On Friday, July 4, 2025 at 11:51:36 AM UTC-6 DAVID A LEATHERMAN wrote:
> Dickcissels have always been regular in the right habitats of southeastern
> CO, especially "hay" (usually alfalfa) fields. I think the several days of
> soaking rain we had in late May over most of the eastern plains was a
> wonderful boost to prairie vegetation, including hay crops. I always
> wonder how Dickcissels fare when the fields are cut, which in good moisture
> years can be four or more times/growing season. They have to be nesting
> during one or more of these cuttings and have to be negatively impacted.
> But they keep coming back, so what appears to be insanity must not be.
> Alfalfa hosts many insects, especially the alfalfa weevil, bees,
> grasshoppers and the caterpillars of the Clouded Sulphur butterfly. As I
> left Lamar yesterday for Fort Collins, KLMR's farm report included
> statistics for "cattle range quality" nationwide. Only 29% was rated
> "poor". Best conditions were in the Midwest. I assume what is good for
> range plants is good for hay. Dickcissels might well be having a banner
> year over the majority of their entire range.
>
> Dave Leatherman
> Fort Collins
>
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