Date: 5/8/26 4:13 pm From: Scott Shaum <sshaum...> Subject: [cobirds] Thick Billed Kingbird El Paso County
Today I observed a Thick Billed Kingbird at Chico Basin Ranch El Paso
county. It was on the west side of the Russian olive grove where bird
banding takes place. I think this would be a 5th state record, if I am
correct.
CBR is private property and only accessible by reservation via Aiken
Audubon Society.
It’s been an incredible couple weeks in El Paso county with 4 first county
records: Hudsonian Godwit, Zone-Tailed Hawk, Louisiana Waterthrush and now
this TBKI.
Scott E. Shaum
Woodland Park, CO
Teller County
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If you access the Colorado Bird Records Committee website at the moment, it will come up as unsecured. This is because the person who built and maintained the website passed away a couple of months ago, and at the moment we can't update the security status. Unfortunately, I do not have a timeline when this will be fixed.
However, you can insist on going to the website and it is perfectly secure when you get there. So, please don't be put off from submitting records by the initial unsecure message. In particular, the CBRC has not received any reports of the two recent Louisiana Waterthrush sightings in Denver and Colorado Springs. There are only 8 accepted records in the state to date, although one was seen earlier this spring south of Lamar: Louisiana Waterthrush - Parkesia motacilla <https://cobrc.org/Reports/SpeciesDetail.aspx?id=371>
Thanks, Peter Gent. Chairman CBRC, Boulder.
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Date: 5/8/26 12:42 pm From: Chicobander <jshieldcastle...> Subject: [cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch Banding Station Report- May 8, 2026-Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Another beautiful day to be outside! Well, let me say there were birds around but they chose to be in different areas than our mistnets today. Most birds were active north of the olive grove in the elm and juniper trees. Despite the nets not catching the sample of birds that were around, it was still a nice day. Eighteen species were caught including 6 warbler species if counting the subspecies. There is still a few Hermit Thrushes around amongst the Swainson's Thrushes that were here. *36 New Banded Birds* Northern House Wren- 7 Yellow Warbler- 2 Orange-crowned Warbler- 5 Audubon's (Yellow-rumped) Warbler- 2 Myrtle (Yellow-rumped) Warbler- 1 Intergrade (Audubon's X Myrtle) Warbler- 1 MacGillivray's Warbler- 2 Common Yellowthroat- 2 American Goldfinch- 1 Lincoln's Sparrow- 1 White-throated Sparrow- 1 Mountain White-crowned Sparrow- 3 Gambel's White-crowned Sparrow- 1 Hermit Thrush- 1 Swainson's Thrush- 3 Brown Thrasher- 2 American Robin- 1
*2 Recaptures* American Robin Canyon Towhee
The Banding station will be open tomorrow from sunrise until @ 11AM. Please stop by and share your sightings with us. Please register on the Aiken Audubon website if birding or visiting the ranch. www.aikenaudubon.com
Have a good day,
Julie Shieldcastle Bander, Chico Basin Ranch Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
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Date: 5/8/26 9:07 am From: Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...> Subject: [cobirds] Singing Green-tailed Towhees & Others - Denver / Arapahoe
For the first time that I can remember, I'm hearing Green-tailed Towhees singing during their spring migration through urban Denver and suburban Arapahoe Counties. I'm not suggesting this actually hasn't happened. Rather, I'm just reporting that the birds seem to me to be more committed to song this year than I can remember them being in the past. This includes Green-tailed Towhee in my Centennial yard for the past week. A really nice addition to the aural landscape...(eBird doesn't have any spring audio recordings of Green-tails in either county. So if you're out there and you hear them, maybe make a recording and submit it?)
Also of note: a *female* MacGillivray's Warbler -- (still have to look up the spelling of the name...) in my yard for the past 48 hours. A somewhat uncommon but regular migrant through suburban Centennial, particularly uncommon in yards and especially in water-less backyards, as mine is. This is the first migrating female that I can remember. When I moved into the home in 2016, I had a few years of spring visits from a male. In 2017, one was present in my yard for most of May. and, like the Green-tails this year, sang quite a bit. They're drawn to the Chokecherry and *Viburnum lentago* thicket that came with my home. This one was, like a Northern House Wren, gleaning insects from my closed compost bins. Lots of flies (big and small) as well as springtails. Can't imagine a bird eating springtails, but those are a lot larger to a bird than they are to me. Perhaps someone out has documented this?
Finally, I heard a singing Warbling Vireo this morning from a neighbor's yard. Merlin identified it as a Western; however, I haven't spent any time learning the distinctions in the two species songs, nor have I double checked the Merlin ID. I will. Just haven't yet.
- Jared Del Rosso Centennial, CO
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Date: 5/8/26 8:31 am From: John Tumasonis <snakemonev...> Subject: [cobirds] Messed up plover at baseline
From my previous list: That was supposed to be a SEMI PALMATED PLOVER at Baseline Reservoir. NOT a piping plover. My bad. This is called lack of sleep.
Other note: the road into Stearns Lake is a disaster - potholes and washboard. Go slow or you'll lose you axle. They usually grate it once a year but have not done so yet.
John T
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Date: 5/8/26 8:21 am From: John Tumasonis <snakemonev...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: More migrants Westminster, Broomfield, Boulder, etc.
Oops - screwed up that Plover at Baseline - that was a SEMIPALMATED PLOVER
- not a piping plover. I need more coffee....
John T
On Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 5:46:24 PM UTC-6 John Tumasonis wrote:
> All:
> A late list of more stuff coming in through Boulder, Broomfield,
> Westminster, from over the last 9 days. Here's a photo of a Western
> Bluebird from NCAR from 5 days ago:
>
> [image: Western Bluebird at NCAR 34 signed copy.jpg]
>
> American White Pelican - most of the larger flocks have dispersed from
> Front Range area.
> Pied Billed Grebe - are back in many locations
> Western Grebe - at Stearns Lake
> Double Crested Cormorant - spread over large areas, numbers still
> increasing
> Black Crowned Night Heron - 1 along Platte River near Adams County
> Fairgrounds (note: Adams County Fairgrounds is torn to pieces with heavy
> construction going on - best to park on Henderson Road at the Veterans War
> Memorial).
> Great Blue Heron - young on nests already, being fed by parents
> Snowy Egret - numbers are increasing, but not as many as last year.
> *White Ibis *- came and went in Arvada, - hope you got to see it.
> Canada Goose - some with goslings already
> Cackling Goose - a few strays at East Lake in Thornton
> Mallard - present
> Gadwall - still hanging at several lakes and ponds
> Green Winged Teal - most are gone but a few on the Platte River, Adams
> County
> Blue Winged Teal - East Lake, Thornton
> Northern Shoveler - East Lake, Thornton, a few
> Redhead - a few were still at East Lake (Thornton) and Plaster Reservoir
> (Broomfield)
> Ring Necked Duck - still a few at Plaster Reservoir, Broomfield
> Lesser Scaup - Brunner Reservoir, Broomfield
> Ruddy Duck - at Brunner Reservoir - 3 females
> Turkey Vulture - numbers increasing
> Osprey - two flyovers at NCAR, and others along Front Range
> Northern Harrier - NCAR, Boulder
> Golden Eagle - Louisville along Dillion Road
> Bald Eagle - all monitored nest sites appear to have young (note: road
> going into the bald eagle's nest near Stearns Lake is completely closed to
> the public - includes walking or driving).
> Cooper's Hawk - throughout suburban, and open space areas - murdering
> birds left and right.
> Sharp Shined Hawk - a few seen
> Red Tailed Hawks - on nests in Westminster, Broomfield, Boulder, Thornton,
> etc. etc.
> Swainson's Hawks - numbers increasing - most seen in Broomfield and
> Westminster
> American Kestrel - present
> Wild Turkey - lots at East Lake #2 in Thornton - local people told me that
> they are being fed by several households (not good!).
> Virginia Rail - Plaster Reservoir and East Lake
> American Coot - East Lake and Plaster Reservoir
> *Black Bellied Plover* - fair looks at Baseline Reservoir - a scope is
> needed
> *Piping Plove*r - at Baseline Reservoir - (a thanks to Peter Gent)
> Killdeer - present in many locations
> American Avocet - scattered along lakes and ponds - large flocks moved
> through about 2 weeks ago.
> Lesser Yellowlegs - Stearns Lake, and Baseline Reservoir
> Greater Yellowlegs - Stearns Lake
> Spotted Sandpiper - Stearns Lake
> Least Sandpiper - 4 at Stearns Lake 5 days ago (note: Water levels have
> risen at Stearns covering the shorebird habitat. Water levels from one day
> to the next change depending on how much water is being let out.)
> Long Billed Dowitcher - 18 or 19 at Stearns Lake 5 days ago, but all gone
> now. I was not able to ID short billed dowitcher.
> Franklin's Gull - about 100+ resting on sandbars and islands about 6 days
> ago at Baseline Reservoir.
> Ring Billed Gull - still a few hanging on at lakes and ponds
> Rock Dove - present
> Eurasian Collared Dove - present
> Mourning Dove - present
> Great Horned Owl - most young are off nests now
> Northern Pygmy Owl - heard along Bear Creek Trail in Boulder, below NCAR
> Broad Tailed Hummingbird - throughout numerous neighborhoods, males
> already doing display flights.
> *Black Chinned Hummingbird* - Longmont, Broomfield
> Belted Kingfisher - present
> *Acorn Woodpecker *- finally went to see it; still present in Longmont
> Northern Flicker - everywhere. Saw and photo'd several hybrid mixes
> Downy Woodpecker - present
> *Eastern Phoebe* - two seen and heard: one in Louisville at Coal Creek
> Lane and West Cherry St. Another one at Golden Ponds area where bike path
> goes under Hover Road.
> Say's Phoebe - many locations; nesting
> Western Kingbird - numbers increasing; Broomfield, Westminster, Thornton
> Loggerhead Shrike - Stearns Lake - 1
> *Yellow Throated Vireo* - heard only, at west Wanaka Lake area near the
> marsh and wood deck. Possible Cassin's Vireo in the area also.
> Blue Jay - present
> Stellar's Jay - present - gathering nesting materials
> Black Billed Magpie - present - many have young in nests
> American Crow - present
> Common Raven - Boulder, Broomfield
> Horned Lark - heard at Stearns Lake
> American Tree Swallow - a few at East Lake, Thornton - 7 days ago
> Violet-Green Swallow - at Gregory Canyon, Boulder, and along Boulder Creek
> Northern Rough Winged Swallow - Westminster, Boulder
> Cliff Swallow - massed flocks already building nests - Westminster,
> Broomfield, Boulder, Longmont
> Barn Swallow - just about everywhere
> Bush Tit - present; gathering insects, and nesting materials
> Black Capped Chickadee - numbers seem way down from last year
> White Breasted Nuthatch - nest sites; males feeding females
> Red Breasted Nuthatch - some still down low in Broomfield and Westminster
> Pygmy Nuthatch - at NCAR
> House Wren - came in within the last few weeks; some areas have lots;
> other areas seem depleted.
> Marsh Wren - 1 at Stearns Lake
> American Dipper - two nest sites in Boulder along the Boulder Creek Bike
> Path. Feeding young in nests under bridges.
> Blue Gray Gnatcatcher - Westminster, Boulder, Longmont
> Western Bluebird - NCAR
> American Robin - everywhere on nests
> European Starling - present - hundreds of nest sites
> Orange Crowned Warbler - one along Boulder Creek, about 6 at Wanaka Lake
> this morning
> Audubon's Warbler - spread out over many areas; high concentration along
> Boulder Creek near the "Confluence" park area behind CU Research Center
> Myrtle Warbler - same as above
> *Black Throated Gray Warbler* - one male at Wanaka Lake - singing, visible
> Yellow Warbler - one along Boulder Creek
> Common Yellowthroat - Broomfield at Brunner Reservoir and Plaster Reservoir
> Spotted Towhee - in good numbers this year; Boulder, Broomfield,
> Westminster
> Chipping Sparrow - hundreds coming through in large flocks - Boulder,
> Broomfield
> Song Sparrow - present
> White Crowned Sparrow - still present at lower elevations in Boulder,
> Broomfield, Westminster, and Thornton
> Dark Eyed Junco - a few still in Broomfield
> Western Meadowlark - numbers way down from last year; singing
> Red Winged Blackbird - present
> Yellow Headed Blackbird - at East Lake in Thornton
> Common Grackle - everywhere. They've taken over the world!
> *Great Tailed Grackle* - at Teller Lake #5 in Boulder
> Brown Headed Cowbird - present, numbers increasing
> Brewer's Blackbird - Thornton, Westminster, Broomfield
> House Finch - Present.
> American Goldfinch - in large numbers this year.
> House Sparrow - present
>
> .... And a few others I probably missed. Please excuse spelling and
> grammatical errors.
>
> Happy spring birding,
> John T (Tumasonis)
> "I'm not a real birder. I only pretend to be one on CoBirds."
>
>
>
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Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Soren Zappia
Observers: Laura Farnsworth
Visitors: 3 visitors. It was a surprisingly quiet day for visitors, but a few stopped by and asked about how the season was going.
Thank you to Ryan Gannon for volunteering today!
Weather: It started as a cool and cloudy day, and the remainder of yesterday's snow disappeared as the day passed. Temperatures were in the 50s to high 60s F. The wind was initially gusting from the west, at a sustained speed of 3 bft with gusts of 4-5 bft, but after about a half hour the wind died down and was light and variable for the remainder of the day. Cloud cover was extensive, but thickness varied at points during the afternoon allowing the sun to shine through intermittently.
Raptor Observations: It was a good day for some late accipitrine movement, especially of juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawks. Birds were generally on a low overhead line or just off the side of the ridge with very few birds, local or migrant, observed on the west ridges or Green Mountain.
In the early afternoon, an adult Broad-winged Hawk passed overhead, and later we saw a juvenile Swainson's hawk take the same line. Both Cooper's Hawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks flew past low at various points, and a few were below eye level.
Local activity was surprisingly quiet with the local TVs and RTs making a few rare appearances. Mountain Bluebirds and few Western Bluebirds were observed flying west back to the mountains after yesterday's snow. A male Lazuli Bunting, the first seen at the ridge this year, was singing from a snag.
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 59, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 1, Mourning Dove 1, Double-crested Cormorant 1, American White Pelican 25, Northern Flicker 1, Say's Phoebe 1, Blue Jay 1, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 1, Magpie 1, Black-billed Magpie 2, Common Raven 2, Tree Swallow 3, Violet-green Swallow 146, Barn Swallow 2, swalow sp. 3, American Bushtit 2, Rock Wren 1, Mountain Bluebird 13, Western Bluebird 4, American Robin 1, House Finch 1, Pine Siskin 2, Chipping Sparrow 3, Spotted Towhee 2, Western Meadowlark 1, Yellow-rumped Warbler 2, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 4, Lazuli Bunting 1
Predictions: Tomorrow, we expect sun and temperatures in the mid 50s-mid 60s F and winds from the E and ENE. A few clouds may be present in the afternoon.
The trail was a bit muddy today and may be tomorrow as well. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 5/7/26 6:44 pm From: 'Meredith McBurney' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Chatfield Banding Station, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies 5-7-26
The storm that kept us from banding the past 2 days brought the Yellow-rumped Warblers down and the Hermit Thrushes in. We also caught our first Yellow Warbler today, which is pretty much our station bird. So, very much worth the hour we spent getting the nets off the ground and resetting almost all of the poles!
Here's the break-down of today's 35 new and 1 return:
Northern House Wren 2 new, 1 banded 2024 Hermit Thrush 9 (We have been worried about this species at Chatfield. Average HETH captures from 2008-19 was 15; since then we have caught 0 - 4 per year. With the 2 caught earlier this season we are up to 11, which makes us happy!) Yellow Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, Myrtle 10 Yellow-rumped Warbler, Audubon's 11 Common Yellowthroat 2
We are banding Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays) through May 31, weather permitting. There are opportunities for the public to visit on weekends and early mornings most weekdays. Reservations are required and can be made through the Denver Audubon website <https://www.denveraudubon.org/calendar>. (Many/most sessions are already sold out, so sign up now if you are interested!)
Meredith McBurney Bander, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
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Date: 5/7/26 4:46 pm From: John Tumasonis <snakemonev...> Subject: [cobirds] More migrants Westminster, Broomfield, Boulder, etc.
All: A late list of more stuff coming in through Boulder, Broomfield, Westminster, from over the last 9 days. Here's a photo of a Western Bluebird from NCAR from 5 days ago:
[image: Western Bluebird at NCAR 34 signed copy.jpg]
American White Pelican - most of the larger flocks have dispersed from Front Range area. Pied Billed Grebe - are back in many locations Western Grebe - at Stearns Lake Double Crested Cormorant - spread over large areas, numbers still increasing Black Crowned Night Heron - 1 along Platte River near Adams County Fairgrounds (note: Adams County Fairgrounds is torn to pieces with heavy construction going on - best to park on Henderson Road at the Veterans War Memorial). Great Blue Heron - young on nests already, being fed by parents Snowy Egret - numbers are increasing, but not as many as last year. *White Ibis *- came and went in Arvada, - hope you got to see it. Canada Goose - some with goslings already Cackling Goose - a few strays at East Lake in Thornton Mallard - present Gadwall - still hanging at several lakes and ponds Green Winged Teal - most are gone but a few on the Platte River, Adams County Blue Winged Teal - East Lake, Thornton Northern Shoveler - East Lake, Thornton, a few Redhead - a few were still at East Lake (Thornton) and Plaster Reservoir (Broomfield) Ring Necked Duck - still a few at Plaster Reservoir, Broomfield Lesser Scaup - Brunner Reservoir, Broomfield Ruddy Duck - at Brunner Reservoir - 3 females Turkey Vulture - numbers increasing Osprey - two flyovers at NCAR, and others along Front Range Northern Harrier - NCAR, Boulder Golden Eagle - Louisville along Dillion Road Bald Eagle - all monitored nest sites appear to have young (note: road going into the bald eagle's nest near Stearns Lake is completely closed to the public - includes walking or driving). Cooper's Hawk - throughout suburban, and open space areas - murdering birds left and right. Sharp Shined Hawk - a few seen Red Tailed Hawks - on nests in Westminster, Broomfield, Boulder, Thornton, etc. etc. Swainson's Hawks - numbers increasing - most seen in Broomfield and Westminster American Kestrel - present Wild Turkey - lots at East Lake #2 in Thornton - local people told me that they are being fed by several households (not good!). Virginia Rail - Plaster Reservoir and East Lake American Coot - East Lake and Plaster Reservoir *Black Bellied Plover* - fair looks at Baseline Reservoir - a scope is needed *Piping Plove*r - at Baseline Reservoir - (a thanks to Peter Gent) Killdeer - present in many locations American Avocet - scattered along lakes and ponds - large flocks moved through about 2 weeks ago. Lesser Yellowlegs - Stearns Lake, and Baseline Reservoir Greater Yellowlegs - Stearns Lake Spotted Sandpiper - Stearns Lake Least Sandpiper - 4 at Stearns Lake 5 days ago (note: Water levels have risen at Stearns covering the shorebird habitat. Water levels from one day to the next change depending on how much water is being let out.) Long Billed Dowitcher - 18 or 19 at Stearns Lake 5 days ago, but all gone now. I was not able to ID short billed dowitcher. Franklin's Gull - about 100+ resting on sandbars and islands about 6 days ago at Baseline Reservoir. Ring Billed Gull - still a few hanging on at lakes and ponds Rock Dove - present Eurasian Collared Dove - present Mourning Dove - present Great Horned Owl - most young are off nests now Northern Pygmy Owl - heard along Bear Creek Trail in Boulder, below NCAR Broad Tailed Hummingbird - throughout numerous neighborhoods, males already doing display flights. *Black Chinned Hummingbird* - Longmont, Broomfield Belted Kingfisher - present *Acorn Woodpecker *- finally went to see it; still present in Longmont Northern Flicker - everywhere. Saw and photo'd several hybrid mixes Downy Woodpecker - present *Eastern Phoebe* - two seen and heard: one in Louisville at Coal Creek Lane and West Cherry St. Another one at Golden Ponds area where bike path goes under Hover Road. Say's Phoebe - many locations; nesting Western Kingbird - numbers increasing; Broomfield, Westminster, Thornton Loggerhead Shrike - Stearns Lake - 1 *Yellow Throated Vireo* - heard only, at west Wanaka Lake area near the marsh and wood deck. Possible Cassin's Vireo in the area also. Blue Jay - present Stellar's Jay - present - gathering nesting materials Black Billed Magpie - present - many have young in nests American Crow - present Common Raven - Boulder, Broomfield Horned Lark - heard at Stearns Lake American Tree Swallow - a few at East Lake, Thornton - 7 days ago Violet-Green Swallow - at Gregory Canyon, Boulder, and along Boulder Creek Northern Rough Winged Swallow - Westminster, Boulder Cliff Swallow - massed flocks already building nests - Westminster, Broomfield, Boulder, Longmont Barn Swallow - just about everywhere Bush Tit - present; gathering insects, and nesting materials Black Capped Chickadee - numbers seem way down from last year White Breasted Nuthatch - nest sites; males feeding females Red Breasted Nuthatch - some still down low in Broomfield and Westminster Pygmy Nuthatch - at NCAR House Wren - came in within the last few weeks; some areas have lots; other areas seem depleted. Marsh Wren - 1 at Stearns Lake American Dipper - two nest sites in Boulder along the Boulder Creek Bike Path. Feeding young in nests under bridges. Blue Gray Gnatcatcher - Westminster, Boulder, Longmont Western Bluebird - NCAR American Robin - everywhere on nests European Starling - present - hundreds of nest sites Orange Crowned Warbler - one along Boulder Creek, about 6 at Wanaka Lake this morning Audubon's Warbler - spread out over many areas; high concentration along Boulder Creek near the "Confluence" park area behind CU Research Center Myrtle Warbler - same as above *Black Throated Gray Warbler* - one male at Wanaka Lake - singing, visible Yellow Warbler - one along Boulder Creek Common Yellowthroat - Broomfield at Brunner Reservoir and Plaster Reservoir Spotted Towhee - in good numbers this year; Boulder, Broomfield, Westminster Chipping Sparrow - hundreds coming through in large flocks - Boulder, Broomfield Song Sparrow - present White Crowned Sparrow - still present at lower elevations in Boulder, Broomfield, Westminster, and Thornton Dark Eyed Junco - a few still in Broomfield Western Meadowlark - numbers way down from last year; singing Red Winged Blackbird - present Yellow Headed Blackbird - at East Lake in Thornton Common Grackle - everywhere. They've taken over the world! *Great Tailed Grackle* - at Teller Lake #5 in Boulder Brown Headed Cowbird - present, numbers increasing Brewer's Blackbird - Thornton, Westminster, Broomfield House Finch - Present. American Goldfinch - in large numbers this year. House Sparrow - present
.... And a few others I probably missed. Please excuse spelling and grammatical errors.
Happy spring birding, John T (Tumasonis) "I'm not a real birder. I only pretend to be one on CoBirds."
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On Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 11:17:58 AM UTC-6 Sabrina Hepburn wrote:
> Hi Suzanne,
>
> Not a glitch and you didn’t miss it! I believe this is just part of the
> new community hotspots/hotspot groups feature that was only just rolled
> out. You can read about it here:
>
> [image: content_WTP-1-scaled.jpg]
>
> Community-sourced Hotspot Descriptions and Hotspot Groups are Here
> <https://ebird.org/news/new-hotspot-about-pages-and-groups> > ebird.org <https://ebird.org/news/new-hotspot-about-pages-and-groups> > <https://ebird.org/news/new-hotspot-about-pages-and-groups> >
>
> Others may be able to jump in and explain more, but understanding is this
> doesn’t affect the underlying data at all. It only provides a different way
> of viewing summary information across hotspots that are considered a
> connected location. So a birder planning their trip to single wildlife
> refuge doesn’t have to separately look for lists at each included pond,
> etc, to see what was observed there in general.
>
> Sabrina Hepburn
> Arvada, CO
>
> On May 7, 2026, at 11:03 AM, Suzanne S <birdm......> wrote:
>
> Hi all!
>
> New to the group but not new to birding and have been an EBird contributor
> for several years now.
>
> So I post my lists in the specific *Chico Basin Ranch - Wooded Areas*
> hotspot, but now I also see the same lists cross-post in the "general" *Chico
> Basin Ranch - (El Paso Co*.) hotspot too. Isn't that "doubling up?"
> Same thing happens when I post to the HQ location specifically, too. It
> cross-posts to the Pueblo Co. hotspot as well.
>
> Is there a glitch in Ebird? Or have I just never noticed this all these
> years?
>
> Suzanne Schwartze
>
>
> --
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>
>
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Date: 5/7/26 2:09 pm From: Chicobander <jshieldcastle...> Subject: [cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch Banding Station Report- May 7, 2026-Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
The Ranch received some much needed precipitation yesterday. None as great as farther north but the birds were out looking for insects and seeds all day yesterday. Today we opened the nets later due to the temps. Birds were very active once it warmed up. It was good to see that those we caught/banded were in good condition. The Least Flycatcher was the lowest fat condition. I am sure it had the toughest time yesterday finding food. Glad the temps are nice today to let the birds feed and prepare for migration.
Eighteen bird species captured/banded including 6 warblers (if separate the subspecies) and 5 sparrows. Harris's Sparrow and Canyon Towhee were a highlight for me.
*3 Recaptures- all gained weight/fat since original banding date* Common Yellowthroat Myrtle (Yellow-rumped) Warbler- first banded on May 1st- doing great Gamble's White-crowned Sparrow
*American Robin male nesting in banding station area is a returning bird that is at least 7 years old.*It was banded as an adult.
The banding station will be open tomorrow through Saturday from sunrise until @11 AM. Stop by the banding station and share your sightings. We would love to hear what you have seen. Remember to register on Aiken Audubon website if wanting to bird the ranch. www.aikenaudubon.com
Have a good day,
Julie Shieldcastle Chico Basin Ranch, Bander Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
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Date: 5/7/26 1:11 pm From: 'John Maynard' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Check in
H there, Quick question, do you order from amazon.?
John
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Date: 5/7/26 1:10 pm From: Steven Brown <sbrown37...> Subject: [cobirds] N Waterthrush, CSR, Thursday
Hey, COBirder,
A little slow this morning at Clear Spring Ranch banding after the hard freeze. I opened later, but there were still few birds moving until after 930.
Highlights were FOS N Waterthrush, FOS Blue Grosbeak male, several Myrtle Yellow-rumped Warblers high in the canopy, and a few Orange-crowned Warblers, Com Yellowthroats, and Yellow Warbler (banded/returning) males. 23 birds caught this morning. Also a Prairie Falcon cruised by.
Happy Migration,
Steve Brown
Colo Spgs
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Just spotted 4 White-faced ibis in watery field on Airport Rd. just south of Mountain View Ave. on the west side of Airport rd.
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This is a new feature that eBird has just rolled out in the past few weeks
- Hotspot Groups! In order to consolidate data from locations with many
sub-hotspots (consider Cherry Creek State Park or Rocky Mountain NP with
their innumerable birding spots), individual hotspots can now be designated
as part of a group, and data for the whole group is then viewable on the
group hotspot. The CO hotspot editing team has decided that, for now, we're
trying to keep hotspot groups to single counties. Therefore, both the Chico
Basin Ranch (El Paso Co.) and Chico Basin Ranch (Pueblo Co.) hotspots are
now *parent hotspots* for all of the locations at Chico Basin in El Paso
and Pueblo Counties, respectively. Importantly, your checklists always
remain linked to the hotspot you used to submit them - your Wooded Areas
list will be visible on the parent hotspot, but eBird knows it's only one
list, and that it came from the Wooded Areas. We hope this incentivizes
users to select the most precise hotspot possible, since data will be
aggregated on the user end within the group hotspot. If you notice an issue
with a hotspot group, or have an idea for one that doesn't yet exist, you
can always leave a comment for a local hotspot editor by going to the
"About" tab on an appropriate hotspot, clicking "Suggest Content", and
writing your feedback in the "Notes to the Editor" box at the bottom.
Best,
--Owen
On Thu, May 7, 2026 at 1:03 PM Suzanne S <birdmom1017...> wrote:
> Hi all!
> New to the group but not new to birding and have been an EBird contributor
> for several years now.
>
> So I post my lists in the specific *Chico Basin Ranch - Wooded Areas*
> hotspot, but now I also see the same lists cross-post in the "general" *Chico
> Basin Ranch - (El Paso Co*.) hotspot too. Isn't that "doubling up?"
> Same thing happens when I post to the HQ location specifically, too. It
> cross-posts to the Pueblo Co. hotspot as well.
>
> Is there a glitch in Ebird? Or have I just never noticed this all these
> years?
>
> Suzanne Schwartze
>
>
> --
> --
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> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ > ---
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>
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Date: 5/7/26 10:04 am From: Suzanne S <birdmom1017...> Subject: [cobirds] EBird Glitch?
Hi all! New to the group but not new to birding and have been an EBird contributor for several years now.
So I post my lists in the specific *Chico Basin Ranch - Wooded Areas* hotspot, but now I also see the same lists cross-post in the "general" *Chico Basin Ranch - (El Paso Co*.) hotspot too. Isn't that "doubling up?" Same thing happens when I post to the HQ location specifically, too. It cross-posts to the Pueblo Co. hotspot as well.
Is there a glitch in Ebird? Or have I just never noticed this all these years?
Suzanne Schwartze
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While not near as adventuresome nor interesting as Jack's great weekend, thought folks might like to hear about a wave of stuff in southwest Denver today (Weds., 6 May'26) which was apparently dropped by our much needed snow.
I'll start with Huston Lake Park and area (SW Denver, Denver Co.), our local patch. The lake at the park has been dry for weeks due to a couple of factors, but in passing by today noticed the snow had wetted the mudflats as well as filled a couple of pools to the point the place was crawling, so ran back up with the scope. While hoping for shorebirds flitting around out there, was surprised to see that that action consisted primarily of passerines including SAY'S PHEOBE, WESTERN KINGBIRD (3), three flavors of swallow (25), MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD (4), Robins (10+), AMERICAN PIPIT (7), VESPER, and SAVANNAH SPARROWs all feeding on the mud and puddle edges. Some waterbirds did join the fray including a nice WHITE-FACED IBIS. The best bird of the day, however, was back at our place a block and a half from the park, a beautiful male RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER - will keep the group posted if he returns.
We also swung by the west side of Marston Reservoir (extreme SW Denver Co.) mid-afternoon where a mud spit exists due low water. Today it hosted a nice mix of shorebirds including KILLDEER (2), SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (4), LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER (7), WILSON'S PHALAROPE, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, WILLET (38), LEAST SANDPIPER (5), and a WESTERN SANDPIPER. This spot is worth a check if you are running errands in the southwest metro area as we were.
Hope you have had similar experiences after our storm, always fun this time of the year. If you have any questions about hitting these spots, please let me know separately.
Good Birding,
Doug
Currently Denver
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Date: 5/6/26 5:43 pm From: zroadrunner14 <zroadrunner14...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Weekend birding trip report, SLV and Central Mountains
Jack, thank you for posting on Cobirds.
Ira Sanders
Trinidad, CO
>
> On May 6, 2026 at 10:44 AM, Jack Bushong <jcbushong01...> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
>
> I had a fantastic two-day trip through the SLV and central mountains this past weekend. Below are the highlights (bolded are birds that eBird considered notable). All checklists and accompanying media are in the trip report here (Early May SLV and Central Mountains (weekend trip; 2 full days) - eBird Trip Report), with each checklist liberally provisioned with supporting documentation and general natural history observations, as Ted Floyd likes them :)
>
>
>
> Saturday (May 2)
>
>
>
> Costilla County:
>
>
>
> The weekend birding adventure began with a frigid morning at Smith Reservoir, perhaps the most fun birding to be had anywhere in the SLV in spring. Birds of note included a Solitary Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Glossy x White-faced Ibis, a flock of Sanderling, and a pair of Neotropic Cormorants. The reservoir was surprisingly devoid of peeps, save for a handful of Least Sandpipers in a drying puddle disconnected from the main waterbody.
>
>
>
> I then continued to Mountain Home Reservoir SWA, where I encountered some good birding in the PJ along the entrance road that included early Gray Flycatchers and my FOY Plumbeous Vireo. At the reservoir itself was a Common Loon and Red-breasted Merganser. A few minutes later, I was in the bustling town of San Luis, where, among the throngs of Pine Siskins, I photographed a Northern Parula that appears to be a first for Costilla on eBird.
>
>
>
> Alamosa County:
>
>
>
> After a bit of exploring in the Great Sand Dunes NP, I swung over to San Luis Lakes SWA. Overall numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds were much reduced compared to my previous spring visits here, but there were still a few good birds present, including two early Red-necked Phalaropes, a very tardy Merlin that almost caught a Horned Lark for lunch, two American Herring Gulls, and a Lesser Black-backed Gull.
>
>
>
> After a quick detour to some Saguache Co. ag ponds (a brilliant male Hooded Merganser being the only bird of note there), I made a stop at the wetlands along Riverwood Dr. at the edge of Alamosa. Always a necessary stop for the vociferous Great-tailed Grackles, but in addition to them, there was another Solitary Sandpiper on the half-dry wetland.
>
>
>
> Rio Grande County:
>
>
>
> While en route to Monte Vista NWR, I decided to detour to a pond alongside CO-370 that looked interesting on Google Maps. Many such detours are unproductive for me, but this one was quite the opposite. Among the throngs of dowitchers and White-faced Ibis, there was a Glossy Ibis, a Glossy x White-faced Ibis, and a Semipalmated Plover. Hopefully, local birders can continue monitoring this spot throughout May, as it is one of the best shorebird setups in the valley right now and will likely continue to be as long as the pond doesn't dry up/become flooded.
>
>
>
> After quick stops at Monte Vista NWR and Home Lake SWA, I decided to spend the evening in the lovely Del Norte Town Park. The riparian here was pretty quiet, but on the way back to my car, I flushed a KENTUCKY WARBLER from an aspen along the trail. After ~20 minutes of peering hopelessly into the darkening willow thickets trying to pinpoint its hard "chip" calls, I was able to grab some documentation before leaving it be (see: eBird Checklist - 2 May 2026 - Del Norte Park and River Walk - 16 species).
>
>
>
> Sunday (May 3)
>
>
>
> Saguache County:
>
>
>
> Another frigid morning, this one at Russell Lakes SWA. The flooded fields along the road were very productive, including 12 Snowy Egrets and another Glossy Ibis. Most enjoyable, however, was the din of marshbirds: booming bitterns, whinnying Soras, grunting Virginia Rails.
>
>
>
> Chaffee County:
>
>
>
> On to balmier weather in the Arkansas River Valley. My first stop was Fairview Cemetery outside of Salida, which I think is an underrated migrant trap. Practically the first bird I got on was a WOOD THRUSH moving furtively through the pinyons in the SE corner of the cemetery. The bird disappeared shortly after, perhaps down into the adjacent gully, but not before I managed a few diagnostic photos. From there, I stopped at Sands Lake SWA, which had a gorgeous male Common x Barrow's Goldeneye -- one of few I've ever seen, and certainly the most cooperative.
>
>
>
> From Salida, I made a detour to Park County to give Antero Reservoir one last hoorah before it is drained in the coming weeks. There was the usual plethora of waterfowl and shorebirds, plus a Mallard x Mexican Duck and a Glossy x White-faced Ibis. The birds (and birders) will sorely miss this place when it is dry.
>
>
>
> I then stopped at Clear Creek Reservoir in far northern Chaffee Co. The ever-expanding mudflats at the W end were productive as always, featuring the continuing Western Gull, two Semipalmated Plovers, and a Glossy Ibis.
>
>
>
> Lake County:
>
>
>
> Right as I entered Lake County, I made a brief stop along the highway and had a singing Plumbeous Vireo, quite early for the "high country". Nearby at Twin Lakes, I photographed a male Mexican Duck in a wetland abutting the lakes and heard an early Black-headed Grosbeak singing nearby. Twin Lakes on a clear day (i.e., non-fallout conditions) must take the cake for the most sterile large mountain reservoir in Colorado (even beating out Green Mountain and Ruedi, which is a task); there was not a single bird visible on either lake. On my way into Leadville a short while later, I stopped at a flooded willowy wetland along the Lake Fork and heard an early Sora whinnying.
>
>
>
> Summit County:
>
>
>
> A brief stop at the ever-receding Dillon Reservoir in the evening yielded a late Common Loon and three Willet huddled up on a rocky island.
>
>
>
> Clear Creek County:
>
>
>
> For my last stop of this weekend's birding adventure, I was able to track down the Blue Jay that Cameron Carver found earlier in the morning near a feeding station in Idaho Springs.
>
>
>
> Jack Bushong,
>
> Louisville, CO
>
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"If you think that there is good in everybody, you haven't met everybody." -- unknown, but probably from my grandfather
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Date: 5/6/26 9:44 am From: Jack Bushong <jcbushong01...> Subject: [cobirds] Weekend birding trip report, SLV and Central Mountains
Hi all,
I had a fantastic two-day trip through the SLV and central mountains this past weekend. Below are the highlights (bolded are birds that eBird considered notable). All checklists and accompanying media are in the trip report here (Early May SLV and Central Mountains (weekend trip; 2 full days) - eBird Trip Report <https://ebird.org/tripreport/511986>), with each checklist liberally provisioned with supporting documentation and general natural history observations, as Ted Floyd likes them :)
*Saturday (May 2)*
*Costilla County:*
The weekend birding adventure began with a frigid morning at Smith Reservoir, perhaps the most fun birding to be had anywhere in the SLV in spring. Birds of note included a *Solitary Sandpiper*, *Semipalmated Plover* , *Glossy x White-faced Ibis*, a flock of *Sanderling, *and a pair of *Neotropic Cormorants. *The reservoir was surprisingly devoid of peeps, save for a handful of Least Sandpipers in a drying puddle disconnected from the main waterbody.
