Rich Stevens' Bird Trips
September 2005
Wheat Ridge Greenbelt 9/30
Rebecca Kosten & I drove over to Wheat Ridge Greenbelt in the
late afternoon to check on a Northern Cardinal report. The bird
has been reported to us off and on for most of two years now.
The male Cardinal is seen along the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt from 0.2
to 0.8 miles east of Kipling Avenue. There is a small parking area
on the east side of Kipling about 0.2 miles South of 44th Avenue.
Unfortunately, we could not relocate the bird in a two hour search.
We then drove over to Prospect Park and walked from the Kipling
Parking area (0.5 miles west of Kipling) to Bass Lake and back.
The area was not birdy at all.
Highlights included an Ovenbird along the Tree Bridge Trail.
The bird was walking along the spring that is up the tree bridge
trail as it goes south into the subdivision of homes.
The spring can be heard and seen with effort, just west of the
trail. We watched the bird for about 15 minutes. It last was
observed between the stream and the main tree bridge trail.
Our next interesting birds were three Orange-crowned Warblers
fluttering about the willows and short trees at the northeast
corner of Bass Lake. While trying to see them better,
a Nashville Warbler came low out of the willows.
We crossed Clear Creek over the Bass Lake bridge and headed back
east along the south side of Tabor Lake. A flock of 14 Yellow-
rumped Warblers were in the Russian Olive trees on both sides
of the path. A lone female Western Tanager was in the same area.
Few other birds were found.
Barr Lake Area 9/29
Terry Michaels & I circled Barr Lake Reservoir.
Highlights were:
Townsend's Warbler at mile marker 8.2
Nashville Warbler between the Pioneer trail
and mile marker 8.0 of the main trail.
Swainson's Thrush west of mm 8.0
We also found several Yellow Warblers, a Wilson's Warbler,
Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Common Yellowthroat
(below dam), Cordilleran Flycatcher, and a Dusky Flycatcher (mm 1.5).
A Great Egret was observed at mm 3.0. Another Townsend's Warbler
in the same area.
Sparrows included Chipping, Savannah, Song, Lincoln's,
White-crowned, Clay-colored (2), Brewer's (many), and our
first American Tree Sparrows (2) of the season (mm 3.5).
A Peregrine Falcon zoomed by the southwest corner of the reservoir.
On the DIA owl loop we found Burrowing Owls at 3.4 miles East
of Tower Road and 96th avenue. Half a dozen Lark Buntings
were south of Trussville and 112th avenue.
Search for Possible Arctic Loon 9/28
I never found the possible Arctic Loon. On the way down to
Chatfield Reservoir, I was called and told that loon was not being
found. So, I checked Aurora Rampart Reservoir, McLellan Reservoir,
Marston Reservoir, and ponds northeast of Quincy & Wadsworth.
No luck at any of those reservoirs.
Earlier I stopped by Cherry Creek Reservoir, one Pomarine Jaeger,
one Sabine's Gull, and Forster's Tern were observed from the
Bird Platform at the Cottonwood Creek Loop (formerly Prairie Loop).
A possible red necked grebe was below dam in the raft of
Western Grebes. I mentioned "possible" Red-necked Grebe
because there was a grebe with the Western Grebes halfway
between dam and southwest marina that was too big to be
one of the smaller grebes and not colored correctly to be
a Western Grebe. I did not have the equipment or time to
check the bird more closely.
Eastern Plains 9/23
Mary Ewing & I spent about 4 hours at Prewitt Reservoir
(Washington County). Scanned many Stilt Sandpipers looking
unsuccessfully for the Curlew Sandpiper. South and west of the
boat ramp we found 2 Semipalmated Plovers, 2 or 3 Black-bellied
Plovers that later moved east, a 3rd cycle Lesser Black-backed
Gull, many American Avocets, a juvenile Bald Eagle, Baird's
Sandpipers, and some Western Sandpipers.
At the sand spit about 400 yards east of the boat ramp we later
found 9 Black-bellied Plovers and 2 American Golden-Plovers along
with many Great Blue Herons, a Great Egret, and Snowy Egret.
It was nice to see the Black-bellied and American Golden-Plovers
side by side for comparison.
From the most eastern parking area (off road Z.5) we saw the
light morph Long-tailed Jaeger (Logan & Washington Counties)
chasing gulls (almost overhead and low over the water).
Our final stop of the day was Crow Valley Campground (Weld
County). No Broad-winged Hawks were found however we enjoyed
our 1.5 hour walk. A Nashville Warbler with 5-6 Wilson's Warblers
were found in the willows along the southwestern boundary.
Southwest of campsite 7, we watched a loose flock of birds which
included 3 Wilson's Warblers, a Green-tailed Towhee, Gray Catbird,
and Yellow-rumped Warbler.
In trees around the group campground (northwest corner and east
of water supply) we found a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Cassin's Vireo,
4 Western Wood-pewees, and another Yellow-rumped Warbler.
Along the way we also observed a Dusky Flycatcher, Cordilleran Flycatcher,
and House Wren. The group picnic area had at least one Eurasian
Collared-Dove and several Mourning Doves.
