owls
and Northern Pygmy-Owls (reported/observed 2003). No success was
experienced tonight.
Thursday 18
The fall count was at Lathrop State Park (Huerfano County).
Highlight was a flock of 200 Pinyon Jays. Also observed:
Bushtits, a Hermit Thrush, a pair of Great-tailed Grackles!,
and a Greater Roadrunner.
On last Tuesday, another friend called to report hearing
a Spotted Owl on his property. We worked our way north
to his ranch (El Paso). He took us to the location and
after less than a 30-minute wait, the Owl called!!!
Friday 19
We got a late morning start and headed back toward Rocky Ford
(Otero) by way of T-Cross Road. Two Swainson's Hawks were
about the only interesting birds observed.
No Mountain Plovers were found. We counted 118 Common Nighthawks
along Pueblo 611 Road.
We counted birds at Vogel Canyon (Otero) in the afternoon.
A Rufous-crowned Sparrow was the highlight. The bird was
below the cliffs south of the parking area. Mountain
Bluebirds and a Scaled Quail were also observed.
No owls were seen at dusk or heard after dark.
The plan was to search for doves in Rocky Ford in the morning
then continue up highway 71 to Crowley County Saturday.
However, after hearing the report of the possible Kelp Gull at
Jackson Reservoir (Morgan) we decided to head back to Denver.
Denver Area Reservoirs 9/13
Gary Zeeto, Gary Weston, and I conducted the fall count at
Aurora Reservoir (Arapahoe County) this morning. The weather
was cold and cloudy all morning.
Best birds were 4 Common Terns at mile marker 3.0.
A Sage Thrasher was observed in the Southeast corner of
the 8.0-mile hike around the lake. Many Chipping Sparrows,
2 Lincoln's Sparrows, 5 Song Sparrows, and 2 Lark Sparrows were found.
A couple of Western Kingbirds and one Eastern Kingbird were along
the southern end of the reservoir. No uncommon gulls were found.
Later after receiving a text message from birders at Chatfield Reservoir
(Jefferson/Douglas) we headed over there. A juvenile Sabine's Gull
and several Common Terns were observed from the swim beach sandbar.
Unfortunately we did not have time to drive around to Plum Creek or
Platte River delta areas.
On my way home, I drove through Cherry Creek Reservoir (Arapahoe).
Few birds were observed there.
Search for Chicken-like Birds 9/9-9/12
Gary Zeeto, Eric Cummings, Philip Cummings and I decided to try
and find a couple of "chicken-like birds" this week. This is
always a hit and miss proposition in non-lekking season.
September 9
We headed up to Rocky Mountain National Park (Larimer County).
A brief stop at Old St. Vrain Road off Highway 7 in Lyons produced
a Lewis's Woodpecker sighting. The bird was 50 yards south of Hwy 7.
The weather today was cloudy and rainy most of the day.
It was raining when we stopped at Copeland Lake (just inside
the Wild Basin entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park).
No birds flew over the lake, not even a Tree Swallow.
The Matthews-Reese Bird Sanctuary on the North side of Lake Estes
was quiet. Three Yellow-rumped Warblers were all that could be found.
Only a few female/juvenile Broad-tailed Hummingbirds came to the
feeders at the Estes Park Campground (located at the southern end
of Highway 66, Rainbow Drive).
Birding in Rocky Mountain National Park was slow. Surprisingly, no
Clark's Nutcrackers begged for food at Rainbow Curve (up Trail Ridge Road).
This was not a good sign of bird sightings, since there is usually dozens.
It was pouring rain when we stopped at Medicine Bow Curve. A quick
1/2-mile hike did not produce any White-tailed Ptarmigan sightings.
Our group continued west down out of the park. Shadow Mountain Lake
(in Grand Lake) had few birds. A Pacific Loon was along the northern
shore (approximately 0.2 miles from the east end). Again few birds
moved about in the rain. Wolford Mountain Recreational Area (Grand)
had few birds. A couple of California Gulls were among 9 Ring-billed.
We decided to look for the Sabine's Gull reported by Forrest Luke
on 9/5 at Stagecoach State Recreation Area. The seventeen gulls at
the west end (shallow end) of the reservoir consisted of 2 California
and 15 Ring-billed Gulls.