I then continued to Mountain Home Reservoir SWA, where I encountered some good birding in the PJ along the entrance road that included early *Gray Flycatchers* and my FOY Plumbeous Vireo. At the reservoir itself was a *Common Loon *and *Red-breasted Merganser*. A few minutes later, I was in the bustling town of San Luis, where, among the throngs of Pine Siskins, I photographed a *Northern Parula* that appears to be a first for Costilla on eBird.
*Alamosa County:*
After a bit of exploring in the Great Sand Dunes NP, I swung over to San Luis Lakes SWA. Overall numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds were much reduced compared to my previous spring visits here, but there were still a few good birds present, including two early *Red-necked Phalaropes*, a very tardy *Merlin* that almost caught a Horned Lark for lunch, two *American Herring Gulls*, and a *Lesser Black-backed Gull. *
After a quick detour to some Saguache Co. ag ponds (a brilliant male *Hooded Merganser* being the only bird of note there), I made a stop at the wetlands along Riverwood Dr. at the edge of Alamosa. Always a necessary stop for the vociferous Great-tailed Grackles, but in addition to them, there was another *Solitary Sandpiper* on the half-dry wetland.
*Rio Grande County:*
While en route to Monte Vista NWR, I decided to detour to a pond alongside CO-370 that looked interesting on Google Maps. Many such detours are unproductive for me, but this one was quite the opposite. Among the throngs of dowitchers and White-faced Ibis, there was a *Glossy Ibis, *a *Glossy x White-faced Ibis*, and a *Semipalmated Plover*. Hopefully, local birders can continue monitoring this spot throughout May, as it is one of the best shorebird setups in the valley right now and will likely continue to be as long as the pond doesn't dry up/become flooded.
After quick stops at Monte Vista NWR and Home Lake SWA, I decided to spend the evening in the lovely Del Norte Town Park. The riparian here was pretty quiet, but on the way back to my car, I flushed a *KENTUCKY WARBLER *from an aspen along the trail. After ~20 minutes of peering hopelessly into the darkening willow thickets trying to pinpoint its hard "chip" calls, I was able to grab some documentation before leaving it be (see: eBird Checklist - 2 May 2026 - Del Norte Park and River Walk - 16 species <https://ebird.org/checklist/S331463947>).
*Sunday (May 3)*
*Saguache County:*
Another frigid morning, this one at Russell Lakes SWA. The flooded fields along the road were very productive, including 12 Snowy Egrets and another *Glossy Ibis. *Most enjoyable, however, was the din of marshbirds: booming bitterns, whinnying Soras, grunting Virginia Rails.
*Chaffee County:*
On to balmier weather in the Arkansas River Valley. My first stop was Fairview Cemetery outside of Salida, which I think is an underrated migrant trap. Practically the first bird I got on was a *WOOD THRUSH *moving furtively through the pinyons in the SE corner of the cemetery. The bird disappeared shortly after, perhaps down into the adjacent gully, but not before I managed a few diagnostic photos. From there, I stopped at Sands Lake SWA, which had a gorgeous male *Common x Barrow's Goldeneye *-- one of few I've ever seen, and certainly the most cooperative.
From Salida, I made a detour to Park County to give Antero Reservoir one last hoorah before it is drained in the coming weeks. There was the usual plethora of waterfowl and shorebirds, plus a *Mallard x Mexican Duck *and a *Glossy x White-faced Ibis*. The birds (and birders) will sorely miss this place when it is dry.
I then stopped at Clear Creek Reservoir in far northern Chaffee Co. The ever-expanding mudflats at the W end were productive as always, featuring the continuing *Western Gull, *two *Semipalmated Plovers*, and a *Glossy Ibis. *
*Lake County:*
Right as I entered Lake County, I made a brief stop along the highway and had a singing *Plumbeous Vireo*, quite early for the "high country". Nearby at Twin Lakes, I photographed a male *Mexican Duck *in a wetland abutting the lakes and heard an early *Black-headed Grosbeak* singing nearby. Twin Lakes on a clear day (i.e., non-fallout conditions) must take the cake for the most sterile large mountain reservoir in Colorado (even beating out Green Mountain and Ruedi, which is a task); there was not a single bird visible on either lake. On my way into Leadville a short while later, I stopped at a flooded willowy wetland along the Lake Fork and heard an early *Sora *whinnying.
*Summit County: *
A brief stop at the ever-receding Dillon Reservoir in the evening yielded a late *Common Loon *and three *Willet* huddled up on a rocky island.
*Clear Creek County:*
For my last stop of this weekend's birding adventure, I was able to track down the *Blue Jay* that Cameron Carver found earlier in the morning near a feeding station in Idaho Springs.
Jack Bushong, Louisville, CO
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Date: 5/5/26 6:56 pm From: Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> Subject: [cobirds] Snowbirding, Boulder Co.; ABA article by Elena Klaver
Hey, all. Lots of nice birds in the snow late this Tues. afternoon, May 5, at Greenlee Wildlife Preserve & Waneka Lake, Boulder Co., including a *black-throated gray warbler* (found by Eric DeFonso), a *yellow-throated vireo* (also found by Eric), and a *broad-winged hawk* (found by Pete Christiansen and me). The vireo and warbler were in the dense vegetation near the west shore of Waneka Lake; the hawk was, and presumably still is, roosting in the trees near the southwest corner of Greenlee marsh. Lots of *orange-crowned, Audubon, *and *myrtle warblers,* too, and a handful of *Brewer sparrows.* Here's the vireo in fading light this evening in the snow:
[image: YTVi 00.jpg]
In other news, the ABA has republished Colorado birder Elena Klaver's 2023 article in *Birding* on birding in Colombia. The English-language version, available free of charge, is the first feature on the ABA homepage:
aba.org
And the Spanish-language version, also by Elena, is available free of charge at the *Birding* magazine archive:
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Date: 5/5/26 3:53 pm From: Luke Pheneger <phenegerluke...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Hudsonian Godwit Orlando Res Huerfano
Forgot to sign off.
Luke Pheneger and Pablo Quezada
On Tue, May 5, 2026 at 4:30 PM Luke Pheneger <phenegerluke...> wrote:
> There’s a breeding plumage Hudsonian Godwit at Orlando res #2.
>
>
>
> Luke Pheneger
>
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Date: 5/5/26 3:31 pm From: Luke Pheneger <phenegerluke...> Subject: [cobirds] Hudsonian Godwit Orlando Res Huerfano
There’s a breeding plumage Hudsonian Godwit at Orlando res #2.
Luke Pheneger
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Date: 5/5/26 12:31 pm From: Chicobander <jshieldcastle...> Subject: [cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch Banding Station Report- May 5, 2026-Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Have you ever watched the rain on radar as it travels over the ranch? It rained to the north and rained to the south today on radar. So far no rain on the ranch. Almost looks like the atmosphere sucks up the moisture and there is a donut hole over the ranch.
Weather aside, we had a nice species list today including four new species for the season: Yellow, Wilson's, and MacGillivray's Warblers and a Philadelphia Vireo. I did hear a Least Flycatcher on site as well. That bird may be in for a rude awakening tomorrow.
*10 New Banded Birds* Yellow Warbler- 1 Audubon's (Yellow-rumped) Warbler- 2 Common Yellowthroat- 2 Wilson's Warbler- 1 MacGillivray's Warbler- 1 Philadelphia Vireo- 1 Hermit Thrush -1 Swainson's Thrush- 1
*Recapture* Gray-headed Junco- gained almost 2 grams since yesterday! It knows some weather is coming.
The banding station will be closed tomorrow due to the weather conditions. There is no doubt it will be cold and hopefully precipitating on the ranch tomorrow. The banding station weather permitting will open on Thursday morning. If birding the ranch remember to register on the Aiken Audubon Website www.aikenaudubon.com
Hope the ranch gets some precipitation, All the Best,
Julie Shieldcastle Bander, Chico Basin Ranch Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
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Over the years, I’ve built a desktop app, "Yearbirder," for analyzing my eBird sightings. It lets me create lists, charts, graphs, and interactive maps — all filtered however I choose. When I began to photograph birds, I added the ability to view, filter, and manage my photos in the same way.
Yearbirder has developed into an app that I use almost every day. I think other birders might enjoy it too, so I am making it available as a free app. You can find it at http://www.yearbirder.org.
If you enjoy listing and analyzing your sightings, or if you photograph birds, I invite you to check out the website for a fuller description and screenshots of the app.
A few notes about installation: it runs on macOS version 13 or greater, Windows version 10 or greater, and Ubuntu Linux. For macOS, the installation file is signed and notarized by Apple. For Windows, I have yet to register the app with Microsoft, so you'll see two warning screens during installation. You can click through these warnings -- the app is safe.
Yearbirder opens your personal eBird data file, which you download from eBird. The instructions for downloading your data file are on the Yearbirder website. It takes just a few clicks. There is a comprehensive user guide in the app.
If you have issues with the app, please do not email me directly, but rather use the link to report a bug on the website. You can use the same link to request new features.
Lastly, please do not "reply all" to this email or use Cobirds to discuss the app. If you find the app useful, feel free to email me privately.
Enjoy migration!
Richard Trinkner
Boulder
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Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley
Observers:
Visitors: We had 11 visitors to the ridge today including Michelle with Jefferson County Open Spaces.
We have reached our final week of the season which leads us to saying goodbye to our regular volunteers. We want to extend the largest thank you to Clay Gibson, Mike Serruto, and Marirosa Donisi for regularly volunteering on Mondays throughout the year. All three of these wonderful volunteers have worked with us in previous years, and we love getting to spend time with them.
Weather: Today was a very pleasant day on the ridge with cloud cover present for most of the day. The sun came out for about an hour in the afternoon before some precipitation moved in at the end of the day.
Raptor Observations: Migration has slowed down with less than 10 birds counted today. The birds that did move through came close along the ridge giving us great looks. We have been seeing juvenile birds predominantly migrating which is typical for this time of year. The two American Kestrels came buzzing through the trees directly at eye level at the end of the day.
We had a handful of local Red-tailed Hawks, Turkey Vultures, Cooper's Hawks, and two Bald Eagles present today. The local Golden Eagle also flew by in the early afternoon. An adult Cooper's Hawk perched in a snag just S of the platform giving us great looks at it before it flew below the ridge on the west side going after some passerines.
Swallows and White-throated Swifts were out in massive quantities today with over 100 swallows up at once in the afternoon. We also saw our FOY Green-tailed Towhee today.
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 20, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 2, Feral Pigeon 1, Mourning Dove 1, Say's Phoebe 1, Blue Jay 1, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 2, American Crow 2, Common Raven 3, Tree Swallow 32, Violet-green Swallow 35, Cliff Swallow 1, swalow sp. 125, American Bushtit 4, Rock Wren 1, House Finch 2, Green-tailed Towhee 1, Spotted Towhee 1, Western Meadowlark 1, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 6
Predictions: Precipitation in the form of rain and up to 8"+ of snow is predicted for the next 48 hours. We will keep an eye on the radar but except shortened and potentially cancelled counts. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 5/4/26 11:49 am From: Chicobander <jshieldcastle...> Subject: [cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch Banding Station Report- May 4, 2026-Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Another beautiful day, however, very few birds were around the olive grove today. Seven bird species were banded including a new species for the station: Rufous-crowned Sparrow. Not many thrushes or warblers were around the banding station. Plenty of insects if the birds were here. Something of importance for those of you driving after dusk through early morning light, nightjars sit on the road for warmth during the night after they hunt. You can see their eyes shine yellow to white on the road from headlights. They generally will not get up if it is dark and especially if blinded by headlights, so please slow down and go around. A Poorwill was killed on the ranch road last night. Just giving you a heads up what to look for when driving country or ranch roads.
*1 Recapture* Hermit Thrush- gained weight and fat since Saturday.
The banding station will be open weather permitting tomorrow through Saturday from sunrise until @ 11AM. Wednesday does not look favorable for banding. Register at the Aiken Audubon website to bird the ranch www.aikenaudubon.com. Please, Stop by the banding station to share your sightings.
Have a good day,
Julie Shieldcastle Chico Basin Ranch Bird Bander Bird conservancy of the Rockies
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Date: 5/4/26 10:53 am From: 'Meredith McBurney' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Chatfield Banding Station, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies 5-3-26
Sunday was another very slow day, we banded only 3 birds and caught 2 others that had been banded in prior years:
Northern House Wren 1 new, 1 banded last year Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 Spotted Towhee 1, a female with a brood patch, banded 4/29/23 White-crowned Sparrow, Gambel's 1
Today is our normal day off; banding iffy for Tues and Wed due to potential bad weather. Hoping for more birds soon!
We are banding Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays) through May 31, weather permitting. There are opportunities for the public to visit on weekends and early mornings most weekdays. Reservations are required and can be made through the Denver Audubon website <https://www.denveraudubon.org/calendar>. (Many/most sessions are already sold out, so sign up now if you are interested!)
Meredith McBurney Bander, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
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Had a male Lazuli Bunting on my birdbath yesterday. First time in years I've seen a Lazuli in my yard.
Deborah Smith-Cleveland North Boulder
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On Mon, May 4, 2026 at 9:00 AM Jake Shorty <jakeshorty...> wrote:
> Wow, this is an awesome list. And great photos Isaac!
>
100% agree with Jake's assessment of the list and photos.
But I might clarify that this is an awesome *eBird checklist*, regardless
of the awesomeness of the birds on the list. Superb comments, superb
photos, superb context, superb everything. My guess is, the eBird reviewer
for Las Animas County will very quickly verify all the exceptional
sightings—because the eBirders (Archer S., Isaac B., Jason Z.) have
helpfully, competently, and excellently done all the reviewer's work
already! :-)
As opposed to, sad to say, the proliferation of Colorado eBird checklists
with "evidence" (not) like:
"Photos"
"Male"
"Continuing"
"In a tree"
"Seen well"
"We have these on our property"
"I know this species well"
It is impossible for an eBird reviewer to accept a record with such
"support" (not). Yes, of course, a hardworking eBird reviewer can reach out
to the observer and ask to have the photos uploaded; or ask how you knew it
was a male (or why that is even relevant); or who found the continuing bird
(and how long it's been there); and what species of tree (which could, in
certain instances, be relevant); or how far you were from the bird seen
well (and how long you saw it for); and...well, as to "We have those" and
"I know this," yeah no.
But that's not fair to the eBird reviewer at all, plus it slows down the
eBird review process terribly. So, please, please, please: Let's all be
like Archer & Isaac & Jason, and upload checklists like this one. You'll
get your eBird records verified much more quickly! And, more important,
you'll contribute to the quality and value of the eBird database.
Ted Floyd
Lafayette, Boulder Co.
On Sunday, 3 May 2026 at 21:26:20 UTC-6 Archer Silverman wrote:
>
>> Hey all,
>>
>> Jason Zolle, Isaac Boardman, and I had a great morning of birding around
>> Aguilar today. I hope this email can provide a summary of the sightings
>> along with strategies for birding the town.
>>
>> The best area is a stretch of the Borrego Ditch, from here (37.398142,
>> -104.656763) on San Luis Ave to here (37.396419, -104.657742) on S San
>> Antonio Ave (See first linked habitat picture). This has had at least two *American
>> Redstarts*, at least one* Northern Parula*, *Hooded Warbler*,
>> *Kentucky Warbler*, and *Worm-eating Warbler*. The Kentucky was not seen
>> again today. The Worm-eating Warbler was extremely cooperative, hanging
>> around the first set of coordinates and our group saw it on at least five
>> separate occasions. The Hooded showed well for multiple observers today.
>>
>> Another productive area is another section of the ditch here (37.400045,
>> -104.652817), on South Ave between East St and Santa Rita St. This area had
>> a *Blackburnian Warbler* yesterday and *Northern Parula(s) *both days,
>> and a *Yellow-throated Warbler* today. It also had the best views of the
>> large *Leiothlypis* (Orange-crowned and Virginia's Warblers) flock. One
>> quick note about the Orange-crowns: of the thirteen our group had today,
>> almost all appeared to be confirmable as the Pacific subspecies, *L. c.
>> lutescens*.
>>
>> There is another creek that runs through the north side of town (37.402799,
>> -104.656279). Although it is currently dry, it provided a *Tennessee
>> Warbler* yesterday and today.
>>
>> One other area that seems to be productive is here (37.401461,
>> -104.650146), along 1st St. Luke and Pablo had *Northern Waterthrush*
>> and *Nashville Warbler* here on 05/01.
>> Here's our list from today: https://ebird.org/checklist/S332180565 >> Happy birding!
>> -Archer Silverman
>> Denver
>>
>
>
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Wow, this is an awesome list. And great photos Isaac!
On Sunday, 3 May 2026 at 21:26:20 UTC-6 Archer Silverman wrote:
> Hey all, > > Jason Zolle, Isaac Boardman, and I had a great morning of birding around > Aguilar today. I hope this email can provide a summary of the sightings > along with strategies for birding the town. > > The best area is a stretch of the Borrego Ditch, from here (37.398142, > -104.656763) on San Luis Ave to here (37.396419, -104.657742) on S San > Antonio Ave (See first linked habitat picture). This has had at least two *American > Redstarts*, at least one* Northern Parula*, *Hooded Warbler*, > *Kentucky Warbler*, and *Worm-eating Warbler*. The Kentucky was not seen > again today. The Worm-eating Warbler was extremely cooperative, hanging > around the first set of coordinates and our group saw it on at least five > separate occasions. The Hooded showed well for multiple observers today. > > Another productive area is another section of the ditch here (37.400045, > -104.652817), on South Ave between East St and Santa Rita St. This area had > a *Blackburnian Warbler* yesterday and *Northern Parula(s) *both days, > and a *Yellow-throated Warbler* today. It also had the best views of the > large *Leiothlypis* (Orange-crowned and Virginia's Warblers) flock. One > quick note about the Orange-crowns: of the thirteen our group had today, > almost all appeared to be confirmable as the Pacific subspecies, *L. c. > lutescens*. > > There is another creek that runs through the north side of town (37.402799, > -104.656279). Although it is currently dry, it provided a *Tennessee > Warbler* yesterday and today. > > One other area that seems to be productive is here (37.401461, > -104.650146), along 1st St. Luke and Pablo had *Northern Waterthrush* and *Nashville > Warbler* here on 05/01. > Here's our list from today: https://ebird.org/checklist/S332180565 > Happy birding! > -Archer Silverman > Denver >
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Observation start time: 06:15:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 10.75 hours
Official Counter: Soren Zappia
Observers:
Visitors: 15 visitors. We had some new visitors today as well as a few regulars! Thank you to Andrew Jensen for volunteering today and keeping an eye on all those Cooper's Hawks.
Weather: It was a cloudy day today with complete cover for the duration of the day. In the morning, the cloud cover was thick, but it became thinner in areas as the day progressed. Temperatures were in the 50s F in the early morning (pre 9 MST) but were in the 60s to low 70s F for the duration of the regular count hours. Winds were light and variable but mostly from the southwest.
Around 4:00 MST, there was a brief period of intense NW winds likely associated with a passing front, sustained at 5 bft and seeming to gust at 8+ bft. After about 5 minutes, winds returned to calm at 1 bft.
Raptor Observations: It was a steady May day, with lots of songbirds and a few raptors on the move.
We counted two Broad-winged Hawks in the morning, within a few minutes of each other. One came directly overhead while the other took a low line on the west. A few Red-tailed Hawks, especially juveniles, came throughout the day. In the afternoon we also saw a high Swainson's Hawk. Bird activity was quiet in the final few hours of the count.
Local Cooper's Hawks were quite active, and we saw a juvenile in the early am roaming around as well as two adults. We had a few migrant Cooper's Hawks as well, but no Sharp-shinned Hawks today.
Songbird migration was busy in the late morning, with fifty Yellow-rumped Warblers, a few small groups of Blue Jays, and Chipping Sparrows as the most common migrants. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet was spotted in a tree on the ridge.
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 50, hummingbird sp 1, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 2, Mourning Dove 2, Double-crested Cormorant 2, Northern Flicker 1, Say's Phoebe 1, Blue Jay 8, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 1, Black-billed Magpie 2, Common Raven 3, Violet-green Swallow 45, Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1, Cliff Swallow 1, swalow sp. 5, Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1, Rock Wren 1, House Wren 1, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher 3, Red-breasted Nuthatch 1, European Starling 3, Mountain Bluebird 1, House Finch 2, American Goldfinch 1, Pine Siskin 7, Chipping Sparrow 20, Spotted Towhee 3, Western Meadowlark 2, blackbird sp. 6, Common Grackle 4, Yellow-rumped Warbler 37, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 8, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 5, passerine sp. 1, warbler sp. 4
Predictions: Tomorrow, thunderstorms are predicted in the afternoon, but the morning forecast is partly cloudy with light to moderate winds from the northwest.
A baby rattlesnake was spotted just off of the Hawkwatch platform. Take care when hiking up the trails. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Jason Zolle, Isaac Boardman, and I had a great morning of birding around Aguilar today. I hope this email can provide a summary of the sightings along with strategies for birding the town.
The best area is a stretch of the Borrego Ditch, from here (37.398142, -104.656763) on San Luis Ave to here (37.396419, -104.657742) on S San Antonio Ave (See first linked habitat picture). This has had at least two *American Redstarts*, at least one* Northern Parula*, *Hooded Warbler*, *Kentucky Warbler*, and *Worm-eating Warbler*. The Kentucky was not seen again today. The Worm-eating Warbler was extremely cooperative, hanging around the first set of coordinates and our group saw it on at least five separate occasions. The Hooded showed well for multiple observers today.
Another productive area is another section of the ditch here (37.400045, -104.652817), on South Ave between East St and Santa Rita St. This area had a *Blackburnian Warbler* yesterday and *Northern Parula(s) *both days, and a *Yellow-throated Warbler* today. It also had the best views of the large *Leiothlypis* (Orange-crowned and Virginia's Warblers) flock. One quick note about the Orange-crowns: of the thirteen our group had today, almost all appeared to be confirmable as the Pacific subspecies, *L. c. lutescens*.
There is another creek that runs through the north side of town (37.402799, -104.656279). Although it is currently dry, it provided a *Tennessee Warbler* yesterday and today.
One other area that seems to be productive is here (37.401461, -104.650146), along 1st St. Luke and Pablo had *Northern Waterthrush* and *Nashville Warbler* here on 05/01. Here's our list from today: https://ebird.org/checklist/S332180565 Happy birding! -Archer Silverman Denver
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Date: 5/3/26 7:18 pm From: linda hodges <hikerhodges...> Subject: [cobirds] New Chico Basin Gate - El Paso + Pueblo Counties
Birders,
Anyone visiting Chico in the next 10+ days will see a temporary gate at the ranch entrance. Please read what the ranch manager has to say about entering the ranch:
"We are going to have to put a drive through gate at the ranch entrance for about 10 days. Unfortunately some of our steers are jumping the cattle guard to get with some neighboring cattle. The gate is designed to slowly drive through, pushing it open with the front of your vehicle. It is designed not to scratch or otherwise damage a vehicle, but if someone is nervous about it they can use the gates next to the cattle guard."
Thank you for your patience.
Linda Hodges Aiken Audubon
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On Sun, May 3, 2026 at 4:35 PM Pauli Driver-Smith <hollyhockfarms...>
wrote:
> Last Tuesday I had an Osprey nesting platform installed on my property
> across from Highland Lake near Mead, Weld County, CO. Today, it was visited
> by a female Osprey who spent about an hour rearranging twigs and just
> hanging out.
>
> I'm really excited about this as I had no idea that there would be any
> action of any kind this year. I thought it was too late.
>
> Pauli Smith
> Highlandlake/Mead, Weld County
>
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Last Tuesday I had an Osprey nesting platform installed on my property across from Highland Lake near Mead, Weld County, CO. Today, it was visited by a female Osprey who spent about an hour rearranging twigs and just hanging out.
I'm really excited about this as I had no idea that there would be any action of any kind this year. I thought it was too late.
Pauli Smith Highlandlake/Mead, Weld County
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Date: 5/3/26 12:04 pm From: DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] eclipse plumage, etc.
Ted et al
One of my Colorado mentors, Dr. Ron Ryder , used to always point out rooks nest in “rookeries”, herons nest in “heronries”.
I’ll leave this erudite discussion of feathering to you folks.
I have to go pin up the assortment of insects the Blackburnian was getting from honeylocust leaves/flowers at Fairmount Cemetery in Lamar yesterday.
Dave Leatherman
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...>
Sent: Saturday, May 2, 2026 1:10:50 PM
To: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
Subject: [cobirds] eclipse plumage, etc.
Hey, all.
First off, thanks for the great Mexican Duck conversation. The take-home message, at least as I am receiving it, is: Let's get out there and document Mexican Ducks, candidate Mexican Ducks, Mexican–like ducks, and whatnot. Brilliant. Bring it on. Together we'll advance our knowledge of the status & distribution of diazi genes in Colorado.
With that out of the way, this, from Tony:
"Finally, a little bit of a deviation from the subject: A plea to birders to quit using the phrase 'eclipse plumage.' Ducks are no different from all other Colorado species in conducting a substantial molt as adults after breeding. There is no reason to call the post-breeding molt of Mallards one thing and that of Yellow-rumped Warblers... and Spotted Sandpipers, Bobolinks, Swainson's Hawks, California Gulls, and Lazuli Buntings another thing. The only real difference is that ducks hold that 'Basic Plumage' for a much shorter portion of the calendar year. But it's the same molt.'"
So, unless there's been a big recent disclosure that I'm not aware of (could be!), that's not right. It's *not* the same molt. Contra everything we were taught in the benighted 20th century, the "dull plumage" (Tony, I'm doing your bidding, but see below 😈) in most Colorado ducks, is in fact the *alternate* plumage. Not the basic plumage. Here is a link to Peter Pyle's seminal 2005 paper on the topic:
Okay, now let's talk about that "dull plumage." The eclipse plumage. (Leukering prepares to commit self-defenestration...) If I'm hearing Tony right, I fully & completely agree with half of what he is saying, viz., that it is an excellent idea to understand molts & plumages. For starters, it's pragmatic: Such knowledge can be valuable in identifying birds to species. It is also essential for even beginning to attempt to age birds correctly. (Which, to complete the circle, brings us back to species-level identification. Because you can't identify summer dowitchers in Colorado without first knowing how old they are, which requires an assessment of molts & plumages).
That said, I don't object to the term "eclipse plumage." We have all sorts of taxon-specific phraseology like that. Hawks have eyries, and herons have rookeries; but we we don't have similar words, as far as I am aware, for the nests of shrikes and blackbirds. Formative kittiwakes are tarrocks, and fledgling turkeys are poults; but we don't have similar words for, say, loons and woodpeckers. The progeny of Callipepla squamata x C. gambelii are Scrambled Quail; but we don't have an analogous name for the hybrid young of presumptive Mourning x MacGillivray's warbler pairings. Words like eyrie, tarrock, and Scrambled don't get in the way of understanding "nest," "formative," and "hybrid," and I don't think "eclipse" gets in the way of understanding that the dull plumage of most Colorado waterfowl is, surprisingly, the alternate plumage.
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Date: 5/3/26 9:13 am From: Jack Bushong <jcbushong01...> Subject: [cobirds] Wood Thrush, Fairview Cemetery, Chaffee Co.
Hi all,
I just photographed a WOOD THRUSH on the SE side of Fairview Cemetery near Salida. In junipers here (38.5393217, -106.0300401) moving very quickly.
Jack Bushong Louisville, CO
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Date: 5/3/26 7:55 am From: rosanne juergens <rosanne.juergens...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Louisiana Waterthrush - SE Denver - Belleview and DTC Blvd
Thank you so much for this great find! Still there this morning til 9 when
I left.
Best,
Rosanne Juergens
On Sun, May 3, 2026, 6:44 AM Laura Eley <lauraeley...> wrote:
> Yesterday evening I discovered a Lousiana Waterthrush at Wallace Park. It
> was still there this morning, if you'd like to go see it!
>
> I had decided to give myself a little personal challenge in May and visit
> 'unvisited' eBird hotspots, just to give those hotspots some data and
> attention, and move them over to the 'visited' group for a bit. So my
> boyfriend and I went on a walk at Wallace park last night. I told him not
> to bother bringing his camera, as I expected we would just see Robins and
> Magpies. So he didn't.
>
> In the concrete waterway under Belleview, I spotted a little bird running
> about in the water and thought, that seems like a special bird for this
> location. I took a couple pictures with my phone through my binoculars. My
> first thought was Dipper, but I looked it up in my phone field guides and
> quickly ruled it out.
>
> Merlin was no help. It couldn't pick up the little 'cheep' sound it was
> making. It couldn't figure out what bird was in my photo when I put it
> through photo ID. I did the step by step ID and got nowhere. A mystery!
>
> I came home and looked through my big field guides at ALL the sandpipers.
> I finally thought, "well, it's not exactly right, but Spotted Sandpiper
> seems like the most likely. Maybe it's some kind of morph or juvenile that
> there isn't a picture of in my guide."
>
> Posted my photo to the CFO facebook group and discovered it was a
> waterthrush!! A warbler!? What! I never!
>
> Then I learned, it's a very rare-for-Colorado Louisiana Waterthrush!! So
> this morning my boyfriend grabbed his camera and joined a dozen other guys
> with their cameras under the bridge and we confirmed it is a Louisiana
> Waterthrush and he got his pictures and wasn't upset anymore about missing
> getting a picture of a rare bird.
>
> I love learning about birds. Never would I ever have thought to look
> through the warbler section for this bird! Thank you to the people on the
> facebook group, the people at the bird this morning, and broadly, the
> people on this email list who have helped me on this bird and learning
> about birds and birding in the past. I'm excited to have made this
> discovery, and it was just because I wanted to bird some 'underbirded'
> areas this month. And I have learned so much!!!
>
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>
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Date: 5/3/26 5:50 am From: Laura Eley <lauraeley...> Subject: [cobirds] Louisiana Waterthrush - SE Denver - Belleview and DTC Blvd
Yesterday evening I discovered a Lousiana Waterthrush at Wallace Park. It was still there this morning, if you'd like to go see it!
I had decided to give myself a little personal challenge in May and visit 'unvisited' eBird hotspots, just to give those hotspots some data and attention, and move them over to the 'visited' group for a bit. So my boyfriend and I went on a walk at Wallace park last night. I told him not to bother bringing his camera, as I expected we would just see Robins and Magpies. So he didn't.
In the concrete waterway under Belleview, I spotted a little bird running about in the water and thought, that seems like a special bird for this location. I took a couple pictures with my phone through my binoculars. My first thought was Dipper, but I looked it up in my phone field guides and quickly ruled it out.
Merlin was no help. It couldn't pick up the little 'cheep' sound it was making. It couldn't figure out what bird was in my photo when I put it through photo ID. I did the step by step ID and got nowhere. A mystery!
I came home and looked through my big field guides at ALL the sandpipers. I finally thought, "well, it's not exactly right, but Spotted Sandpiper seems like the most likely. Maybe it's some kind of morph or juvenile that there isn't a picture of in my guide."
Posted my photo to the CFO facebook group and discovered it was a waterthrush!! A warbler!? What! I never!
Then I learned, it's a very rare-for-Colorado Louisiana Waterthrush!! So this morning my boyfriend grabbed his camera and joined a dozen other guys with their cameras under the bridge and we confirmed it is a Louisiana Waterthrush and he got his pictures and wasn't upset anymore about missing getting a picture of a rare bird.
I love learning about birds. Never would I ever have thought to look through the warbler section for this bird! Thank you to the people on the facebook group, the people at the bird this morning, and broadly, the people on this email list who have helped me on this bird and learning about birds and birding in the past. I'm excited to have made this discovery, and it was just because I wanted to bird some 'underbirded' areas this month. And I have learned so much!!!
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Date: 5/3/26 5:44 am From: Pauli Driver-Smith <hollyhockfarms...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] test Wood Duck image
I remember when Wood ducks used to next on my property along Highland Lake's outlet ditch, They stopped after the ditch company took down most of the old trees. Makes me sad.
I think they are one of the prettiest birds to ever visit my property. I miss them.
Pauli Smith
Highlandlake/Mead, Weld County
________________________________
From: <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of John Tumasonis <snakemonev...>
Sent: Saturday, May 2, 2026 2:33 PM
To: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
Subject: [cobirds] test Wood Duck image
I hope I did this correctly:
Inserted (not an attachment) a wood duck photo as per CoBirds guidelines.
[Wood Duck Boulder Creek Jan 2026 6 signed copy.jpg]
Male Wood Duck from January 2026 along Boulder Creek. This guy was with 11 other wood ducks along the Boulder Creek bikeway near the Bandshell. Relatively shy, but not overly so.
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I am a trip leader with the Denver Field Ornithologist, and was wondering if anybody knew of anyone who did hummingbird banding in the Denver area. I would like to organize a trip for people to see this as part of the DFO Summer Hummers theme. Thank you in advance for any information you can provide.
-- Tim Condon He/Him 303-717-1836
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Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Soren Zappia
Observers:
Visitors: 15 visitors, not including one field trip. We had a troop of Girl Scouts visit us this morning! We learned about the local birds, observed bird behavior, and learned about our research and equipment. Thank you to Janet Peters for leading this trip!
Weather: It was a warm sunny day with a pleasant southeast wind at 1-3 bft. Temperatures ranged from 64-70 F. There were no clouds overhead, although late in the day we had a few clouds to the west.
Raptor Observations: Today's pace was slower than yesterday, with 9 total birds. A young Cooper's Hawk flew past the ridge close by in the morning, and we saw a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk glide north fairly low overhead, but the remainder of the birds were distant to the west.
Many local Turkey Vultures were taking advantage of the sun and we saw multiple small groups roaming about. At one point we had two migrant TVs head directly north. In the afternoon we also had a local Cooper's Hawk land in a tree on the ridge, giving us great views.
We also counted our 700th American Kestrel of the season today! They have been our most numerous migrants this season and last year.
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 3, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 4, Mourning Dove 2, Downy Woodpecker 1, Say's Phoebe 1, Blue Jay 1, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 2, Common Raven 2, Black-capped Chickadee 1, Tree Swallow 3, Violet-green Swallow 2, Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1, Barn Swallow 1, Rock Wren 1, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher 1, House Finch 2, Chipping Sparrow 1, Spotted Towhee 1, Western Meadowlark 2
Predictions: Tomorrow, mostly cloudy to overcast skies are predicted with temperatures in the mid 60s to low 70s F. Light winds from the SW are expected. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 5/2/26 7:56 pm From: Jack Bushong <jcbushong01...> Subject: [cobirds] Kentucky Warbler, Del Norte, Rio Grande Co.
Hi all,
A few hours ago, I photographed a KENTUCKY WARBLER at the Del Norte Town Park in the San Luis Valley. It was calling actively in the willows here (37.6858849, -106.3539172). Will do a longer trip report in a few days but wanted to get the word out on this bird as soon as possible.
Jack Bushong Louisville, CO
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Two at Neenoshe here: (38.3379433, -102.6901112) Also Piping Plover present.
Luke Pheneger
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Date: 5/2/26 5:42 pm From: 'Meredith McBurney' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Chatfield Banding Station, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies 5-2-26
Very chilly for the first couple of hours and then quickly got quite warm. Very quiet in terms of birds throughout the morning, with a total of 7 new birds caught. (I went back to prior years - 2021 through 2025 - and determined that this slow period at the beginning of the season has existed in each of those years. How quickly we forget, and hoping things will pick up soon!)
Here's a breakdown of the 7 new birds:
Black-capped Chickadee 1 Northern House Wren 1 American Robin 1 Orange-crowned Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, Audubon's 1 Red-winged Blackbird 1 American Goldfinch 1
We are banding Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays) through May 31, weather permitting. There are opportunities for the public to visit on weekends and early mornings most weekdays. Reservations are required and can be made through the Denver Audubon website <https://www.denveraudubon.org/calendar>. (Many/most sessions are already sold out, so sign up now if you are interested!)
Meredith McBurney Bander, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
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Date: 5/2/26 5:24 pm From: Brandon <flammowl17...> Subject: [cobirds] SE Colorado (Prowers and Bent) 5/2
Kara Carragher, Dan Follett, and I birded Lamar hotspots (Prowers County) and Melody Tempel Grove (Bent County) today.
At Riverside Cemetery in Lamar the continuing (day 3) male Hooded Warbler and newly arrived male and female Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were the highlights.
At Fairmount Cemetery in Lamar, the continuing from yesterday singing male Northern Parula and singing Least Flycatcher were joined by an adult singing male BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, certainly our highlight of our day.
Up at Melody Tempel Grove, we saw a singing male Hooded Warbler and a female Hooded Warbler (my 3rd and 4th Hooded Warblers in two days in SE Colorado), and a singing Tennessee Warbler.
A pretty fun day of birding for sure.