Birding 9/22
I returned from an eastern trip and arrived at Cherry Creek State
Park at around 6:00pm. As I crossed the dam, the Pomarine Jaeger
flew parallel with me at eye level (as I drove about 30 mph).
Also seen here was the quite small gull that Bob Brown mentioned
today. Unfortunately, I could not tell more about the gull as
cars were following behind. The tail looked completely white,
that and size were all I picked up.
At the southwest boat ramp I found 1 juvenile Sabine's Gull (the
gulls were being scared up by a dog as I arrived, there could have
been additional Sabine's Gulls).
Many American White Pelicans stood off the bird platform.
A Common Tern flew around in the eastern corner by the
jet ski rental area.
Earlier Donny Graham and I observed a Sabine's Gull and dark-morph
Long-tailed Jaeger at Jackson Reservoir (Morgan County).
Foothills from Denver to Fort Collins 9/18
Mitchell Hait and I birded along the foothills. Our target
bird was a Plumbeous Vireo. What a gorgeous day. Temperatures
had to be in the low 80s; winds were mild until late afternoon.
At sunrise we walked the Plum Creek Delta area of Chatfield
Reservoir (Jefferson/Douglas Counties) for a couple of hours.
No Plumbeous Vireos or Magnolia Warbler, however we did find
a flock of warblers & Black-capped Chickadees at the north
end of the Plum Creek Delta trail. Four or five Black-capped
Chickadees, 3 Townsend's Warblers, 2+ Wilson's Warblers, and
an Orange-crowned Warbler fluttered about the trees and thistles below.
While looking above at the warblers, I observed a Winter Wren
pop out of the shorter willows at the north end of Plum Cck Delta.
I watched the bird for about 35 seconds before it dove back deep
into the thick willows. It appeared to move north under them
toward the lake. This secretive little bird is definitely
under reported in Colorado.
We also hiked south along the new cement bike path that follows
Plum Creek. I do not know how new it is, but it was my first hike
here. Also it is great news, a mountain biker that I stopped said
that the path continues south, crosses the railroad tracks, and
meets up with the path along the dam. Therefore it is now
possible to bike completely around Chatfield Reservoir
(it would be a long ride, but quite possible now!
Along our hike of about 3/4 mile, we found 2 Warbling Vireos
and ran into a flock of 21 Yellow-rumped Warblers (no Magnolia),
2 Orange-crowned Warblers, and 4 Wilson's Warblers.
A House Wren and Brewer's Sparrow were also observed.
A hike south of Kingfisher Bridge (east side of Platte) found
a Spotted Towhee, House Wren, 2 Common Mergansers,
Western Wood-pewee, female Broad-tailed Hummingbird, and
not much else. No uncommon gulls were among the 3 dozen
Ring-billed Gulls at the sand spit north of the marina.
Our next stop was the Apex Trail in Golden (Jefferson).
No Plumbeous Vireos were found. We heard some
Lesser Goldfinch, saw few birds in a brief stop.
An hour later we scoped the 400+ Franklin's Gulls at Duck Lake
(Larimer). The Sabine's Gull was found in about 10 minutes or so.
Eight or nine Red-necked Phalaropes were also found.
Dixon Reservoir was our next stop. The small woods west of the
lake look to have great potential. Worth a stop if one does not
have to drive too far (well from Denver anyway). I found a
Long-eared Owl deep in the woods west of the lake. Mitchell and
I were able to get a couple of witness photos. A Townsend's
Warbler fluttered about the trees hanging over the west side of
the lake.
I was watching what I thought to be a Hooded Warbler when a line
of 6 mountain bikers zipped through the woods. Sunday may not be
the best day to visit as bikers seem to stream through during most
of our visit. Anyway, I never did get a satisfactory view of the
warbler.
Our final search was below the dam where we ran into a flock of
6+ Black-capped Chickadees, 2 Wilson's Warblers, a Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, and a Plumbeous Vireo! A Western Wood-pewee hawked
insects below the dam.
Our final highlight was a Williamson's Sapsucker that flew
across our path as we returned to our car.
Back in Denver, Mitchell dropped me off at Parker Road and I225,
headed home, while I hiked down to Cherry Creek Reservoir
(Arapahoe). Winds had picked up by 4:30pm and no warblers were
found in the shaking leaves. I hiked completely around the lake
before the 6:58pm sunset. The south end of the dam is never fun
as one has to negotiate the rock covered dam.
At 6:40pm, I was at the Jet Ski rental area (east side of the
lake). The Pomarine Jaeger flew up and down the east shoreline
(just over my head several times). Where it was for the first
two hours of my visit is a mystery. The 4 Caspian Tern reported
Saturday were not found. It was quite crowded and noisy on the
lake as there must have been 80+ boats on the water.
I walked back up to Parker road by way of the campgrounds.
The Vermilion Flycatcher and Pine Warbler reported Friday
were not found.