No Sabine's, but as a bonus there was a Common Tern. We scoped the
bird from 25 yards for half an hour. It had an orange-red bill,
gray body similar to back, and its tail was shorter than the wing tips.
It showed a dark wedge on the trailing edge of its wing tips in flight.
(Expected Silver-white primaries, orange bill, whitish underparts,
and longer tail on Forster's Tern). We can only find three other
reports of a Common Tern above 6,000 feet in Colorado.
We spent the last hour of daylight scoping the hills south of
the Coalmont Lek (Jackson) for Greater Sage-Grouse. Eric managed
to find a bird just before dark walking between the sagebrush
approximately 100 yards south of the lek.
After dinner in Walden, we decided to go owling. We stopped every
0.5 miles along Highway 14 between the Colorado State Forest Office
and Joe Wright Reservoir listening for Boreal Owls (this is between
mile markers 59 and 67). No owls were heard. Of course winds were
quite strong and it snowed the whole time of our search.
Our birding day ended with a drive up Pennock Pass (Larimer) where
we met sporadic rain, no snow. A Flammulated Owl was heard about
1.7 miles west of the summit.
September 10
After a few hours of sleep in Fort Collins, we continued east on
Highway 14. The day was beautiful with no wind and partial cloudy skies.
No Mountain Plovers were found at their traditional location
(hwy 14 & Weld CR 51). With the overnight rain, the field 0.7 miles
east of here had formed a small lake. Several dozen Baird's Sandpipers
and Killdeer walked in the swallow water. Up on the hillside above
the pond, two Mountain Plovers also looked for food.
Crow Valley Campground was interesting. Few mosquitoes were about;
did they spray? Only one Common Nighthawk was found, lack of food
with no mosquitoes? The southwest corner was the most active (as always).
A flock of warblers included 4 Townsend's, 1 American Redstart,
1 Orange-crowned, and 5 Yellow-rumped Warblers. A Nashville Warbler
was "pished" out of the willows east of the fir trees.
A Red-eyed Vireo was in the trees at the group camping area.
Other birds observed 3 Gray Catbirds, 2 Brown Thrashers,
probable Least, Dusky, Hammond's, and Cordilleran Flycatchers.
Our afternoon was spent trying to count the birds at Jackson Reservoir
(Morgan). Birds included were Black-bellied Plover, Snowy Plovers,
Semipalmated Plovers, Red-necked Phalaropes, and 2 Long-billed Curlews.
Gary found a Townsend's Warbler in the wildlife area on the north side
of the lake.
No Eurasian Collared-Doves were found in Fort Morgan as we searched
previously reported locations. Riverside Park was quiet.
September 11
We woke to another clear and calm morning and headed to Prewitt
Reservoir (Washington/Logan Counties). Some of the interesting
birds counted here were Black-bellied Plovers, Marbled Godwits,
Snowy Plover, Long-billed Curlews, and Red-necked Phalarope.
Gary found our only warbler again; an American Redstart was
along the outlet canal below the dam. Two Wilson's Snipes walked
around the marshy area.
Steve Spencer & Mike Williams conducted a fall count at Jumbo
Reservoir 9/10. They joined Bryan Ehlmann & Sue Dorsey for the
fall count at Tamarack Ranch WLA 9/11. (Their uncommon birds
are listed on the CoBus website).
We all met up in the afternoon at a private ranch in Sedgwick County.
We were treated to a great barbecue and then walked around.
Roger showed us a Canada Warbler that had been around for
two days now. Bryan found a 1st year Northern Parula.
Our birding day ended with a search for Sprague's Pipits in
Sedgwick County. Of my twenty sightings, my earliest is 9/30;
one never knows however. No Sprague's Pipits were located,
but American Pipits numbered in the 100s. Our search centered
on Sedgwick County roads 30 & 59.
After dark, Roger called an Eastern Screech-Owl back at his ranch!
September 12
We (Zeeto, Cummings, Stevens) arrived at Yuma County Road 45 about
30 minutes before first light. A drive of the loop of CR 45 from
highway 385 produced one Greater Prairie-Chicken. Eric found the
bird as we scoped the hills south of CR 45 (approximately 1.6 miles
east of hwy 385).
A visit to a friend in Wray allowed us to watch a male and female
Northern Cardinal come to her feeders. The Wray Park was quiet
as was the Wray Fishing Unit.
Beecher Island did not add any uncommon birds to our trip list.