Brandon K. Percival Currently in Lamar, CO
Sent from my Phone
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Date: 5/2/26 1:33 pm From: John Tumasonis <snakemonev...> Subject: [cobirds] test Wood Duck image
I hope I did this correctly:
Inserted (not an attachment) a wood duck photo as per CoBirds guidelines.
[image: Wood Duck Boulder Creek Jan 2026 6 signed copy.jpg]
Male Wood Duck from January 2026 along Boulder Creek. This guy was with 11 other wood ducks along the Boulder Creek bikeway near the Bandshell. Relatively shy, but not overly so.
John T (Tumasonis)
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First off, thanks for the great Mexican Duck conversation. The take-home
message, at least as I am receiving it, is: Let's get out there and
document Mexican Ducks, candidate Mexican Ducks, Mexican–like ducks, and
whatnot. Brilliant. Bring it on. Together we'll advance our knowledge of
the status & distribution of *diazi* genes in Colorado.
With that out of the way, this, from Tony:
"Finally, a little bit of a deviation from the subject: A plea to birders
to quit using the phrase 'eclipse plumage.' Ducks are no different from all
other Colorado species in conducting a substantial molt as adults after
breeding. There is no reason to call the post-breeding molt of Mallards one
thing and that of Yellow-rumped Warblers... and Spotted Sandpipers,
Bobolinks, Swainson's Hawks, California Gulls, and Lazuli Buntings another
thing. The only real difference is that ducks hold that 'Basic Plumage' for
a much shorter portion of the calendar year. But it's the same molt.'"
So, unless there's been a big recent disclosure that I'm not aware of
(could be!), that's not right. It's *not* the same molt. *Contra*
everything we were taught in the benighted 20th century, the "dull plumage"
(Tony, I'm doing your bidding, but see below 😈) in most Colorado ducks, is
in fact the *alternate* plumage. Not the basic plumage. Here is a link to
Peter Pyle's seminal 2005 paper on the topic:
Okay, now let's talk about that "dull plumage." The eclipse plumage.
(Leukering prepares to commit self-defenestration...) If I'm hearing Tony
right, I fully & completely agree with half of what he is saying, *viz*.,
that it is an excellent idea to understand molts & plumages. For starters,
it's pragmatic: Such knowledge can be valuable in identifying birds to
species. It is also essential for even beginning to attempt to age birds
correctly. (Which, to complete the circle, brings us back to species-level
identification. Because you can't identify summer dowitchers in Colorado
without first knowing how old they are, which requires an assessment of
molts & plumages).
That said, I don't object to the term "eclipse plumage." We have all sorts
of taxon-specific phraseology like that. Hawks have eyries, and herons have
rookeries; but we we don't have similar words, as far as I am aware, for
the nests of shrikes and blackbirds. Formative kittiwakes are tarrocks, and
fledgling turkeys are poults; but we don't have similar words for, say,
loons and woodpeckers. The progeny of *Callipepla squamata* x *C. gambelii*
are Scrambled Quail; but we don't have an analogous name for the hybrid
young of presumptive Mourning x MacGillivray's warbler pairings. Words like
eyrie, tarrock, and Scrambled don't get in the way of understanding "nest,"
"formative," and "hybrid," and I don't think "eclipse" gets in the way of
understanding that the dull plumage of most Colorado waterfowl is,
surprisingly, the alternate plumage.
Ted Floyd
Lafayette, Boulder Co.
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Date: 5/2/26 11:45 am From: Chicobander <jshieldcastle...> Subject: [cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch Banding Station Report- May 2, 2026-Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
A frosty morning kept birds quiet for several hours today. The birds that were around began moving around after 10:00 AM. The insects were low to the ground so the birds were feeding on the ground. *13 New Banded Birds* Myrtle (Yellow-rumped) Warbler- 2 Audubon's (Yellow-rumped Warbler- 1 Hermit Thrush -1 Swainson's Thrush- 2 Gambel's White-crowned Sparrow- 4 Mountain White-Crowned Sparrow- 1 Brown-headed Cowbird- 1 Blue Jay- 1
*5 Recaptures* Common Yellowthroat American Robin- 4
The Banding Station will be closed tomorrow and will open at Sunrise on Monday. The ranch is open tomorrow for Birding visits and if interested please register on Aiken Audubon at www.aikenaudubon.com
Have a good day,
Julie Shieldcastle Chico Basin Ranch Bird Bander Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
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Date: 5/2/26 6:48 am From: Luke Pheneger <phenegerluke...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Blackburnian Warbler Las Animaa
Kentucky warb same spot as the worm eating
On Fri, May 1, 2026 at 3:45 PM Luke Pheneger <phenegerluke...> wrote:
> Worm Eating Warbler here
> (37.3977301, -104.6569238)
>
> On Fri, May 1, 2026 at 2:26 PM Luke Pheneger <phenegerluke...>
> wrote:
>
>> Tennessee Warbler same spot as Blackburnian
>>
>> On Fri, May 1, 2026 at 2:09 PM Luke Pheneger <phenegerluke...>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi All,
>>>
>>> Pablo Quezada and I just had a female Blackburnian Warbler in the town
>>> of Aguilar. The exact coordinates are here:
>>> (37.4001174, -104.6533105)
>>>
>>> Also present in town was a Nashville Warbler and a female redstart.
>>> Overall great migrant numbers today.
>>>
>>> At Lathrop SP (Huerfano) we had 4 Northern Parulas and a Northern
>>> Waterthrush.
>>>
>>> Luke Pheneger
>>>
>>
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Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: Soren Zappia
Observers:
Visitors: 5 visitors. We had a few visitors throughout the day come to witness the spring migration and enjoy the perfect weather.
Thank you to volunteers Cayce and Chris Gulbransen, and Janet Peters. Your hard work and dedication shines through on days like these! We also appreciate your patience when watching Turkey Vultures and Bald Eagles to be sure they won't turn around on us.
Weather: It was a beautiful weather day today with mostly cloudy skies for most of the morning, and light winds from 1-2 bft that varied from NE to SE. Temperatures started as cool in the mid 40s to low 60s F.
As the day went on, the cloud cover cleared and temperatures heated up to the low 70s as the sun was shining.
Raptor Observations: It was a great May morning, and we saw a good number of migrants, including a very special bird!
There was a good flight of Broad-winged Hawks this morning. Some birds were distant or high, but many were low enough to see without binoculars. A dark morph adult BW was spotted low on the east before gaining height and joining a light morph BW in a thermal, giving fantastic looks to all our volunteers and visitors!
The highlight of the day was a Zone-tailed Hawk seen around 11:30 MST! The bird was initially spotted by volunteer Cayce as she said that she had a likely Turkey Vulture but that something seemed not right. The bird initially had a very TV-like appearance but as it came closer, its subtle differences in shape and black-and-white banded tail became apparent. It continued past out of sight below the horizon on the west, heading north. This is the first Zone-tailed Hawk recorded at the ridge, and we were very excited for this rare visitor from the southwest!
We also had a few Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, and Sharp-shinned Hawks as well, but Swainson's Hawks were surprisingly absent from the ridge today. The final hours were slow, but we did see a few Turkey Vultures migrate including a group of five.
A Bobcat was also seen on the ridge as we were packing up.
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 50, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 2, Mourning Dove 2, Say's Phoebe 1, Blue Jay 1, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 1, Black-billed Magpie 2, Common Raven 3, Tree Swallow 3, Violet-green Swallow 11, Rock Wren 1, House Finch 1, Pine Siskin 2, Spotted Towhee 2, Western Meadowlark 1, Red-winged Blackbird 4, blackbird sp. 3, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 2
Predictions: Tomorrow sunny skies are predicted with temperatures in the mid 50s to high 60s F. The forecast shows light winds from the east and southeast. The UV index is predicted to be very high, so make sure to apply and reapply sunscreen! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 5/1/26 6:32 pm From: meredith <meredithmcburney...> Subject: [cobirds] Chatfield Banding Station, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies 5-1-26
We were rained out yesterday (2nd time this week). I was thrilled to see clear skies this morning, and was expecting a lot of bird activity after so much clouds and rain. But the birds slept in.....we banded our first bird at 9 and it continued to be slow the balance of the morning.
The most interesting capture was a female Pine Siskin with a full brood patch. This is only the 4th PISI ever caught at the station, and we are asking ourselves....they breed here? In the Second CO Bird Breeding Atlas, Doug Kibbe writes, "Nomadic" and "opportunistic" are terms often used in describing the PISI's lifestyle.....shows little site fidelity". Perhaps this year's unusual weather has had an impact on at least one pair.
Here are the 13 birds caught for the first time this season:
White-breasted Nuthatch 2 (male and female caught together, in breeding condition - both had brood patches, as can occur with this species) Northern House Wren 2 American Robin 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, Myrtle 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, Audubon's 2 Spotted Towhee 1 new, 1 banded last fall Lincoln's Sparrow 1 White-crowned Sparrow, Mountain 1 (first of this subspecies this season) Pine Siskin 1
We are banding Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays) through May 31, weather permitting. There are opportunities for the public to visit on weekends and early mornings most weekdays. Reservations are required and can be made through the Denver Audubon website <https://www.denveraudubon.org/calendar>. (Many/most sessions are already sold out, so sign up now if you are interested!)
Meredith McBurney Bander, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
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Date: 5/1/26 2:46 pm From: Luke Pheneger <phenegerluke...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Blackburnian Warbler Las Animaa
Worm Eating Warbler here
(37.3977301, -104.6569238)
On Fri, May 1, 2026 at 2:26 PM Luke Pheneger <phenegerluke...> wrote:
> Tennessee Warbler same spot as Blackburnian
>
> On Fri, May 1, 2026 at 2:09 PM Luke Pheneger <phenegerluke...>
> wrote:
>
>> Hi All,
>>
>> Pablo Quezada and I just had a female Blackburnian Warbler in the town of
>> Aguilar. The exact coordinates are here:
>> (37.4001174, -104.6533105)
>>
>> Also present in town was a Nashville Warbler and a female redstart.
>> Overall great migrant numbers today.
>>
>> At Lathrop SP (Huerfano) we had 4 Northern Parulas and a Northern
>> Waterthrush.
>>
>> Luke Pheneger
>>
>
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Date: 5/1/26 1:38 pm From: Brandon <flammowl17...> Subject: [cobirds] Hudsonian Godwit in Prowers County 5/1
In a flooded field on Hwy 196, east of Lamar, just east of County Road 10.
Other highlights yesterday and today in SE Colorado: 2 male Hooded Warblers in Prowers County 1 male Tennessee Warbler in Prowers County 2 Northern Parula in Prowers County 1 Northern Waterthrush in Prowers 1 Summer Tanager in Prowers County 1 Least Flycatcher in Prowers County, 1 in Bent County 1 flyover Hudsonian Whimbrel in Prowers County 4 Western Cattle Egrets in Prowers County Eastern Warbling Vireos singing in Bent and Prowers Counties
I think that is all for now.
Brandon K. Percival Pueblo West, CO
Sent from my Phone
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Date: 5/1/26 1:26 pm From: Luke Pheneger <phenegerluke...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Blackburnian Warbler Las Animaa
Tennessee Warbler same spot as Blackburnian
On Fri, May 1, 2026 at 2:09 PM Luke Pheneger <phenegerluke...> wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> Pablo Quezada and I just had a female Blackburnian Warbler in the town of
> Aguilar. The exact coordinates are here:
> (37.4001174, -104.6533105)
>
> Also present in town was a Nashville Warbler and a female redstart.
> Overall great migrant numbers today.
>
> At Lathrop SP (Huerfano) we had 4 Northern Parulas and a Northern
> Waterthrush.
>
> Luke Pheneger
>
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Date: 5/1/26 1:26 pm From: Luke Pheneger <phenegerluke...> Subject: [cobirds] Blackburnian Warbler Las Animaa
Hi All,
Pablo Quezada and I just had a female Blackburnian Warbler in the town of Aguilar. The exact coordinates are here: (37.4001174, -104.6533105)
Also present in town was a Nashville Warbler and a female redstart. Overall great migrant numbers today.
At Lathrop SP (Huerfano) we had 4 Northern Parulas and a Northern Waterthrush.
Luke Pheneger
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Date: 5/1/26 12:23 pm From: Chicobander <jshieldcastle...> Subject: [cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch Banding Station Report- May 1, 2026-Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Yesterday the weather was conducive for banding. Today we had a normal opening and once the sun came out the birds were busy hunting for insects. They were active hunting after 9:30 AM. Three new species for the season include Tennessee Warbler, Brewer's Sparrow, and American Goldfinch.
*1 Return-still waiting on the original banding date info* Blue Jay
The Ranch Roads should be dry enough to visit tomorrow. Please register on the Aiken Audubon Website www.aikenaudubon.com
Please stop by the banding station to share your sightings. The Banding station will be open tomorrow from Sunrise until @11 AM.
Nice to see the sunshine! Have a good day,
Julie Shieldcastle Chico Basin Ranch Bird Bander Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
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Date: 5/1/26 7:05 am From: John Rawinski <johnrawinski0...> Subject: [cobirds] Eastern Phoebe in SLV
The action is picking up somewhat. Yesterday I had an Eastern Phoebe in Rio Grande County. There are few ebird records and a few prior to ebird. So less than 10 records. Also Northern Waterthrush and Green Heron are unusual.
Had a little snow last night and will head out to see what might have dropped in.
John Rawinski Monte Vista, CO
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Observation start time: 09:15:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 4.25 hours
Official Counter: Soren Zappia
Observers:
Visitors: No visitors today. We hope for sunnier skies the next few days!
Thank you to Ryan Gannon for volunteering today.
Weather: Initially, the weather looked like a full cancellation, but as the radar updated to look clear we decided to start the count. Winds from the east and NE appeared to slow the forecasted system arriving from the west.
The ridge started clear of precipitation with fog visible to the south. Skies were overcast and temperatures were cool in the low 40s F. The winds were moderate from the northeast but shifted due east after a few hours. The fog intensified, limiting visibility to the south for about an hour, but then cleared again. After a few hours, the promised precipitation was visible to the west, the wind calmed, and the system approached rapidly until visibility was limited and a snow/rain mix was falling. The count was ended at 13:30 MST due to poor visibility and precipitation.
Raptor Observations: Despite the impending weather, we had a few birds today and an enjoyable flight line.
Most birds were in the first two hours at near eye level just off the east side of the ridge. First, an Osprey flew past coming first from below. After a few minutes, an adult Sharp-shinned came past so close that it seemed like it would hit us! Our final bird seen on this path was an adult Peregrine Falcon, which took a second to look at us before continuing past.
Besides the close birds, we had a distant Sharp-shinned Hawk to the west, and a Juvenile Cooper's Hawk between the ridge and the west side. In the remaining 2.5 hours, we counted one distant Sharp-shinned Hawk on the west.
Today brings our April count to a close! We counted 1569 birds this month, bringing our current season total to 2122. We are excited to see what May will bring.
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 1, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 1, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 1, Black-billed Magpie 3, Common Raven 3, Rock Wren 1, Pine Siskin 1, Spotted Towhee 3, Western Meadowlark 2, Brewer's Blackbird 1
Predictions: Tomorrow, partly cloudy to mostly sunny skies are forecasted with winds from the NE at 5-10 MPH. Expect cool temperatures in the mid 40s-50s F. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 4/30/26 5:57 pm From: '<greatgrayowl...>' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Mexican Ducks in summer
No one knows. As far as I know, there are no suggestions (other than courtship) of the species breeding in the state.
And I meant to mention this in my original post: Kudos to Owen for doing the initial research and pointing it out in this venue.
Tony
Tony LeukeringDenver, COeBird blog
eBird commentaryPhotos
On Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 06:21:05 AM MDT, tom none <jtcurt325...> wrote:
Thanks Tony,
One other question. Where do the Mexican ducks in Colorado go to mate. Do they go back to typical breeding range, or do they just mate with mallards (or something else) and are lost to the MEDU population?
Tom
On Thu, Apr 30, 2026 at 5:45 AM Mike Thompson <mt...> wrote:
I’ll add just one more thought to this topic before I crawl back into my digital cave…
The presence of seasonal vegetation providing cover and shade for masses of dabblers is a very significant contributing factor towards lower frequency of reports.
Mike
<mt...> mobile
On Apr 29, 2026, at 22:24, Mike Thompson <mt...> wrote:
That's all very excellent information and analysis Tony
But I have to point out that most ducks that make it on my lists, regardless of the season, are not in flight. Stationary, flightless MEDU are easier to document than those flying away. This presumably would render their flightlessness less of a factor in the frequency analysis than their seasonal dispersal patterns, high-angle light conditions, etc.
Noted re "eclipse"!
Mike
On Wed, Apr 29, 2026 at 10:10 PM 'Tony Leukering' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> wrote:
Owen, Mike, CFO:
Unfortunately, Owen's analysis was conducted in something of a vacuum, and that vacuum is the more retiring nature of flightless ducks compared to flighted ducks.
Most flying bird species conduct wing molts slowly to limit the resultant reduction in flight efficiency. For example, most passerine species (which have either 9 or 10 effective primaries) will drop the innermost primary (#1), and once the new feather is half-grown (more or less), it will drop primary #2. Since each primary takes quite a few days to grow to full length, an individual's flight efficiency can be reduced for a month or more... and those species are generally small, with much less feather mass to replace. The wing molt of larger birds takes much more time to regrow all that feather mass. Very large birds (such as many raptors) do not replace all wing flight feathers in a given year, such that a complete wing molt in such species takes three or more years of molts. (Sidebar: That wing-molt strategy is why there is only one period of a bird's life of large birds, such as vultures and eagles, in which all flight feathers are from the same generation: when they are juveniles.)
The Waterfowl Strategy:In the summer, waterfowl drop all of their flight feathers at once (or virtually so), which, obviously, renders them flightless. It is thought that this strategy developed to enable them to have the shortest period of less-effective flight. Yes, during the molt, they are flightless, but their flight efficiency is reduced for a shorter period because they can grow all of their new flight feathers at once.
Before conducting their wing molts, waterfowl move to more protected situations. Dabbling-duck species generally move to aquatic habitats that are more protected (protected = more emergent vegetation within which to hide); many diving-duck species have very different strategies, but this topic involves a dabbling-duck species, so I'll ignore those other strategies; they are fascinating, though. Males replace their bright finery with much drabber plumage. Once they're no longer quite as obvious, they then undergo their wing molt. Once the wing molt is complete (or virtually so), they then conduct their molt into Alternate plumage: the males re-attain their fancy plumage.
Coming full circle, it is the dabbling-duck molt strategy that is the primary reason behind reduced eBird detection rates of dabbling ducks in summer, including Mexican Duck.
eBird frequency in Colorado of Mexican Duck and Mallard/Mexican Duck (as noted by Mike):
Here is the same graph for Mallard:
Here's the same graph for Gadwall and American Wigeon:
Finally, the graph for Northern Pintail and Green-winged Teal:
It is obvious from the various graphs that the frequency of eBird detection of all breeding dabbling-duck species declines severely in the state from May to June (and that doesn't take into account the possible change in how and where Colorado's birders bird between those two months). Below, I present the percentage change for each of the six species of dabbling ducks using the actual frequency percentage numbers from May to June. I averaged the four eBird-week frequency values for each month, and the numbers below represent the percentage change in eBird frequency in Colorado from May to June, with all species' frequency values declining in June relative to May:
As can be seen in the right-most column, Mallard frequency declined the least, and the Mexican Duck change was the third LOWEST of the six species. However, given the very low absolute numbers of Mexican Duck in the state in May (122) and June (38), the error bar on that change estimate would be quite large, and that doesn't take into account that most Mexican Duck reports from Colorado do NOT come from the well-birded northern urban-corridor counties (Larimer, Boulder, Adams, Jefferson, Denver, Douglas, Arapahoe); most Mexican Ducks occur in Colorado in the relative boonies.
That strongly suggests that if western Colorado were more heavily birded, we would turn up an even larger number of the species. Additionally, Mexican Ducks in those northern Colorado urban counties are chased by eBirders much more frequently than those farther afield, thus inflating the frequency values reported from those counties.
Finally, a little bit of a deviation from the subject: A plea to birders to quit using the phrase "eclipse plumage." Ducks are no different from all other Colorado species in conducting a substantial molt as adults after breeding. There is no reason to call the post-breeding molt of Mallards one thing and that of Yellow-rumped Warblers... and Spotted Sandpipers, Bobolinks, Swainson's Hawks, California Gulls, and Lazuli Buntings another thing. The only real difference is that ducks hold that "Basic Plumage" for a much shorter portion of the calendar year. But it's the same molt.
Thanks.
Tony LeukeringCurrently, Cut Bank, MTOn Monday, April 27, 2026 at 4:11:28 PM UTC-6 Mike Thompson wrote:
Owen - from a review perspective this is a rather risky approach. Youth and exuberance can often confuse laziness with wisdom and caution.
I have a completely different perspective from Montezuma County where MEDU are more abundant in our waterways than anywhere else in Colorado: the dip in the graph reflects careful birders and a solid, accountable review team. Not the other way around. Wise summertime submissions of MEDU/MALL easily fill the dip in the graph.
And you did not mention the most problematic ID issue with local summertime Anas; young male MALL, not eclipse MALL, are typically quite dark and give a strong vibe for the MEDU-complex. Young male MALL are the primary confusion issue with summertime MEDU reports, not eclipse MALL. And both young and eclipse MALL are confusion issues for hybrids. Yes an experienced birder can separate them, but not usually as carefully as needed in a distant scope view.
A message from a review perspective to all observers is to always positively identity what you can, get the best documentation possible, and use extra caution when reporting MEDU and MEDUxMALL during non-breeding season.
Mike Thompson
<m......> mobile
On Mon, Apr 27, 2026 at 15:48 Owen Robertson <owen.k.r......> wrote:
Hi CoBirders!
Perhaps there are few more dreaded phenomena in Colorado birding than late summer Anas duck identification. Mallards molt into their "alternate" plumage (it's still termed "alternate", even though the birds are dull) from roughly June-October, and during those months every pond in the state is teeming with brown-bodied, yellow-billed ducks that may or may not contain a smidgen of diazi DNA. I've been hearing about this problem for a while now (looking at you, Ted), and took the opportunity of a freeform statistics final project to do some analysis on the wonderful eBird data that you all have contributed to! I found that, despite no (known) seasonal movements in Mexican Ducks, they are reported almost half as often in late summer than they are elsewhere in the year. This pattern is extremely strong (p < 0.0001), holds true for all four states where MEDU are regular in the ABA (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorful Colorado), and is really quite striking (check out the boxplots and line chart at the bottom of this email for a visualization).
Which brings me to the (slightly) chastising part of this email: male and female Mexican Ducks are eminently identifiable year-round - they look dramatically different from any worn or molting Mallard you could imagine. So why are we not finding them? The answer is that birders are lazy! (And yes, I'm including myself in that statement). We see a flock of five dozen Anas drifting through the heat haze at John Martin Reservoir in August and plop them on the eBird list as Mallard, but in December that one chocolate brown male with a yellow bill really pops, and bam - Bent County pulls another MEDU. (By the way, the disparity in reports of male and female Mexican Ducks must be wild - somebody wanna check that out? And I don't even want to think about the hybrids in summer...) Since Mexican Ducks aren't known to undertake seasonal movements, they should be out there, ready and waiting to be found by the first birder (that's you!) to take a closer look. (And if they do turn out to migrate or disperse in some way, more rigorous eBird data could help confirm that!). In sum - Mexican Ducks being overlooked in summer/fall is a real problem for eBird data, and the solution is wonderfully simple: just look for them!
Good birding!
Owen
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Date: 4/30/26 4:59 pm From: 'BCO gal' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] CO Field Ornithologists Convention Registration Ends May 7th!
Have you been thinking of attending the Colorado Field Ornithologists
convention, based in Loveland CO, but haven't registered yet? Well folks,
the registration deadline of May 7th is coming up, so don't delay.
This convention, which takes place May 28th - 31st, offers field trip
adventures with fellow birders, a robust science session, a silent auction,
and an informative Saturday night banquet and keynote by Marion Clément
from Bird Conservancy of the Rockies on the topic of "The Charm and Mystery
of Owls and Their Power to Move Us to Action."
But wait, there's more! Our lively Exhibit Hall will have a dozen
exhibitors who offer products and services geared toward birders.
Join us for one day or for the whole convention, birders of all levels are
welcome. We can't wait to see you!
For more information and to register visit:
https://cobirds.org/current-convention/ <https://cobirds.org/current-convention/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExMHpiTHRRa295TjdBeHVZUnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6_IH7OSF6WRNMdNnm6PjKIH8cSUFAEXL2JkERXH-ptmJHeaSYjCbablbpJlw_aem_92XSshD7d70jGdYXXTKF3w>
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Date: 4/30/26 5:21 am From: tom none <jtcurt325...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Mexican Ducks in summer
Thanks Tony,
One other question. Where do the Mexican ducks in Colorado go to mate. Do
they go back to typical breeding range, or do they just mate with mallards
(or something else) and are lost to the MEDU population?
Tom
On Thu, Apr 30, 2026 at 5:45 AM Mike Thompson <mt...> wrote:
> I’ll add just one more thought to this topic before I crawl back into my
> digital cave…
>
> The presence of seasonal vegetation providing cover and shade for masses
> of dabblers is a very significant contributing factor towards lower
> frequency of reports.
>
> Mike
>
> <mt...> mobile
>
> On Apr 29, 2026, at 22:24, Mike Thompson <mt...> wrote:
>
>
> That's all very excellent information and analysis Tony
>
> But I have to point out that most ducks that make it on my lists,
> regardless of the season, are not in flight. Stationary, flightless MEDU
> are easier to document than those flying away. This presumably would render
> their flightlessness less of a factor in the frequency analysis than their
> seasonal dispersal patterns, high-angle light conditions, etc.
>
> Noted re "eclipse"!
>
> Mike
>
> On Wed, Apr 29, 2026 at 10:10 PM 'Tony Leukering' via Colorado Birds <
> <cobirds...> wrote:
>
>> Owen, Mike, CFO:
>>
>> Unfortunately, Owen's analysis was conducted in something of a vacuum,
>> and that vacuum is the more retiring nature of flightless ducks compared to
>> flighted ducks.
>>
>> Most flying bird species conduct wing molts slowly to limit the resultant
>> reduction in flight efficiency. For example, most passerine species (which
>> have either 9 or 10 effective primaries) will drop the innermost primary
>> (#1), and once the new feather is half-grown (more or less), it will drop
>> primary #2. Since each primary takes quite a few days to grow to full
>> length, an individual's flight efficiency can be reduced for a month or
>> more... and those species are generally small, with much less feather mass
>> to replace. The wing molt of larger birds takes much more time to regrow
>> all that feather mass. Very large birds (such as many raptors) do not
>> replace all wing flight feathers in a given year, such that a complete wing
>> molt in such species takes three or more years of molts. (Sidebar: That
>> wing-molt strategy is why there is only one period of a bird's life of
>> large birds, such as vultures and eagles, in which all flight feathers are
>> from the same generation: when they are juveniles.)
>>
>> *The Waterfowl Strategy*:
>> In the summer, waterfowl drop all of their flight feathers at once (or
>> virtually so), which, obviously, renders them flightless. It is thought
>> that this strategy developed to enable them to have the shortest period of
>> less-effective flight. Yes, during the molt, they are flightless, but
>> their flight efficiency is reduced for a shorter period because they can
>> grow all of their new flight feathers at once.
>>
>> Before conducting their wing molts, waterfowl move to more protected
>> situations. Dabbling-duck species generally move to aquatic habitats that
>> are more protected (protected = more emergent vegetation within which to
>> hide); many diving-duck species have very different strategies, but this
>> topic involves a dabbling-duck species, so I'll ignore those other
>> strategies; they are fascinating, though. Males replace their bright finery
>> with much drabber plumage. Once they're no longer quite as obvious, they
>> *then* undergo their wing molt. Once the wing molt is complete (or
>> virtually so), they then conduct their molt into Alternate plumage: the
>> males re-attain their fancy plumage.
>>
>> Coming full circle, it is the dabbling-duck molt strategy that is the
>> primary reason behind reduced eBird detection rates of dabbling ducks in
>> summer, including Mexican Duck.
>>
>> eBird frequency in Colorado of Mexican Duck and Mallard/Mexican Duck (as
>> noted by Mike):
>> [image: MEDU-MEDU-slash-MALL-CO.jpg]
>> Here is the same graph for Mallard:
>> [image: MALL-CO.jpg]
>>
>> Here's the same graph for Gadwall and American Wigeon:
>>
>> [image: GADW-AMWI.jpg]
>>
>> Finally, the graph for Northern Pintail and Green-winged Teal:
>>
>> [image: NOPI-GWTE.jpg]
>>
>> It is obvious from the various graphs that the frequency of eBird
>> detection of all breeding dabbling-duck species declines severely in the
>> state from May to June (and that doesn't take into account the possible
>> change in how and where Colorado's birders bird between those two months).
>> Below, I present the percentage change for each of the six species of
>> dabbling ducks using the actual frequency percentage numbers from May to
>> June. I averaged the four eBird-week frequency values for each month, and
>> the numbers below represent the percentage change in eBird frequency in
>> Colorado from May to June, with all species' frequency values declining in
>> June relative to May:
>>
>> [image: May-to-June frequency change.jpg]
>>
>> As can be seen in the right-most column, Mallard frequency declined the
>> least, and the Mexican Duck change was the third LOWEST of the six species.
>> However, given the very low absolute numbers of Mexican Duck in the state
>> in May (122) and June (38), the error bar on that change estimate would be
>> quite large, and that doesn't take into account that most Mexican Duck
>> reports from Colorado do NOT come from the well-birded northern
>> urban-corridor counties (Larimer, Boulder, Adams, Jefferson, Denver,
>> Douglas, Arapahoe); most Mexican Ducks occur in Colorado in the relative
>> boonies.
>>
>> [image: MEDU-map.jpg]
>>
>> That strongly suggests that if western Colorado were more heavily birded,
>> we would turn up an even larger number of the species. Additionally,
>> Mexican Ducks in those northern Colorado urban counties are chased by
>> eBirders much more frequently than those farther afield, thus inflating the
>> frequency values reported from those counties.
>>
>> Finally, a little bit of a deviation from the subject: A plea to birders
>> to quit using the phrase "eclipse plumage." Ducks are no different from all
>> other Colorado species in conducting a substantial molt as adults after
>> breeding. There is no reason to call the post-breeding molt of Mallards one
>> thing and that of Yellow-rumped Warblers... and Spotted Sandpipers,
>> Bobolinks, Swainson's Hawks, California Gulls, and Lazuli Buntings another
>> thing. The only real difference is that ducks hold that "Basic Plumage" for
>> a much shorter portion of the calendar year. But it's the same molt.
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> Tony Leukering
>> Currently, Cut Bank, MT
>> On Monday, April 27, 2026 at 4:11:28 PM UTC-6 Mike Thompson wrote:
>>
>>> Owen - from a review perspective this is a rather risky approach. Youth
>>> and exuberance can often confuse laziness with wisdom and caution.
>>>
>>> I have a completely different perspective from Montezuma County where
>>> MEDU are more abundant in our waterways than anywhere else in Colorado: the
>>> dip in the graph reflects careful birders and a solid, accountable review
>>> team. Not the other way around. Wise summertime submissions of
>>> MEDU/MALL easily fill the dip in the graph.
>>>
>>> And you did not mention the most problematic ID issue with local
>>> summertime Anas; young male MALL, not eclipse MALL, are typically quite
>>> dark and give a strong vibe for the MEDU-complex. Young male MALL are the
>>> primary confusion issue with summertime MEDU reports, not eclipse MALL. And
>>> both young and eclipse MALL are confusion issues for hybrids. Yes an
>>> experienced birder can separate them, but not usually as carefully as
>>> needed in a distant scope view.
>>>
>>> A message from a review perspective to all observers is to always
>>> positively identity what you can, get the best documentation possible, and
>>> use extra caution when reporting MEDU and MEDUxMALL during non-breeding
>>> season.
>>>
>>> Mike Thompson
>>>
>>> <m......> mobile
>>>
>>>
>>> On Mon, Apr 27, 2026 at 15:48 Owen Robertson <owen.k.r......>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi CoBirders!
>>>>
>>>> Perhaps there are few more dreaded phenomena in Colorado birding than
>>>> late summer *Anas* duck identification. Mallards molt into their
>>>> "alternate" plumage (it's still termed "alternate", even though the birds
>>>> are dull) from roughly June-October, and during those months every pond in
>>>> the state is teeming with brown-bodied, yellow-billed ducks that may or may
>>>> not contain a smidgen of *diazi *DNA. I've been hearing about this
>>>> problem for a while now (looking at you, Ted), and took the opportunity of
>>>> a freeform statistics final project to do some analysis on the wonderful
>>>> eBird data that you all have contributed to! I found that, despite no
>>>> (known) seasonal movements in Mexican Ducks, they are reported almost half
>>>> as often in late summer than they are elsewhere in the year. This pattern
>>>> is extremely strong (p < 0.0001), holds true for all four states where MEDU
>>>> are regular in the ABA (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorful Colorado),
>>>> and is really quite striking (check out the boxplots and line chart at the
>>>> bottom of this email for a visualization).
>>>>
>>>> Which brings me to the (slightly) chastising part of this email: male
>>>> and female Mexican Ducks are eminently identifiable *year-round* -
>>>> they look dramatically different from any worn or molting Mallard you could
>>>> imagine. So why are we not finding them? The answer is that *birders
>>>> are lazy! *(And yes, I'm including myself in that statement). We see a
>>>> flock of five dozen *Anas* drifting through the heat haze at John
>>>> Martin Reservoir in August and plop them on the eBird list as Mallard, but
>>>> in December that one chocolate brown male with a yellow bill really pops,
>>>> and *bam* - Bent County pulls another MEDU. (By the way, the disparity
>>>> in reports of male and female Mexican Ducks must be wild - somebody wanna
>>>> check that out? And I don't even want to think about the *hybrids* in
>>>> summer...) Since Mexican Ducks aren't known to undertake seasonal
>>>> movements, they should be out there, ready and waiting to be found by the
>>>> first birder (that's you!) to take a closer look. (And if they do turn out
>>>> to migrate or disperse in some way, more rigorous eBird data could help
>>>> confirm that!). In sum - *Mexican Ducks being overlooked in
>>>> summer/fall is a real problem for eBird data, and the solution is
>>>> wonderfully simple: just look for them!*
>>>>
>>>> Good birding!
>>>>
>>>> Owen
>>>> [image: Screenshot 2026-04-27 at 5.40.42 PM.png][image: Screenshot
>>>> 2026-04-27 at 5.22.35 PM.png]
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> --
>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>>> Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
>>>> To post to this group, send email to <cob......>
>>>> For more options, visit this group at
>>>> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds >>>> * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city.
>>>> Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
>>>> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ >>>> ---
>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>>> Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
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>>>> an email to cobirds+<u......>
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>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<73a81814-4348-4f8b-99e1-51fa1f0a1d65n...> >>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<73a81814-4348-4f8b-99e1-51fa1f0a1d65n...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>> .
>>>>
>>> --
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>>
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Date: 4/29/26 9:25 pm From: Mike Thompson <mt...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Mexican Ducks in summer
That's all very excellent information and analysis Tony
But I have to point out that most ducks that make it on my lists,
regardless of the season, are not in flight. Stationary, flightless MEDU
are easier to document than those flying away. This presumably would render
their flightlessness less of a factor in the frequency analysis than their
seasonal dispersal patterns, high-angle light conditions, etc.
Noted re "eclipse"!
Mike
On Wed, Apr 29, 2026 at 10:10 PM 'Tony Leukering' via Colorado Birds <
<cobirds...> wrote:
> Owen, Mike, CFO:
>
> Unfortunately, Owen's analysis was conducted in something of a vacuum, and
> that vacuum is the more retiring nature of flightless ducks compared to
> flighted ducks.
>
> Most flying bird species conduct wing molts slowly to limit the resultant
> reduction in flight efficiency. For example, most passerine species (which
> have either 9 or 10 effective primaries) will drop the innermost primary
> (#1), and once the new feather is half-grown (more or less), it will drop
> primary #2. Since each primary takes quite a few days to grow to full
> length, an individual's flight efficiency can be reduced for a month or
> more... and those species are generally small, with much less feather mass
> to replace. The wing molt of larger birds takes much more time to regrow
> all that feather mass. Very large birds (such as many raptors) do not
> replace all wing flight feathers in a given year, such that a complete wing
> molt in such species takes three or more years of molts. (Sidebar: That
> wing-molt strategy is why there is only one period of a bird's life of
> large birds, such as vultures and eagles, in which all flight feathers are
> from the same generation: when they are juveniles.)
>
> *The Waterfowl Strategy*:
> In the summer, waterfowl drop all of their flight feathers at once (or
> virtually so), which, obviously, renders them flightless. It is thought
> that this strategy developed to enable them to have the shortest period of
> less-effective flight. Yes, during the molt, they are flightless, but
> their flight efficiency is reduced for a shorter period because they can
> grow all of their new flight feathers at once.
>
> Before conducting their wing molts, waterfowl move to more protected
> situations. Dabbling-duck species generally move to aquatic habitats that
> are more protected (protected = more emergent vegetation within which to
> hide); many diving-duck species have very different strategies, but this
> topic involves a dabbling-duck species, so I'll ignore those other
> strategies; they are fascinating, though. Males replace their bright finery
> with much drabber plumage. Once they're no longer quite as obvious, they
> *then* undergo their wing molt. Once the wing molt is complete (or
> virtually so), they then conduct their molt into Alternate plumage: the
> males re-attain their fancy plumage.