Other birds encountered:
Song Sparrow Common
Yellowthroat (bird platform)
Vesper Sparrows (many)
Brewer's Sparrows (a dozen)
Sharp-shinned Hawk (woods east of lake)
Baird's Sandpipers (9, east shoreline)
Pectoral Sandpiper (east shoreline, south of eastern sand spit)
Spotted Towhee (Cherry Creek as it enters reservoir)
Black Terns (2, southeast side)
American White Pelicans (31)
Double-crested Cormorant (12+)
Belted Kingfisher (pair, pond north of swim beach)
Great Horned Owl (campgrounds)
Eastern Plains 9/17
Mitchell Hait & I explored the eastern plains Saturday.
At Prewitt Reservoir (Washington County)
Long-tailed Jaeger
Red Knot (we had not heard that the bird had been reported
Earlier in the day….great one….Congrats to Bill Schmoker!)
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Marbled Godwit
Red-necked Phalarope
Long-billed Dowitcher
Sanderling
Stilt Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Prairie Falcon (toward most eastern entrance)
Misses: We never observed the Piping Plover.
Thought there was a Semipalmated Plover out there,
but never found it. We were looking for a plover
that small, no luck.
We studied Dowitchers a long time,
could not make one of them a Short-billed.
Shorebirds moved around much south and west of
the boat ramp. A couple of kids kept jumping in the
water and moving to the same area as 300+ shorebirds.
That did not help our search.
At Crow Valley Campground (Weld County)
Cassin's Vireo
(grove of trees at group picnic area,
north of covered picnic area)
Same loose flock had:
Orange-crowned Warbler
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (5+)
Western Tanager
Lincoln's Sparrow
Also found:
Cordilleran Flycatcher
Western Wood-pewee
Eurasian Collared-Dove (Work Center)
Could not find a Saw-whet or Long-eared Owl.
Cherry Creek Reservoir 9/16
This morning Bryan Ehlmann, Roger Danka, and I searched for
Sprague's Pipits in the area of Sedgwick County Roads 59 & 30;
without success.
With an early date of 9/15 (1989) we did not expect to find any,
however the search was great. Longspurs seem to be everywhere.
Bryan had to be back in Denver by noon, so we did not stop at
Prewitt or Jackson Reservoir.
Around 2:00pm, Donna Fortney and I went over to Cherry Creek
Reservoir (Arapahoe County). Our interest was diverted from
searching for the jaeger by a flock of 20 warblers in the small
Russian Olive Tree east of the sand beach below the Covered Picnic
Area on the North side of the reservoir. The flock included
2 Wilson's Warblers, 2 Townsend's Warblers, the imm. Pine Warbler,
Yellow-rumped Warblers, and 3 Black-capped Chickadees.
Later we watched the Pomarine Jaeger fly back and forth across
the lake. Better views were obtained when the jaeger landed
in the water about 200 yards off the dam.
We scoped for the Sabine's Gull and Red-necked Grebe;
found neither.
I dropped Donna off and decided to end my birding day at Aurora
Reservoir (Quincy Reservoir had few birds). No uncommon birds
were found. Several Savannah Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Chipping
Sparrows, and American Pipits were some interesting birds.
Wray Fall Count 9/15
For the CoBus fall count at Wray (Yuma County) we were down to six birders.
Center of our 7.5 mile radius circle was Highway 385 & 39 Road.
Temperatures were around 70 degrees; winds were mild 5-10 mph.
Sunrise: 6:29am
Sunset: 6:59pm
Pied-billed Grebe
Swainson's Hawks (17)
Merlin
Greater Prairie-Chicken (2)
Northern Bobwhite (5)
Sandhill Crane (10, flyover)
Eurasian Collared-Dove (2, Wray)
Barn Owl (private ranch)
Eastern Screech-Owl (2, private ranches)
Common Nighthawk (2)
Chimney Swift (4)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (state lands)
Eastern Phoebe (Sandsage, state land, Wray Fishing Unit)
Great Crested Flycatcher (City Park)
Cassin's Kingbird (state lands)
Eastern Bluebird (state lands)
Townsend's Solitaire (Sandsage)
Wood Thrush (Republican River)
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
Loggerhead Shrike (4)
Blue-headed Vireo (private ranch)
Red-eyed Vireo (Sandsage)
Nashville Warbler (Sandsage)
Blackpoll Warbler (Republican River)
Northern Cardinal (2m, 1f; two locations, private yards)
Black-headed Grosbeak
Lazuli Bunting
Dickcissel (1) (private ranch)
Cassin's Sparrow (2+, private ranch)
Savannah Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrow
Fox Sparrow (eastern form, private yard)
McCown's Longspur (many)
Chestnut-collared Longspur (2-4)
Bullock's Oriole (2, 1st year birds)
Purple Finch (female, private yard)
Having only six birders is misleading. After 12 years of
wandering around Colorado, I can usually call on half a
dozen or so locals in most area for pre-scouting trips.
Bonny Reservoir Fall Count 9/14
Inserted by Bryan Ehlmann:
As exciting and fast as birding was yesterday, today was slow. Ten
cobirders participated in the Bonny Reservoir (Yuma County) fall count.
Skies were partly cloudy. Winds were 20mph most of the day.