However a walk around this self guided tour of the famous Indian
battle is a nice history lesson. Sandy Bluffs WLA was quiet also.
We dropped down to Bonny Reservoir (Yuma). Brief stops at
Foster's Grove, Wagon Wheel, and the windbreaks along CR 2 were
uneventful. Two Wild Turkeys and a Red-bellied Woodpecker were
observed while driving the road along the south side of the lake.
Our final stop of the day was Last Chance Rest Stop (Washington).
No birds flew around this small group of trees today.
Birding in the Foothills 9/8
Gary Zeeto and I took two Missouri birders to Guanella Pass (Clear Creek County)
this morning. It took all of 20 minutes to locate a White-tailed Ptarmigan.
The bird was 300 yards South and uphill from the Rosalie Trail and
80 yards West of the 603 Trail. The Sign-in box at the trail junction can
be seen south-southeast of the highest parking area at the Pass' summit.
In response to Gary's comment "this is not so difficult", I reminded him
of the 11 times in a row that I missed them a couple of summers ago.
I am always happy to find the darn things even after a four-hour search.
The weather this morning was fabulous. No wind and plenty of sunshine.
We thought there was to be rainstorms, so hit Guanella Pass first today.
We stopped briefly on the trip up at Guanella Pass Campground in search
of American Three-toed Woodpeckers (Picoides dorsalis), but did not find any.
Our search at Pine Valley Ranch Park (Jefferson) took about an hour.
A male American Three-toed Woodpecker was located about 120 yards
south of Pine Lake and 80 yards East of Buck Gulch Trail.
We then hiked downhill and north to Pine Lake. A female ATTW was
55 yards South of Pine Lake. (Probably the resident nesting pair
for this area of the park, they are my most consistent sightings).
We drove back to Denver via Reynolds Park and enjoyed a pleasant hour
hike up the park trails. No Blue Grouse or additional ATTWs were located.
Several Cordilleran and Hammond's Flycatchers were observed.
All three Nuthatches made appearances also.
Birding Colorado's Eastern Plains 8/31-9/6
We enjoyed a wild time birding Colorado's Eastern Plains for seven days.
Our group consisted of 6-14 birders. The weather was quite variable
with hot sunny days and rainy cool afternoons.
August 31
Rebecca Kosten and I got a late start and spent the afternoon birding
at Prewitt Reservoir (Logan/Washington Counties). We hiked from
the eastern parking area around the southern end of the reservoir.
Later we birded the woods along the outlet canal below the dam.
Along the shoreline in the southwest corner we observed a Marbled Godwit,
one Black-bellied Plover, and 2 Semipalmated Plovers. Two Long-billed
Curlews walked the extreme southwest corner. The area is quite muddy
and it helps to wear boots that you do not mind having 2 or 3 pounds
of mud accumulate. Two Red-headed Woodpeckers were near the parking area.
Below the dam we found a Northern Waterthrush walking the creek
(approximately 0.2 miles from dam). A Townsend's Warbler was
fluttering about the taller cottonwoods.
Later in the day we met up with Bryan Ehlmann and Sue Dorsey who
had driven up several days earlier. Rebecca and I observed a dozen
Burrowing Owls along highway 138 on the drive to Red Lion WLA (Logan).
I want to thank R. Danka for hosting the three-day bird fest.
He and his wife put up 14 birders and held two fabulous barbecues!
I gained 5 pounds, I think.
September 1
We decided to dress in old clothes and bird the heck out of Tamarack
Ranch Wildlife Area in Logan County. Weeds and willows had grown
high in the summer rains. We dressed in long pants and shirts to combat
the huge number of Mosquitoes.
The highlight of the day was relocating the male Eastern Towhee that
Bryan and Sue had found on 8/31 (near area 2W). Gordon Fitch
originally reported it on 8/13. The bird sang frequently at
first morning light. A couple of feathers from the bird were
picked up off the ground.
The Eastern Towhee was not our only highlight of the day.
Two Yellow-billed Cuckoos also sang in the early morning.
Warblers seen included a Black-throated Green Warbler,
a male Magnolia Warbler, and 2 American Redstarts.
Vireos also were about with Red-eyed and Cassin's Vireo sightings.
The east side of Tamarack was productive also. A male
Red-bellied Woodpecker worked the woods north of the South Platte
in area 1E. A Great Crested Flycatcher called from 2E.