>
> Coming full circle, it is the dabbling-duck molt strategy that is the
> primary reason behind reduced eBird detection rates of dabbling ducks in
> summer, including Mexican Duck.
>
> eBird frequency in Colorado of Mexican Duck and Mallard/Mexican Duck (as
> noted by Mike):
> [image: MEDU-MEDU-slash-MALL-CO.jpg]
> Here is the same graph for Mallard:
> [image: MALL-CO.jpg]
>
> Here's the same graph for Gadwall and American Wigeon:
>
> [image: GADW-AMWI.jpg]
>
> Finally, the graph for Northern Pintail and Green-winged Teal:
>
> [image: NOPI-GWTE.jpg]
>
> It is obvious from the various graphs that the frequency of eBird
> detection of all breeding dabbling-duck species declines severely in the
> state from May to June (and that doesn't take into account the possible
> change in how and where Colorado's birders bird between those two months).
> Below, I present the percentage change for each of the six species of
> dabbling ducks using the actual frequency percentage numbers from May to
> June. I averaged the four eBird-week frequency values for each month, and
> the numbers below represent the percentage change in eBird frequency in
> Colorado from May to June, with all species' frequency values declining in
> June relative to May:
>
> [image: May-to-June frequency change.jpg]
>
> As can be seen in the right-most column, Mallard frequency declined the
> least, and the Mexican Duck change was the third LOWEST of the six species.
> However, given the very low absolute numbers of Mexican Duck in the state
> in May (122) and June (38), the error bar on that change estimate would be
> quite large, and that doesn't take into account that most Mexican Duck
> reports from Colorado do NOT come from the well-birded northern
> urban-corridor counties (Larimer, Boulder, Adams, Jefferson, Denver,
> Douglas, Arapahoe); most Mexican Ducks occur in Colorado in the relative
> boonies.
>
> [image: MEDU-map.jpg]
>
> That strongly suggests that if western Colorado were more heavily birded,
> we would turn up an even larger number of the species. Additionally,
> Mexican Ducks in those northern Colorado urban counties are chased by
> eBirders much more frequently than those farther afield, thus inflating the
> frequency values reported from those counties.
>
> Finally, a little bit of a deviation from the subject: A plea to birders
> to quit using the phrase "eclipse plumage." Ducks are no different from all
> other Colorado species in conducting a substantial molt as adults after
> breeding. There is no reason to call the post-breeding molt of Mallards one
> thing and that of Yellow-rumped Warblers... and Spotted Sandpipers,
> Bobolinks, Swainson's Hawks, California Gulls, and Lazuli Buntings another
> thing. The only real difference is that ducks hold that "Basic Plumage" for
> a much shorter portion of the calendar year. But it's the same molt.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Tony Leukering
> Currently, Cut Bank, MT
> On Monday, April 27, 2026 at 4:11:28 PM UTC-6 Mike Thompson wrote:
>
>> Owen - from a review perspective this is a rather risky approach. Youth
>> and exuberance can often confuse laziness with wisdom and caution.
>>
>> I have a completely different perspective from Montezuma County where
>> MEDU are more abundant in our waterways than anywhere else in Colorado: the
>> dip in the graph reflects careful birders and a solid, accountable review
>> team. Not the other way around. Wise summertime submissions of MEDU/MALL
>> easily fill the dip in the graph.
>>
>> And you did not mention the most problematic ID issue with local
>> summertime Anas; young male MALL, not eclipse MALL, are typically quite
>> dark and give a strong vibe for the MEDU-complex. Young male MALL are the
>> primary confusion issue with summertime MEDU reports, not eclipse MALL. And
>> both young and eclipse MALL are confusion issues for hybrids. Yes an
>> experienced birder can separate them, but not usually as carefully as
>> needed in a distant scope view.
>>
>> A message from a review perspective to all observers is to always
>> positively identity what you can, get the best documentation possible, and
>> use extra caution when reporting MEDU and MEDUxMALL during non-breeding
>> season.
>>
>> Mike Thompson
>>
>> <m......> mobile
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Apr 27, 2026 at 15:48 Owen Robertson <owen.k.r......>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi CoBirders!
>>>
>>> Perhaps there are few more dreaded phenomena in Colorado birding than
>>> late summer *Anas* duck identification. Mallards molt into their
>>> "alternate" plumage (it's still termed "alternate", even though the birds
>>> are dull) from roughly June-October, and during those months every pond in
>>> the state is teeming with brown-bodied, yellow-billed ducks that may or may
>>> not contain a smidgen of *diazi *DNA. I've been hearing about this
>>> problem for a while now (looking at you, Ted), and took the opportunity of
>>> a freeform statistics final project to do some analysis on the wonderful
>>> eBird data that you all have contributed to! I found that, despite no
>>> (known) seasonal movements in Mexican Ducks, they are reported almost half
>>> as often in late summer than they are elsewhere in the year. This pattern
>>> is extremely strong (p < 0.0001), holds true for all four states where MEDU
>>> are regular in the ABA (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorful Colorado),
>>> and is really quite striking (check out the boxplots and line chart at the
>>> bottom of this email for a visualization).
>>>
>>> Which brings me to the (slightly) chastising part of this email: male
>>> and female Mexican Ducks are eminently identifiable *year-round* - they
>>> look dramatically different from any worn or molting Mallard you could
>>> imagine. So why are we not finding them? The answer is that *birders
>>> are lazy! *(And yes, I'm including myself in that statement). We see a
>>> flock of five dozen *Anas* drifting through the heat haze at John
>>> Martin Reservoir in August and plop them on the eBird list as Mallard, but
>>> in December that one chocolate brown male with a yellow bill really pops,
>>> and *bam* - Bent County pulls another MEDU. (By the way, the disparity
>>> in reports of male and female Mexican Ducks must be wild - somebody wanna
>>> check that out? And I don't even want to think about the *hybrids* in
>>> summer...) Since Mexican Ducks aren't known to undertake seasonal
>>> movements, they should be out there, ready and waiting to be found by the
>>> first birder (that's you!) to take a closer look. (And if they do turn out
>>> to migrate or disperse in some way, more rigorous eBird data could help
>>> confirm that!). In sum - *Mexican Ducks being overlooked in summer/fall
>>> is a real problem for eBird data, and the solution is wonderfully simple:
>>> just look for them!*
>>>
>>> Good birding!
>>>
>>> Owen
>>> [image: Screenshot 2026-04-27 at 5.40.42 PM.png][image: Screenshot
>>> 2026-04-27 at 5.22.35 PM.png]
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> --
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>> Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
>>> To post to this group, send email to <cob......>
>>> For more options, visit this group at
>>> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds >>> * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city.
>>> Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
>>> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ >>> ---
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>> Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
>>> an email to cobirds+<u......>
>>> To view this discussion visit
>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<73a81814-4348-4f8b-99e1-51fa1f0a1d65n...> >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<73a81814-4348-4f8b-99e1-51fa1f0a1d65n...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> .
>>>
>> --
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> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
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Date: 4/29/26 9:10 pm From: 'Tony Leukering' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Mexican Ducks in summer
Owen, Mike, CFO:
Unfortunately, Owen's analysis was conducted in something of a vacuum, and
that vacuum is the more retiring nature of flightless ducks compared to
flighted ducks.
Most flying bird species conduct wing molts slowly to limit the resultant
reduction in flight efficiency. For example, most passerine species (which
have either 9 or 10 effective primaries) will drop the innermost primary
(#1), and once the new feather is half-grown (more or less), it will drop
primary #2. Since each primary takes quite a few days to grow to full
length, an individual's flight efficiency can be reduced for a month or
more... and those species are generally small, with much less feather mass
to replace. The wing molt of larger birds takes much more time to regrow
all that feather mass. Very large birds (such as many raptors) do not
replace all wing flight feathers in a given year, such that a complete wing
molt in such species takes three or more years of molts. (Sidebar: That
wing-molt strategy is why there is only one period of a bird's life of
large birds, such as vultures and eagles, in which all flight feathers are
from the same generation: when they are juveniles.)
*The Waterfowl Strategy*:
In the summer, waterfowl drop all of their flight feathers at once (or
virtually so), which, obviously, renders them flightless. It is thought
that this strategy developed to enable them to have the shortest period of
less-effective flight. Yes, during the molt, they are flightless, but
their flight efficiency is reduced for a shorter period because they can
grow all of their new flight feathers at once.
Before conducting their wing molts, waterfowl move to more protected
situations. Dabbling-duck species generally move to aquatic habitats that
are more protected (protected = more emergent vegetation within which to
hide); many diving-duck species have very different strategies, but this
topic involves a dabbling-duck species, so I'll ignore those other
strategies; they are fascinating, though. Males replace their bright finery
with much drabber plumage. Once they're no longer quite as obvious, they
*then* undergo their wing molt. Once the wing molt is complete (or
virtually so), they then conduct their molt into Alternate plumage: the
males re-attain their fancy plumage.
Coming full circle, it is the dabbling-duck molt strategy that is the
primary reason behind reduced eBird detection rates of dabbling ducks in
summer, including Mexican Duck.
eBird frequency in Colorado of Mexican Duck and Mallard/Mexican Duck (as
noted by Mike):
[image: MEDU-MEDU-slash-MALL-CO.jpg]
Here is the same graph for Mallard:
[image: MALL-CO.jpg]
Here's the same graph for Gadwall and American Wigeon:
[image: GADW-AMWI.jpg]
Finally, the graph for Northern Pintail and Green-winged Teal:
[image: NOPI-GWTE.jpg]
It is obvious from the various graphs that the frequency of eBird detection
of all breeding dabbling-duck species declines severely in the state from
May to June (and that doesn't take into account the possible change in how
and where Colorado's birders bird between those two months). Below, I
present the percentage change for each of the six species of dabbling ducks
using the actual frequency percentage numbers from May to June. I averaged
the four eBird-week frequency values for each month, and the numbers below
represent the percentage change in eBird frequency in Colorado from May to
June, with all species' frequency values declining in June relative to May:
[image: May-to-June frequency change.jpg]
As can be seen in the right-most column, Mallard frequency declined the
least, and the Mexican Duck change was the third LOWEST of the six species.
However, given the very low absolute numbers of Mexican Duck in the state
in May (122) and June (38), the error bar on that change estimate would be
quite large, and that doesn't take into account that most Mexican Duck
reports from Colorado do NOT come from the well-birded northern
urban-corridor counties (Larimer, Boulder, Adams, Jefferson, Denver,
Douglas, Arapahoe); most Mexican Ducks occur in Colorado in the relative
boonies.
[image: MEDU-map.jpg]
That strongly suggests that if western Colorado were more heavily birded,
we would turn up an even larger number of the species. Additionally,
Mexican Ducks in those northern Colorado urban counties are chased by
eBirders much more frequently than those farther afield, thus inflating the
frequency values reported from those counties.
Finally, a little bit of a deviation from the subject: A plea to birders to
quit using the phrase "eclipse plumage." Ducks are no different from all
other Colorado species in conducting a substantial molt as adults after
breeding. There is no reason to call the post-breeding molt of Mallards one
thing and that of Yellow-rumped Warblers... and Spotted Sandpipers,
Bobolinks, Swainson's Hawks, California Gulls, and Lazuli Buntings another
thing. The only real difference is that ducks hold that "Basic Plumage" for
a much shorter portion of the calendar year. But it's the same molt.
Thanks.
Tony Leukering
Currently, Cut Bank, MT
On Monday, April 27, 2026 at 4:11:28 PM UTC-6 Mike Thompson wrote:
> Owen - from a review perspective this is a rather risky approach. Youth
> and exuberance can often confuse laziness with wisdom and caution.
>
> I have a completely different perspective from Montezuma County where MEDU
> are more abundant in our waterways than anywhere else in Colorado: the dip
> in the graph reflects careful birders and a solid, accountable review team.
> Not the other way around. Wise summertime submissions of MEDU/MALL easily
> fill the dip in the graph.
>
> And you did not mention the most problematic ID issue with local
> summertime Anas; young male MALL, not eclipse MALL, are typically quite
> dark and give a strong vibe for the MEDU-complex. Young male MALL are the
> primary confusion issue with summertime MEDU reports, not eclipse MALL. And
> both young and eclipse MALL are confusion issues for hybrids. Yes an
> experienced birder can separate them, but not usually as carefully as
> needed in a distant scope view.
>
> A message from a review perspective to all observers is to always
> positively identity what you can, get the best documentation possible, and
> use extra caution when reporting MEDU and MEDUxMALL during non-breeding
> season.
>
> Mike Thompson
>
> <m......> mobile
>
>
> On Mon, Apr 27, 2026 at 15:48 Owen Robertson <owen.k.r......>
> wrote:
>
>> Hi CoBirders!
>>
>> Perhaps there are few more dreaded phenomena in Colorado birding than
>> late summer *Anas* duck identification. Mallards molt into their
>> "alternate" plumage (it's still termed "alternate", even though the birds
>> are dull) from roughly June-October, and during those months every pond in
>> the state is teeming with brown-bodied, yellow-billed ducks that may or may
>> not contain a smidgen of *diazi *DNA. I've been hearing about this
>> problem for a while now (looking at you, Ted), and took the opportunity of
>> a freeform statistics final project to do some analysis on the wonderful
>> eBird data that you all have contributed to! I found that, despite no
>> (known) seasonal movements in Mexican Ducks, they are reported almost half
>> as often in late summer than they are elsewhere in the year. This pattern
>> is extremely strong (p < 0.0001), holds true for all four states where MEDU
>> are regular in the ABA (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorful Colorado),
>> and is really quite striking (check out the boxplots and line chart at the
>> bottom of this email for a visualization).
>>
>> Which brings me to the (slightly) chastising part of this email: male and
>> female Mexican Ducks are eminently identifiable *year-round* - they look
>> dramatically different from any worn or molting Mallard you could imagine.
>> So why are we not finding them? The answer is that *birders are lazy! *(And
>> yes, I'm including myself in that statement). We see a flock of five dozen
>> *Anas* drifting through the heat haze at John Martin Reservoir in August
>> and plop them on the eBird list as Mallard, but in December that one
>> chocolate brown male with a yellow bill really pops, and *bam* - Bent
>> County pulls another MEDU. (By the way, the disparity in reports of male
>> and female Mexican Ducks must be wild - somebody wanna check that out? And
>> I don't even want to think about the *hybrids* in summer...) Since
>> Mexican Ducks aren't known to undertake seasonal movements, they should be
>> out there, ready and waiting to be found by the first birder (that's you!)
>> to take a closer look. (And if they do turn out to migrate or disperse in
>> some way, more rigorous eBird data could help confirm that!). In sum - *Mexican
>> Ducks being overlooked in summer/fall is a real problem for eBird data, and
>> the solution is wonderfully simple: just look for them!*
>>
>> Good birding!
>>
>> Owen
>> [image: Screenshot 2026-04-27 at 5.40.42 PM.png][image: Screenshot
>> 2026-04-27 at 5.22.35 PM.png]
>>
>>
>>
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>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<73a81814-4348-4f8b-99e1-51fa1f0a1d65n...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<73a81814-4348-4f8b-99e1-51fa1f0a1d65n...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>
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Observation start time: 05:00:00 Observation end time: 16:15:00 Total observation time: 9.92 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley, Soren Zappia, Soren Zappia, Emma Riley
Observers:
Visitors: We had three visitors to the hawk watch today. including regular visitor Ric Olson.
Thank you to Kathie Moses, Karrie Lagon, and Cayce and Chris Gulbransen for volunteering at the ridge today!
Weather: Temperatures continue to stay mild with high cloud cover and precipitation. Winds were from the E/NE today at low speeds, apart from a few gusts that came through during a precipitation event. A period of cold rain and hail blew through causing us to pause the count for an hour and 15 minutes during the afternoon. We ended up calling the count early due to further precipitation.
Raptor Observations: Migration continues to push through! Our first migrant of the day came through before 0600 MST during the morning flight count. Broad-winged Hawks began moving in the 0800 hour and continued throughout the day with the last one coming in the last hour. Osprey have had a great presence lately with birds coming directly overhead as well as over the W ridge. Most of our migrants came W of us today, which is typical in an E wind. An Osprey was seen on the hike out.
Soren monitored the morning flight this morning starting at 0500 MST. Highlights included Brown-headed Cowbirds, Brewer's Blackbirds, Yellow-rumped Warbers, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, and Cliff Swallow. We are hoping to get a few more morning flight counts in before the end of the season.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose 1, goose sp. 1, White-throated Swift 17, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 4, Mourning Dove 1, Double-crested Cormorant 17, American White Pelican 5, Northern Flicker 1, Say's Phoebe 1, Blue Jay 1, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 4, Black-billed Magpie 1, American Crow 1, Common Raven 8, Black-capped Chickadee 1, Violet-green Swallow 6, Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1, Cliff Swallow 2, swalow sp. 2, American Bushtit 2, Rock Wren 1, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher 1, White-breasted Nuthatch 1, American Robin 1, House Finch 2, American Goldfinch 4, Pine Siskin 1, Chipping Sparrow 19, Spotted Towhee 3, Western Meadowlark 2, Red-winged Blackbird 2, Brown-headed Cowbird 6, Brewer's Blackbird 4, blackbird sp. 3, Common Grackle 2, Yellow-rumped Warbler 13, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 14, passerine sp. 2
Predictions: Precipitation is predicted for most, if not all, of tomorrow. If visibility is low, we will cancel the day. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 4/29/26 6:11 pm From: meredith <meredithmcburney...> Subject: [cobirds] Chatfield Banding Station, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies 4-29-26
We did not open yesterday (cold, windy, damp, periodic showers). Today's weather was better, and we got in a good morning before the thunder started.
The Yellow-rumped Warblers, which have been up in the tallest trees until today, started to come down, and we caught a few. We also caught our first Common Yellowthroat, so we've had at least one of all of our normal/usual early arriving species for the first time in about 5 years.
Here's a breakdown of today's 20 new birds:
Bushtit 2 (A sort of trivial stat - this is the first time we have caught more than 3 Bushtits in a season. You'd think if we catch 1 we'd catch 20, but that doesn't seem to be how it works at this banding station!) Northern House Wren 1 American Robin 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, Myrtle 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler, Audubon's 4 Common Yellowthroat 1 Spotted Towhee 1 Song Sparrow 1 Lincoln's Sparrow 3 White-crowned Sparrow, Gambel's 1 House Finch 1 American Goldfinch 2
We are banding Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays) through May 31, weather permitting. There are opportunities for the public to visit on weekends and early mornings most weekdays. Reservations are required and can be made through the Denver Audubon website <https://www.denveraudubon.org/calendar>. (Many/most sessions are already sold out, so sign up now if you are interested!)
Meredith McBurney Bander, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
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Date: 4/29/26 1:16 pm From: Steven Brown <sbrown37...> Subject: [cobirds] CSR Wednesday: a busier day; Golden-crowned Sparrow
Hey COBirders,
Yesterday was busy, with 34 birds banded at Clear Spring Ranch. Today was surprisingly even busier - with waves of sparrows hitting the nets at 930, but also several cool arrivals. 75 today!!!
I don’t know why - it always mystifies me when the numbers are so different between Chico Basin banding, and here, 15 miles away, especially when mine were so much higher. Go figure.
Birds today:
Black-chinned Hummingbird, M, F, not banded, FOS (FIrst of Season)
Ruby Crowned Kinglet, SYF (Second-year Female) (FOS)
2 N House Wren
Brown Thrasher
AM Robin M
27 Chipping Sparrow (I band the first 10, they were hitting the nets at the same time - like machine gun bullets!)
Clay-colored Sparrow (FOS)
24 White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel’s) (also hammering the nets at the same time (and as the CHSPs))
Mountain White-crowned Sparrow
***Golden-crowned Sparrow, Very bright head, but very frayed tail, so guessing SY (photos available) (FOS)
3 Spotted Towhee
3 Orange-crowned Warbler (2 orestera ssp, 1 celata ssp)
Com Yellowthroat M
Audubon’s Yellow-rumped Warbler (ASY M) (FOS)
Myrtle Yellow-rumped Warbler (ASY M) (FOS)
And a few Red-winged Blackbirds and Brown-headed Cowbirds that I don’t band
All but about 5 of these birds were caught up and parallel to the service road, where nets are close to brush across the road from the new fields.
Only a few down in the willows of the marsh area. This is more a “fall pattern of arrival than usual fos spring. Again, go figure.
Happy Migration (whew it was fun today)
Steve Brown
Colo Spgs
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Not as many birds around today as yesterday. No flocks of Yellow-rumps or White-crowned Sparrows around. Swainson's Thrush and Ovenbird were the highlights of the day. Yes, I know Swainson's Thrush will not be a highlight later except for their numbers.
*2 Recaptures - banded this week(Both increased weight from banding date)* Northern House Wren Lincoln's Sparrow
*2 Returns from last fall season* American Robin -2
Tomorrow does not look favorable to be outside but the weather always changes. Hope it does rain, because it is needed greatly around here.
If birding the ranch be sure to register at www.aikenaudubon.com before coming out. The banding station will be open at sunrise until @ 11 AM weather dependent.
Enjoy the day,
Julie Shieldcastle Chico Basin Ranch Bird Bander Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
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Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8.25 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley, Soren Zappia, Emma Riley, Soren Zappia
Observers:
Visitors: 10 visitors. We saw a new bird at the ridge, our first Sun Conure (riding in a backpack of a hiker). He seemed to be enjoying his time outside.
Thank you to Chip Dawes for volunteering today!
Weather: It was a beautiful day on the ridge. There was some rain in the pre-count hours, but it had cleared by the time the count began. The day started as partly cloudy, but cloud cover increased in the first hour or two and the remainder of the day we had mostly cloudy skies. The sun varied from obscured behind thick clouds to shining. A few raindrops were felt during the midday during some brief periods.
Winds were gentle from the east throughout the day, varying slightly in direction from NE to SE. The wind intensified to 3 bft around noon but soon returned to gentle at 1-2 bft. Temperatures were pleasant in the 50s to low 60s F.
Raptor Observations: It was a great day for late April at the ridge with over 125 migrating raptors. We had our highest totals of the season so far for Broad-winged Hawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks. Most birds came in the morning through early afternoon, with many birds low and visible to the unaided eye. Broad-winged Hawks were seen overhead, at eye level, and even below the ridge! Some came solo, but they often were in groups of 2 or 3. While Sharp-shinned Hawks were the more common accipitrine today, we also had a few Cooper's Hawks. We also had a good push of Swainson's Hawks, including an adult dark morph and intermediate juvenile right above our heads. We also had some late young Bald Eagle movement and a few Red-tailed Hawks. The birds continued until the late afternoon when the pace slowed to a trickle.
Outside of raptors, we saw lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds move today.
Today we counted our 2000th migrant raptor, an Osprey! We are so lucky to see so many of these striking and unique birds.
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 25, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 9, Feral Pigeon 4, Mourning Dove 1, Double-crested Cormorant 1, Say's Phoebe 1, Blue Jay 2, Black-billed Magpie 1, American Crow 1, Common Raven 3, Tree Swallow 1, Violet-green Swallow 12, swalow sp. 35, Rock Wren 2, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher 2, House Finch 2, Pine Siskin 3, Chipping Sparrow 4, Spotted Towhee 2, Western Meadowlark 1, Yellow-rumped Warbler 3, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 12, passerine sp. 1
Predictions: Tomorrow, we expect cloudy skies and a light wind from the NE.
Some precipitation is in the forecast, with slight chance for thunderstorms in the morning and another slight chance in the afternoon. Scattered rain showers are forecasted for the afternoon and evening. Bring rain gear!
Despite some light precipitation in the past few days, trails are still dry. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 4/28/26 3:10 pm From: Steven Brown <sbrown37...> Subject: [cobirds] CSR Busy Day Tuesday
Hey COBirders,
A busy day banding at Clear Spring Ranch this morning. 34 birds banded. Matching the numbers for the last 5 days combined!
Last night, in NW Colo Spgs, we got pounded in several waves with hail (up to dime size), thunder, lightning wind, and rain. I expected Fountain and CSR to be much the same. Nope, Not a drop there last night as far as I could tell - still the inch of dust everywhere. I’m guessing that a lot of the numbers I had today were birds that were kept from migrating further North into the storm last night.
Now, none of the species banded were unexpected, but the numbers were. As I’ve said before 20 birds is a good day here, 30 is great.
11 Spotted Towhees banded (previous high day in 15 years - 4) I often only see 1-2, and don’t always catch them.
6 Orange-crowned Warblers - (previous high 7 twice in 15 years) Some springs I've only caught 4-5 for the season!
BTW - 5 were males 1 SY female
4 new N House Wrens
8 White-crowned Sparrows (6 Gambel’s, 2 Mountain)
and a few Chipping Sparrows, Robins, Com Yellowthroat
Well, that was fun! Have a good week,
Happy Migration,
Steve Brown
Colo Spgs
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Date: 4/28/26 2:31 pm From: Kevin Schutz <kschutz...> Subject: [cobirds] Re: Chico Basin Ranch Banding Station 4/28/2026
Fantastic Julie! A Lucy's Warbler! Amazing.
Kevin Schutz
El Paso Cnty
On Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 1:30:54 PM UTC-6 Chicobander wrote:
> First full morning of banding produced a couple surprises even for Band
> Manager Colin Woolley. Highlight of the day was a Lucy's Warbler which is
> the first ever banded at Chico Basin Ranch. Even though it would be hard to
> beat that nice bird, catching a Hairy Woodpecker is pretty crazy as well.
>
> Fourteen bird species were captured and banded including 5 warbler species
> ( Lucy's, Virginia's, Orange-crowned, Common Yellowthroat, Audubon's and
> Myrtle (Yellow-rumped). Hermit Thrushes have been numerous around the
> banding station the past couple days.
>
> For the past 2 days birds were active around 9-10 am and then after 11 am.
> This is most likely due to waves of birds filtering north during the day.
> Not sure what the weather will produce later this week as far as migrants.
> It will be interesting to see.
>
> *32 New Banded Birds*
> Lucy's Warbler- 1
> Virginia's Warbler- 1
> Orange-crowned Warbler- 2
> Common Yellowthroat- 1
> Audubon's (Yellow-rumped) Warbler- 2
> Myrtle (Yellow-rumped) Warbler -1
> Northern House Wren- 2
> Hermit Thrush- 9
> Field Sparrow -1
> Lincoln's Sparrow- 2
> Gambel's White-crowned Sparrow- 6
> Mountain White-crowned Sparrow- 1
> Hairy Woodpecker- 1
> American Robin- 2
>
> *1 Recapture -banded yesterday and gained weight*
> Myrtle (Yellow-rumped) Warbler
>
> The banding station will be operating 6 days a week, Monday - Saturdays
> through June 6th from sunrise to around 11 AM. Please stop by the station
> and share your sightings.
>
> Birding the ranch requires signing up on the Aiken Audubon website *www.aikenaudubon.com
> <http://www.aikenaudubon.com>* >
> Enjoy the day,
>
> Julie Shieldcastle
> Chico Basin Ranch Bird Bander
> Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
>
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Date: 4/28/26 2:31 pm From: tom none <jtcurt325...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Mexican Ducks in summer
One thing that may contribute to the discrepancy is that the birds we see
in Colorado are the result of post-breeding dispersal in which HY birds may
be disproportionally represented. Is it possible that HY birds don't have
the adult characteristics until the fall molt. This could account for the
majority sightings occurring in the late fall/winter. This is just
speculation: descriptions/pictures of summer/early fall Mexican duck are
very difficult to find. If anyone knows if first fall Mexican ducks have
the distinctive bill color, I would love to know it.
Have fun,
Tom Curtis
On Monday, April 27, 2026 at 7:35:47 PM UTC-6 Mike Thompson wrote:
> Thanks Owen - With the limitations outlined below, experienced and
> inexperienced birders alike cannot reliably distinguish MEDU and hybrids
> from deceptive MALL without excellent looks and documentation. And
> experienced birders will more frequently report MEDU/MALL from May through
> October, when MALL plumage deteriorates.
>
> I can think of several good reasons for a dip in MEDU reports that are not
> due to lack of effort:
>
> 1. The plumage discussion mentioned below; leading to cautious
> reporting.
> 2. The uncertainty of Mottled Duck in the mix of eastern ducks
> 3. Harsh, high-angle spring and summer light producing miserable
> shimmer in long distance views. Compared with low-angle fall and winter
> light, which is generally more favorable in the scope.
> 4. Seasonal behavior patterns of dabblers. It is far more feasible to
> find a MEDU outlier in a flock of dabblers concentrated in a one-acre
> feedlot pond which may be the only unfrozen water for miles. Contrasted
> with the scattered, widespread nature of dabblers from May-October.
> 5. MEDU are expanding their range northward, making a comparison with
> long term fixed populations in AZ and TX moot. We do not have a handle on
> their seasonal movement but which does seem to resemble seasonal frequeny
> of MALL. The following graphs illustrate this point:
>
> Check out the statewide frequency graph for MALL and how it resembles the
> same patterns as MEDU and MEUDxMALL.
> [image: image.png]
> [image: image.png]
> [image: image.png]
>
> Now check out MEDU/MALL:
> [image: image.png]
>
> The peak frequency of MEDU/MALL reports occurs during the lull of MEDU and
> MEDUxMALL reports - mas o menos. From my perspective, that's awesome
> hand-in-glove data. It strikes me that collectively, we aren't really
> missing anything. MEDU researches using our data will be aware of reporting
> limitations during nonbreeding season and can connect the dots on either
> side.
>
> With all that said, I fully support encouraging "well-documented and
> unimpeachable Mexican Duck records" around the clock. Amen to that. The
> best way to do that in my mind is to educate folks on ID points and the
> data will fall into place naturally.
>
> Thank you for bringing up the issue, it's very interesting.
>
> Mike
>
>
> On Mon, Apr 27, 2026 at 6:08 PM Owen Robertson <owen.k.r......>
> wrote:
>
>>
>> Mike,
>>
>> Thanks for your response. I want to clarify that I’m not in favor of
>> reckless/undocumented Mexican Duck reports - such a program would not
>> improve this gap in data I’m describing. I’m simply saying that in addition
>> to overreporting of MEDU, underreporting (as a result of a lack of observer
>> effort) is perhaps an even greater problem. There will always be Anas
>> ducks that trip us up (the Waneka bird last year is a great example) no
>> matter how well-photographed they are, or how many experienced observers
>> chase them, but such birds will be problematic regardless of season.
>> Conversely, the many well-documented and unimpeachable Mexican Duck records
>> that Colorado possesses should be acceptable as such in June just as much
>> as in January. And similarly, a dubious Mexican Duck in January should not
>> be accepted simply because it is January - Mallard molt timing is variable,
>> and odd plumages can occur at any time of year. I firmly believe that the
>> kind of data gap we see in late summer is fixable - perhaps not to the
>> levels of certainty that we have about MEDU in other times of year, but it
>> is not unimprovable. This improvement, in my opinion, can most strongly
>> begin with observers taking the time to thoroughly check Anas flocks in
>> summer, documenting oddballs, and reporting them - either as MEDU, a
>> hybrid, or as MEDU/MALL (or, perhaps, Anas sp.). If errors are made in
>> identification, they can be corrected, but a lack of effort is not so easy
>> to remedy. If experienced observers can separate MEDU reliably (albeit with
>> care) from odd Mallards, then our goal should be to get birders out there
>> checking duck flocks and learning about the ID, rather than giving up the
>> ghost from the start. Perhaps we’re in total agreement about that, but
>> treating an ID like something that cannot be done, or is reserved for those
>> with decades of experience, is (in my opinion) deeply harmful, both to the
>> Colorado birding community and to the eBird data we’re both striving to
>> improve.
>>
>> Best,
>>
>> Owen
>>
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Apr 27, 2026 at 6:11 PM Mike Thompson <m......>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Owen - from a review perspective this is a rather risky approach. Youth
>>> and exuberance can often confuse laziness with wisdom and caution.
>>>
>>> I have a completely different perspective from Montezuma County where
>>> MEDU are more abundant in our waterways than anywhere else in Colorado: the
>>> dip in the graph reflects careful birders and a solid, accountable review
>>> team. Not the other way around. Wise summertime submissions of
>>> MEDU/MALL easily fill the dip in the graph.
>>>
>>> And you did not mention the most problematic ID issue with local
>>> summertime Anas; young male MALL, not eclipse MALL, are typically quite
>>> dark and give a strong vibe for the MEDU-complex. Young male MALL are the
>>> primary confusion issue with summertime MEDU reports, not eclipse MALL. And
>>> both young and eclipse MALL are confusion issues for hybrids. Yes an
>>> experienced birder can separate them, but not usually as carefully as
>>> needed in a distant scope view.
>>>
>>> A message from a review perspective to all observers is to always
>>> positively identity what you can, get the best documentation possible, and
>>> use extra caution when reporting MEDU and MEDUxMALL during non-breeding
>>> season.
>>>
>>> Mike Thompson
>>>
>>> <m......> mobile
>>>
>>>
>>> On Mon, Apr 27, 2026 at 15:48 Owen Robertson <owen.k.r......>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi CoBirders!
>>>>
>>>> Perhaps there are few more dreaded phenomena in Colorado birding than
>>>> late summer *Anas* duck identification. Mallards molt into their
>>>> "alternate" plumage (it's still termed "alternate", even though the birds
>>>> are dull) from roughly June-October, and during those months every pond in
>>>> the state is teeming with brown-bodied, yellow-billed ducks that may or may
>>>> not contain a smidgen of *diazi *DNA. I've been hearing about this
>>>> problem for a while now (looking at you, Ted), and took the opportunity of
>>>> a freeform statistics final project to do some analysis on the wonderful
>>>> eBird data that you all have contributed to! I found that, despite no
>>>> (known) seasonal movements in Mexican Ducks, they are reported almost half
>>>> as often in late summer than they are elsewhere in the year. This pattern
>>>> is extremely strong (p < 0.0001), holds true for all four states where MEDU
>>>> are regular in the ABA (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorful Colorado),
>>>> and is really quite striking (check out the boxplots and line chart at the
>>>> bottom of this email for a visualization).
>>>>
>>>> Which brings me to the (slightly) chastising part of this email: male
>>>> and female Mexican Ducks are eminently identifiable *year-round* -
>>>> they look dramatically different from any worn or molting Mallard you could
>>>> imagine. So why are we not finding them? The answer is that *birders
>>>> are lazy! *(And yes, I'm including myself in that statement). We see a
>>>> flock of five dozen *Anas* drifting through the heat haze at John
>>>> Martin Reservoir in August and plop them on the eBird list as Mallard, but
>>>> in December that one chocolate brown male with a yellow bill really pops,
>>>> and *bam* - Bent County pulls another MEDU. (By the way, the disparity
>>>> in reports of male and female Mexican Ducks must be wild - somebody wanna
>>>> check that out? And I don't even want to think about the *hybrids* in
>>>> summer...) Since Mexican Ducks aren't known to undertake seasonal
>>>> movements, they should be out there, ready and waiting to be found by the
>>>> first birder (that's you!) to take a closer look. (And if they do turn out
>>>> to migrate or disperse in some way, more rigorous eBird data could help
>>>> confirm that!). In sum - *Mexican Ducks being overlooked in
>>>> summer/fall is a real problem for eBird data, and the solution is
>>>> wonderfully simple: just look for them!*
>>>>
>>>> Good birding!
>>>>
>>>> Owen
>>>> [image: Screenshot 2026-04-27 at 5.40.42 PM.png][image: Screenshot
>>>> 2026-04-27 at 5.22.35 PM.png]
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> --
>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>>> Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
>>>> To post to this group, send email to <cob......>
>>>> For more options, visit this group at
>>>> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds >>>> * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city.
>>>> Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
>>>> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ >>>> ---
>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>>> Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
>>>> an email to cobirds+<u......>
>>>> To view this discussion visit
>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<73a81814-4348-4f8b-99e1-51fa1f0a1d65n...> >>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<73a81814-4348-4f8b-99e1-51fa1f0a1d65n...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>> .
>>>>
>>>
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First full morning of banding produced a couple surprises even for Band Manager Colin Woolley. Highlight of the day was a Lucy's Warbler which is the first ever banded at Chico Basin Ranch. Even though it would be hard to beat that nice bird, catching a Hairy Woodpecker is pretty crazy as well.
Fourteen bird species were captured and banded including 5 warbler species ( Lucy's, Virginia's, Orange-crowned, Common Yellowthroat, Audubon's and Myrtle (Yellow-rumped). Hermit Thrushes have been numerous around the banding station the past couple days.
For the past 2 days birds were active around 9-10 am and then after 11 am. This is most likely due to waves of birds filtering north during the day. Not sure what the weather will produce later this week as far as migrants. It will be interesting to see.
*1 Recapture -banded yesterday and gained weight* Myrtle (Yellow-rumped) Warbler
The banding station will be operating 6 days a week, Monday - Saturdays through June 6th from sunrise to around 11 AM. Please stop by the station and share your sightings.
Birding the ranch requires signing up on the Aiken Audubon website *www.aikenaudubon.com*
Enjoy the day,
Julie Shieldcastle Chico Basin Ranch Bird Bander Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
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Observation start time: 10:15:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 6.75 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley
Observers:
Visitors: We had three visitors at the ridge today, all coming to enjoy migration.
Thank you to Clay Gibson and Mike Serruto for your company and help on yet another Monday on the ridge.