We measured gusts up to 32 mph. Needless to say, it was difficult to find birds.
Our 7.5 mile radius count circle was centered in the middle of Bonny Reservoir.
Highlights:
Horned Grebe
Eared Grebe
Clark's Grebe
American Bittern (western ponds)
Green Heron
Wood Duck
American Black Duck X Mallard
Hooded Merganser
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
BROAD WINGED HAWK (west/Foster’s Grove CG)
Ferruginous Hawk
Prairie Falcon
Greater Prairie-Chicken (not confirmed, not counted)
Northern Bobwhite (13)
Virginia Rail
Sora
Black bellied Plover
Semipalmated Plover
MOUNTAIN PLOVER (2, north of State Park)
Pectoral Sandpiper
SABINE’S GULL (juv)
COMMON TERN
Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Hale Ponds)
Barn Owl (Bonny, Hale Ponds, private ranch)
Long-eared Owl (1)
Eastern Screech Owl (2 locations)
Burrowing Owls (north of dam)
Common Poorwill (south of State Park, Kit Carson County)
Hummingbird (not identified, not adult male)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (8)
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe (Hale ponds, private ranch)
Say's Phoebe (2)
Great Crested Flycatcher (2+)
Pinyon Jay (2-4) (second hand, not confirmed, not counted)
Common Raven (2)
Red-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren (5)
Marsh Wren (3)
Eastern Bluebird (17)
Hermit Thrush (only thrush of the day)
Varied Thrush (second hand, not confirmed,)
(third such bird of the day, not counted, darn)
Sage Thrasher (6)
Brown Thrasher (3)
Cedar Waxwing (20+)
Loggerhead Shrike (only 2)
(looked all over for Bell's Vireo, not successful)
Red-eyed Vireo (1)
Unidentified vireo (1)
Tennessee Warbler (only uncommon warbler, Foster’s Grove)
Northern Waterthrush
Common Yellowthroat (4)
Wilson's Warbler (2)
Dickcissel (2, Hale Ponds; 3 private ranch)
Green-tailed Towhee
Clay-colored Sparrow
Brewer's Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
White throated Sparrow (2)
Field Sparrow
No Grosbeaks, Cardinals, Orioles, Red-shouldered Hawk,
Swamp Sparrows, Sprague's Pipits, Loons)
10 birders
Birding Hours: 102
Foot miles: 56
Vehicle miles: 89
Super Time!
Bryan Ehlmann
Brighton
Jumbo/Tamarack Fall County 9/13
Inserted by Roger Danka:
Hello all
Eight cobirders conducted the 4th Jumbo Reservoir/Tamarack Ranch wildlife area
fall count today. Skies were partly sunny; winds around 5-10 mph; birding was
great. Complete list upon request. The count circle had a 7.5 mile radius,
center point at east end of Tamarack Ranch wildlife area.
Highlights included
American Bittern
Green Heron (Tamarack Ranch/west)
California Gull
Osprey
MISSISSIPPI KITE!
Merlin (2)
Prairie Falcon
GREATER PRAIRIE CHICKEN (Tamarack Ranch/south)
Black-bellied Plover (2) (Jumbo)
Willet (Jumbo)
Red-necked Phalarope (Little Jumbo)
SABINE’S GULL (juv) (Jumbo)
WHITE WINGED DOVE (private ranch)
Yellow billed Cuckoo (2 locations)
Barn Owl (3)
Eastern Screech-Owl (4)
Long-eared Owl (2) (nested on private ranch)
Common Poorwill (2, private ranch)
Chimney Swift (4)
Broad-tailed Hummingbird (3)
Lewis's Woodpecker (2, private ranch)
Red-headed Woodpecker (7)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (5, 3 locations)
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Western Wood-pewee (2)
Possible Willow Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe (2, Tamarack Ranch/east; private ranch)
Say's Phoebe (3 locations)
Great Crested Flycatcher (1, Tamarack Ranch/west)
Cassin's Kingbird (1, Little Jumbo)
Red-breasted Nuthatch (3 locations)
White-breasted Nuthatch (eastern, 2 locations)
WINTER WREN (Tamarack Ranch/east)
Marsh Wren
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird (3)
Townsend's Solitaire (2)
Hermit Thrush
Swainson's Thrush
Gray Catbird (2 locations)
Brown Thrasher
Sage Thrasher
Northern Shrike (1, private ranch)
Loggerhead Shrike (9)
Bell's Vireo (only 1, Tamarack Ranch/west)
BLUE HEADED VIREO (private ranch)
CASSIN’S VIREO (Tamarack Ranch/east)
Red-eyed Vireo (3 locations including Red Lion WLA)
TENNESSEE WARBLER (3/Tamarack Ranch/east/Jumbo)
NASHVILLE WARBLER (Tamarack Ranch/east; L. Jumbo)
Yellow Warbler
MAGNOLIA WARBLER (2, Tamarack/east/Little Jumbo)
Townsend's Warbler (Tamarack Ranch/west)
BLACK THROATED GREEN WARBLER (private ranch)
BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER (Tamarack/west)
American Redstart (Tamarack Ranch/east)
Ovenbird (Tamarack Ranch/east)
Northern Waterthrush (Tamarack Ranch/east; private ranch)
Common Yellowthroat (6+)
Yellow-breasted Chat (2)
NORTHERN CARDINAL (2m, 1f; Tamarack Ranch/L. Jumbo)
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1st yr male; private ranch)
Blue Grosbeak (2 locations)
Lazuli Bunting
Dickcissel (2 locations)
Green-tailed Towhee (2)
Spotted Towhee
Cassin's Sparrow
Clay-colored Sparrow
Brewer's Sparrow
Field Sparrow (Tamarack Ranch/east; private ranch)
Vesper Sparrow
Lark Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow (Tamarack Ranch/Red Lion/L. Jumbo)
Grasshopper Sparrow (Tamarack Ranch/Jumbo)
Lincoln's Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow (3 locations)
McCown's Longspurs
Yellow-headed Blackbirds
Great-tailed Grackle (2, private ranch)
Orchard Oriole (1)
Bullock's Oriole (1)
Purple Finch (private ranch)
Evening Grosbeak
Roger Danka
Sedgwick County
Participants
(Richard Stevens, Rebecca Kosten, Bryan Ehlmann,
Sue Ehlmann, Gary Weston, Dianne Weston, Jaa Weis)
Birding Hours: 82
Miles Walked: approx: 60 miles
Miles Driven: many
Local knowledge: great help!