A couple of MacGillivray's Warblers and Lincoln's Sparrows
were in the willows at 2E. A male Northern Cardinal was spotted
just west of Tamarack Ponds. A dozen Red-headed Woodpeckers
were observed throughout the morning. That fact that it was
the first day of dove hunting season was the only downside of the day.
It sounded like a war with all the gunshots.
Our birding day ended at Sedgwick-Bar Wildlife Area (Sedgwick County).
While this area is smaller than Tamarack, it provides some good cover
for migrating and resident birds. We hiked from the eastern to
western parking areas. Highlights included 2 additional
Cassin's Vireos and another Red-eyed Vireo. A singing Great
Crested Flycatcher caught our ears. A pair of Red-bellied
Woodpeckers worked the trees along the S. Platte River.
Two pairs of Eastern Bluebirds added color to the green and
brown landscape. Western and Eastern Kingbirds were plentiful.
Sparrows included Lincoln's, Song, Lark, Chipping and
White-crowned Sparrows. A Cordilleran Flycatcher also fluttered
about hawking insects, as did several Western Wood-pewees.
September 2
Early this morning we decided to search the northern woods of
Jumbo Reservoir (again dressed in long shirts and pants to foil
the mosquitoes). While the outfits were hot, they were effective.
A 30 minute stop at DePoorter Lake added a Baltimore Oriole,
Eastern Phoebe, Harris's Sparrow, and 9 Northern Bobwhite to
our trip list. A quick stop in Julesburg on the way to Jumbo
found an Eurasian Collared-Dove at the elementary school
at Plum & 7th streets (bird was at northwest corner).
A male Northern Cardinal, male Red-bellied Woodpecker,
and another Eurasian Collared-Dove were in Ovid Woods (Sedgwick).
We relocated the Eastern Towhee found by Steve Spencer and Mike Williams 8/31
(approximately 40 yards east of the inlet canal). Note: A DNA sample was
taken from the bird. Perhaps we can put to rest the discussion on whether
pure Eastern Towhees roam the northeastern part of Colorado.
Gary Weston who has a masters in Genetics has contacts back East
and we hope to get a verdict on the subject in a month or so.
Bryan spotted a Mourning Warbler (also reported by Spencer and
Williams 8/31) in the willows along the canal (to the delight of
all the rest of us who also saw it).
A Red-eyed Vireo was also in the thick and buggy woods.
Two male Baltimore Orioles were still around also.
Along the reservoir proper, we found 3 or 4 Buff-breasted Sandpipers,
a dozen Pectoral Sandpipers and more than a dozen Semipalmated Plovers.
No uncommon gulls were located. Terns included Forster's and Black.
A couple of Great Egrets were in the northwest corner.
The Yellow-crowned Night-Herons observed last month were not seen.
We did not locate the Canada and Tennessee Warblers and
Long-billed Curlews observed by Spencer & Williams on 8/31.
Our next stop was Sand Draw Wildlife Area (Sedgwick). The place
was quite birdy for a small area with no water. The highlight was
a Blue-headed Vireo first spotted by Bryan Ehlmann. Also observed
were a Field Sparrow (eastern fence line) and a male Lazuli Bunting!
A Sharp-shinned Hawk hunted along the southern pines.
Our birding day ended with a search for sparrows and owls at
Sandsage Wildlife Area (Yuma). The only owls found were two
Great Horned Owls. Sparrows included a rare Lincoln's, Chipping,
Song, White-crowned, Lark, Grasshopper, and a Savannah Sparrow.
No Swamp Sparrows could be located today.
An Eastern Phoebe hawked insects back along the Republican River
and fence along CR CC. In the fading light, we saw two
Wild Turkeys run across CR CC to the east (across from
southern parking area).
September 3
After a couple of long birding days, we decided to bird around
Bonny Reservoir and Hale Ponds for the day. We explored
many areas and searched for owls near dusk and after.
Highlights:
At Hale Ponds:
The usual Eastern Bluebird flock (9) and Red-bellied Woodpeckers
(pair) were found on a 4-mile hike along the Republican River
and pond area. Also observed during the hike were 5 Common
Yellowthroats, 2 MacGillivray's Warblers, and a American Redstart.
Two coveys of Northern Bobwhite (total 21 birds) were kicked up (by accident).