Weather: Today was a cold day with heavy fog present at the beginning of the count. The count was delayed an hour and 15 minutes due to the fog. It slowly lifted throughout the day with even a moment of sun shining before disappearing again. Light snow was present on and off for a few hours. Temperatures were low all day.
Raptor Observations: Today was an outstanding day, after many hours of cold snowy conditions. Before 1400 MST we had a total of four migrants that had come at or below eye level.
At about 1415 MST the fun began. We spotted a few birds at once and it turned out to be three Osprey, one Swainson's Hawk, and a fourth Osprey just behind. Shortly after this we had another four birds- 3 Northern Harriers and a juvenile American Goshawk! What followed was 2-6 birds at a time coming within 30 meters directly overhead. A number of dark-morph Swainson's Hawks came over, with up to three in the air at a time. Sharp-shinned Hawks also came 2+ at a time. The species diversity seen in the next two hours, paired with how close these birds were, made for two of the most exciting hours our lead counter Emma Riley has ever seen at this site. We ended with 89 raptors coming in less than two hours.
Non-raptor Observations: Broad-tailed Hummingbird 1, Double-crested Cormorant 1, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 1, Black-billed Magpie 1, Common Raven 3, Black-capped Chickadee 2, American Bushtit 3, Rock Wren 1, Chipping Sparrow 4, Spotted Towhee 2, Western Meadowlark 1, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 1
Predictions: Tomorrow is predicted to see less precipitation and fog tomorrow with continued lower temperatures. Bring warm layers and a rain coat. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 4/27/26 6:42 pm From: Mike Thompson <mt...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Mexican Ducks in summer
Thanks Owen - With the limitations outlined below, experienced and
inexperienced birders alike cannot reliably distinguish MEDU and hybrids
from deceptive MALL without excellent looks and documentation. And
experienced birders will more frequently report MEDU/MALL from May through
October, when MALL plumage deteriorates.
I can think of several good reasons for a dip in MEDU reports that are not
due to lack of effort:
1. The plumage discussion mentioned below; leading to cautious reporting.
2. The uncertainty of Mottled Duck in the mix of eastern ducks
3. Harsh, high-angle spring and summer light producing miserable shimmer
in long distance views. Compared with low-angle fall and winter light,
which is generally more favorable in the scope.
4. Seasonal behavior patterns of dabblers. It is far more feasible to
find a MEDU outlier in a flock of dabblers concentrated in a one-acre
feedlot pond which may be the only unfrozen water for miles. Contrasted
with the scattered, widespread nature of dabblers from May-October.
5. MEDU are expanding their range northward, making a comparison with
long term fixed populations in AZ and TX moot. We do not have a handle on
their seasonal movement but which does seem to resemble seasonal frequeny
of MALL. The following graphs illustrate this point:
Check out the statewide frequency graph for MALL and how it resembles the
same patterns as MEDU and MEUDxMALL.
[image: image.png]
[image: image.png]
[image: image.png]
Now check out MEDU/MALL:
[image: image.png]
The peak frequency of MEDU/MALL reports occurs during the lull of MEDU and
MEDUxMALL reports - mas o menos. From my perspective, that's awesome
hand-in-glove data. It strikes me that collectively, we aren't really
missing anything. MEDU researches using our data will be aware of reporting
limitations during nonbreeding season and can connect the dots on either
side.
With all that said, I fully support encouraging "well-documented and
unimpeachable Mexican Duck records" around the clock. Amen to that. The
best way to do that in my mind is to educate folks on ID points and the
data will fall into place naturally.
Thank you for bringing up the issue, it's very interesting.
Mike
On Mon, Apr 27, 2026 at 6:08 PM Owen Robertson <owen.k.robertson...>
wrote:
>
> Mike,
>
> Thanks for your response. I want to clarify that I’m not in favor of
> reckless/undocumented Mexican Duck reports - such a program would not
> improve this gap in data I’m describing. I’m simply saying that in addition
> to overreporting of MEDU, underreporting (as a result of a lack of observer
> effort) is perhaps an even greater problem. There will always be Anas
> ducks that trip us up (the Waneka bird last year is a great example) no
> matter how well-photographed they are, or how many experienced observers
> chase them, but such birds will be problematic regardless of season.
> Conversely, the many well-documented and unimpeachable Mexican Duck records
> that Colorado possesses should be acceptable as such in June just as much
> as in January. And similarly, a dubious Mexican Duck in January should not
> be accepted simply because it is January - Mallard molt timing is variable,
> and odd plumages can occur at any time of year. I firmly believe that the
> kind of data gap we see in late summer is fixable - perhaps not to the
> levels of certainty that we have about MEDU in other times of year, but it
> is not unimprovable. This improvement, in my opinion, can most strongly
> begin with observers taking the time to thoroughly check Anas flocks in
> summer, documenting oddballs, and reporting them - either as MEDU, a
> hybrid, or as MEDU/MALL (or, perhaps, Anas sp.). If errors are made in
> identification, they can be corrected, but a lack of effort is not so easy
> to remedy. If experienced observers can separate MEDU reliably (albeit with
> care) from odd Mallards, then our goal should be to get birders out there
> checking duck flocks and learning about the ID, rather than giving up the
> ghost from the start. Perhaps we’re in total agreement about that, but
> treating an ID like something that cannot be done, or is reserved for those
> with decades of experience, is (in my opinion) deeply harmful, both to the
> Colorado birding community and to the eBird data we’re both striving to
> improve.
>
> Best,
>
> Owen
>
>
>
> On Mon, Apr 27, 2026 at 6:11 PM Mike Thompson <mt...> wrote:
>
>> Owen - from a review perspective this is a rather risky approach. Youth
>> and exuberance can often confuse laziness with wisdom and caution.
>>
>> I have a completely different perspective from Montezuma County where
>> MEDU are more abundant in our waterways than anywhere else in Colorado: the
>> dip in the graph reflects careful birders and a solid, accountable review
>> team. Not the other way around. Wise summertime submissions of MEDU/MALL
>> easily fill the dip in the graph.
>>
>> And you did not mention the most problematic ID issue with local
>> summertime Anas; young male MALL, not eclipse MALL, are typically quite
>> dark and give a strong vibe for the MEDU-complex. Young male MALL are the
>> primary confusion issue with summertime MEDU reports, not eclipse MALL. And
>> both young and eclipse MALL are confusion issues for hybrids. Yes an
>> experienced birder can separate them, but not usually as carefully as
>> needed in a distant scope view.
>>
>> A message from a review perspective to all observers is to always
>> positively identity what you can, get the best documentation possible, and
>> use extra caution when reporting MEDU and MEDUxMALL during non-breeding
>> season.
>>
>> Mike Thompson
>>
>> <mt...> mobile
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Apr 27, 2026 at 15:48 Owen Robertson <owen.k.robertson...>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi CoBirders!
>>>
>>> Perhaps there are few more dreaded phenomena in Colorado birding than
>>> late summer *Anas* duck identification. Mallards molt into their
>>> "alternate" plumage (it's still termed "alternate", even though the birds
>>> are dull) from roughly June-October, and during those months every pond in
>>> the state is teeming with brown-bodied, yellow-billed ducks that may or may
>>> not contain a smidgen of *diazi *DNA. I've been hearing about this
>>> problem for a while now (looking at you, Ted), and took the opportunity of
>>> a freeform statistics final project to do some analysis on the wonderful
>>> eBird data that you all have contributed to! I found that, despite no
>>> (known) seasonal movements in Mexican Ducks, they are reported almost half
>>> as often in late summer than they are elsewhere in the year. This pattern
>>> is extremely strong (p < 0.0001), holds true for all four states where MEDU
>>> are regular in the ABA (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorful Colorado),
>>> and is really quite striking (check out the boxplots and line chart at the
>>> bottom of this email for a visualization).
>>>
>>> Which brings me to the (slightly) chastising part of this email: male
>>> and female Mexican Ducks are eminently identifiable *year-round* - they
>>> look dramatically different from any worn or molting Mallard you could
>>> imagine. So why are we not finding them? The answer is that *birders
>>> are lazy! *(And yes, I'm including myself in that statement). We see a
>>> flock of five dozen *Anas* drifting through the heat haze at John
>>> Martin Reservoir in August and plop them on the eBird list as Mallard, but
>>> in December that one chocolate brown male with a yellow bill really pops,
>>> and *bam* - Bent County pulls another MEDU. (By the way, the disparity
>>> in reports of male and female Mexican Ducks must be wild - somebody wanna
>>> check that out? And I don't even want to think about the *hybrids* in
>>> summer...) Since Mexican Ducks aren't known to undertake seasonal
>>> movements, they should be out there, ready and waiting to be found by the
>>> first birder (that's you!) to take a closer look. (And if they do turn out
>>> to migrate or disperse in some way, more rigorous eBird data could help
>>> confirm that!). In sum - *Mexican Ducks being overlooked in summer/fall
>>> is a real problem for eBird data, and the solution is wonderfully simple:
>>> just look for them!*
>>>
>>> Good birding!
>>>
>>> Owen
>>> [image: Screenshot 2026-04-27 at 5.40.42 PM.png][image: Screenshot
>>> 2026-04-27 at 5.22.35 PM.png]
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> --
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>> Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
>>> To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...>
>>> For more options, visit this group at
>>> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds >>> * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city.
>>> Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
>>> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ >>> ---
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>> Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
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>>> an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...>
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>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<73a81814-4348-4f8b-99e1-51fa1f0a1d65n...> >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<73a81814-4348-4f8b-99e1-51fa1f0a1d65n...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> .
>>>
>>
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Date: 4/27/26 6:32 pm From: Eric DeFonso <bay.wren...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Mexican Ducks in summer
Hi Owen,
Just a few nitpicks about your otherwise engaging posting.
First, regarding the data used to illustrate interstate comparison....are
these the total number of individual human observations of confirmed MEDU
in each state, or the total number of instances of confirmed individual
MEDU in each state? I'm assuming the latter, in which case it's probably
also true that in Colorado at least the vast majority of initial
identifications of a persisting confirmed MEDU are made by very experienced
observers. Or, in the few cases where the observer is less experienced,
it's quickly confirmed by a very experienced observer or reviewer, and then
chased and photographed by less experienced observers in order to gain more
experience for the next rare occasion when a potential MEDU is located. How
do I know this? Well it's basically my own story. I've had to learn as I go
in tiny incremental steps on how to identify MEDU in the field, which also
requires knowing how to identify hybrids, but I'll get to that more in a
moment.
Second, it's worth noting that although the state box plots are all very
comparable-looking in terms of proportions of confirmed MEDU by season, the
y-axis is indeed dramatically different, and should not be overlooked. CO
MEDU number no more than 10% of the next least populous MEDU state (NM) in
these graphs, despite the significantly larger human population (and
birding population) of CO compared to NM. I would be careful about
extrapolating too much information about what MEDU movements are (or
aren't) in CO based on such small number statistics. Especially since CO is
the only state in this comparison where the species is out of range.
My last nitpick had to do characterizing MEDU ID as simple given how
"dramatically" different they are from MALL. Well, that type of hyperbole
understates the difficulty of the problem, and seeing as how ABA articles
have had to be written by esteemed Colorado birders (Mlodinow, Leukering,
Bushong) on how to identify MEDU, calling the process of separating the
MALL complex comparable to separating Northern Shovelers from American
Wigeons feels a bit denigrating to those of us who have been struggling for
years to do things correctly. Does the process of MALL/MEDU/MALLxMEDU
separation start to get easier and more straightforward the more you
observe and practice it? Certainly, and perhaps even to a point where an
experienced observer does feel as if the visual difference between these
birds is to them dramatic and obvious. But learning this is still a process
for the community as a whole and only keeps moving when we help each other
continually with how to separate these birds. I would argue that given the
already very low numbers of MEDU likely present in the state at any given
time, and given my previous argument that the MEDU-observers with ID skill
are already catching the majority of MEDU likely to be found anyway, it
probably serves the community better at this point to just assist them with
improving their ID skills instead of criticizing their past efforts.
Efforts which, as Mike Thompson aptly pointed out, are already being
reviewed by a solid and accountable review team. For my part, I want to
continue improving my own recognition of the field-identifiable traits, and
to improve communication of that information to the birding community. The
more confident birders can feel when looking over a distant MALL flock, the
more time they will actually spend doing so. It has less to do with
laziness and much more to do with encouragement. I also know this from
experience. :)
Eric
-------
Eric DeFonso
Boulder County, CO
On Mon, Apr 27, 2026 at 3:48 PM Owen Robertson <owen.k.robertson...>
wrote:
> Hi CoBirders!
>
> Perhaps there are few more dreaded phenomena in Colorado birding than late
> summer *Anas* duck identification. Mallards molt into their "alternate"
> plumage (it's still termed "alternate", even though the birds are dull)
> from roughly June-October, and during those months every pond in the state
> is teeming with brown-bodied, yellow-billed ducks that may or may not
> contain a smidgen of *diazi *DNA. I've been hearing about this problem
> for a while now (looking at you, Ted), and took the opportunity of a
> freeform statistics final project to do some analysis on the wonderful
> eBird data that you all have contributed to! I found that, despite no
> (known) seasonal movements in Mexican Ducks, they are reported almost half
> as often in late summer than they are elsewhere in the year. This pattern
> is extremely strong (p < 0.0001), holds true for all four states where MEDU
> are regular in the ABA (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorful Colorado),
> and is really quite striking (check out the boxplots and line chart at the
> bottom of this email for a visualization).
>
> Which brings me to the (slightly) chastising part of this email: male and
> female Mexican Ducks are eminently identifiable *year-round* - they look
> dramatically different from any worn or molting Mallard you could imagine.
> So why are we not finding them? The answer is that *birders are lazy! *(And
> yes, I'm including myself in that statement). We see a flock of five dozen
> *Anas* drifting through the heat haze at John Martin Reservoir in August
> and plop them on the eBird list as Mallard, but in December that one
> chocolate brown male with a yellow bill really pops, and *bam* - Bent
> County pulls another MEDU. (By the way, the disparity in reports of male
> and female Mexican Ducks must be wild - somebody wanna check that out? And
> I don't even want to think about the *hybrids* in summer...) Since
> Mexican Ducks aren't known to undertake seasonal movements, they should be
> out there, ready and waiting to be found by the first birder (that's you!)
> to take a closer look. (And if they do turn out to migrate or disperse in
> some way, more rigorous eBird data could help confirm that!). In sum - *Mexican
> Ducks being overlooked in summer/fall is a real problem for eBird data, and
> the solution is wonderfully simple: just look for them!*
>
> Good birding!
>
> Owen
> [image: Screenshot 2026-04-27 at 5.40.42 PM.png][image: Screenshot
> 2026-04-27 at 5.22.35 PM.png]
>
>
>
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Tomorrow, starting at about 9 am, I'm having an Osprey platform erected on my property in Weld county directly across from the south shore of Highland Lake. People are welcome to come and watch and take photos if you like.
My address is 16778 County Road 5, Mead, CO 80542. I'm in Weld county just west of Mead and northeast of Longmont.
Pauli Smith
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Thanks for your response. I want to clarify that I’m not in favor of
reckless/undocumented Mexican Duck reports - such a program would not
improve this gap in data I’m describing. I’m simply saying that in addition
to overreporting of MEDU, underreporting (as a result of a lack of observer
effort) is perhaps an even greater problem. There will always be Anas ducks
that trip us up (the Waneka bird last year is a great example) no matter
how well-photographed they are, or how many experienced observers chase
them, but such birds will be problematic regardless of season. Conversely,
the many well-documented and unimpeachable Mexican Duck records that
Colorado possesses should be acceptable as such in June just as much as in
January. And similarly, a dubious Mexican Duck in January should not be
accepted simply because it is January - Mallard molt timing is variable,
and odd plumages can occur at any time of year. I firmly believe that the
kind of data gap we see in late summer is fixable - perhaps not to the
levels of certainty that we have about MEDU in other times of year, but it
is not unimprovable. This improvement, in my opinion, can most strongly
begin with observers taking the time to thoroughly check Anas flocks in
summer, documenting oddballs, and reporting them - either as MEDU, a
hybrid, or as MEDU/MALL (or, perhaps, Anas sp.). If errors are made in
identification, they can be corrected, but a lack of effort is not so easy
to remedy. If experienced observers can separate MEDU reliably (albeit with
care) from odd Mallards, then our goal should be to get birders out there
checking duck flocks and learning about the ID, rather than giving up the
ghost from the start. Perhaps we’re in total agreement about that, but
treating an ID like something that cannot be done, or is reserved for those
with decades of experience, is (in my opinion) deeply harmful, both to the
Colorado birding community and to the eBird data we’re both striving to
improve.
Best,
Owen
On Mon, Apr 27, 2026 at 6:11 PM Mike Thompson <mt...> wrote:
> Owen - from a review perspective this is a rather risky approach. Youth
> and exuberance can often confuse laziness with wisdom and caution.
>
> I have a completely different perspective from Montezuma County where MEDU
> are more abundant in our waterways than anywhere else in Colorado: the dip
> in the graph reflects careful birders and a solid, accountable review team.
> Not the other way around. Wise summertime submissions of MEDU/MALL easily
> fill the dip in the graph.
>
> And you did not mention the most problematic ID issue with local
> summertime Anas; young male MALL, not eclipse MALL, are typically quite
> dark and give a strong vibe for the MEDU-complex. Young male MALL are the
> primary confusion issue with summertime MEDU reports, not eclipse MALL. And
> both young and eclipse MALL are confusion issues for hybrids. Yes an
> experienced birder can separate them, but not usually as carefully as
> needed in a distant scope view.
>
> A message from a review perspective to all observers is to always
> positively identity what you can, get the best documentation possible, and
> use extra caution when reporting MEDU and MEDUxMALL during non-breeding
> season.
>
> Mike Thompson
>
> <mt...> mobile
>
>
> On Mon, Apr 27, 2026 at 15:48 Owen Robertson <owen.k.robertson...>
> wrote:
>
>> Hi CoBirders!
>>
>> Perhaps there are few more dreaded phenomena in Colorado birding than
>> late summer *Anas* duck identification. Mallards molt into their
>> "alternate" plumage (it's still termed "alternate", even though the birds
>> are dull) from roughly June-October, and during those months every pond in
>> the state is teeming with brown-bodied, yellow-billed ducks that may or may
>> not contain a smidgen of *diazi *DNA. I've been hearing about this
>> problem for a while now (looking at you, Ted), and took the opportunity of
>> a freeform statistics final project to do some analysis on the wonderful
>> eBird data that you all have contributed to! I found that, despite no
>> (known) seasonal movements in Mexican Ducks, they are reported almost half
>> as often in late summer than they are elsewhere in the year. This pattern
>> is extremely strong (p < 0.0001), holds true for all four states where MEDU
>> are regular in the ABA (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorful Colorado),
>> and is really quite striking (check out the boxplots and line chart at the
>> bottom of this email for a visualization).
>>
>> Which brings me to the (slightly) chastising part of this email: male and
>> female Mexican Ducks are eminently identifiable *year-round* - they look
>> dramatically different from any worn or molting Mallard you could imagine.
>> So why are we not finding them? The answer is that *birders are lazy! *(And
>> yes, I'm including myself in that statement). We see a flock of five dozen
>> *Anas* drifting through the heat haze at John Martin Reservoir in August
>> and plop them on the eBird list as Mallard, but in December that one
>> chocolate brown male with a yellow bill really pops, and *bam* - Bent
>> County pulls another MEDU. (By the way, the disparity in reports of male
>> and female Mexican Ducks must be wild - somebody wanna check that out? And
>> I don't even want to think about the *hybrids* in summer...) Since
>> Mexican Ducks aren't known to undertake seasonal movements, they should be
>> out there, ready and waiting to be found by the first birder (that's you!)
>> to take a closer look. (And if they do turn out to migrate or disperse in
>> some way, more rigorous eBird data could help confirm that!). In sum - *Mexican
>> Ducks being overlooked in summer/fall is a real problem for eBird data, and
>> the solution is wonderfully simple: just look for them!*
>>
>> Good birding!
>>
>> Owen
>> [image: Screenshot 2026-04-27 at 5.40.42 PM.png][image: Screenshot
>> 2026-04-27 at 5.22.35 PM.png]
>>
>>
>>
>> --
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>>
>
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Date: 4/27/26 4:30 pm From: SeEttaM <seettam...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Where have all the swallows gone?
Adding to Susan Rosine's comments is this report from National Audubon on
the mass die off: "The findings released this month by the U.S. Geological
Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center ruled out poisoning, disease, and
parasites as causes of death. Instead, lab scientists found one major
commonality among nearly all the dead birds: severe starvation.
The carcasses shared signs of malnourishment, including empty stomachs,
depleted fat stores, dehydration, and emaciation. But while it’s clear that
hunger played a big part in the die-off, that's not the whole story.
One probable cause of the birds’ starvation was a severe drought in the
region over the summer and into fall which made food and water scarce...."
On Mon, Apr 27, 2026, 2:36 PM Susan Rosine <u5b2mtdna...> wrote:
> I think to be that emaciated, they had to have been struggling before the
> storm, and the storm was just the last straw. Fires destroy insects,
> climate change destroys insects, insecticides - ditto. I think they were
> already struggling that year. The insect population has been decreasing for
> awhile now
> Just my two cents, but since we don't make pennies anymore, that's my
> nickel's worth.
>
> Susan Rosine
> Brighton
>
> On Mon, Apr 27, 2026, 11:04 AM T. Luke George <t.luke.george...>
> wrote:
>
>> Studies of many dead birds in NM showed that many of the aerial
>> insectivores were emaciated. That is more consistent with the hypothesis
>> that the birds died because of the inability to feed on aerial insects due
>> to the early snow storm that passed through just prior to that, not due to
>> the smoke from fires.
>> Luke George
>>
>> On Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 2:24 PM Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Remember the migration after the fires when millions of birds died? Many
>>> in NM? A lot of them were swallows.
>>> Ira Sanders
>>> Golden (for another day)
>>>
>>> On Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 7:31 AM Mary Kay Waddington <
>>> <waddingtonmk...> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Arapahoe County.
>>>> From my records I should have had a few Tree Swallows about a month
>>>> ago. The Northern Rough-wings should have arrived a week ago and been
>>>> looking for nest sites in the creek bank. Violet-greens and Barns should
>>>> be flying by every evening. Nada. Not one swallow has shown up.
>>>>
>>>> Where have all the Swallows gone? Long time passing.
>>>>
>>>> Where have all the Warblers gone? Long time ago.
>>>>
>>>> Where have all flycatchers gone?
>>>>
>>>> Lack of insects every one.
>>>>
>>>> When will they ever learn?
>>>>
>>>> When will they ever learn?
>>>>
>>>> Mary Kay Waddington
>>>>
>>>> --
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>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAA-Db7f6UUBSfFq%2BB843WqdYpEoBFbar%<3DYK9T_TEzoxK3dKmJw...> >>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAA-Db7f6UUBSfFq%2BB843WqdYpEoBFbar%<3DYK9T_TEzoxK3dKmJw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>> .
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Ira Sanders
>>> Golden, CO
>>> "My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading
>>> into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles
>>>
>>> --
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>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CABF3siH71FwHxnbwvvGbja1EL2YUC7EAZ0K29O7EJBCuVqb2cw...> >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<CABF3siH71FwHxnbwvvGbja1EL2YUC7EAZ0K29O7EJBCuVqb2cw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> .
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> *T. Luke George, PhD*
>> *Master Instructor, **Colorado State University*
>> *Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology*
>> *Wagar 110*
>>
>> Professor Emeritus, Humboldt State University
>> 707-499-4053 (c)
>> *<t.luke.george...> <t.luke.george...>*
>> "what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Mary
>> Oliver
>>
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>>
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Date: 4/27/26 3:19 pm From: Mike Thompson <mt...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Mexican Ducks in summer
Owen - from a review perspective this is a rather risky approach. Youth and
exuberance can often confuse laziness with wisdom and caution.
I have a completely different perspective from Montezuma County where MEDU
are more abundant in our waterways than anywhere else in Colorado: the dip
in the graph reflects careful birders and a solid, accountable review team.
Not the other way around. Wise summertime submissions of MEDU/MALL easily
fill the dip in the graph.
And you did not mention the most problematic ID issue with local summertime
Anas; young male MALL, not eclipse MALL, are typically quite dark and give
a strong vibe for the MEDU-complex. Young male MALL are the primary
confusion issue with summertime MEDU reports, not eclipse MALL. And both
young and eclipse MALL are confusion issues for hybrids. Yes an experienced
birder can separate them, but not usually as carefully as needed in a
distant scope view.
A message from a review perspective to all observers is to always
positively identity what you can, get the best documentation possible, and
use extra caution when reporting MEDU and MEDUxMALL during non-breeding
season.
Mike Thompson
<mt...> mobile
On Mon, Apr 27, 2026 at 15:48 Owen Robertson <owen.k.robertson...>
wrote:
> Hi CoBirders!
>
> Perhaps there are few more dreaded phenomena in Colorado birding than late
> summer *Anas* duck identification. Mallards molt into their "alternate"
> plumage (it's still termed "alternate", even though the birds are dull)
> from roughly June-October, and during those months every pond in the state
> is teeming with brown-bodied, yellow-billed ducks that may or may not
> contain a smidgen of *diazi *DNA. I've been hearing about this problem
> for a while now (looking at you, Ted), and took the opportunity of a
> freeform statistics final project to do some analysis on the wonderful
> eBird data that you all have contributed to! I found that, despite no
> (known) seasonal movements in Mexican Ducks, they are reported almost half
> as often in late summer than they are elsewhere in the year. This pattern
> is extremely strong (p < 0.0001), holds true for all four states where MEDU
> are regular in the ABA (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorful Colorado),
> and is really quite striking (check out the boxplots and line chart at the
> bottom of this email for a visualization).
>
> Which brings me to the (slightly) chastising part of this email: male and
> female Mexican Ducks are eminently identifiable *year-round* - they look
> dramatically different from any worn or molting Mallard you could imagine.
> So why are we not finding them? The answer is that *birders are lazy! *(And
> yes, I'm including myself in that statement). We see a flock of five dozen
> *Anas* drifting through the heat haze at John Martin Reservoir in August
> and plop them on the eBird list as Mallard, but in December that one
> chocolate brown male with a yellow bill really pops, and *bam* - Bent
> County pulls another MEDU. (By the way, the disparity in reports of male
> and female Mexican Ducks must be wild - somebody wanna check that out? And
> I don't even want to think about the *hybrids* in summer...) Since
> Mexican Ducks aren't known to undertake seasonal movements, they should be
> out there, ready and waiting to be found by the first birder (that's you!)
> to take a closer look. (And if they do turn out to migrate or disperse in
> some way, more rigorous eBird data could help confirm that!). In sum - *Mexican
> Ducks being overlooked in summer/fall is a real problem for eBird data, and
> the solution is wonderfully simple: just look for them!*
>
> Good birding!
>
> Owen
> [image: Screenshot 2026-04-27 at 5.40.42 PM.png][image: Screenshot
> 2026-04-27 at 5.22.35 PM.png]
>
>
>
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>
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Perhaps there are few more dreaded phenomena in Colorado birding than late
summer *Anas* duck identification. Mallards molt into their "alternate"
plumage (it's still termed "alternate", even though the birds are dull)
from roughly June-October, and during those months every pond in the state
is teeming with brown-bodied, yellow-billed ducks that may or may not
contain a smidgen of *diazi *DNA. I've been hearing about this problem for
a while now (looking at you, Ted), and took the opportunity of a freeform
statistics final project to do some analysis on the wonderful eBird data
that you all have contributed to! I found that, despite no (known) seasonal
movements in Mexican Ducks, they are reported almost half as often in late
summer than they are elsewhere in the year. This pattern is extremely
strong (p < 0.0001), holds true for all four states where MEDU are regular
in the ABA (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorful Colorado), and is
really quite striking (check out the boxplots and line chart at the bottom
of this email for a visualization).
Which brings me to the (slightly) chastising part of this email: male and
female Mexican Ducks are eminently identifiable *year-round* - they look
dramatically different from any worn or molting Mallard you could imagine.
So why are we not finding them? The answer is that *birders are lazy! *(And
yes, I'm including myself in that statement). We see a flock of five dozen
*Anas* drifting through the heat haze at John Martin Reservoir in August
and plop them on the eBird list as Mallard, but in December that one
chocolate brown male with a yellow bill really pops, and *bam* - Bent
County pulls another MEDU. (By the way, the disparity in reports of male
and female Mexican Ducks must be wild - somebody wanna check that out? And
I don't even want to think about the *hybrids* in summer...) Since Mexican
Ducks aren't known to undertake seasonal movements, they should be out
there, ready and waiting to be found by the first birder (that's you!) to
take a closer look. (And if they do turn out to migrate or disperse in some
way, more rigorous eBird data could help confirm that!). In sum - *Mexican
Ducks being overlooked in summer/fall is a real problem for eBird data, and
the solution is wonderfully simple: just look for them!*
Good birding!
Owen
[image: Screenshot 2026-04-27 at 5.40.42 PM.png][image: Screenshot
2026-04-27 at 5.22.35 PM.png]
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Date: 4/27/26 2:36 pm From: Chicobander <jshieldcastle...> Subject: [cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch Banding Station 4/27/2026 first day
Hi all! Glad to be back in Colorado! The banding station was only operated 2.5 hours after we set up nets. Interesting when the wind picked up from the north @ 11:00, the birds seemed to drop into the olive grove around noon. It was as if they were working their way north and the wind stopped them in their flight. This afternoon there was lots of Hermit Thrushes, White-crowned Sparrows and more Wilson's and Yellow-rumped Warblers everywhere. Hoping tomorrow will be a good day!
The first day we banded 12 new birds and caught a returning American Robin Male that was banded as an adult in spring of 2022. This bird is at least 7 years old! The bird was banded as an adult in 2022 so it was at least in its third year of life. Good for him! Eight new species were banded including two warbler species Orange-crowned and Myrtle subspecies of Yellow-rumped Warblers.
*12 New Birds Banded* Orange-crowned Warbler- 1 Myrtle (Yellow-rumped) Warbler -1 Yellow-rumped Warbler intergrade-1 -Had mostly Myrtle charatewististics but had some yellow wash on the throat and the facial markings were not as distinct as would be on a Myrtle subspecies. Northern House Wren- 1 Lincoln Sparrow- 1 Gambel's White-crowned Sparrow- 3 American Robin- 2 Blue Jay- 2
*1 Returning bird from spring 2022* American Robin
Remember if you want to bird or visit the ranch please register on the Aiken Website www.aikenaudubon.com. Stop by the banding station to share your sightings. I would love to hear what you have seen.
Have a good birding day,
Julie Shieldcastle Chico Basin Ranch Bander Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
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Date: 4/27/26 2:00 pm From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> Subject: [cobirds] Last appeal to adopt a route for the Breeding Bird Survey
Hi CoBirders,
I posted here a couple of times earlier this season to invite new volunteers to adopt a survey route for the *North American Breeding Bird Survey* (BBS). The survey season is just a month away, and *it is not too late to get involved*. Colorado hosts 136 BBS survey routes distributed all across the state. There are currently* just eight Colorado routes are open for a new volunteer surveyor* (see list below). Five of these are on the Eastern Plains, where our grassland bird populations are undergoing notable declines. It would be wonderful to have more of these routes surveyed to help provide info on population changes there. And there are three routes in south-central Colorado needing coverage.
Requirements for participation are: (1) access to transportation to complete a survey, (2) good hearing and eyesight, and (3) the ability to identify the breeding birds in the area by sight and sound. Knowledge of bird songs and calls is extremely important, because most birds counted on the surveys are detected by sound. A BBS survey requires about five hours to complete, plus travel to and from the route location.
Can you volunteer to adopt a survey route? Contact me directly if you are interested in a route or have questions.
David Suddjian, Littleton BBS Colorado Coordinator
Route # Route Name County Location 17-43 Gordon Creek Washington 17-44 Bethune Kit Carson 17-55 Alamosa Conejos, Alamosa 17-153 Rio Grand Res Mineral, Hinsdale 17-214 Kirk Kit Carson 17-314 Burlington Kit Carson, Yuma 17-321 Sheridan Lake Kiowa, Prowers 17-324 South Fork Rio Grande
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Date: 4/27/26 1:36 pm From: Susan Rosine <u5b2mtdna...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Where have all the swallows gone?
I think to be that emaciated, they had to have been struggling before the
storm, and the storm was just the last straw. Fires destroy insects,
climate change destroys insects, insecticides - ditto. I think they were
already struggling that year. The insect population has been decreasing for
awhile now
Just my two cents, but since we don't make pennies anymore, that's my
nickel's worth.
Susan Rosine
Brighton
On Mon, Apr 27, 2026, 11:04 AM T. Luke George <t.luke.george...>
wrote:
> Studies of many dead birds in NM showed that many of the aerial
> insectivores were emaciated. That is more consistent with the hypothesis
> that the birds died because of the inability to feed on aerial insects due
> to the early snow storm that passed through just prior to that, not due to
> the smoke from fires.
> Luke George
>
> On Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 2:24 PM Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...>
> wrote:
>
>> Remember the migration after the fires when millions of birds died? Many
>> in NM? A lot of them were swallows.
>> Ira Sanders
>> Golden (for another day)
>>
>> On Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 7:31 AM Mary Kay Waddington <
>> <waddingtonmk...> wrote:
>>
>>> Arapahoe County.
>>> From my records I should have had a few Tree Swallows about a month
>>> ago. The Northern Rough-wings should have arrived a week ago and been
>>> looking for nest sites in the creek bank. Violet-greens and Barns should
>>> be flying by every evening. Nada. Not one swallow has shown up.
>>>
>>> Where have all the Swallows gone? Long time passing.
>>>
>>> Where have all the Warblers gone? Long time ago.
>>>
>>> Where have all flycatchers gone?
>>>
>>> Lack of insects every one.
>>>
>>> When will they ever learn?
>>>
>>> When will they ever learn?
>>>
>>> Mary Kay Waddington
>>>
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>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Ira Sanders
>> Golden, CO
>> "My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading
>> into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles
>>
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>>
>
>
> --
> *T. Luke George, PhD*
> *Master Instructor, **Colorado State University*
> *Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology*
> *Wagar 110*
>
> Professor Emeritus, Humboldt State University
> 707-499-4053 (c)
> *<t.luke.george...> <t.luke.george...>*
> "what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Mary
> Oliver
>
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Date: 4/27/26 1:06 pm From: Paula Hansley <plhansley...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Where have all the swallows gone?
I saw a large (50-60 birds) flock of swallows at Sawhill Ponds in Boulder
County last week. They were swirling low over ponds #11 and #4. All
common swallow species were represented except Cliff Swallow, although I
may have missed it because the birds were swirling around so quickly.
It was exciting to watch them but very difficult to observe them because
they were at eye level, swooping around me so I felt like I was part of the
flock! They were there for about 5 minutes and then “poof”, they were
gone….
Paula Hansley
Louisville
On Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 7:31 AM Mary Kay Waddington <waddingtonmk...>
wrote:
> Arapahoe County.
> From my records I should have had a few Tree Swallows about a month ago.
> The Northern Rough-wings should have arrived a week ago and been looking
> for nest sites in the creek bank. Violet-greens and Barns should be flying
> by every evening. Nada. Not one swallow has shown up.
>
> Where have all the Swallows gone? Long time passing.
>
> Where have all the Warblers gone? Long time ago.
>
> Where have all flycatchers gone?
>
> Lack of insects every one.
>
> When will they ever learn?
>
> When will they ever learn?
>
> Mary Kay Waddington
>
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> --
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>
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Date: 4/27/26 10:50 am From: John Rawinski <johnrawinski0...> Subject: [cobirds] Cassin's Vireo in Alamosa
Things are still a little cold here but I did find a Cassin's Vireo and a few TR Warblers at the Malm Trail in Alamosa.
Shorebirds are making a good show with Willets, Marbled Godwits, Western, Baird's and Least Sandpipers and a few Wilson's Phalaropes.
According to Birdcast averages, we should be seeing major waves of birds coming through the San Luis Valley. I am wondering if there will be a fallout of sorts if this wet system arrives Thursday into Friday.
And in response to other posts, we are seeing good number and varieties of swallows here.
John Rawinski Monte Vista, CO
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Date: 4/27/26 10:22 am From: Mike Thompson <mt...> Subject: [cobirds] All flagged Warbling Vireos require audio
Hi everyone - We are well into the first migratory season in which *Western Warbling Vireo (WEWV)* and *Eastern Warbling Vireo (EAWV)* are treated by eBird as separate species. To help manage this split, the current Colorado eBird policy is intentionally straightforward:
1. Any flagged submission as either EAWV or WEWV must include diagnostic audio to be accepted. 2. Flagged submissions without audio must be revised to WEWV/EAWV (slash) to be accepted.
*In short: if it flags, include audio.*
Statewide eBird filters for EAWV and WEWV have been carefully crafted by Kathy Mihm Dunning and Andrew Spencer. The filters balance accuracy while accommodating new insights, recognizing that much remains to be learned about status and distribution. As always, filters are subject to improvement, with plans to revisit this coming winter after a full season of observations.
Areas most affected by the split and filter changes include portions of eastern Colorado, the Urban Corridor, and the Front Range.