Eastern Plains 9/12
Made a leisure trip to Roger Danka's ranch near Julesburg.
After a late start, Jaa Weis and I found the Long-tailed Jaeger
and Buff-breasted Sandpipers at Prewitt Reservoir and moved on
northeast. No Laughing Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull or
Red Phalarope to be found.
We looked for Short-eared Owls at Sedgwick Draw around Dusk;
without success. Briefly heard an Eastern Screech-Owl on
Roger's ranch around 10:00pm.
Mountain Birding 9/10
Illinois birder Janey Weis and I birded in the mountains today.
Our first stop was Reynolds Park (looking for Blue Grouse,
American Three-toed Woodpeckers, Northern Pygmy-Owls).
We found one of our target birds a male Three-toed Woodpecker.
The bird was approximately 20 yards north (downhill) from the
intersections of Oxen Draw, Eagle's View, and Raven's Roost trails.
No luck on owls or grouse.
We stopped for a short time at Pine Valley Ranch Park (also
Jefferson County). No owls were found around the main parking
area or the west end of the Narrow Gauge Railroad trail.
Our next stop was Guanella pass to search for White-tailed
Ptarmigan. Here we were very fortunate to locate a Ptarmigan
after only 1.5 hours. The bird was wandering about 60 yards
downhill from the top of the south side of the hill southeast
of the main parking area.
There were possibly two or three Black Swifts flying high
overhead of the old ski area and hunting club (south of the summit).
In the past I have hiked up to the falls to get better looks,
however neither of us were in the mood to make that long hike today.
After a late lunch we drove to the end of the road that heads
east from Kenosha Pass. We then hiked to the final gate to
Twin Cones Peak. Along the way we found several Broad-tailed
Hummingbirds, a pair of Red-naped Sapsuckers, and a male
Williamson's Sapsuckers. Other birds found were 3 Wilson's
Warblers, Lincoln's Sparrows, and a Song Sparrow.
Again we found no owls.
Back at our car, two Hermit Thrushes were singing.
A Blue Grouse crossed the road as we headed back to Highway 285.
We stopped by Pine Valley Ranch Park and Reynolds Park on our
trip back to Denver. No owls could be found at their parking areas.
Bird Count at Bluff Lake Nature Area 9/9
Bryan Ehlmann and I conducted a count at Bluff Lake Nature
Area on Friday. Skies were partly sunny and it rained in the
afternoon. Birding was pretty slow; total species was 40.
(This does not include the possible Chestnut-sided Warbler).
Main highlight was a fall plumage Blackpoll Warbler. This bird
was in a loose flock of 4 Yellow-rumped Warblers and a possible
fall plumage Chestnut-sided Warbler.
We were so busy trying to make sure the Blackpoll was just that
and not a Bay-breasted or Pine Warbler that we both said there
was a Chestnut-sided Warbler, but could not relocate it later
for better inspection.
We were taken by surprise by the appearance of two uncommon
warblers at the same time. The flock was first seen on the north
side of the lake where trees overhang the path (northwest side).
The flock eventually (and too quickly) flew over the dried
marsh to the North and disappeared in the tall cottonwoods.
It was just at this time that the fine mist turned into a
downpour (a real cannot see downpour). By the time the rain
let up enough for us to chase the birds, we could not find them.
There was a Great Horned Owl in the same group of trees.
We believe that the flock may have flown into the trees
east between Sand Creek and the new (closed) road.
Anyway, there are many trees to search. Winds continued
to be quite strong even after the rain let up.
The Blackpoll Warbler showed white undertail coverts,
streaks on the sides of breast and flanks, and a black
eye line and yellowish breast.