A Yellow-billed Cuckoo called near the Kansas border.
Two Dickcissels flew up from the field to the west of Hale Ponds.
While watching them, Sue pointed out a Field Sparrow on the fence along CR 4.
At Wagon Wheel:
A Black-and-White and Townsend's Warbler were loosely associated with
a flock of 10 Yellow-rumped Warblers. Half a dozen Red-headed Woodpeckers,
2 Cordilleran Flycatchers, 5 Western Wood-pewees, and many House Wrens
moved about. We heard a short Eastern Screech-Owl call, but could not
locate the source. Mosquitoes were bad here!
The road along the southern side of Bonny produced sightings of
Western and Eastern Kingbirds, Loggerhead Shrike, Eastern Bluebird,
Baltimore Oriole, House Wrens, and an Osprey.
At Site #2 (Holt book; "Bird Guide to Colorado Birds")
(Woods at CR 2 entrance when road turns from east to south):
Highlight of the day! A young Prairie Warbler was 40 yards
into the woods from CR 2.
The woods east of the pond off the CR 3 entrance to Bonny added
Great Crested Flycatcher for the day.
Foster's Grove CG was busy. A second Great Crested Flycatcher,
an Ovenbird, a Black-and-White Warbler, a Townsend's Warbler,
several Red-eyed Vireos, and many Yellow-rumped Warbler were
observed in a 60-minute hike around the area. The highlight
though was a male Magnolia Warbler; he gave us all good
looks for several minutes!
Several Cordilleran and Hammond's Flycatchers and
Western Wood-pewees were here also.
North Cove was quiet compared to the rest of the day.
A lone Northern Waterthrush walked the north shoreline.
A Golden Eagle flew overhead and to the east.
At dusk we observed several dozen Common Nighthawks.
A Common Poorwill called to the north of NC campground.
We searched the Hale Ponds (CR 4) and into Kansas hoping for
an uncommon nightjar (Whip-poor-will or Chuck-will's-widow).
A Lesser Nighthawk would have been nice, but none were found.
Two Great Horned Owls called north of CR 4 (near Hale Store).
A Barn Owl was found further east along CR 4. No Long-eared Owls
were heard at the windbreaks south of the Hale Store.
No Short-eared Owls flew about the fields south of Wagon Wheel
Campground tonight. The Eastern Screech-Owl did not answer to
our tape (normally I hear him around 4:30am in the Hale Ponds area).
September 4
Our intentions of a slow and restful birding day yesterday did not pan out.
We hiked around and put in a full day; all seemed to be having much fun!
We set out before first light for Flagler Reservoir (Kit Carson County).
Quite a few birds moved around, especially below the dam.
A Black-and-White Warbler climbed the taller cottonwoods.
Two Common Yellowthroat sang while a Red-bellied Woodpecker
flew from tree to tree. An unidentified "empidonax" hawked insects.
Sandpipers included Baird's, Least, Stilt, and a Pectoral Sandpiper.
A Northern Waterthrush walked between the trees along the
southeast shoreline. Gary Weston found a Field Sparrow up the hill
at the southeast corner of the property. An Olive-sided Flycatcher and
Great Crested Flycatcher hunted for insects from the cottonwoods
south of the creek bordering the southern end of the reservoir.
We headed to Lincoln County and its Wildlife Areas next.
Kinney Lake WLA was quiet. Karval Reservoir WLA had a few
interesting birds. Sue Dorsey noticed 2 Burrowing Owls as
we drove to the entrance. Gary found our third Magnolia Warbler
of the trip. The bird was high in the cottonwoods lining the lake.
Hugo Wildlife Area is the largest and most promising of the three WLA.
We spent the last several hours of daylight exploring the boundaries
of this isolated area. Rebecca Kosten found a pair of Great-tailed
Grackles at the western end. Bryan found a Field Sparrow along
the southern boundary. We stayed until dark to search for owls.
A lone Great Horned Owl called in the distance to the west.
No nightjars were heard, but half a dozen Common Nighthawks
flew overhead. We enjoyed the humming hollow sounds
produced by the wings of the diving male birds!
September 5
We started our birding day at the Holly Rest Stop (Prowers) near
the Kansas border. Two Northern Bobwhite called to the south.
Several Burrowing Owls were north of Highway 50. We walked west
along old highway 50 and then south to the property line and then
back East to the Two Butte Creek and then North to the Arkansas River.