Currently, diagnostic vocal identification relies on subtle differences in song. Colorado examples of each species can be found here:
Photos are also strongly encouraged, especially those clearly showing facial features and primaries. While audio is currently required for species-level confirmation of flagged submissions, this policy may relax as we gain more experience. Well-documented slash submissions, particularly those with strong photo evidence, could be candidates for retroactive upgrade.
eBirding of Warbling Vireos requires caution and restraint, and will present challenges for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and important contributions!
Mike Thompson
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Date: 4/27/26 10:04 am From: T. Luke George <t.luke.george...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Where have all the swallows gone?
Studies of many dead birds in NM showed that many of the aerial
insectivores were emaciated. That is more consistent with the hypothesis
that the birds died because of the inability to feed on aerial insects due
to the early snow storm that passed through just prior to that, not due to
the smoke from fires.
Luke George
On Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 2:24 PM Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...> wrote:
> Remember the migration after the fires when millions of birds died? Many
> in NM? A lot of them were swallows.
> Ira Sanders
> Golden (for another day)
>
> On Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 7:31 AM Mary Kay Waddington <
> <waddingtonmk...> wrote:
>
>> Arapahoe County.
>> From my records I should have had a few Tree Swallows about a month ago.
>> The Northern Rough-wings should have arrived a week ago and been looking
>> for nest sites in the creek bank. Violet-greens and Barns should be flying
>> by every evening. Nada. Not one swallow has shown up.
>>
>> Where have all the Swallows gone? Long time passing.
>>
>> Where have all the Warblers gone? Long time ago.
>>
>> Where have all flycatchers gone?
>>
>> Lack of insects every one.
>>
>> When will they ever learn?
>>
>> When will they ever learn?
>>
>> Mary Kay Waddington
>>
>> --
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Colorado Birds" group.
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>> Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate.
>> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ >> ---
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>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAA-Db7f6UUBSfFq%2BB843WqdYpEoBFbar%<3DYK9T_TEzoxK3dKmJw...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAA-Db7f6UUBSfFq%2BB843WqdYpEoBFbar%<3DYK9T_TEzoxK3dKmJw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>
>
> --
> Ira Sanders
> Golden, CO
> "My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading
> into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles
>
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>
--
*T. Luke George, PhD*
*Master Instructor, **Colorado State University*
*Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology*
*Wagar 110*
Professor Emeritus, Humboldt State University
707-499-4053 (c)
*<t.luke.george...> <t.luke.george...>*
"what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Mary
Oliver
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Date: 4/27/26 9:19 am From: Meg Reck <silverlocks1027...> Subject: [cobirds] White-winged Dove in Arapahoe Co. today
Just an FYI.
The White-winged Dove is still around the area today, Monday, April 27.
It came to the backyard for 2 very brief visits. If interested in seeing it
- Likely best found between the fences and the apartments. Don’t park in
the apartment lots. Street parking only on Arkansas Ave or Arkansas St.
near Alta Vista Park.
Attached today’s photos.
Meg Reck
Arapahoe Co
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Date: 4/27/26 8:06 am From: 'Meredith McBurney' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Chatfield Banding Station, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies 4-27-26
We are continuing to experience "normal" early spring banding - as of the end of our first 3 days, we have captured each of the species that we expect to get during this early time period. I think this is the first time this has happened since before 2020. We already had our House Wrens, a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, a warbler species, and Hermit Thrush. Today we added a second warbler species, Lincoln's Sparrow and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. The only missing species is Yellow-rumped Warbler, and it isn't that they aren't at the station, they are just staying stubbornly above net level. The early spring has brought in migrants on what used to be their normal schedule?
Here's the breakdown from Sunday, 4/26:
Downy Woodpecker 1 Black-capped Chickadee 1 return, banded last fall (our first fall banding at Chatfield) Bushtit 1 Northern House Wren 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 American Robin 1 Wilson's Warbler 1 Spotted Towhee 3 Lincoln's Sparrow 1
We are banding Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays) through May 31, weather permitting. There are opportunities for the public to visit on weekends and early mornings most weekdays. Reservations are required and can be made through the Denver Audubon website <https://www.denveraudubon.org/calendar>. (Many/most sessions are already sold out, so sign up now if you are interested!)
Meredith McBurney Bander, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
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Date: 4/27/26 6:48 am From: M T <raptordefender...> Subject: [cobirds] Colorado Drought
Good Morning,
I want to share a reference tool that will help shed some light on how expansive our current statewide drought situation is, so you can connect the dots on what potential it might have on birds in Colorado. Please keep in mind the seriousness of this when giving thought as to why some birds might be shifting from their historical haunts.
Just a little context for how this has progressed over the winter, the central mountains of Summit and Eagle Co. had two small areas of exceptional drought on 1/20/26. Now the range of the exceptional drought has encompassed the entire NW quadrant of the state.
This is just food for thought on how the drought will impact foraging opportunities for the multitude of avian species that live or migrate through our state.
Fingers crossed for more long term moisture.
Michael Tincher Loveland, CO
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Date: 4/26/26 7:51 pm From: Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Trifecta of Orange-crowned Warblers on Saturday, April 25th
Okay, but adding in the 102 reported yesterday by Steve & Glenn, that's a
hectapentafecta of orange-crowned warblers. By the way, did you know that
the map of Colorado actually has 697 sides, not the commonly supposed four,
making said map a hexahectaenneacontakaiheptagon? Just sayin'...
Thanks, —Ted Floyd (Lafayette, Boulder Co.)
On Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 8:03 PM kevygudguy via Colorado Birds <
<cobirds...> wrote:
Hello Fellow CoBirders,
>
> Adding to the two Orange-crowned Warblers reported yesterday by the
> banders at the Clear Springs and Chatfield banding stations, attendees of
> the annual Karval Mountain Plover Festival saw one on April 25th during a
> walkabout in a deciduous tree gallery on a cattle ranch a few miles west of
> Karval in Lincoln County.
>
> Keep Smilin',
> Kevin Corwin
> Arapahoe County
>
> Sent from my Remington Rand Typewriter via my Rotary Dial Wall Phone
>
>
>
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Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:15:00 Total observation time: 4.25 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley
Observers:
Visitors: Our long-term volunteer Ryan Gannon led a Denver Audubon field trip up to the ridge this morning. The group got to enjoy most of the species seen today.
We had an additional 13 visitors at the ridge today.
Thank you to Andrew Jensen and Sara Painter for volunteering at the Hawk Watch today.
Weather: Moody spring weather sets in this week and today was no difference. Clouds were low and heavy all day except for a few moments of sunshine, lasting no more than 20 minutes. Precipitation was present briefly in the early afternoon and picked up again at the end of the count. Lightning was on and off through the afternoon causing the count to end at 1415 MST.
Raptor Observations: Migration is always interesting on these heavy cloud days and today was no difference. The day started with an eye-level Sharp-shinned Hawk, and was quickly followed by migrants moving high through the low clouds. We had a few birds move at a time including a Red-tailed Hawk and Peregrine Falcon in the same area giving us a great opportunity to compare the size of the two. Broad-winged Hawks moved west and overhead giving our group some nice looks. Another late season Ferruginous Hawk moved N today.
Osprey continue to move low below the ridge on the east side.
Local Red-tailed Hawks continue to show aggression to each other and a local Golden Eagle.
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 2, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 2, Mourning Dove 2, Double-crested Cormorant 1, Say's Phoebe 1, Black-billed Magpie 2, American Crow 1, Common Raven 1, Rock Wren 1, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher 1, House Finch 5, Goldfinch 2, Pine Siskin 2, Spotted Towhee 1, Western Meadowlark 1, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 1
Predictions: Tomorrow will likely be cloudy and colder again with precipitation hopefully staying dormant until after the count. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 4/26/26 7:03 pm From: kevygudguy via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Trifecta of Orange-crowned Warblers on Saturday, April 25th
Hello Fellow CoBirders,
Adding to the two Orange-crowned Warblers reported yesterday by the banders at the Clear Springs and Chatfield banding stations, attendees of the annual Karval Mountain Plover Festival saw one on April 25th during a walkabout in a deciduous tree gallery on a cattle ranch a few miles west of Karval in Lincoln County.
Keep Smilin',Kevin CorwinArapahoe County Sent from my Remington Rand Typewriter via my Rotary Dial Wall Phone
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Date: 4/26/26 6:06 pm From: Kit Seeborg <kit...> Subject: [cobirds] Join BCAS this Tuesday for “Why Private Land Conservation Matters”
Hello Co-Birders,
Be sure to join Boulder County Audubon Society with guest speaker Tony
Caliguiri, President of Colorado Open Lands, for a discussion about the
role of privately owned land in protecting Colorado’s land and water
resources.
Free, no registration required. Hearing assistive devices will be available.
See you there or on Zoom!
Kit
--
*Kit Seeborg*
Communication and Outreach Volunteer
Boulder County Audubon Society <http://www.boulderaudubon.org> Boulder, Colorado
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Date: 4/26/26 2:28 pm From: Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73...> Subject: [cobirds] eBirding & iNatting The Arsenal on Day 1 of the much-ballyhooed Pattern Change
Hey, all.
Well, they're saying we're on the cusp of a long-awaited "pattern change,"
with 10+ days of stormy weather forecast for the Front Range metro region.
We shall see... In any event, Pete Christiansen & Archer Silverman and I,
not being ones to take any chances on missing some good birds & other
biota, scrapped all our carefully laid plans for yesterday, Sat., Apr. 25,
and instead spent a fair chunk of the day at Rocky Mountain Arsenal
National Wildlife Refuge, Adams Co.
As is often the case with Arsenal runs, the proceedings commenced with a
Floyd-induced navigational error. Somehow I managed to punch in the
coordinates not for Archer's house in Denver but, rather, for the historic
Zion Baptist Church's food bank downtown. So Pete & I rerouted, snagged
Archer, and made our way over to The Arsenal, arriving a coupla minutes
before "sunrise." Which there wasn't much of, as it was overcast, humid,
and chilly, with a lowering and louring cloud deck.
We started at the Havana Ponds complex, where a passerellid movement
clearly was underway: 40+ *gambelii white-crowned sparrows* and smaller
numbers of *chipping, lark, vesper,* & *savannah sparrows,* plus *spotted
towhees.* Cool to witness a bit of "morning flight" of northbound
waterbirds: *greater yellowlegs,* *Franklin gull,* *white-faced ibis,* & *snowy
egret.* Also: 14 striking *Wilson phalaropes,* an apparent *leucurus downy
woodpecker,* a *loggerhead shrike* perched on a mullein stalk, a few
*violent-green
swallows,* a peevish *blue-gray gnatcatcher,* & the first eight of the
many *Say
phoebes* that we would see at The Arsenal. On a side note, Pete was
seriously channeling his inner Rollen Stewart, b. k. a. The Rainbow Man,
known to all on COBirds who saw the 1979 MLB All Star Game, in which the
late great Dave Parker was named MVP, Morganna smooched George Brett, and
Stewart put in an unforgettable cameo:
[image: 01 PC.jpg]
Over at Gun Club Pond, we espied a *Lincoln sparrow* that scurried under
the boardwalk . . . and didn't seem to come back out again. 😬 Also, a *myrtle
warbler,* the first we would see at six stops total at The Arsenal
yesterday. Walking back to the car along the Wildlife Drive, we saw
two *auduboni
hermit thrushes* in a large flock of chipping sparrows, plus two
caterwauling *great-tailed grackles* in a flock of fisherman; also a *bank
swallow.* Back at the Havana Ponds parking area, we decided to make a quick
second run up to Little Havana, to see if anything had dropped in, and,
yes, stuff had dropped in: a *Wilson snipe,* two *solitary sandpipers,* & a
hulking *marbled godwit.* Two random musings (🤔): First, what would be
that bird's 4LC if its name were marbled gadwit? Second, what would you
call a mixed-up marbled godwit at a spoonerisms conference hosted by a
well-known Colorado birder named Larry? Answer: a garbled Modesitt. But I
digress.
We repaired to Pete's specialty Subaru, with the seat warmers—even the rear
seats!—on full blast (☺️), for a few glorious moments of delectable
ectothermy, then carried on to Lower Derby Rez, which had a nice assortment
of ducks, including lingering *Aythya*s like *redhead, lesser scaup,*
& *ring-necked
duck;* also *red-breasted* & *common mergansers,* plus loafing *buffleheads*
& *ruddy ducks.* There was a decent smattering of shorebirds here, too, led
by 7+ *lesser yellowlegses* & a *semipalmated sandpiper.* Also 8+ *Brewer
blackbirds* gleaning detritus from the foamy shoreline & a *rock wren,*
*ch'PEEE*ing loudly and then obligingly bee-bopping on the riprap. (There's
gotta be a poem there: rock wren, bee bop, rip rap. Quick! Where's Michèle
Battiste <https://www.lafayetteco.gov/2740/Poet-Laureate>, newly appointed
Poet Laureate of Lafayette, Boulder Co., when ya need 'er? Does your
Colorado city have a poet laureate? Hm?)
By the time we'd made it to Big Blue Stem, the overcast was so thick that
it was like dusk. But there were cool birds to be found out there: a *Brewer
sparrow* perhaps on territory (they are locally common nesters at Big Blue
Stem), at least four more loggerhead shrikes, & two kingbirds—one a
*western* & the other a locally uncommon *Cassin*—hunting
semi-cooperatively. Or maybe it was just a case of tit-for-tat
kleptoparasitism. On top of the overcast, there was the matter that I had
unwittingly mucked up the manual focus–auto focus settings on my camera,
which, appropriately enough are mfAF. I kid you not:
[image: 02 MF AF.jpg]
Anyhow, here are two of the Big Blue Stem bijoux, a not-quite-in-focus LOSH
& an even-less-in-focus CAKI:
[image: 03 LoSh.jpg] [image: 04 CaKi.jpg]
Felicitously, my "tiger beetle camera" was not thus affected.
Infelicitously, there was a nary a tiger beetle to be seen anywhere at The
Arsenal yesterday, what with the cloud cover and all. However, we got more
than satisfactory looks at an adorable wolf spider, family Lycosidae,
perhaps *Alopecosa kochi*, channeling its inner ewok; & a ferocious desert
stink beetle, in the tenebrionid genus *Eleodes*, the red-backed darkling
beetle, *E. suturalis*:
[image: 05 Lycosidae.jpg] [image: 06 E suturalis.jpg]
This is how it's done, *per* Pete:
[image: 07 TF AS.jpg]
Over at nearby Upper Derby woods, we picked up, well, some woodland birds:
13 *blue jays,* 3 *nelsoni white-breasted nuthatches,* & a sweetly
singing *black-capped
chickadee.* And there was drama overhead, with more white-faced ibides (one
ibis, two ibi, three or more ibides, it's Greek, trust me 🤓) on apparent
VisMig & a skyful of swallows (we saw all six species of the Front Range
regulars at The Arsenal yesterday) being worked over by a high-flying *Cooper
hawk.*
The don't-get-out-of-your-car part of the Wildlife Drive produced lots more
vesper sparrows, both small migrant flocks and songsters on territory, as
well as an adult *bald eagle* on a titanic nest. And a quick detour over to
the base of Rattlesnake Hill got us our FOY *burrowing owl,* a distant
adult perched primly atop a bison pie.
Swinging down to Upper Ladora Rez, we flushed a sharply chipping *palm
warbler, *an Arsenal mega, from the weeds; the bird kept going,
northwestward, perhaps to Greenlee Wildlife Preserve, perhaps to Alberta.
Also a mixed-species flock of* western, eared,* & *pied-billed grebes.* We
wound up our time at The Arsenal down at Mary's & the Discovery Trail,
where migrating *gambelii* white-crowned sparrows were in officially
ridiculous abundance.
And we made a miscalculation. We thought we'd recorded "only" 84 bird
species, so Pete deftly guided us to the HOSP-filled parking lot of Love
Psychic <https://coloradobestpsychic.com/>, which, critically, is in Adams
Co., not Denver Co., so "close enough," we reckoned. See, we'd thought
those *house sparrows* were a celebratory #85, a nice "round" number, and a
semiprime, but, actually, we'd miscounted—and already'd gotten 85 species
at The Arsenal proper. In due course, we got Archer back home, where his
mom notified Pete & me that it was Archer's birthday and he's therefore got
a valid CO learner's permit, EVERYBODY SAVE YOURSELVES, GET OFF THE LAWNS &
SIDEWALKS NOW, and we headed back up to Lafayette, where I plied Kei with
Pete's legendary lemon squares. And...The day wasn't over. Kei drove me
right back down to Archer's Denver neighborhood, where I was a guest at a
hipster Millennial mega blowout death party. The (actually quite innocent)
pizza-fueled rave was outdoors, and I was enchanted there by two
nest-building *American bushtits.* Also, oddly, the day's first *Eurasian
collared-doves.* Meanwhile, Andrew—whom I'm sure some of you remember and
who is in Korea these days—WhatsApp'd me (because if there's a "sociable,"
even on the other side of the world, Andrew will find his way to it...),
and I could hear real-time *brown-eared bulbuls* & *Asian tits* (and oh
crap, I wish I hadn't googled that bird's name to make sure I got it right
😳) during the call, but I declined to add those to the day's species list.
Eventually, it was back to Lafayette, again, and a pair of duetting *great
horned owls, *#89, a full-on prime, and a satisfying end to the long day.
Ted Floyd
Lafayette, Boulder Co.
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Date: 4/26/26 1:24 pm From: Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Where have all the swallows gone?
Remember the migration after the fires when millions of birds died? Many in
NM? A lot of them were swallows.
Ira Sanders
Golden (for another day)
On Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 7:31 AM Mary Kay Waddington <waddingtonmk...>
wrote:
> Arapahoe County.
> From my records I should have had a few Tree Swallows about a month ago.
> The Northern Rough-wings should have arrived a week ago and been looking
> for nest sites in the creek bank. Violet-greens and Barns should be flying
> by every evening. Nada. Not one swallow has shown up.
>
> Where have all the Swallows gone? Long time passing.
>
> Where have all the Warblers gone? Long time ago.
>
> Where have all flycatchers gone?
>
> Lack of insects every one.
>
> When will they ever learn?
>
> When will they ever learn?
>
> Mary Kay Waddington
>
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Golden, CO
"My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading
into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles
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Date: 4/26/26 1:03 pm From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> Subject: [cobirds] Latest BIRD BOMBS video available, and register for the next episode May 14
Hi CoBirders,
The video of the latest *BIRD BOMBS Habitat Blast: At the Feet of the Foothills <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wxs8eLtRVlU>* is now up for viewing on the DFO YouTube Channel. Explore the breeding bird bird communities of the hogbacks zone and the lowest foothill slopes.
David Suddjian Littleton, CO [image: BIRD BOMBS Knock on Wood 5-14-26.png]
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Date: 4/26/26 10:31 am From: 'Linda Andes-Georges' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] early Western Kingbird, central Boulder Cnty
Just after dawn this morning I heard this distinctive resonant call ("jiberty WIP WIP WIP WIP WIP"). It repeated the sequence several times emphatically.
I was so astonished that I gasped and ran back inside for my bins; alas, the bird was moving away from me fast and I never got a look. It never sang but it is hard to mistake this call for anything else.
Has anyone else heard one in the last day or today? I did not see any mentions on CObirds, even in the mist-net reports.
Linda
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Date: 4/26/26 6:31 am From: Mary Kay Waddington <waddingtonmk...> Subject: [cobirds] Where have all the swallows gone?
Arapahoe County. From my records I should have had a few Tree Swallows about a month ago. The Northern Rough-wings should have arrived a week ago and been looking for nest sites in the creek bank. Violet-greens and Barns should be flying by every evening. Nada. Not one swallow has shown up.
Where have all the Swallows gone? Long time passing.
Where have all the Warblers gone? Long time ago.
Where have all flycatchers gone?
Lack of insects every one.
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?
Mary Kay Waddington
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Date: 4/26/26 6:25 am From: woodcreeper29 via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Logan/Sedgwick counties
Hi All,
Yesterday Glenn Walbek and I spent the day in Northeastern CO, primarily Logan and Sedgewick counties. The day started overcast and drizzly but as the day went on things dried out and visibility improved. This weather pattern produced a fallout the likes of which I haven't seen in Colorado in decades. It was reminiscent of being on the coast as every little patch of weeds had sparrows by the hundreds and every wooded area was full of warblers. We totaled 306 White-crowned Sparrows with hundreds going unidentified. At Tamarack Ranch SWA every stand of junipers was alive with Orange-crowned Warblers. We ended up with 102. Undoubtedly there were several hundred more as we only scratched the surface of the available habitat. We counted 22 Spotted Towhees in one sunflower patch and totaled 38 for the day. Rarities included a Male Hooded Warbler, Cassin's Vireo, a total of 4 Northern Parulas and a Piping Plover at Jumbo reservoir Sedgewick county side. Besides the previously mentioned species others that "broke the ebird filters" were 22 Lincolns sparrows, 15 Say's Phoebies, 12 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 35 Willets and 100 Eared Grebes. Other birds of note were a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Ovid, Harris's and White-throated Sparrows at Jumbo White-throated Sparrow and Gray Catbird at Tamarack Ranch. Another interesting note is that most of the observed Orange-crowned Warblers associated mostly with the juniper habitats while the large groups of Yellow-rumped Warblers were seen primarily in the cottonwood river bottom or around Jumbo. All in all an amazing day for overall numbers of birds!
Steve Larson
Northglenn, CO
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Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Soren Zappia
Observers: Laura Farnsworth
Visitors: 19 visitors, and one field trip. It was a busy day for visitors, and we had our final DFO field trip in the morning led by Ajit and Liza Antony - we are thankful to them for hosting our DFO trips.
We also want to thank Julie Eyden, Jeff Birek, and Jessie and Horace Liu for their help at the count today!
Weather: Today was cool with lots of cloud cover, scattered in the morning becoming gradually overcast by the end of the count. Winds were generally light to moderate from the east, varying SE to NE. Temperatures were in the mid 50s F, and humidity was higher than prior days. After a few hours, a very light layer of fog slightly limited visibility to the north and west, and a few times we saw birds disappear into the low clouds/fog.
Unsurprisingly, thermals did not seem as powerful as prior days, and birds were not able to gain height as quickly.
Raptor Observations: We had a good flight of raptors today, with birds seen throughout the day. American Kestrels were the most numerous, although we also had good diversity of species. Osprey made a strong showing with five counted. Almost all of our accipitrines seen today were Cooper's Hawks, and a local Cooper's Hawk was displaying and chasing off migrant birds.
Two Broad-winged Hawks were seen in the morning, with one close by on the east and the other high overhead. Swainson's Hawks mostly came in the afternoon and included a dark morph adult.
in the afternoon most birds were fairly low, with a good number overhead or slightly west, including a dark morph Ferruginous Hawk that flew past in the afternoon! We were surprised to see one this late in the season.
In the final hour we saw an adult Peregrine Falcon, our second of the day, fly past on the east incredibly fast. The final migrant was a late flying Northern Harrier that took its time circling before gaining height.
Besides the raptor flight, we also had our best Yellow-rumped Warbler flight so far, with thirteen seen flying north throughout the day, mostly in the morning.
Non-raptor Observations: duck sp. 3, White-throated Swift 30, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 6, Feral Pigeon 2, Mourning Dove 2, Double-crested Cormorant 6, American White Pelican 4, Northern Flicker 1, Say's Phoebe 1, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 1, Black-billed Magpie 1, Common Raven 5, Black-capped Chickadee 1, Violet-green Swallow 1, American Bushtit 1, Rock Wren 1, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher 1, House Finch 2, Pine Siskin 2, Spotted Towhee 2, Western Meadowlark 2, Yellow-rumped Warbler 5, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 11
Predictions: Tomorrow, more east winds and cool temperatures are predicted, with mostly cloudy skies. Thunderstorms are predicted in the afternoon and may limit the duration of the count - keep an eye on the weather! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 4/25/26 7:49 pm From: Steven Brown <sbrown37...> Subject: [cobirds] Clear Spring Ranch banding Saturday
Hey COBirders,
I opened my banding station at Clear Spring Ranch this week. While it is greener that typical for this date, and obviously drier, the birding is about as slow as you would expect. So far not much seen or banded besides the normal Red-winged Blackbirds, Brown-headed Cowbirds, sparrows, and towhees, many of which probably overwintered on site.
N House Wrens are arriving, and setting up territories. I’ve caught the same pair about three times already. White-crowned Sparrows are still here (I band them in October and they stay until about now before heading back to the Arctic), but not in great numbers compared to other springs. Lincoln’s Sparrows arrivals are increasing by the day.
The best arrivals today were a gorgeous breeding adult male Orange-crowned Warbler (orestera ssp), and a gorgeous breeding plumage White-throated Sparrow, although just a second-year bird. I’ve only caught 3 in15 springs here (but 20+ in the fall).
I’ll post more as I get greater numbers, and unusual arrivals.
Happy Migration,
Steve Brown
Colo Spgs
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Date: 4/25/26 6:31 pm From: 'Meredith McBurney' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Chatfield Banding Station, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies 4-25-26
Today was cool and grey, and a tad slower than yesterday, but not unusual for this early in the season.
Biggest surprise of the day was a Gray Flycatcher, rarish and quite early - we have caught 10 in the past 18 years, and none before the middle of May. (I think it is the earliest capture of any Empid at this station; they usually start to arrive about May 5.)
Another nice surprise was an older Spotted Towhee, banded has a young bird in 2022, so hatched in 2021. And our first warbler of the season - a very bright Orange-crowned.
Here's a breakdown of today's 9 new and 3 returns:
We are banding Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays) through May 31, weather permitting. There are opportunities for the public to visit on weekends and early mornings most weekdays. Reservations are required and can be made through the Denver Audubon website <https://www.denveraudubon.org/calendar>. (Many/most sessions are already sold out, so sign up now if you are interested!)
Meredith McBurney Bander, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
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Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Soren Zappia
Observers:
Visitors: 6 visitors.
We had four teams of volunteers from EY visit today! It was great to meet all of them and they helped us spot birds and greet visitors. We enjoyed watching both local and migrant birds and saw lots of territorial disputes. Thank you to Haley from EY for leading the groups, teaching them about our site, and making the hike up four times today.
We also want to thank Leslie Dixon, Kathie Moses, and Steve Price for their help and working with our visiting volunteers!
Weather: It started as a beautiful day with a light SE wind, clear skies, and temperatures in the mid 50s F. This continued until around 13:00 MST when the WNW winds started to pick up. Winds were anywhere from 3-5 bft but would come intermittently with periods of calm.
Cloud cover increased gradually throughout the day, with few clouds for most the morning, scattered clouds for most of the afternoon, and a mostly cloudy sky for the final hour.
Raptor Observations: We had a few more migrants than prior days, with juvenile Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, and American Kestrels making up the majority of migrating birds. We saw a single adult Broad-winged Hawk fly past midday low and distant on the west side, lower than we usually see them. It was a slow and steady pace throughout the day, with birds coming on a variety of paths, including some at or below eye level in the afternoon when winds were highest.
Local birds were quite territorial and often chased off migrant birds, especially the migrant juvenile RTs. A local Cooper's Hawk was also seen chasing off migrant accipitrines.
Outside of raptors, we saw our first of season Cliff Swallow and two Northern Rough-winged Swallows.
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 45, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 2, Mourning Dove 1, Double-crested Cormorant 5, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 2, Black-billed Magpie 1, Common Raven 2, Black-capped Chickadee 1, Violet-green Swallow 27, Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2, Cliff Swallow 1, Rock Wren 1, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher 1, House Finch 2, Pine Siskin 2, Spotted Towhee 2, Western Meadowlark 1
Predictions: Tomorrow, temperatures are predicted to be cool in the 40s and 50s F. Sun is predicted for the first hour or two, but overcast skies are predicted for the remainder of the day. We are hopeful to get a break from the west winds that have been here the past few days, with light N and E winds predicted throughout the day. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 4/24/26 5:48 pm From: 'Meredith McBurney' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] Opening Day - Chatfield Banding Station, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies 4-24-26
Welcome to Spring Banding Season!
We had a very nice mix of birds for this crisp, cool, but sunny opening day. We caught 15 birds, including many of the species that we expect to catch in late April, which always comes as a relief when it happens.
Four of the birds were returns from last year, including a pair of Northern House Wrens that were banded on the same day last year (May 21), a male and female that at that time were both in breeding condition. They were caught in the same net last year, and in the same but different net today........love is in the air?!
Here's a breakdown of our first day's 15 birds:
Bushtit 1 Northern House Wren 3 new, 2 returns (see above) Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 Hermit Thrush 1 Spotted Towhee 1 (first capture of season)) Song Sparrow 1 new, 1 banded 2025 White-crowned Sparrow, Gambel's 2 Red-winged Blackbird 1, banded 2025 American Goldfinch 1
We are banding Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays) through May 31, weather permitting. There are opportunities for the public to visit on weekends and early mornings most weekdays through the Denver Audubon website <https://www.denveraudubon.org/calendar>. (Many/most sessions are already sold out, so sign up now if you are interested!)
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Always enjoy your posts. John. Treva is now 85 and and I'm now 88. Leon Bright On Mar 21, 2026 12:58 PM, John Rawinski <johnrawinski0...> wrote:
The last two days had me doing yard work at my home. And I am just beneath the NW flight line of the cranes. Hundreds and hundreds of cranes left the Valley in the last few days. A bike trip at the refuge at mid day today showed very few on their loafing areas. So it seems like the show is over until next fall. John RawinskiMonte Vista, CO
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Observation start time: 05:30:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8.75 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley, Emma Riley, Soren Zappia , Soren Zappia
Observers:
Visitors: We had five visitors at the ridge today including Jessie and Therese, two AmeriCorps Environmental Educators for Denver Audubon and Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.
Ryan Gannon is our Thursday afternoon volunteer at the ridge and we are so grateful for his help!
Weather: Winds were high again today causing us to pause the count from 0815 MST to 1100 MST. Winds varied in direction and speed today. Temperatures were warm in the early afternoon before dropping with increased cloud cover in the late afternoon.
Raptor Observations: Migration has been halted this week by winds from the west. Our first migrating raptors came during the last few hours of the day. What we didn't get in quantity today we got in quality with our first two migrants being an eye-level Merlin and a below eye-level Peregrine Falcon. We also had an eye-level immature Northern Harrier that came directly along the ridge.
Non-migrant activity was high today with up to four Red-tailed Hawks and five Turkey Vultures active in the area at one time. Both adult and immature Red-tailed Hawks were seen kiting and acting territorial in the area.
Today was our first day monitoring the passerine morning flight but we seem to be a little early. A Hermit Thrush, Chipping Sparrow, and a Northern Rough-winged Swallow were a few highlights from the morning.
Non-raptor Observations: Mallard 3, White-throated Swift 5, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 5, Eurasian Collared-Dove 2, Mourning Dove 5, Double-crested Cormorant 1, Say's Phoebe 1, Blue Jay 2, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 1, Black-billed Magpie 1, American Crow 1, Common Raven 2, Black-capped Chickadee 1, Violet-green Swallow 11, Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1, swalow sp. 1, Rock Wren 1, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher 2, Hermit Thrush 1, American Robin 1, Chipping Sparrow 1, Spotted Towhee 3, Western Meadowlark 1, Red-winged Blackbird 10, Common Grackle 5, Yellow-rumped Warbler 1, passerine sp. 6
Predictions: Winds are predicted to be lower speeds tomorrow but variable in direction. We are hoping any day now that migration picks back up. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:15:00 Total observation time: 6.75 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley, Soren Zappia , Soren Zappia
Observers:
Visitors: 17 Visitors. It was fun to watch the mountain bikers come up the trail in the high winds today. We also met a hiker celebrating his birthday.
Thank you to Kathie Moses and Cayce and Chris Gulbransen for volunteering today! We appreciate you both for your spotting and for your company.
Weather: It was a warm and windy day today. Winds were light to moderate, generally from the west, for most of the morning. Humidity was very low throughout the day, reaching 6% RH at one point.
Temperatures peaked in the mid 80s in mid-afternoon, before the cloud cover returned and west winds intensified. The wind continued to pick up until the count was ended at 15:15 MST due to high winds.
Raptor Observations: It was a surprisingly slow day for migration with only 6 birds seen on the total count. Our first bird was a Sharp-shinned Hawk was seen in the first half hour struggling in the winds. Most birds today were overhead, including two juvenile Red-tailed Hawks and a Cooper's Hawk, but we also had a distant American Kestrel to the west and one on the east.
Local RTs were kiting in the wind for most of the day - we watched a local RT attempted to fend off a raven while carrying a large snake. There was a lot of swift and swallow activity today, even in high winds. A few Steller's Jays and a sapsucker flew past quickly in the early am.
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 10, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 3, Mourning Dove 1, Double-crested Cormorant 1, Red-naped Sapsucker 1, Steller's Jay 2, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 6, American Crow 1, Common Raven 2, Violet-green Swallow 45, Barn Swallow 2, swalow sp. 50, Rock Wren 1, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher 1, American Robin 1, House Finch 2, American Goldfinch 1, Pine Siskin 1, White-crowned Sparrow 1, Spotted Towhee 1, Western Meadowlark 2
Predictions: Tomorrow, expect cooler temperatures in the 50s F with sun in the morning and increasing clouds in the afternoon. Winds are forecasted west from 15-20 mph with possible gusts of over 30 MPH. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:15:00 Total observation time: 6.75 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley, Soren Zappia , Soren Zappia
Observers:
Visitors: 17 Visitors. It was fun to watch the mountain bikers come up the trail in the high winds today. We also met a hiker celebrating his birthday.
Thank you to Kathie Moses and Cayce and Chris Gulbransen for volunteering today! We appreciate you both for your spotting and for your company.
Weather: It was a warm and windy day today. Winds were light to moderate, generally from the west, for most of the morning. Humidity was very low throughout the day, reaching 6% RH at one point.
Temperatures peaked in the mid 80s in mid-afternoon, before the cloud cover returned and west winds intensified. The wind continued to pick up until the count was ended at 15:15 MST due to high winds.
Raptor Observations: It was a surprisingly slow day for migration with only 6 birds seen on the total count. Our first bird was a Sharp-shinned Hawk was seen in the first half hour struggling in the winds. Most birds today were overhead, including two juvenile Red-tailed Hawks and a Cooper's Hawk, but we also had a distant American Kestrel to the west and one on the east.
Local RTs were kiting in the wind for most of the day - we watched a local RT attempted to fend off a raven while carrying a large snake. There was a lot of swift and swallow activity today, even in high winds. A few Steller's Jays and a sapsucker flew past quickly in the early am.
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 10, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 3, Mourning Dove 1, Double-crested Cormorant 1, Red-naped Sapsucker 1, Steller's Jay 2, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 6, American Crow 1, Common Raven 2, Violet-green Swallow 45, Barn Swallow 2, swalow sp. 50, Rock Wren 1, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher 1, American Robin 1, House Finch 2, American Goldfinch 1, Pine Siskin 1, White-crowned Sparrow 1, Spotted Towhee 1, Western Meadowlark 2
Predictions: Tomorrow, expect cooler temperatures in the 50s F with sun in the morning and increasing clouds in the afternoon. Winds are forecasted west from 15-20 mph with possible gusts of over 30 MPH. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 17:15:00 Total observation time: 8.75 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley, Soren Zappia , Soren Zappia
Observers:
Visitors: 3 visitors. Although visitors were few in numbers today, we enjoyed spending time watching the birds with them.
Thank you also to Derek Freed and Chip Dawes for volunteering today! Today was truly a team effort with the distant high birds.
Weather: It was a hot and sunny day. Temperatures quickly rose to the low 80s F where it remained for the rest of the day. In the morning, clouds were few but by the late afternoon there was a thin wispy cloud layer in addition to scattered denser clouds.
After a brief hour or so of light west wind, winds were light to moderate from the southeast, at their most intense during midday and early afternoon. During the final hour of the count, wind occasionally gusted from the west before switching back to east.
Raptor Observations: Raptors definitely took advantage of the sun and warm temperatures today, and even local birds were high up within less than an hour of the count start.
Most Broad-winged Hawks today were seen in the first full hour of the count quite distantly, but we had one later glide overhead relatively close midday as well. Sharp-shinned Hawks made up the majority of the accipitrines we saw today, moving throughout the day. A few Swainson's Hawks, including a dark morph, were seen in the afternoon. Unlike prior days, only a few migrating American Kestrels were seen towards the end of the count.
Outside of raptors, we had two small groups of Franklin's gulls overhead - one group so close that you could see their pinkish tinge!
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose 2, White-throated Swift 3, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 3, Mourning Dove 3, Franklin's Gull 40, Double-crested Cormorant 1, American White Pelican 4, Say's Phoebe 1, Blue Jay 2, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 1, Black-billed Magpie 1, American Crow 2, Common Raven 2, Black-capped Chickadee 1, Tree Swallow 3, Violet-green Swallow 1, swalow sp. 1, American Bushtit 3, Rock Wren 1, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher 1, Red-breasted Nuthatch 1, House Finch 3, American Goldfinch 1, Spotted Towhee 1, Western Meadowlark 1, Red-winged Blackbird 2
Predictions: Tomorrow, we expect similar high temperatures and sun. Winds from the southwest are predicted, light to moderate in the morning but stronger in the afternoon, with possible wind gusts of 30+ MPH. Make sure to bring lots of water and sunscreen! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 4/21/26 2:17 pm From: Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...> Subject: [cobirds] More birds in Golden-Jeffco
Birders, Fortunately the bird action has improved since I was complaining about it. Our FOS birds are: House Wren B. Oriole (heard) Am Goldfinch (alternate plumage) Others are singing and it is much nicer than before.