We would expect Bay-breasted Warbler to have less of
an eye black eye line, less yellow on breast, and some
buff color on its flanks. The Pine Warbler would have
a more defined cheek and short tail.
The bird thought to be a Chestnut-sided Warbler showed
the more lime green color with whitish breast and
undertail coverts. Neither of us focused on any
chestnut color on the flanks.
Other highlights were a male MacGillivray's Warbler and
Snowy Egret. There is little water in the lake (which is
more like a puddle).
Sandpipers included 4 Solitary Sandpipers, 2 Lesser Yellowlegs,
2 Stilt Sandpipers, and a Spotted Sandpiper. There was a
Western Red-tailed Hawk, a light phase Swainson's Hawk,
an uncommon dark morph Swainson's Hawk and
one Great Blue Heron.
After an early dinner, we watched a Common Nighthawk
catch insects throughout the Rockies game. The bird would
reappear in the same location that it left the stadium
each time. We never observed two at one time and
believe that last Friday and today there was only
one Common Nighthawk. It seems that more nighthawks
would take advantage of the smorgasbord that the stadium
lights serve up?
Cherry Creek Reservoir 9/8
Do not know if my birding day is interesting to anyone; did not
see many uncommon birds. If the DFO Fall count was held as
scheduled today, I did not run into them during my 10 hour stay
at the State Park.
My first stop at Cherry Creek Reservoir was the 12 mile picnic
area pond at 6:00am. A Sora, Virginia Rail, and Wilson's Snipe
all answered to tapes. A Great Horned Owl called from the west
side of the pond. I have found that other birds do not like to
have one bird dominate the airwaves. Two Common Yellowthroats
and several Song Sparrows also called.
I then biked around to the swim beach (day was spent on my
mountain bike for faster mobility, but not an enclosed car where
I could not hear bird songs). A pair of Black-capped Chickadees,
2 Song Sparrows, and a Lincoln's Sparrow were at the marsh east
of the jet ski rental area. American Goldfinch count was 49 birds.
A Green Heron and a pair of Belted Kingfishers were at the small
pond northwest of the swim beach. The Russian Olive Grove was
quiet (usually there are a few birds in here).
Few warblers were found in an hour search between the shoreline
and the covered picnic area. I did find a male Wilson's Warbler
and female Yellow Warbler. A more uncommon Red-breasted Nuthatch
fluttered about the trees south of the picnic area. Also found
were Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch,
2 European Starlings (just 2), and another Great Horned Owl.
The swim beach area was empty of people and as a result had 87
Ring-billed Gulls, 32 California Gulls, and 1 Double-crested
Cormorant. Winds were mild to none and it was a beautiful partly
cloudy morning. A pair of Brewer's Blackbirds and my first Black-
billed Magpies of the day were observed around the parking area.
Another area of high bird activity was near the northeast handicap
fisherperson's area. An Orange-crowned Warbler moved about
in the same tree as 3 female Yellow Warblers. A Rock Wren
jumped about the rocks along the shore.
The eastern sand spit was devoid of birds. Perhaps because of the
kayaker moving about the southeast corner. I could see many birds
off the Bird Platform area on the other side of the lake and
headed over there before anyone could disturb them.
A flock of 3 House Wrens were in a patch of sunflowers east of the
Cottonwood Creek Loop. Five Black-crowned Night-Herons,
2 Great Blue Herons, 19 Mallards, 3 Blue-winged Teal were at
the Wetlands pond. The pair of Swainson's Hawks that nested
earlier in the summer was perched in their tree over the pond.
I sat at the bird platform for about an hour. Thirty-three White
Pelicans, 114 Ring-billed Gulls, 39 California Gulls, 5 Great Blue
Herons, and 1 Lesser Yellowlegs were in the shallow waters.
Several of the herons approached quite close. A Cassin's Kingbird
flew in from the other side of the inlet canal. Two Western
Kingbirds were also around.
A pair of Common Yellowthroats, a Lincoln's Sparrow, and
2 Song Sparrows came out of the cattails as I sat quietly on
the bench. A Green-tailed Towhee scurried along the ground
behind me. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet also fluttered about.
My next stop was the southwest marina. A few Chipping Sparrows
were around the Lake Loop. Three Lark Sparrows flew around
the Mountain Loop. The marina itself had 18 Double-crested
Cormorants, 79 Ring-billed Gulls, and 19 California Gulls.
I walked up the bike path toward Cherry Creek High School.
There were quite a few Brewer's Sparrows on the Rabbit Brush
to the east. Two colorful Clay-colored Sparrows were also found.
While counting sparrows, I notice three birds with white tails
with black triangles on their ends. I followed one to make sure
of the ID; however there appeared to be three. These are the
only longspurs I have encountered in Arapahoe County.
After lunch I returned to Cherry Creek Reservoir and biked along
the southern and eastern sides. Dozens of sparrows included
many Brewer's Sparrows, another Clay-colored Sparrow, many
Chipping Sparrows, and Lark Sparrows.
No Burrowing Owls were found in the prairie dog village along
S. Jordan Road. Two Red-tailed Hawks hunted over the fields
to the south. Of course many Western Meadowlarks are still around.