A Black-and-White Warbler was in the cottonwoods just west of the
rest area. Two Field Sparrows were found along the fence and old highway.
A Great Crested Flycatcher called from the taller cottonwoods along
the southern border. Several Common Yellowthroat sang from the
willows along the creek.
A 30 minute stop at Mike Higbee Wildlife Area (Prowers) produced many
sparrows sightings. The only uncommon one being 2 Harris's Sparrows
found by Rebecca in the willows along Clay Creek.
We had an interesting yellowish tinted sparrow along the
Fort Bent Canal, but did not see it well enough to identify.
Three Yellow-rumped Warblers were the only warblers found.
After lunch we stopped at Lamar Community College woods.
We found an American Redstart, Great Crested Flycatcher, and
Northern Waterthrush while hiking the 0.3 miles along Clay Creek.
Two Chimney Swifts were noticed flying overhead.
Two Mississippi Kites were at Willow Creek Park along with
a Red-bellied Woodpecker (east side of Clay Creek).
We missed the Blue-headed Vireo, Black-and-White Warbler, and
Ovenbird reported two days earlier by B. Gibbons. The Cardinals
did not make an appearance during our 1.5-hour stay.
Many noisy Blue Jays did however fly around.
We checked the ATT Tower 7.0 miles south of Lamar.
The Scissor-tailed Flycatchers were not around.
After dinner, we drove up to Neesopah and Neenoshe Reservoirs (Kiowa).
We thought two Chihuahuan Ravens were on the west side of Neesopah.
They sounded like Chihuahuan Ravens but it is always a difficult call
(id) without seeing the white neck feathers.
A Black-and-White Warbler worked the trees south of the boat ramp
at Neenoshe Reservoir. A Cassin's Vireo was in the locust grove
a little further south. Around the southern end, we found a
Great Crested Flycatcher. We missed the great birds
reported by Nelson the day before (Magnolia Warbler,
Ovenbird, American Redstart, and Barn Owl.
Upper Queens Reservoir (Kiowa) was quiet. We did see a
Great Egret on the west side. A White-throated Sparrow was
with several assorted sparrows in the trees to the northwest.
Lower Queens Reservoir had several Black Terns flying about.
Rebecca found a Blackpoll Warbler in the cottonwoods north of
the parking area on the west side. We stayed until dark hoping
some owls would come out. The Barn Owl the "hangs around"
the restroom at Upper Queens did not make an appearance tonight.
September 6
Our birding day started early as we wanted to get to John Martin
Reservoir (and the Fort Lyons Wildlife Easement) before sunrise.
Unfortunately no Black Rails were heard. We were hoping for a
late sighting date for this bird. The previously reported
Least Bitterns were not found either (it has been several
weeks since reported sightings for either species).
No uncommon birds were found along CR HH & CR JJ.
We back tracked to Hasty Campground and found few birds.
A Red-bellied Woodpecker flew about the campground.
No uncommon birds could be found on the reservoir proper.
Our next stop was Blue Lake (Bent/Kiowa).
Half a dozen Burrowing Owls were seen along CR 14 on the drive toward
Blue Lake. We kept our eyes out for Dickcissel, but found none.
Many Common Nighthawks lay on the fence posts! Blue Lake was quiet.
We did see 2 Common Terns flying along the west side.
No Least Terns were seen. The thickets north of the lake were
quiet also. A Great Horned Owl was our only entertainment.
We searched the woods on the west and south sides of Lake Holbrook
(Otero) for about an hour. Two Great Crested Flycatchers and
a single Olive-sided Flycatcher were the only interesting birds.
A Scaled Quail run across 25 road (west side of Lake Holbrook).
Lake Cheraw (Otero) was quiet also.
We stopped in Rocky Ford next. Rocky Ford WLA did not catch our
interest. We searched without success for Inca Doves
(Washington Street) and White-winged Doves ("south & east sides
of town???"). Two Eurasian Collared-Doves were found on FF.5,
North of Highway 50.
Our trip led us to Crowley County next.
The feedlots at Lake Meredith had a couple of Great-tailed Grackles,
but not much else. Two Common Terns flew over Lake Henry.
We headed up Highway 71 toward Interstate 70 and back to Denver.
We searched at sunset for the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher observed
last month 3 miles south of Limon; without success.
More Bird Trips
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