-- Ira Sanders Golden, CO "My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles
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Date: 4/21/26 8:42 am From: 'Linda Andes-Georges' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: [cobirds] House Wrens -- with just one, I rejoice
With many, I get weary. But I'm glad the wren houses are up & ready, as well as the swallow boxes (we've never had a bluebird, alas).
Also, our Black-chinned Hummingbird has made his first appearance, unless he was on a hurry north, like the one Pam heard. We have a few Broad-tailed out here in the prairie, but they won't stay.
I'm enjoying spring news from everyone, especially John T's wonderful broad survey from a few days back.
Linda
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Date: 4/21/26 7:43 am From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> Subject: [cobirds] BIRD BOMBS: At the Feet of the Foothills explodes this Thursday Apr 23 at 7 pm
Hi CoBirders,
Register now for the DFO's next *BIRD BOMBS* explosion *Habitat Blast: At the Feet of the Foothills* <https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mDSvJ_dRSwOzNTIj-KVFbw?ampDeviceId=5585655f-94c1-4415-ae#/registration>, set to go off this Thursday April 23 at 7 pm (MT). Join this free Zoom webinar and learn about the bird communities of the hogback zone and the lowest foothill slopes. We'll focus on the Front Range and Rampart Range region, but the presentation will apply to similar settings elsewhere in Colorado, too. This strip of Colorado includes some of our most beloved parks and birding spots.
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I was unable to make the trip to Cherry Creek to see the Harlequin Duck yesterday. If I could kindly request any reports from this morning be posted here (positive or negative), it would be of greatly appreciated.
Much thanks,
Josh Bruening Fort Collins Sent from my iPhone
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Date: 4/21/26 5:35 am From: David Suddjian <dsuddjian...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Astero Res in Park Co. to be drained & closed-? impacts
The White Pelicans no longer nest at Antero, I don't think, but they do
visit there. They nest on an island at "nearby" Eleven Mile. And those in
South Park seem to mostly remain in South Park, not to say that couldn't
change. There are also foraging impacts for California Gull and some
others, and nesting impacts for Eared Grebe, which uses Antero, and some
nesting shorebirds including Snowy Plover. And lots of other changes that
will result from de-watering the reservoir. But it was dry for two or more
years recently when there was work on the dam, and things returned to a
good condition after water was returned. In a time of such a water
shortage, what really could be done?
David
On Mon, Apr 20, 2026 at 10:48 PM SeEttaM <seettam...> wrote:
> While Denver Water, which owns Antero Res., is working with CPW to
> minimize negative impacts to fish by relocating them to other lakes I don't
> see any consideration or minimization of impacts to Am White Pelicans that
> nest around Antero Reservoir every year (there are ebird reports of
> Pelicans seen there already).
>
> No, I am not aware of what mitigation could be done but it certainly
> should be explored and some discussion of conflicts when bunches of
> Pelicans (that eat large amounts of fish) decend on other lakes. I remember
> when the owner of a private lake in Buena Vista began shooting at the
> Pelicans because they were eating the fish he paid to stock in his lake
> until told by CPW he could not do that without a depredation permit' from
> USFWS. The lake owner applied for the permit but it was denied. The
> problem was addressed with CPW providing the lake owner with non lethal
> products to harass the Pelicans off the lake.
>
> I will contact CPW about this issue. Does anyone have any ideas on
> mitigation?
>
> SeEtta Moss
> Canon City
>
>
> https://coloradosun.com/2026/04/20/antero-reservoir-closure-denver-water-2026-drought/ >
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Date: 4/20/26 9:48 pm From: SeEttaM <seettam...> Subject: [cobirds] Astero Res in Park Co. to be drained & closed-? impacts
While Denver Water, which owns Antero Res., is working with CPW to minimize negative impacts to fish by relocating them to other lakes I don't see any consideration or minimization of impacts to Am White Pelicans that nest around Antero Reservoir every year (there are ebird reports of Pelicans seen there already).
No, I am not aware of what mitigation could be done but it certainly should be explored and some discussion of conflicts when bunches of Pelicans (that eat large amounts of fish) decend on other lakes. I remember when the owner of a private lake in Buena Vista began shooting at the Pelicans because they were eating the fish he paid to stock in his lake until told by CPW he could not do that without a depredation permit' from USFWS. The lake owner applied for the permit but it was denied. The problem was addressed with CPW providing the lake owner with non lethal products to harass the Pelicans off the lake.
I will contact CPW about this issue. Does anyone have any ideas on mitigation?
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Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 18:30:00 Total observation time: 9.75 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley
Observers:
Visitors: We had 6 visitors stop at the hawk watch today.
Thank you to Clay Gibson, Marirosa Donisi, Mike Britten, and Mike Serruto for helping spot and count migrants today!
Weather: It was a hot spring day with temperatures reaching 27 degrees celsius. We had nice cloud cover in the morning but that dissipated for most of the afternoon before clouds moved back in for the late afternoon. Winds varied throughout the morning before settling from the E for the rest of the day. Humidity got as low as 9% today.
Raptor Observations: We had another fun day of migration today that started out with some high and distant Broad-winged Hawks before we got a few close BW nearby. Migrants took the common west line again today with most of them being high. Cooper's Hawks and Red-tailed Hawks came through in nice numbers in the late afternoon, before the American Kestrels stole the show. The Kestrels took the distant W line again for the second night in a row, but still had us counting until 1830 MST.
Non-raptor highlights include our FOY Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Chipping Sparrow, and a nice presence of Double-crested Cormorants late in the day. Swallows and Swifts could be seen across the sky for most of the day.
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 35, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 1, Mourning Dove 3, Double-crested Cormorant 12, American Crow 1, Common Raven 1, Black-capped Chickadee 1, Tree Swallow 2, Violet-green Swallow 26, Rock Wren 1, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher 1, House Finch 5, Chipping Sparrow 1, Spotted Towhee 2, Western Meadowlark 1, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 2, swallow sp. 14
Predictions: Conditions are predicted to be similar to today with higher temperatures. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 4/20/26 5:07 pm From: 'Mark Obmascik' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Follow-up on Cherry Creek SP Harlequin Duck report?
Around 5pm, I biked the length of the dam trail and all around the marina / picnic area, but dipped on the Harlequin duck. However I did have my FOY water maggots / jet skis
Good birding,
Mark Obmascik Denver CO
On Mon, Apr 20, 2026 at 2:47 PM, rosanne juergens<rosanne.juergens...> wrote: Hi all, even after including rarities I can't find a way to report my sighting of the Harlequin Duck on eBird. Help?Thanks
Rosanne Juergens
On Mon, Apr 20, 2026 at 1:49 PM Doug Faulkner <zebrilus...> wrote:
The bird can also be viewed from West Shades picnic area.
Doug FaulknerArvada, CO
On Mon, Apr 20, 2026, 11:49 AM 'Norm Lewis' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> wrote:
Harlequin is being seen from west area of Lake Loop.
Norm LewisSent from my iPhone
On Apr 20, 2026, at 11:31 AM, 'Norm Lewis' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> wrote:
No one at Lake Loop- any updates?
NormSent from my iPhone
On Apr 20, 2026, at 10:58 AM, Maggie Boswell <picab46...> wrote:
Best viewing from Lake Loop I’m told.
On Apr 20, 2026, at 10:55 AM, 'Norm Lewis' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> wrote:
Is there a location for the bird?
Norm LewisSent from my iPhone
On Apr 20, 2026, at 10:36 AM, Bryan Guarente <bryan.guarente...> wrote:
Multiple folks are there now looking at it. Photos snapped as well. Adult male.
Bryan GuarenteMeteorologist/Instructional DesignerUCAR/The COMET ProgramBoulder, CO
On Mon, Apr 20, 2026 at 10:29 AM Thomas Heinrich <teheinrich...> wrote:
Has anyone been out to Cherry Creek SP to follow up on the Harlequin Duck reported on eBird this morning?
Thomas Heinrich
Boulder, CO
<Nyctea...>
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Date: 4/20/26 3:57 pm From: Jack Bushong <jcbushong01...> Subject: [cobirds] WESTERN GULL in Chaffee; TRICOLORED HERON in Park
Hi all,
I had a fantastic day trip through the central mountains yesterday. Below are the highlights (bolded are birds that eBird considered notable).
*Park County:*
I started in the latish morning at Roland Dr. in far eastern Park County, which furnished several birds of interest, including two *Band-tailed Pigeons* and (marginally) early *Chipping Sparrows *and a* Broad-tailed Hummingbird. *Also present were several flocks of Evening Grosbeaks.
I then quickly passed through the towns of Jefferson and Hartsell; Hartsell had an early *Common Grackle* among a mixed blackbird/cowbird flock on the N side of town.
On to perhaps the most exciting stop of the day: Antero Reservoir. Packed with waterfowl, as always, including a male *Mexican Duck*, several *Greater Scaup*, and several *Red-breasted Mergansers. *Also present were four *Black-necked Stilts*, a *Lesser Yellowlegs*, a large flock of Marbled Godwits, three Snowy Plovers, several Bonaparte's Gulls, and a *TRICOLORED HERON* on the far S shore (see eBird list for pin and photos: eBird Checklist - 19 Apr 2026 - Antero Reservoir--southeast side - 45 species (+4 other taxa) <https://ebird.org/checklist/S324333615>).
*Chaffee County: *
After a quick check of ponderosa woods outside Buena Vista for Western Bluebirds, I went to Clear Creek Reservoir. This unassuming reservoir at 9,000 ft was actually quite productive; the W end at the creek mouth was full of birds, including well over a hundred Franklin's Gulls. Also present was a pair of *Red-breasted Mergansers.* Then, while driving out, I saw a flash of brown flying by over the reservoir. Thinking it might be an imm Bald Eagle, I pulled over and put my bins on it, only to find that it was a *WESTERN GULL*. The bird flew directly at me and then turned W, paralleling the shoreline and flying toward the large gull congregation at the creek mouth. I went back and, despite quite a bit of searching, could not relocate it. Pics here (eBird Checklist - 19 Apr 2026 - Clear Creek Reservoir - 25 species (+1 other taxa) <https://ebird.org/checklist/S324396263>).
*Lake County:*
I checked Twin Lakes to see if the Western Gull had flown over, to no avail. The lakes were predictably devoid of birds save for a nice flock of American Avocets on the W side. Also present in the vicinity were two early *Common Grackles.*
I then drove through the smattering of lakes at Lake CR 7 (private; view from road) and had a nice assortment of birds, including earlyish (for Lake Co.) *Ruby-crowned Kinglet *and *Red-naped Sapsucker*.
The day ended with a beautiful *Common Loon* at the ever-receding Dillon Reservoir.
Overall, a fun day with great views of (somewhat) snowy peaks and even better birding.
Jack Bushong Louisville, CO
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I had my first two snowy egrets here on the pond where I live (which I always refer to as my pond).
I was lucky enough to be able to set on my pond today and watch birds come and go. A wood duck pair Lesser scaup pair 2 great blue herons Hooded merganser pair 2 belted kingfishers 2 mallards Double crested cormorant Says Phoebe 4 tree swallows, with house renovations American goldfinch Lesser goldfinch Black capped chickadees Red breasted nuthatch My first broadtail hummingbird of the season!
I can only hope that this is a good sign for the spring migration to come! Deb Carstensen, Arapahoe county Sent from my iPhone
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Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 18:30:00
Total observation time: 10.5 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley, Soren Zappia , Soren Zappia
Observers: Marina Prado-Echeagaray
Visitors:
It was a lively day on the ridge today with 23 visitors that came by as
well as a group from Aiken Audubon, one of our partners! We really enjoyed
getting to share migration with everyone that visited today.
Thank you to Andrew Jensen, Lauren Friesen, and Julie Eyden for
volunteering their time today.
Weather:
Today was a classic spring day on the ridge. We had warm temperatures that
got up to about 25 degrees Celsius, winds that varied in direction but
predominantly came from the E/NE, and virtually no cloud cover. A haze was
present all day making distant birds difficult to see.
Raptor Observations:
Today was our biggest day of the season so far! Migrants started coming
through in the 0800 MST hour and continued through the 1800 hour, making
for a 10+ hour day of birds. We had our highest count of Broad-winged
Hawks, Osprey, and American Kestrels today.
The day started with birds already being distant over the W ridge and
continued with that pattern for most of the day. Morning highlights
included a small kettle of 3 Broad-winged Hawks, including one dark-morph!,
over Mt Morrison. Osprey were seen E, W, and just N of us today. Migration
slowed down during the peak of the day before picking back up in the early
evening. A kettle of 10 Turkey Vultures showed up just S of the count site
with 3 American Kestrels in the 1600 MST hour. The Turkey Vultures moved N
before coming back S about 15 minutes later, but they put us onto the first
of a great push of American Kestrels. Our late day Kestrel push was low
over the W ridge with 2-3 birds being seen in one field of view at a time.
As we counted endless American Kestrels, a low buteo was spotted just W of
the ridge. This bird ended up being a beautiful adult Broad-winged Hawk
that circled low directly overhead of us, surely giving us the best looks
of the season for this species.
Warblers are slowly showing up at the site with Yellow-rumped Warblers and
a few calling warblers in-flight that we weren't able to get a solid ID on.
We also had a female Common Merganser come over as we were leaving the site
for the evening.
Non-raptor Observations:
Common Merganser 1, White-throated Swift 64, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 3,
Mourning Dove 2, Double-crested Cormorant 11, American White Pelican 3,
Say's Phoebe 1, Steller's Jay 1, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 1, Black-billed
Magpie 5, Common Raven 4, Black-capped Chickadee 1, Violet-green Swallow 2,
American Bushtit 4, Rock Wren 1, European Starling 1, Pine Siskin 2,
Spotted Towhee 2, Western Meadowlark 2, Common Grackle 3, Yellow-rumped
Warbler (Audubon's) 4, warbler sp. 3
Predictions:
Temperatures will be higher tomorrow but cloud cover is predicted (fingers
crossed) for the afternoon. Winds continue out of the E.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>)
Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at:
www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description:
Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is
the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk
watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent
site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's
hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other
raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey,
Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks,
American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is
uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock
Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and
American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The
hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers
from March through early May.
Directions to site:
From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take
left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs
from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike
starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a
trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the
ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge.
(Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
Back to top
Save the Aurora Reservoir from Fracking
Caoimhín Perkins <ksperkins59...>: Apr 19 03:10PM -0700
Hi all. There is a final hearing on Tuesday over a very large fracking
project that will be placed near the Aurora Reservoir. I'm sure this would
affect the drinking water of members of this email list and would in
general affect the wildlife we all care about at the reservoir. Link is
here for a zoom link and some other info to attend the virtual hearing:
State Sunlight-Long Final Re-Hearing - Save The Aurora Reservoir
<https://savetheaurorareservoir.org/event/state-sunlight-long-final-re-hearing/>
Best,
Caoimhin
Back to top
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Ignore my last email. I think eBird was just taking too long for my request
but it got it to record the Harlequin.
Thanks everyone who reported it here and the lucky guy who spotted this
rarity!!
Rosanne
On Mon, Apr 20, 2026 at 2:46 PM rosanne juergens <rosanne.juergens...>
wrote:
> Hi all,
> even after including rarities I can't find a way to report my sighting of
> the Harlequin Duck on eBird.
> Help?
> Thanks
>
> Rosanne Juergens
>
>
>
> On Mon, Apr 20, 2026 at 1:49 PM Doug Faulkner <zebrilus...> wrote:
>
>> The bird can also be viewed from West Shades picnic area.
>>
>> Doug Faulkner
>> Arvada, CO
>>
>> On Mon, Apr 20, 2026, 11:49 AM 'Norm Lewis' via Colorado Birds <
>> <cobirds...> wrote:
>>
>>> Harlequin is being seen from west area of Lake Loop.
>>> Norm Lewis
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>>
>>> On Apr 20, 2026, at 11:31 AM, 'Norm Lewis' via Colorado Birds <
>>> <cobirds...> wrote:
>>>
>>> No one at Lake Loop- any updates?
>>> Norm
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>>
>>> On Apr 20, 2026, at 10:58 AM, Maggie Boswell <picab46...> wrote:
>>>
>>> Best viewing from Lake Loop I’m told.
>>>
>>> On Apr 20, 2026, at 10:55 AM, 'Norm Lewis' via Colorado Birds <
>>> <cobirds...> wrote:
>>>
>>> Is there a location for the bird?
>>> Norm Lewis
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>>
>>> On Apr 20, 2026, at 10:36 AM, Bryan Guarente <bryan.guarente...>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> Multiple folks are there now looking at it. Photos snapped as well.
>>> Adult male.
>>>
>>> Bryan Guarente
>>> Meteorologist/Instructional Designer
>>> UCAR/The COMET Program
>>> Boulder, CO
>>>
>>>
>>> On Mon, Apr 20, 2026 at 10:29 AM Thomas Heinrich <teheinrich...>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Has anyone been out to Cherry Creek SP to follow up on the Harlequin
>>>> Duck reported on eBird this morning?
>>>>
>>>> Thomas Heinrich
>>>> Boulder, CO
>>>> <Nyctea...>
>>>>
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>>>
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Date: 4/20/26 1:47 pm From: rosanne juergens <rosanne.juergens...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Follow-up on Cherry Creek SP Harlequin Duck report?
Hi all,
even after including rarities I can't find a way to report my sighting of
the Harlequin Duck on eBird.
Help?
Thanks
Rosanne Juergens
On Mon, Apr 20, 2026 at 1:49 PM Doug Faulkner <zebrilus...> wrote:
> The bird can also be viewed from West Shades picnic area.
>
> Doug Faulkner
> Arvada, CO
>
> On Mon, Apr 20, 2026, 11:49 AM 'Norm Lewis' via Colorado Birds <
> <cobirds...> wrote:
>
>> Harlequin is being seen from west area of Lake Loop.
>> Norm Lewis
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>>
>> On Apr 20, 2026, at 11:31 AM, 'Norm Lewis' via Colorado Birds <
>> <cobirds...> wrote:
>>
>> No one at Lake Loop- any updates?
>> Norm
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>>
>> On Apr 20, 2026, at 10:58 AM, Maggie Boswell <picab46...> wrote:
>>
>> Best viewing from Lake Loop I’m told.
>>
>> On Apr 20, 2026, at 10:55 AM, 'Norm Lewis' via Colorado Birds <
>> <cobirds...> wrote:
>>
>> Is there a location for the bird?
>> Norm Lewis
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>>
>> On Apr 20, 2026, at 10:36 AM, Bryan Guarente <bryan.guarente...>
>> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Multiple folks are there now looking at it. Photos snapped as well. Adult
>> male.
>>
>> Bryan Guarente
>> Meteorologist/Instructional Designer
>> UCAR/The COMET Program
>> Boulder, CO
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Apr 20, 2026 at 10:29 AM Thomas Heinrich <teheinrich...>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Has anyone been out to Cherry Creek SP to follow up on the Harlequin
>>> Duck reported on eBird this morning?
>>>
>>> Thomas Heinrich
>>> Boulder, CO
>>> <Nyctea...>
>>>
>>> --
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>>>
>>
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Date: 4/20/26 12:49 pm From: Doug Faulkner <zebrilus...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Follow-up on Cherry Creek SP Harlequin Duck report?
The bird can also be viewed from West Shades picnic area.
Doug Faulkner
Arvada, CO
On Mon, Apr 20, 2026, 11:49 AM 'Norm Lewis' via Colorado Birds <
<cobirds...> wrote:
> Harlequin is being seen from west area of Lake Loop.
> Norm Lewis
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>
> On Apr 20, 2026, at 11:31 AM, 'Norm Lewis' via Colorado Birds <
> <cobirds...> wrote:
>
> No one at Lake Loop- any updates?
> Norm
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>
> On Apr 20, 2026, at 10:58 AM, Maggie Boswell <picab46...> wrote:
>
> Best viewing from Lake Loop I’m told.
>
> On Apr 20, 2026, at 10:55 AM, 'Norm Lewis' via Colorado Birds <
> <cobirds...> wrote:
>
> Is there a location for the bird?
> Norm Lewis
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>
> On Apr 20, 2026, at 10:36 AM, Bryan Guarente <bryan.guarente...>
> wrote:
>
>
> Multiple folks are there now looking at it. Photos snapped as well. Adult
> male.
>
> Bryan Guarente
> Meteorologist/Instructional Designer
> UCAR/The COMET Program
> Boulder, CO
>
>
> On Mon, Apr 20, 2026 at 10:29 AM Thomas Heinrich <teheinrich...>
> wrote:
>
>> Has anyone been out to Cherry Creek SP to follow up on the Harlequin Duck
>> reported on eBird this morning?
>>
>> Thomas Heinrich
>> Boulder, CO
>> <Nyctea...>
>>
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Bryan Guarente
Meteorologist/Instructional Designer
UCAR/The COMET Program
Boulder, CO
On Mon, Apr 20, 2026 at 11:31 AM Norm Lewis <migrant44...> wrote:
> No one at Lake Loop- any updates?
> Norm
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>
> On Apr 20, 2026, at 10:58 AM, Maggie Boswell <picab46...> wrote:
>
> Best viewing from Lake Loop I’m told.
>
>
>
> On Apr 20, 2026, at 10:55 AM, 'Norm Lewis' via Colorado Birds <
> <cobirds...> wrote:
>
> Is there a location for the bird?
> Norm Lewis
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>
> On Apr 20, 2026, at 10:36 AM, Bryan Guarente <bryan.guarente...>
> wrote:
>
>
> Multiple folks are there now looking at it. Photos snapped as well. Adult
> male.
>
> Bryan Guarente
> Meteorologist/Instructional Designer
> UCAR/The COMET Program
> Boulder, CO
>
>
> On Mon, Apr 20, 2026 at 10:29 AM Thomas Heinrich <teheinrich...>
> wrote:
>
>> Has anyone been out to Cherry Creek SP to follow up on the Harlequin Duck
>> reported on eBird this morning?
>>
>> Thomas Heinrich
>> Boulder, CO
>> <Nyctea...>
>>
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>>
>
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Date: 4/20/26 9:58 am From: Maggie Boswell <picab46...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Follow-up on Cherry Creek SP Harlequin Duck report?
Best viewing from Lake Loop I’m told.
> On Apr 20, 2026, at 10:55 AM, 'Norm Lewis' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...> wrote:
>
> Is there a location for the bird?
> Norm Lewis
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>
>> On Apr 20, 2026, at 10:36 AM, Bryan Guarente <bryan.guarente...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Multiple folks are there now looking at it. Photos snapped as well. Adult male.
>>
>> Bryan Guarente
>> Meteorologist/Instructional Designer
>> UCAR/The COMET Program
>> Boulder, CO
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Apr 20, 2026 at 10:29 AM Thomas Heinrich <teheinrich...> <mailto:<teheinrich...>> wrote:
>>> Has anyone been out to Cherry Creek SP to follow up on the Harlequin Duck reported on eBird this morning?
>>>
>>> Thomas Heinrich
>>> Boulder, CO
>>> <Nyctea...> <mailto:<Nyctea...> >>>
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>>
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Date: 4/20/26 9:54 am From: Caoimhín Perkins <ksperkins59...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Follow-up on Cherry Creek SP Harlequin Duck report?
Which part of Cherry Creek SP is it in?
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Date: 4/20/26 9:47 am From: Audrey Hicks <audreyjhicks...> Subject: [cobirds] Speaker Event: Conservation of Mexican Spotted Owls in the Rockies
Hello birders,
We’re excited to invite you to join Denver Audubon at the Kingery Nature
Center <https://maps.app.goo.gl/LA9LSGoBKCwm3Fr1A> this Thursday, April 23
for an evening learning about the conservation of Mexican Spotted Owls in
the Rockies, presented by biologist Adrienne Cunningham.
Adrienne has over 10 years of experience conducting surveys of Mexican
Spotted Owls. She will hsare the life history of this interesting species
and what is currently being done in Colorado to conserve them.
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Date: 4/20/26 9:36 am From: Bryan Guarente <bryan.guarente...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Follow-up on Cherry Creek SP Harlequin Duck report?
Multiple folks are there now looking at it. Photos snapped as well. Adult
male.
Bryan Guarente
Meteorologist/Instructional Designer
UCAR/The COMET Program
Boulder, CO
On Mon, Apr 20, 2026 at 10:29 AM Thomas Heinrich <teheinrich...>
wrote:
> Has anyone been out to Cherry Creek SP to follow up on the Harlequin Duck
> reported on eBird this morning?
>
> Thomas Heinrich
> Boulder, CO
> <Nyctea...>
>
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Date: 4/20/26 9:29 am From: Thomas Heinrich <teheinrich...> Subject: [cobirds] Follow-up on Cherry Creek SP Harlequin Duck report?
Has anyone been out to Cherry Creek SP to follow up on the Harlequin Duck reported on eBird this morning?
Thomas Heinrich Boulder, CO <Nyctea...>
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Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 18:30:00 Total observation time: 10.5 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley, Soren Zappia , Soren Zappia
Observers: Marina Prado-Echeagaray
Visitors: It was a lively day on the ridge today with 23 visitors that came by as well as a group from Aiken Audubon, one of our partners! We really enjoyed getting to share migration with everyone that visited today.
Thank you to Andrew Jensen, Lauren Friesen, and Julie Eyden for volunteering their time today.
Weather: Today was a classic spring day on the ridge. We had warm temperatures that got up to about 25 degrees Celsius, winds that varied in direction but predominantly came from the E/NE, and virtually no cloud cover. A haze was present all day making distant birds difficult to see.
Raptor Observations: Today was our biggest day of the season so far! Migrants started coming through in the 0800 MST hour and continued through the 1800 hour, making for a 10+ hour day of birds. We had our highest count of Broad-winged Hawks, Osprey, and American Kestrels today.
The day started with birds already being distant over the W ridge and continued with that pattern for most of the day. Morning highlights included a small kettle of 3 Broad-winged Hawks, including one dark-morph!, over Mt Morrison. Osprey were seen E, W, and just N of us today. Migration slowed down during the peak of the day before picking back up in the early evening. A kettle of 10 Turkey Vultures showed up just S of the count site with 3 American Kestrels in the 1600 MST hour. The Turkey Vultures moved N before coming back S about 15 minutes later, but they put us onto the first of a great push of American Kestrels. Our late day Kestrel push was low over the W ridge with 2-3 birds being seen in one field of view at a time. As we counted endless American Kestrels, a low buteo was spotted just W of the ridge. This bird ended up being a beautiful adult Broad-winged Hawk that circled low directly overhead of us, surely giving us the best looks of the season for this species.
Warblers are slowly showing up at the site with Yellow-rumped Warblers and a few calling warblers in-flight that we weren't able to get a solid ID on. We also had a female Common Merganser come over as we were leaving the site for the evening.
Non-raptor Observations: Common Merganser 1, White-throated Swift 64, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 3, Mourning Dove 2, Double-crested Cormorant 11, American White Pelican 3, Say's Phoebe 1, Steller's Jay 1, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 1, Black-billed Magpie 5, Common Raven 4, Black-capped Chickadee 1, Violet-green Swallow 2, American Bushtit 4, Rock Wren 1, European Starling 1, Pine Siskin 2, Spotted Towhee 2, Western Meadowlark 2, Common Grackle 3, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 4, warbler sp. 3
Predictions: Temperatures will be higher tomorrow but cloud cover is predicted (fingers crossed) for the afternoon. Winds continue out of the E. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 4/19/26 6:46 pm From: Caoimhín Perkins <ksperkins59...> Subject: [cobirds] Save the Aurora Reservoir from Fracking
Hi all. There is a final hearing on Tuesday over a very large fracking project that will be placed near the Aurora Reservoir. I'm sure this would affect the drinking water of members of this email list and would in general affect the wildlife we all care about at the reservoir. Link is here for a zoom link and some other info to attend the virtual hearing: State Sunlight-Long Final Re-Hearing - Save The Aurora Reservoir <https://savetheaurorareservoir.org/event/state-sunlight-long-final-re-hearing/>
Best, Caoimhin
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Observation start time: 07:15:00 Observation end time: 18:00:00 Total observation time: 10 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley, Soren Zappia , Soren Zappia
Observers: Laura Farnsworth
Visitors: 44 visitors, not including field trip participants. It was our busiest day yet for visitors with a DFO field trip led by Ajit and Liza Antony in the morning, and a few birders and hikers throughout the day. We also met two groups of 10 visitors from England, who work as guards at Buckingham Palace - they seemed to be enjoying Colorado!
Thank you to Steve Price for volunteering at the hawkwatch today, and to Janet Peters, David Suddjian, and Mike Ames for submitting their counts to our Raptorthon. There is still time to submit lists from within an 8 mile radius of the hawkwatch - share with the user "dinoridgehawkwatch" on eBird. Results to come soon!
Weather: We returned to sunny skies today with temperatures starting near freezing but reaching the low 60s F by the end of the day, with yesterday's snow nearly completely melted by the late afternoon. Winds were light and variable, starting as WNW in the early morning but shifting more east in the remainder of the day. In the final two hours of the count, cloud cover increased gradually until there was a thin, wispy blanket over most of the sky.
Raptor Observations: Today was our Raptorthon fundraiser, and we were lucky to see 13 raptor species at the ridge today, including local birds! We had a good push of birds, with our highest daily total so far this season for Ospreys, Bald Eagles, and Swainson's Hawks. Most birds were on the west ridge or overhead, but we saw 2 Osprey past by below eye level on the east. The morning was busy, but the midday was quieter before activity resumed in the afternoon. Highlights of the day include 2 Broad-winged Hawks, a surprising late Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk, and a dark morph Ferruginous Hawk.
Bald Eagle activity was also quite high today, with three migrants and many local birds. An adult Bald Eagle flew south low overhead, giving amazing views to our morning field trip.
We also had good numbers of American Kestrels throughout the day. While a few birds were low close to the ridge, many remained high overhead or far to the west even in the late hours of the count.
We also saw our first Yellow-rumped Warbler of the season today, Western and Mountain Bluebirds, and many swifts and swallows.
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 48, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 3, Mourning Dove 1, Ring-billed Gull 1, Double-crested Cormorant 1, American White Pelican 4, Northern Flicker 1, Say's Phoebe 1, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 2, Black-billed Magpie 1, Common Raven 4, Black-capped Chickadee 1, Tree Swallow 3, Violet-green Swallow 4, Barn Swallow 1, swalow sp. 2, Mountain Bluebird 6, Western Bluebird 6, Townsend's Solitaire 1, American Robin 3, House Finch 1, Pine Siskin 4, Spotted Towhee 2, Western Meadowlark 2, Red-winged Blackbird 2, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 1
Predictions: Tomorrow, warmer temperatures are predicted from the mid 50s to low 70s F. Expect sunny skies and winds from the NE.
Trails were dry on our descent today. Watch for rattlesnakes as warm temperatures return. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Soren Zappia, Soren Zappia
Observers:
Visitors: 3 visitors. We had a family of birders from Kentucky visit the ridge in the afternoon - they appreciated a Black-billed Magpie that had landed close by.
Weather: The snow hadn't started when the count began, but it was visible to the north and east. Skies were overcast and winds were light to moderate from the east. Snow began around 9:20 MST. Visibility at first was good but dropped to near 2 km by the end of the hour, and both the west ridges and green mountain disappeared into the snow. The wind intensified a bit, and visibility continued to drop to less than 0.5 km until the count was suspended due to low visibility.
The count resumed at 15:00 MST, and soon after a very light snow fell for around 30 minutes. Fog in the east and south limited view of the west ridge, and Mt Morrison disappeared into the fog, but Green Mountain was clear. The sky was mostly cloudy with a few holes in the cloud cover to the north and east developing in the final hour. Winds remained light from the east.
Raptor Observations: Despite the snowy day, we had a few migrants in the first hour. As the snow was starting, a Northern Harrier flew low on the west just above the ridgeline, and an American Kestrel passed by close on the east. At the end of the first hour when snow was intensifying, a pair of AKs flew by low in the valley. No migrants were seen in the following hour before the count was suspended.
In the afternoon, no migrants were observed, although we spotted a local Swainson's Hawk and young Bald Eagle.
Mountain Bluebirds flew south past the ridge soon after the snow began, and flocks of American Robins and Mountain Bluebirds were flitting about the ridge in the morning. A Townsend's Solitaire was observed in the afternoon.
Non-raptor Observations: Broad-tailed Hummingbird 1, Mourning Dove 1, Double-crested Cormorant 1, Northern Flicker 1, Black-billed Magpie 2, American Crow 1, Common Raven 1, Mountain Bluebird 21, Townsend's Solitaire 1, American Robin 18, Spotted Towhee 1, Western Meadowlark 1
Predictions: Tomorrow is our Raptorthon celebration, and our team will be attempting to find as many species as possible on the ridge and close nearby. We hope you can join us!
It should be a nice and cool day with temperatures in the mid 30s to low 50s F. Sunny skies are predicted with moderate to light WNW winds shifting to light NE in the afternoon. Expect muddy trails from today's snow. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 4/17/26 11:53 am From: Paula Hansley <plhansley...> Subject: [cobirds] White Ibis, Arvada
There is a video of the ibis walking in a pond at ~6 PM April 15 on the Channel 9 website. The video is accompanied by commentary by Kyle Clark.
Paula Hansley Louisville
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Date: 4/17/26 10:01 am From: Paula Hansley <plhansley...> Subject: [cobirds] White Ibis
The White Ibis is now at a retention pond in Arvada, according to my
Nextdoor website. I assume it’s the same one— headed home?
Not sure where the pond is located but I will post if I find out.
Paula Hansley
Louisville
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Date: 4/17/26 8:36 am From: <colleen.nunn...> <ganzi8899...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Barn Swallows & the City Park Bandstand Fire
To Mike and Pat,
Thank you so much for caring about the swallows at the Bandstand. I have
loved watching them nest there. If the City doesn't want to renew the
bandstand, I wonder if we could prevail upon them to put up some kind of
replacement structure for the swallows to use in the future. Hmmmmm.....
Colleen
On Friday, April 17, 2026 at 2:19:40 AM UTC-6 Patrick O'Driscoll wrote:
> Hey Mike, FYI, the Barn Swallows already are returning.
> I counted eight on Thursday, 4/16, and all were flying in and out of the
> area underneath the bandstand.
> From what I can tell from the limited vantage point of standing outside
> the cordoned-off area, it appears that the fire may have only burned
> through one central portion of the foundation between bandstand and lake
> water.
> There are timbers and debris underneath, but they don't appear to be
> extensive.
>
> Anyway, I hope the city doesn't commence demolition anytime soon -- though
> frankly, I wasn't expecting them to.
> The city budget being as tight as it is (I think a $200 million shortfall,
> give or take a few mil), I doubt there's $$ available for demolition
> this quickly.
> And now that the swallows are coming back, they'd be unwise to start now.
> I guess we'll see eventually.
>
> pat o'
>
>
> On Sat, Apr 11, 2026 at 3:05 PM Mike Fernandez <2mi......> wrote:
>
>> Regarding the fire-destroyed Denver City Park bandstand: I've asked
>> several organizations to please consider demolishing the structure as soon
>> as possible—hopefully before the Barn Swallows return and build their nests
>> under the structure. They usually start arriving in late April. They will
>> likely build nests regardless of the conditions. It would be sad to
>> demolish the building when it has active nests. Their numbers in City Park
>> are in the hundreds.
>>
>> I wrote on April 8 to:
>> - City Park Friends and Neighbors
>> - City Park Alliance
>> - Denver Parks & Rec
>> - Denver City Council Dist 9 Darrell Watson directly. Plus the two
>> at-large members, also directly.
>> And have not received a single acknowledgment, other than a ticket number
>> autogenerated by denvergov.
>>
>> I will keep at it, but if you have any thoughts or suggestions about this
>> concern, please reply.
>> Thanks.
>>
>> == ==
>> mike fernandez
>> Denver
>> 720-351-0887 <(720)%20351-0887>
>> Communications & Outreach
>> Denver Field Ornithologists
>>
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>> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds >> * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city.
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>>
>
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Date: 4/17/26 1:19 am From: Patrick O'Driscoll <patodrisk...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Barn Swallows & the City Park Bandstand Fire
Hey Mike, FYI, the Barn Swallows already are returning.
I counted eight on Thursday, 4/16, and all were flying in and out of the
area underneath the bandstand.
From what I can tell from the limited vantage point of standing outside the
cordoned-off area, it appears that the fire may have only burned through
one central portion of the foundation between bandstand and lake water.
There are timbers and debris underneath, but they don't appear to be
extensive.
Anyway, I hope the city doesn't commence demolition anytime soon -- though
frankly, I wasn't expecting them to.
The city budget being as tight as it is (I think a $200 million shortfall,
give or take a few mil), I doubt there's $$ available for demolition
this quickly.
And now that the swallows are coming back, they'd be unwise to start now.
I guess we'll see eventually.
pat o'
On Sat, Apr 11, 2026 at 3:05 PM Mike Fernandez <2mikef...> wrote:
> Regarding the fire-destroyed Denver City Park bandstand: I've asked
> several organizations to please consider demolishing the structure as soon
> as possible—hopefully before the Barn Swallows return and build their nests
> under the structure. They usually start arriving in late April. They will
> likely build nests regardless of the conditions. It would be sad to
> demolish the building when it has active nests. Their numbers in City Park
> are in the hundreds.
>
> I wrote on April 8 to:
> - City Park Friends and Neighbors
> - City Park Alliance
> - Denver Parks & Rec
> - Denver City Council Dist 9 Darrell Watson directly. Plus the two
> at-large members, also directly.