A Savannah Sparrow was observed along Cherry Creek.
A Marsh Wren was found at the southwest corner of the
Beaver Pond. One MacGillivray's Warbler was found in
the willows back at the south end of the beaver pond.
A Northern Harrier hovered over the northern end.
An American Kestrel stood on the nesting box east of the ranger's
office. One female Broad-tailed Hummingbird (only hummer of the
day) flew around the parking area. Another MacGillivray's Warbler
was in the willows along the Shop Creek Trail.
That's about it. Did not find any orioles or tanagers.
Total Species Count: 79
Jackson County 9/7 into 9/8
I convinced three cobirders to go to Teller City to bird today.
Teller City is a ghost town west of Gould in Jackson County.
A 4-wheel drive vehicle is a must to get there. We were
tempted to turn around even in our 4-wheel drive (a must).
The road is in worse shape than my last visit two years ago.
Our first stop was Chambers Lake. American Three-toed Woodpeckers
have been found in the past; however none were found today.
On the trip up we stopped at the Colorado State Forest visitor's
center. Several Gray Jays, Tree Swallows, a Wilson's Warbler,
and Lincoln's Sparrows were all that we observed.
The hummingbird feeders at the Gould Store had a few Broad-tailed
Hummingbirds. White-breasted Nuthatches and Pine Siskins visited
the seed feeders.
The hummingbird feeders at the KOA at the entrance of the
Colorado State Forest had dozens of Broad-tailed Hummingbirds
and a few female Rufous Hummingbirds visiting them.
Michigan Reservoir (in State Forest) had only one bird on it,
a California Gull. Two MacGillivray's Warblers were in the
surrounding willows.
We arrived at Teller City late in the afternoon. A walk around
this historic gold mining town is always interesting. It took
about an hour, but we finally found our target bird. A male
Three-toed Woodpecker was working the trees in the
southwest end of the self-guided tour loop.
Other birds found included a pair of Red-naped Sapsuckers,
White-breasted Nuthatches, Red-breasted Nuthatches, a pair
of Downy Woodpeckers, and a male Hairy Woodpecker.
Afterwards we explored further up (southwest) on the road.
Nothing new was added to our trip list. We returned to
Teller City around dusk (7:30pm) and heard a Great Horned Owl
calling in the distance. Unfortunately no additional owls were
found here or during several stops on the road back to Highway 14.
No Boreal Owls were found at the summit to Cameron Pass or
around the Joe Wright Reservoir's parking areas.
We returned to Fort Collins by way of Pennock Pass. Stopping at
several favorite Flammulated Owl locations did not add one to our
trip list. It left us wondering if it was too late in the season to find
any of these owls (one of the few owls that leave for the winter).
Andrews & Righter "Colorado Birds" state that they can be found
into October. However there are few reports of Flammulated Owls
in October; perhaps birders just quit searching for them?.
This route is the long way back to Fort Collins.
An owl or two would have helped keep our interest;
but none were found.
We passed near Dixon Reservoir around 4:00am.
Unfortunately too early to wait for sunrise and a chance
to search for the Black Phoebe reported yesterday.
Arapahoe County Fall County 9/6
Eight cobirders joined in on the CoBus Arapahoe County Fall
County today. Skies were partly cloudy; winds were mild.
Aurora Reservoir Highlights here included an Eastern Phoebe at
mile marker 3.0 (at the extreme southeast corner of the park).
Its tail pumping gave away the id quickly. A Say's Phoebe was
fly catching around mm 2.5.
As we popped over the hill at the west end of the dam, a
Great Black-backed Gull flew up from the shore and headed
west (toward Quincy or Cherry Creek Reservoir?).
Sparrows included a Lincoln's Sparrow, Song Sparrows,
Chipping Sparrows, Brewer's Sparrows, and 1 Clay-colored Sparrow.
No warblers were found. No uncommon waterfowl were observed.
Our only non Killdeer was a lone Lesser Yellowlegs.
Quincy Reservoir Highlight was a Cassin's Vireo in the tree
line on the south shore. No other uncommon birds were found.
Cherry Creek Reservoir Highlights included a possible Pine Warbler
only observed by DWE. We looked several hours for the bird (first
spotted in the cottonwoods southeast of the 12 mile Group Picnic
Beaver Pond); without success. A Townsend's Warbler was found
during our search.
At the Beaver Pond a Common Yellowthroat, Marsh Wren, and Virginia
Rail responded to our tapes. Two Wilson's Snipes were found on
the southwest side. A couple of Baird's Sandpipers walked the
shallower water.
Westons found a Lesser Black-backed Gull on the eastern sand spit.
Other gulls included Herring, California, and of course Ring-
billed Gulls. A couple of Baird's Sandpipers, a Least Sandpiper,
and 2 Lesser Yellowlegs were also here.
We missed finding any warblers (at Lake Loop and Swim Beach
areas). Black-crowned Night-Herons and Great Blue Herons were
at the Cottonwood Creek Wetlands Pond. Several Song Sparrows
were near the Bird Platform. We missed Green Herons. A dozen
American White Pelicans and dozens of Double-crested Cormorants
were observed. Two Swainson's Hawks were in the area.