> And have not received a single acknowledgment, other than a ticket number
> autogenerated by denvergov.
>
> I will keep at it, but if you have any thoughts or suggestions about this
> concern, please reply.
> Thanks.
>
> == ==
> mike fernandez
> Denver
> 720-351-0887
> Communications & Outreach
> Denver Field Ornithologists
>
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>
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Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 9.02 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley, Emma Riley, Soren Zappia
Observers:
Visitors: 21 visitors. We had a great group of birders in the morning, excited to see the Broad-winged Hawks! Later in the day, we enjoyed greeting all the dogs visiting the ridge.
Thank you to Paula Wegert, Dale Campau, Janet Peters, and Ryan Gannon for volunteering today!
Weather: The day started sunny with scattered clouds and a light wind from the SE. Temperatures were moderate in the mid 60s to low 70s.
Mid-day, the winds shifted west and gained intensity to about 4 bft for a brief period before returning to light E. Around the time the winds first shifted, cloud cover became extensive for the remainder of the day. In the final few hours, the winds returned to W at 4 bft.
Barometric pressure dropped throughout the day at a higher rate than previous days.
Raptor Observations: It was a good morning with most migrants in the first two hours. Our first bird of the day, a juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawk, flew low overhead just as we started the count. Three Broad-winged Hawks were counted in the first hour - our highest day total for the season so far. We also saw a juvenile Ferruginous Hawk fly by at eye level, and a distant dark morph Swainson's Hawk. We also saw a young Bald Eagle and Osprey on a line high over Mt. Morrison. While most activity was on the west, a good number of birds also came on the east side, and activity seemed to come in bursts.
After the first 2 hours, the birds slowed down drastically to just a few per hour. In midday, many birds were observed overhead. In the late afternoon we counted three American Kestrels.
Lots of territorial behavior was observed today, including RTs attacking a GE and ravens attacking an RT. A local Cooper's Hawk was observed performing aerial displays a few times throughout the day.
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 50, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 3, Mourning Dove 2, American White Pelican 3, Say's Phoebe 1, Black-billed Magpie 1, Common Raven 3, Black-capped Chickadee 1, Barn Swallow 1, swalow sp. 5, Rock Wren 1, American Robin 1, Pine Siskin 1, Spotted Towhee 1, Western Meadowlark 1
Predictions: Snow is in the forecast for tomorrow! Mixed precipitation is forecasted for the morning pre-count, followed by snow until late afternoon. 1-3 inches of accumulation is predicted, with the heaviest snow predicted between 10 am to 2 pm MDT. Winds are predicted to be light to moderate NE with temperatures in the low to mid 30s F.
Expect trails may be slippery, and traction devices may be helpful. We intend to count if visibility is not too limited. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 4/16/26 1:15 pm From: linda hodges <hikerhodges...> Subject: [cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch Opens April 26 - El Paso/Pueblo Counties
Greetings, birders,
Aiken Audubon is excited to announce that the State Land Board will allow birders an extra week and an extra hour (now 6 a.m.) at Chico this year.
Springs dates: April 26-June 6 Hours: 6 a.m. - 1 p.m. (you must be off the property by 1:00) Ticket cost: $15, ages 8 and under are free but must still register Limit: 20 birders/day
Groups of 10-12 may reserve a spot at any time by emailing us at: <chicoregistration...> Those tickets must be purchased no later than 7 days prior to the designated date.
Bird banding by the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies wil take place Monday - Saturday from 6:00 to ~ 11:30 a.m.
Note that there is now a fence around the greater banding area. There are 4 or 5 gates which you may use; *please leave them as you found them.* If they're open, leave them open. If closed, please close them behind you. This is mainly to keep cattle out of the new banding pavilion, but also wildlife.
There is a map of the ranch on our website. If you've never been to the ranch, it can be confusing. Please feel free to reach out to us, if you'd like better directions. Also note that the demarcation from El Paso to Pueblo County occurs at the 2nd cattle guard.
Remember that we are able to visit the ranch thanks to the Colorado State Land Board. Aiken Audubon only holds a birding lease to the property; we do not own it. Please respect the regulations so that we may continue to bird at Chico.
Bird early and bird often!
Linda Hodges <Conservation...>
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Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:45:00 Total observation time: 8.75 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley
Observers: Soren Zappia
Visitors: We had quite the group up on the ridge this morning all gathered behind the Juniper to escape the winds. A total of 11 visitors came to the ridge today including some regulars and some new faces! Many of these visitors came to observe the migration, and a few stopped by on their hike along the trail.
Thank you to Kathie Moses, Janet Peters, Cayce and Chris Gulbransen, and Sammy Korengut for their help at the site today!
Weather: It was a beautiful day on the ridge today if we were hiding behind the juniper from the high winds that were most present in the morning. The sun was shining and there were few clouds in the sky. Winds were from the NW all day blowing up to a 5 on the bft scale. They eventually calmed down in the late afternoon/early evening.
Raptor Observations: Birds were moving today despite the winds! West winds always surprise us in terms of flight conditions, and lucky for us it brought birds close to the ridge today. We were grateful for this, as spotting conditions were challenging against the bright blue sky. Migrants came overhead almost all day with some highlights including our second Broad-winged Hawk of the season, a very close Northern Harrier, and a whole bunch of American Kestrels at the end of the day! Kestrels came in groups of 2-3 for most of the 1600 MST hour. Up to 5 were seen at one time! The count was extended an additional 45 minutes to continue counting these delightful birds. Our American Kestrel count for the season has already surpassed the season count for 2022 and 2023.
We also saw another beautiful adult Swainson's Hawk that came overhead before turning back around to the SW. An adult Bald Eagle took a similar path as well. The local Red-tailed Hawks continue to show aggression towards anything in their area. We even got to see one of the local RT land on the nearby nest!
The non-raptor highlight of the day was two large groups of Franklin's Gulls that came right along the ridge! The first group was made up of 58 birds, and the second group was estimated to contain 95 birds. These are our FOY Franklin's Gulls along the ridge!
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 31, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 1, Feral Pigeon 1, Franklin's Gull 269, Double-crested Cormorant 7, Say's Phoebe 1, Black-billed Magpie 2, Common Raven 1, Black-capped Chickadee 1, Violet-green Swallow 9, American Bushtit 3, Rock Wren 1, Townsend's Solitaire 1, House Finch 6, Pine Siskin 1, Spotted Towhee 1, Western Meadowlark 1
Predictions: Conditions are expected to be windy, dry, and warm tomorrow with a Red Flag Warning in effect for most of the day. Winds are expected out of the SW. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 4/15/26 9:51 am From: Archer Silverman <archer.silverman...> Subject: Re: [cobirds] Tricolored Heron Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR
Jason Zolle and I just had it here
(39.8210583, -104.8595151) along the dam of Lake Ladora. It was acting
pretty flighty and changed locations three times while we were there.
On Wed, Apr 15, 2026 at 9:23 AM Gabriel Wiltse <buboowl33...> wrote:
> Flying around, last seen heading towards Lake Ladora from Havana Ponds
>
> Gabriel Wiltse
>
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Date: 4/15/26 8:23 am From: Gabriel Wiltse <buboowl33...> Subject: [cobirds] Tricolored Heron Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR
Flying around, last seen heading towards Lake Ladora from Havana Ponds
Gabriel Wiltse
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Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley, Soren Zappia, Emma Riley, Soren Zappia , Soren Zappia
Observers:
Visitors: 11 visitors. Some of the Tuesday Birders group joined us at the ridge this morning after their outing at Matthew/Winters Park. It was great to see everyone, and we all enjoyed watching the local pair of Golden Eagles.
Thank you to Janet Peters and Chip Dawes for all their help on this windy and rainy day!
Weather: It was cool and drizzly, with temperatures in the mid 40s to mid 50s F. Skies were overcast for most of the day, with the sun at times making a brief appearance. In the late morning precipitation was visible to the north, west, and south, causing a slight drop in visibility, but drizzle didn't reach the ridge until early afternoon.
Winds were generally light and variable in the morning, but moderate from the west in the afternoon, with some calm periods between rain. The heaviest rain was right before the final hour of the count and reduced visibility to 4 km, lasting about 20 minutes. After this cleared, the sun was shining, winds were calm, and a bright rainbow was visible over Green Mountain.
Raptor Observations: Today we saw the eagerly anticipated arrival of our first Broad-winged Hawk! It was first spotted over Mt. Morrison in the mid-morning, its striking black-and-white banded tail visible against the overcast sky. We hope to see many more in the coming days.
Despite the precipitation and winds from the west, we had a good number of birds today, including Northern Harriers, Swainson's Hawks, Osprey, and Red-tailed Hawks. Most birds were low overhead or low on the west or east ridges. Few accipitrines were counted, with one Cooper's Hawk and one Sharp-shinned Hawk. Most Turkey Vultures were local, but a kettle of five formed during a period in between rain, and they streamed north together.
A few migrants were seen flying through the winds and light rain, including a Merlin and two female American Kestrels. During the brief period of heavier rain, a close Osprey glided past near eye level, seemingly undeterred. Once the sun returned, we had a good flight of low AKs and one low SW to finish out the day.
Non-raptor Observations: Wild Turkey 1, White-throated Swift 56, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 3, Mourning Dove 1, Double-crested Cormorant 1, Northern Flicker 1, Black-billed Magpie 2, American Crow 1, Common Raven 3, Black-capped Chickadee 1, Violet-green Swallow 1, American Robin 1, House Finch 1, Pine Siskin 2, Spotted Towhee 1, Western Meadowlark 1, Red-winged Blackbird 1
Predictions: Tomorrow, we expect sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 50s to 60s F with moderate NW winds. Despite today's rain, the trails should remain dry. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 4/14/26 9:53 am From: Kit Seeborg <kit...> Subject: [cobirds] Join BCAS on April 28: Why Private Land Conservation Matters, with Tony Caliguiri of Colorado Open Lands
Hello Co-Birders,
Boulder County Audubon Society is delighted to present *Tony Caliguiri,
President of Colorado Open Lands*, for a discussion about the role of
privately owned land in protecting Colorado’s land and water resources.
Colorado Open Lands is a statewide organization that has completed
conservation projects in 50 of Colorado’s 64 counties. Join us to learn how
these lands play a significant role in wildlife survival, and how and why
organizations like Colorado Open Lands work to protect both landscapes and
wildlife.
--
*Kit Seeborg*
Communication and Outreach Volunteer
Boulder County Audubon Society <http://www.boulderaudubon.org> Boulder, Colorado
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Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley
Observers:
Visitors: We had two visitors stop by the ridge including Linda from the Birds of Prey Foundation.
Thank you to Clay Gibson, Mike Serruto, and Amy Walsh for your help looking for migrants today!
Weather: It was a sunny and warm morning with partial cloud cover that seemed to be avoiding the ridge. Winds were out of the W across the metro area and the state except for our little pocket of land that had E winds almost all day. Heavier cloud cover came in the afternoon bringing cooler temperatures. Wind speeds got up to a bft of 4.
Raptor Observations: Migration was extremely stunted today with the W winds across the state and S of us. The few migrants we had came along the ridge and W of us relatively low. We got great looks at the American Kestrels that came by late in the day.
Local Red-tailed Hawks seemed aggravated with everything today. Up to four at a time could be seen mobbing Ravens, Golden Eagles, and each other. They were mostly active in the morning and late afternoon.
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 41, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 2, large gull sp. 1, Double-crested Cormorant 1, American White Pelican 2, Say's Phoebe 1, Black-billed Magpie 2, Common Raven 3, Black-capped Chickadee 1, American Bushtit 3, House Finch 3, Pine Siskin 2, Spotted Towhee 1, Western Meadowlark 1
Predictions: We are hoping to get a push of migrants in the morning as rain is possible in the afternoon. Bring a raincoat! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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The Anhinga observed by many at Scott County Lake, Kansas ( <30 mi east of Cheyenne County ) was not relocated over the weekend. Plains birders may want to check any place that has water.
Chris Hobbs <chobbs.f1...>
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Date: 4/13/26 7:40 am From: John Tumasonis <snakemonev...> Subject: [cobirds] Migrant updates, owls, turkeys, hawks, etc.
All: Last two weeks in Broomfield, and Westminster areas have seen a slow uptick in migrants. Here are some observations:
*American White Pelicans* have been coming in slowly over the last two weeks. Plaster Reservoir is so-so, with up to 50 pelicans. Teller Lake #5 in Boulder had about 100 pelicans two days ago.
*Great Tailed Grackles *have returned to Teller Lake #5 in Boulder. This is about the 4th year in a row. Saw 4 of them. Listen for loud raucous calls.
*Marsh wrens* were at Plaster Res. and Alexx and Michael's Pond in Broomfield two weeks ago - but have fallen silent.
*Cowbird* numbers increasing.
*Say's Phoebe's *have come back in fair numbers several weeks ago and are now building nests under porch eves, and gutters in Broomfield.
*Snowy Egrets *were at Buffalo Lake in Broomfield yesterday.
First *Swainson's Hawk *seen yesterday in Broomfield.
*White Crowned Sparrows* still being heard and seen in Broomfield, Westminster, and Thornton mostly along creeks and irrigation ditches.
*Spotted Towhees* have arrived in good numbers in canyon bottoms and brush habitat. Singing.
*Common Grackle* numbers are increasing.
*Ospreys* are back.
Flocks of *Yellow Rumped Warblers* have been moving along Big Dry Creek over the last two weeks, in Westminster.
*Wild Turkeys* are being seen near East Lake #2 in Westminster (quite tame) and in old town Louisville.
*Avocets and Yellowlegs* have come through Broomfield that last few days.
Nesting: *European Starlings* are nesting in the hundreds. *American Robins* have staked out territories and vicious fights have begun. *Bushtits *are gathering nesting materials. *Flickers *have ratcheted up drumming on rooftop pipes. *Great Blue Herons* are on nests near McCall Lake, Metzger Farm, and Walden Pond area.
Notes from my annual *Great Horned Owl *Tour (yesterday - Sunday). We visited *5 owl nest sites in Thornton, Westminster, and Broomfield *(of the six being monitored). Owlets were at 4 of the 5 sites (maybe 5 to 6 weeks old) with adult females. One owl nest site was abandoned - possible predation. Other 4 sites had a total of 9 owls (adults and juveniles). *Note on owl sites: *all owl nest sites are undisclosed, but ridiculously close to bike and hike paths. All the locals know where they are, and they really love their owls. Over the last 25 years of leading these tours, I've found that the easiest way to find great horned owl nest sites is to simply ask people along bike paths and in parks if they know where any owls are. One out three times local people will say: "Oh yes. Would you like me to show you where the (baby) owls are?" And, lo, they will bring you right to the nest sites.
Also seen on the tour: two *Cooper's Hawks* nest sites, and *Bald Eagle* nest site (feeding young).
Herps are out: Colorado Chorus Frogs, Western Painted Turtles, and snakes.
The sad situation with lack of snow and water has drained out lots of ponds and creeks. Alexx and Michael's Pond is 90% gone with rotting carps and algae blooms in the remaining water. Walden \ Sawhills is beginning to look like a desert. And Bouder Creek is so low you could step over it. Alas I think this bodes badly for upcoming spring birding. Hope I'm wrong.
Best birding wishes, John T (Tumasonis) Broomfield CO "I'm not a real birder. I only pretend to be one on CoBirds."
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Stopped in for a quick walk on the Bear Creek Greenbelt at Wadsworth Blvd
just south of Yale (Lakewood, Jeff.Co.) this afternoon (Sun, 12 Apr’26) to
see what was around. Really pretty quiet, but a continuing BLACK X EASTERN
PHEOBE hybrid as well as a nice clean EASTERN PHEOBE were hanging out near
the Wadsworth bridge over Bear Creek and easily viewed from the foot path
bridge. I think these guys have been there for a while, but hadn’t seen a
note out here on COBirds, so hence this post. As these guys are very easily
accessible (short walk from the dirt trailhead parking lot just south of the
creek), so worth a stop for good chance to study. In addition, had a SAY’S
PHEOBE at the parking lot for a fun 2½ phoebe walk. Please let me know
separately if you’d like more details.
Good Birding,
Doug
Currently Denver
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Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley, Soren Zappia
Observers: Marina Prado-Echeagaray
Visitors: 11 Visitors. We a good number of visitors to the hawkwatch today. It was great to have so many folks excited to watch the spring migration, and we are all looking forward to Raptorthon next weekend.
Thank you to Cassandra Baird, Ric Olson, and Caroline Fegley for their help today - especially on days like these with high birds!
Weather: It was beautiful at the ridge today with light and variable winds, often from the east but shifting west in the final hour. Cloud cover was light but comprehensive in the morning, with scattered denser clouds. Midday, the light cloud cover dissolved but the scattered clouds remained. In the final few hours of the count, the cloud cover became more extensive, similar to the morning. Temperatures were moderate to warm in the low 70s to low 80s F.
Raptor Observations: We had a few birds migrate today, at a relatively steady pace throughout the day until the final 2 hours of the count. Turkey Vultures were abundant, but only a few went north, and many were content to wander up and down the west ridge. Red-tailed Hawks were our most numerous migrants of the day.
Besides a few low American Kestrels, most birds were high overhead or high on the west. We had another Ferruginous Hawk today, for our third day in a row! After the long period without them, we are curious how many more we will see.
Outside of raptors, we saw another Broad-tailed Hummingbird zoom past the ridge. Another notable sighting was a pair of Western Milksnakes in the grass nearby.
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 4, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 1, Feral Pigeon 1, American White Pelican 7, Northern Flicker 1, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 3, Black-billed Magpie 2, Common Raven 3, swalow sp. 4, American Bushtit 1, House Finch 1, Pine Siskin 1, Dark-eyed Junco 1, Spotted Towhee 1, Western Meadowlark 1
Predictions: Tomorrow, mostly sunny skies are forecasted, with moderate winds from the west and southwest and temperatures in the 60s F.
Note that a rattlesnake was seen today - be sure to watch for them when hiking on the trail. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 4/11/26 7:57 pm From: Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14...> Subject: [cobirds] Barr Lake-Adams Co
Birders, We were at Barr Lake today, leading our final birdwalk there. It was pretty good there at least compared to our lists for about the last 12 mos. We had 36 species in 2 hrs. Birds of any note were: 15 Franklin Gulls 9 Cackling Geese. eBird did not have them on the list for today. 3 BW Teal 1 Ruddy Duck and some Lesser Scaup. I only mention the scaup because we have had very few diving ducks there this winter. We had our FOY Swainson's Hawk north of Lochbuie on the road out of town.
-- Ira Sanders Golden, CO "My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles
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Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley, Soren Zappia
Observers: Laura Farnsworth
Visitors: Thank you to Ajit and Liza Antony for bringing a DFO field trip up today to the ridge. We had a busy morning full of visitors and the field trip, and had a total of 9 visitors plus the 11 people in the field trip.
Thank you to everyone, including our volunteer Sara Painter, for their help on the ridge today! It was a fun and busy day.
Weather: Today was a beautiful day up on the ridge with cloud cover present most of the day and temperatures around 22 C. Winds varied in direction throughout the day, sometimes switching directions a few times within an hour. Precipitation and heavy cloud cover was seen S and W of us in the late afternoon. Some rain was present for about 10 minutes at the end of the 1500 hour, and nearby lightning cut the count 30 minutes short
Raptor Observations: We had a slower day today than yesterday but got some great birds! Migration in the morning was slow, but our visiting DFO group got to see a late season Ferruginous Hawk migrate along the W ridge. We also had some accipitrines move in the morning. A few more migrants came through in the afternoon, mostly moving along the ridge and west of us. The highlight of the day was a beautiful adult light-morph Swainson's Hawk that glided directly overhead in the early afternoon. Birds were generally high today, so getting a low SW was a treat!
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 4, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 1, Feral Pigeon 1, American White Pelican 15, Northern Flicker 1, Say's Phoebe 1, Blue Jay 1, Black-billed Magpie 1, American Crow 2, Common Raven 2, Black-capped Chickadee 1, Violet-green Swallow 1, swalow sp. 40, American Bushtit 2, Rock Wren 1, American Robin 2, Pine Siskin 1, Spotted Towhee 1, Western Meadowlark 1
Predictions: Tomorrow will bring less cloud cover and winds from the W. Any day we will begin to see Broad-winged Hawks! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 4/11/26 2:06 pm From: Mike Fernandez <2mikef...> Subject: [cobirds] Barn Swallows & the City Park Bandstand Fire
Regarding the fire-destroyed Denver City Park bandstand: I've asked several organizations to please consider demolishing the structure as soon as possible—hopefully before the Barn Swallows return and build their nests under the structure. They usually start arriving in late April. They will likely build nests regardless of the conditions. It would be sad to demolish the building when it has active nests. Their numbers in City Park are in the hundreds.
I wrote on April 8 to:
- City Park Friends and Neighbors
- City Park Alliance
- Denver Parks & Rec
- Denver City Council Dist 9 Darrell Watson directly. Plus the two at-large members, also directly.
And have not received a single acknowledgment, other than a ticket number autogenerated by denvergov.
I will keep at it, but if you have any thoughts or suggestions about this concern, please reply.
Thanks.
== ==
mike fernandez
Denver
720-351-0887
Communications & Outreach
Denver Field Ornithologists
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Date: 4/11/26 11:12 am From: Kit Seeborg <kit...> Subject: [cobirds] Spring birding and nature field trips with Boulder County Audubon Society
Dear Co-Birders,
Boulder County Audubon Society is excited to announce our Spring 2026 field
trip lineup! These free, local outings fill up fast, so be sure to check
the links below for RSVP details.
*Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain with Carl Starace*
Saturday, April 25, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Join local bird watcher Carl Starace to observe birds at the easternmost
point of the foothills in Boulder County, Rabbit Mountain. Possible species
include Say's Phoebe, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Tree Swallow, Rock Wren, and
Vesper Sparrow.
Join local bird watcher Carl Starace for birdwatching along the historic
Old St Vrain Road. Possible species include Violet-green Swallow,
Yellow-breasted Chat, Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Wood-Pewee, and
Western Warbling Vireo.
*Jewels of the Night Sky: Solstice Telescope Party*
Thursday, June 11, 12, or 13, 2026 depending on weather
9:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Join Naturalist Dave Sutherland and a large telescope for a trip through
the universe! The program will be offered once, on the night with the best
weather forecast.
Travel back with naturalist Dave Sutherland to a botanical time capsule,
one of the last remnants of the Ice Age forest in Colorado, where natural
marvels await. Registration required. Limit 15 participants due to
sensitivity of the habitat.
Naturalist Dave Sutherland will guide a gentle journey from sunset into the
light of the rising full moon with a varied selection of classical music
inspired by our silvery celestial neighbor, interspersed with modern-day
science. This field trip is jointly sponsored by Boulder County Audubon
Society and the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra as part of the Musical Hikes
program <https://boulderphil.org/musical-nature-hikes>.
And be sure to check out monthly field trips hosted by our friends at the
City of Lafayette:
*Lafayette Birds! First Sunday Bird Watching*
May 3 and June 7, 2026
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Greenlee Wildlife Preserve 1600 Caria Drive Lafayette, CO
All, including beginning birders, are invited to experience the fun and
discovery of bird watching on the first Sunday of each month year-round.
Knowledgeable bird watchers will be on hand with binoculars, spotting
scopes, and learning tools to assist in the fun activity of identifying
birds in their natural habitats. Families are encouraged to attend.
--
*Kit Seeborg*
Communication and Outreach Volunteer
Boulder County Audubon Society <http://www.boulderaudubon.org> Boulder, Colorado
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Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Soren Zappia
Observers:
Visitors: 7 Visitors. A few hikers stopped by throughout the day and asked about our research. We also enjoyed getting to meet their dogs!
Thank you to Leslie Dixon, Janet Peters, and Chris and Cayce Gulbransen for volunteering today! It was so helpful to have a great team of spotters during the morning rush.
Weather: The morning was cool with thin but complete cloud cover and light SE winds. Cloud cover became denser as the morning went on, as winds shifted slowly to the NE.
In the afternoon, the visibility dropped as precipitation became visible to the south and west. Cloud cover became dense, and the wind switched back to SE. Rain was a light drizzle, present intermittently for periods of around 20-30 minutes at a time.
The sun returned in the final few hours of the count, visible behind thinning clouds. The misty sunshine lessened visibility a bit to the west and south, but the rain did not return.
Raptor Observations: It was a great day with over 100 migrating raptors. American Kestrels, Turkey Vultures, and Red-tailed Hawks all made a strong showing, but we also had a good flight of both Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks. Most flight was distant on the west ridgeline, but we had a few close birds as well, including a stunning adult Prairie Falcon directly overhead. The peak of activity was in the late hours of the morning, when bird after bird was streaming past on the west after gaining height over Mt. Morrison.
As the rainclouds closed in from the south, kestrels were jetting past soon before the drizzle arrived. Drizzle remained on and off, with kestrels and a few accipitrines often flying ahead of incoming rain. Once the intermittent rain started, few buteos or TVs were seen until after the sun returned.
In the final hour of the count, during a lull in activity, suddenly an adult Ferruginous Hawk flew past on the east at eye level - Our last was over two weeks ago on March 22nd, so it was an unexpected surprise!
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 48, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 1, Double-crested Cormorant 14, American White Pelican 3, Northern Flicker 1, Black-billed Magpie 1, Common Raven 2, Black-capped Chickadee 1, Tree Swallow 3, Barn Swallow 1, American Bushtit 1, thrush sp. 4, Pine Siskin 3, Spotted Towhee 1, Western Meadowlark 1
Predictions: Tomorrow, expect much higher temperatures in the mid 60s to low 70s F, and variable cloud cover. Winds are forecasted as light to moderate from the S and SW, with wind speed increasing in the afternoon. Gusts may reach 20 MPH.
There is a chance of showers after noon, with possible thunderstorms in the late afternoon. It's always best to be prepared with both sunscreen and rain gear! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Now that the barn swallows are trickling in, we thought we would share
another message:
We are interested in collaborating with home owners who host barn swallows
during their breeding season. We are especially looking for breeding sites
in the foothills (Gold and Lee Hill, Four Mile and Sunshine Canyons) and
near Louisville, Erie, and Lafayette.
If you are amenable to the presence of our research team's presence at
times that are convenient to you throughout late spring and summer, please
reach out!
My team and I have been studying barn swallows around the world for nearly
three decades. This summer, we are trying to learn more about why their
populations are declining. To read more about our group, go
here: https://www.safran-lab.com/
If you have hosting barn swallows (and their nests) on your property and
are interested in joining our study, please write to
*<rebecca.safran...>*
On Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 10:39:34 PM UTC-6 <rep......> wrote:
> *Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists*
> Golden, Colorado, USA
>
> *Daily Raptor Counts: *Apr 09, 2026
> *Species* Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> Black Vulture 0 0 0
> Turkey Vulture 0 65 92
> Osprey 4 12 18
> Bald Eagle 0 5 18
> Northern Harrier 0 9 21
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 42 63
> Cooper's Hawk 7 68 120
> American Goshawk 0 0 1
> Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
> Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
> Red-tailed Hawk 9 93 341
> Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
> Swainson's Hawk 1 1 1
> Ferruginous Hawk 0 0 9
> Golden Eagle 0 1 8
> American Kestrel 15 146 285
> Merlin 0 1 4
> Peregrine Falcon 0 1 3
> Prairie Falcon 0 1 3
> Mississippi Kite 0 0 0
> Unknown Accipitrine 0 3 9
> Unknown Buteo 0 0 3
> Unknown Falcon 0 1 2
> Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
> Unknown Raptor 0 2 3
> *Total:* 43 451 1004
>
> Observation start time: 09:00:00
> Observation end time: 13:45:00
> Total observation time: 3.53 hours
> Official Counter Emma Riley, Soren Zappia
> Observers:
>
>
> *Visitors:*
> 5 visitors. We had a few visitors in the morning to see the birds, and all
> enjoyed all the kestrels zooming right past our heads! Thank you to Helen
> Berkman, Ric Olson, Ryan Gannon, and Chris and Cayce Gulbransen for
> volunteering! We especially appreciated your flexibility with weather today.
>
> *Weather:*
> It started as a cloudy and cool day in the morning with light SE winds and
> temps in the mid 60s F. Cloud cover started mostly cloudy but increased to
> overcast as the morning progressed. Around 11:45 MST, lightning was
> detected in the area, and the count was paused for safety per our
> protocols. At 1:00 MST the count resumed, and we had about 40 minutes
> before multiple lightning strikes were detected only a few miles away and
> it started to rain. As radar indicated storms would continue, the count was
> ended at 13:39 MST.
>
> *Raptor Observations:*
> Despite the shortened count day, we had a good flight in the morning,
> including accipitrines, Red-tailed Hawks, and American Kestrels. While most
> migrants were to the west, many of the AKs were low past the ridge. A
> highlight of the day was seeing four migrating Osprey in the morning, with
> two in the first hour. We also had our first migrant Swainson's Hawk, a
> light morph adult. After yesterday's local bird, we were excited to count
> one! The only migrant after the count resumed was a distant Cooper's Hawk
> to the west, speeding past just as the storms closed in. Today we counted
> our 1000th migrant of the season, a Sharp-shinned Hawk!
>
> *Non-raptor Observations:*
> White-throated Swift 25, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 1, Hairy Woodpecker 1,
> American Crow 1, Common Raven 3, Black-capped Chickadee 1, swalow sp. 3,
> American Bushtit 2, White-breasted Nuthatch 1, House Finch 2, Pine Siskin
> 1, Spotted Towhee 1, Western Meadowlark 1
>
> *Predictions:*
> Tomorrow, expect clouds and cooler temperatures in the low 50s to low 60s
> F. Light NE winds are predicted. There is a chance we have more storms in
> the late afternoon. Keep an eye on the radar and stay off the ridge if
> there is lightning nearby.
>
> ------------------------------
> Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (
> <dinor......>)
> Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at:
> www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
> More information at hawkcount.org: [Site Profile
> <https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=123>] [Day Summary
> <https://hawkcount.org/day_summary.php?rsite=123&ryear=2026&rmonth=04&rday=09>]
> [Month Summary
> <https://hawkcount.org/month_summary.php?rsite=123&ryear=2026&rmonth=04>]
> Count data submitted via Trektellen.org - [Project Details]
> <http://trektellen.org/count/view/4515/20260409> >
> ------------------------------
>
>
> *Site Description*
> Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is
> the
> best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers
> may
> see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see
> rare
> dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous
> hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include
> Golden
> and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie
> Falcons,
> Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey
> Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season.
> Non-raptor
> species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane,
> White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill
> level are
> always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk
> Counter(s)
> and volunteers from March through early May.
>
> *Directions to site:*
> From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take
> left
> into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from
> the
> southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts
> heading
> east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west
> side
> of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and
> walk to
> the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation
> gain:
> 259 feet)
>
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Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 13:45:00 Total observation time: 3.53 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley, Soren Zappia
Observers:
Visitors: 5 visitors. We had a few visitors in the morning to see the birds, and all enjoyed all the kestrels zooming right past our heads!
Thank you to Helen Berkman, Ric Olson, Ryan Gannon, and Chris and Cayce Gulbransen for volunteering! We especially appreciated your flexibility with weather today.
Weather: It started as a cloudy and cool day in the morning with light SE winds and temps in the mid 60s F. Cloud cover started mostly cloudy but increased to overcast as the morning progressed.
Around 11:45 MST, lightning was detected in the area, and the count was paused for safety per our protocols.
At 1:00 MST the count resumed, and we had about 40 minutes before multiple lightning strikes were detected only a few miles away and it started to rain. As radar indicated storms would continue, the count was ended at 13:39 MST.
Raptor Observations: Despite the shortened count day, we had a good flight in the morning, including accipitrines, Red-tailed Hawks, and American Kestrels. While most migrants were to the west, many of the AKs were low past the ridge.
A highlight of the day was seeing four migrating Osprey in the morning, with two in the first hour. We also had our first migrant Swainson's Hawk, a light morph adult. After yesterday's local bird, we were excited to count one!
The only migrant after the count resumed was a distant Cooper's Hawk to the west, speeding past just as the storms closed in.
Today we counted our 1000th migrant of the season, a Sharp-shinned Hawk!
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 25, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 1, Hairy Woodpecker 1, American Crow 1, Common Raven 3, Black-capped Chickadee 1, swalow sp. 3, American Bushtit 2, White-breasted Nuthatch 1, House Finch 2, Pine Siskin 1, Spotted Towhee 1, Western Meadowlark 1
Predictions: Tomorrow, expect clouds and cooler temperatures in the low 50s to low 60s F. Light NE winds are predicted.
There is a chance we have more storms in the late afternoon. Keep an eye on the radar and stay off the ridge if there is lightning nearby. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
-- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to <cobirds...> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate. * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/<0101019d75b0142c-488e732a-a9b2-4f2f-be36-d336aa61cf29-000000...>
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley, Soren Zappia, Emma Riley, Soren Zappia
Observers:
Visitors: 4 visitors. A few folks, both new and familiar, stopped by to enjoy the birds today! We're excited to see what the next few days bring.
Weather: Today was pleasant with temperatures in the 60s and 70s F and mostly cloudy skies. Cloud cover was extensive but not complete, with the sun behind dense clouds for a good portion of the day. During the final hour or so, the clouds to the south became hazy.
In the first few hours, the wind was calm from the W and SW, but flipped to NE in midday, and intensified to a moderate speed. In the final few hours, the wind calmed but remained NE.
Raptor Observations: We had a good flight in the morning - the most common species were Cooper's Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, and American Kestrels. Birds were high even early in the morning, visible against the gray cloud cover overhead and to the west. When the wind increased in mid-day, the height of flight dropped drastically, and birds were mostly low past the ridge, with a few birds below eye level. AKs made up a good portion of the afternoon flight, although we had a few other birds including a high distant Osprey.
In the final few minutes of the count, we spotted our first Swainson's Hawk of the season, a beautiful light morph adult. It soared high before heading west - while this one didn't migrate, it's exciting to see them back!
Outside of the raptors, we had our highest total of White-throated Swifts to date for the season.
Non-raptor Observations: White-throated Swift 142, Feral Pigeon 3, Northern Flicker 1, Say's Phoebe 1, Black-billed Magpie 1, American Crow 1, Common Raven 3, Black-capped Chickadee 2, American Bushtit 3, Rock Wren 1, American Robin 1, House Finch 2, Pine Siskin 1, Spotted Towhee 1, Western Meadowlark 2
Predictions: Tomorrow, we expect moderate temperatures with light N and NW winds. Skies are forecasted to start sunny but become cloudy by midday. There is a slight chance of rain in the afternoon - good to have a rain jacket just in case. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>) Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk, Swainson's hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, and American White Pelican. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
Directions to site: From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow hawk watch signs from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch site. The hike starts heading east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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Date: 4/8/26 4:10 pm From: Kit Seeborg <kit...> Subject: [cobirds] Birding this Saturday in Longmont at Golden Ponds
Hello Co-Birders,
Join local bird watcher Carl Starace Saturday morning, April 11 from 8 a.m.
- 11 a.m. to observe birds in ponds and surrounding habitats at Golden
Ponds Nature Area in Longmont. With a magnificent view of Longs Peak and
the Front Range, this park features 88 acres including 56 acres of water
surface in four ponds. Possible species include Bald Eagle, White Pelican,
Osprey, and Common Grackle.
Find RSVP and location details on the Boulder County Audubon Society website
<https://www.boulderaudubon.org/all-events/golden-ponds-carl-starace-april-2026> .
Happy birding!
Kit
--
*Kit Seeborg*
Communication and Outreach Volunteer
Boulder County Audubon Society <http://www.boulderaudubon.org> Boulder, Colorado
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Date: 4/8/26 2:09 pm From: Jared Del Rosso <jared.delrosso...> Subject: [cobirds] Nest building Blue Jays & E. Phoebes - Arapahoe
I went out briefly on Monday to the High Line Canal in Centennial and Greenwood Village (Arapahoe County). There, I encountered an Eastern Phoebe pair. (As far as I know, a pair of E. Phoebes has been present in this area only since 2024.) I briefly spotted one collecting nesting material, a little mucky stuff.
Eastern Phoebes are known for incorporating mosses into their nests. This is what *Birds of the World *says: "The green moss is an invariable component in nest construction and its presence is diagnostic; late season nests during dry periods may have less moss (HPW)."
Mosses are scarcer in this area, but certainly not absent. There are nice collections of mosses along the creek in spots. Over-irrigated lawns also often have them, usually at their edges. These (the over-irrigated lawns) too, are present in the area.
As someone with a budding interest in bryophytes, I hope to observe and possibly photograph this pair collecting mosses. Unfortunately, for me, I think the nest is in an impossible-to-photograph location along the Little Dry Creek. So it would have to be the birds in action.
I also encountered a Blue Jay pair creating a twiggy nest over the Little Dry Creek. One of the pair was spending a lot of time sitting atop and moving around the nest, as if to customize the opening. Again, *Birds of the World *is helpful here, though I don't think it describes *exactly* what I was seeing -- "Females may shape nest cup by pressing soaked breast against sides of cup. This is perhaps done only when wet leaves are used to line nest (see below)" -- as I didn't notice the birds handling wet leaves.
Later that day, a male Broad-tailed went over me while I was doing nothing in my yard. First of the year for me.
- Jared Del Rosso Centennial, CO
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