A last attempt was made to find the Pine Warbler; again without
success. Two Great Horned Owls called on the west side of the
Beaver Pond. Another Great Horned Owl was found east of the
Cottonwood Creek Loop while we chased a report of a Long-eared Owl
(never found).
Other notables inside our count circle included:
2 Loggerhead Shrikes in the DAD trash dump area
2 Burrowing Owls on private land
1 Wilson's Warbler fluttering along Quincy Road
1 Prairie Falcon flying east of Aurora Reservoir
Total Species: 109
(This does not include the possible Pine Warbler).
Mt Evans 9/5
Bryan Ehlmann, Sue Ehlmann, Rebecca Kosten, 2 Ohio birders and I
headed to Mt Evans. It was the last day this season that the road
was open to the summit.
We observed 2 White-tailed Ptarmigan in the grassy areas below and
east of the summit. A few American Pipits flew around also.
Down at Summit Lake, we hiked to the northwest corner.
After about a 20 minute wait, 2 Brown-capped Rosy Finches
were observed feeding in the grassy areas on the hill to the north.
Our next stop was the campground just outside the entrance to the
fee area. Nothing uncommon was found and we decided to eat lunch.
After lunch we returned to the camping area, where Bryan found an
American Three-toed Woodpecker. A few Broad-tailed Hummingbirds
visited the feeders next to the restaurant. There are not as many
feeders as in past years.
A leisure hike along the west side of Echo Lake (west of the
campgrounds & restaurant) added Lincoln's Sparrows, a Song
Sparrow, and Red-naped Sapsucker to our trip list. Our only
target bird miss was a Williamson's Sapsucker.
Late in the day, we stopped at Genesee Park (south side of I70).
We finally found a male Williamson's Sapsucker around the parking
area for the group picnic area.
Birding Around Denver 9/4
An Ohio birder and I started out Sunday morning on the DIA Owl
Loop. Burrowing Owls are still 3.4 miles East of Tower Road &
Piccadilly Road. We observed a Green Heron at Mary's Lake on
Rocky Mountain National Park (public access only Saturday & Sunday).
Unfortunately she had a bad case of altitude sickness and our
birding day was cut short.
Late in the afternoon and being tired of sitting around, I drove
over to Cherry Creek Reservoir. I gave the Blackburnian Warbler
another chance to show itself; without success. The Great Black-
backed Gull was not at the eastern sand spit or the southwest marina.
At 7:24pm, I observed a Green Heron, 4 Black-crowned Night-Herons,
and 3 Great Blue Herons at the Cottonwood Creek Wetlands Pond.
I was standing on the northern bike path looking south. Most birds
were not visible from the main road.
A check of the Lake Loop did not turn up any warblers.
Several Lark Sparrows were near the Mountain Loop.
Useless note from Saturday: Did anyone else notice that the
covered picnic area was reserved by the family, Blackburns?
So when I solicited them to help me look for the Blackburnian
Warbler on Saturday, I was the only non-Blackburnian.
Birding Local Reservoirs 9/3
I was at Barr Lake at a little before 6:00am, wanted to get a jump
on the shorebirds before they moved around. The Ruddy Turnstone
and Long-billed Curlew were not found by me.
I hiked completely around the 9.0 loop. Scoped as many places that
access would allow, however there are quite a few locations that
my equipment could not inspect. Highlight at Barr Lake would be
a Townsend's Warbler around mile marker 3.0.
In the afternoon, I rode my bike over to Cherry Creek Reservoir.
I could not find the Blackburnian Warbler from 1:00-4:00pm.
The Great Black-backed Gull was observed at 3:10pm on the
eastern sand spit. It was not found at 1:00pm and I had to walk
over to the sand spit in order to see over the ridge to the south.
In the three hours, I did have a chance to study sparrows.
Encountered dozen Brewer's, 1 or 2 Clay-colored, dozen+
Chipping, and a Song Sparrow (around swim beach area).
Burrowing Owls were found along the DIA Owl loop on
the way home. Check 3.4 miles east of Tower Road &
96th avenue and 128th Avenue & Powhaton Road.
Birding Around Denver 9/2
Bryan Ehlmann and I hiked from Johnson Park to Wheat Ridge
Greenbelt’s Prospect Park (Jefferson County) this afternoon.
Birding was slow. A couple of Cedar Waxwings were at Johnson Park.
A Plumbeous Vireo was in a loose flock including a couple of
Black-capped Chickadees, Yellow Warbler, and Orange-crowned
Warbler just east of the first wooden bridge along the Tree
Bridge Trail at Prospect Park.
We found a Northern Waterthrush 50 yards east of the western fence
of the Tree Bridge Trail. Many Barn Swallows flew over Bass Lake.
Eleven Western Tanagers flew around the Russian Olive Trees south
of Tabor Lake. An adult Black-crowned Night-Heron was at the west
end of Prospect Lake.
Our birding day ended with watching Common Nighthawks catching
bugs at the Rockies game.
More Bird Trips
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